By HOOKS 4U

A finished runner...yippee!!!

2012-02-13T08:52:00.000-08:00

I just finished this over the weekend. I had to make so many adjustments to this pattern, I doubt I will be able to make another just like it, as I didn't write anything down.

See the ruffled like pineapples..what a b#@#h..I ended up using the little tube things in the balls of thread to "ruffle" them. This is starched heavily, at least the border is. I don't normally starch this stiff.

I love the center part though..that I can make again, no problem. This was a special order, but if she chooses not to take it, that will be ok. I will just list it in Etsy. It looks gorgeous.

I see that I am up to 96 followers..wow!! You know I only started this blog because my mom and sister said I should. Now they aren't even blogging and doubt if they even read my posts. I knew that there are people out there that love to crochet. But I didn't know anyone would be interested in looking and checking in to see what I have made. I wish I could meet up with some of you and compare stuff..like our "stash" rooms, heck even compare stashed patterns. How nice that would be to be able to call one of you and ask if you had a pattern....How sweet.. Any way thanks for becoming a follower and my friend. I do look foward to reading your comments and visiting your blogs. Oh watch for a really neat giveaway when and if I hit 100 followers..who knew..Blessings to you all...

2012-02-05T10:47:00.000-08:00

Just finished this up the other day..It was the one in the previous post. I like this pattern.

I just finished these up yesterday. These are a special order from a customer at my etsy shop. www.etsy.com/shop/byhooks4u. I think they turned out really well. I have one already posted but she wanted two. I would have only made one, but the dye lots were different, and even white varies from dye lot to dye lot. I could see the difference and being as I am kind of picky, I felt the need to just make 2 from the same dye lot. Now I am going to try and finish up a table runner by the end of the week. It is a runner that has pineapples and popcorns. I think it is going to look very pretty when it is finished. I hope you all had a great weekend..I am crocheting today while the game is on..you know my hubby doesn't watch alot of football. But he does like to watch the Super Bowl..and being as our home team..NY Giants..well even more reason for him to watch..I haven't left too many comments lately on the blogs that I follow. Sorry..just know that I have been visiting..

Thanks Charlotte!

2012-02-01T10:35:00.000-08:00

I heard the doorbell...and what do I see? On my porch a package for me!! Thanks Charlotte..I got these on Monday. What a wonderful gift.
I finished a yellow doily..Haven't blocked it yet. I have a couple of orders I need to get finished..almost done with one and barely started on the other. I really need to get moving. I hate it when I have stuff hanging over my head.
My youngest daughter and her husband are moving away :( It is a promotionforhim at his job. With a pretty good size raise, and moving expenses are being covered. It is a great opportunity for them, but I hate it. I don't like it one little bit. They are even taking my grandson with them...:( Anyway they have to be in Atlanta Ga on March 1. I guess they are wanting to live north of Atlanta..Roswell I think they said. I guess it could be worse..could be even farther that the 400 miles.. So I am hoping they sell their house quickly so as not to have to pay a house payment and rent. I guess that is the way it is now days..you have to go where the jobs are.
Maybe tomorrow I will have some pics of the things I get done today. Oddly warm here today..windows are open. Can you believe that for Feb 1. Oh yeah my hubby and I will be celebrating our anniversary on the 4th. It just keeps getting better..Life is good. You all have a great day and thanks for stopping by to hear my ramblings..

2012-01-25T09:15:00.000-08:00

You have all seen this one before..Last week I think..but the other one sold so quickly..thanks Jenn

that I made another one last night..only in purple..I like the dagger beads

Buddy just looking out the window while I am on the computer..He thinks he is protecting me.

He will be a year old on Feb 8th.. Stitchy this pic is just for you

And finally, I just started this last night..it is a Kristoffersen pattern..Can you tell? I love textured doilies and I am running low on yellow doilies..must be the color this year..last year anyway..This is going to be gorgeous when I get it done.

I thought about putting pics of my carpet with all the dog hair (I just vacumed yesterday). Buddy is shedding so freaking bad..Vet said it was because we are having such a mild winter and he doesn't need all of his hair...well neither do I. I am not going to vacume..nope not today..so tomorrow it will really need it..Anyway he now weighs 100 pounds ...of pure puppy.. You all have great days..and thankyou to all of you who take the time to let me know you were here. It warms my heart.

No Shopping Gene here...and a couple of doilies..

2012-01-24T12:43:00.000-08:00

I think I have posted one like this..I like the yellow color..one of my favorite patterns to work. I am listing it on Etsy today..

Isn't the center just beautiful..I love textures..and this is just that..

Listing this one also..I don't know why the center looks all messed up..I just looked at it in person and it looks just fine..hmm...I just listed that one also..

I haven't listed this one..I don't know that I will..I really like this one. Especially the stitching in the middle and the raised base of the pineapples. And the entire doily looks like peacock feathers..

I have been out of town for a few days. My middle daughter is getting married in September and we were all out shopping for the gowns for the bridesmaids and maid of honor. I think there is something wrong with me..I think I was born without a shopping gene. Don't get me wrong..get me in a craft store and I can walk around, touch yarns, look at pattern books and magazines all day. But make me go into a dress store and look for dresses, shoes.. and all that goes with it..I can almost say for certain that I am going to leave with a freaking headache that makes me want to puke..And the salespeople who are right on top of me that everytime I turned around I bumped into her..Anyway..I am so grateful that all the girls found the dress they wanted, the bride to be was happy so we don't have to do that again..

My dear Husband got another speeding ticket...Yipee!! for those of you who are fairly new to my blog..that means that I get to spend what ever the ticket, court costs, and whatever else it costs...So that means I am going to be getting some more yep you guessed it.....THREAD!!!!!! I really don't need anymore..but you know I gotta keep my end of the bargain..See the happy dance? Thanks for taking the time to read my blog..leave a comment so I know you were here..if you can..I have been having problems with some blogs and leaving a comment..I am sorry so if I normally stop in and leave comments on your blog and you haven't seen me for awhile..please know that I am stopping by and will keep trying to leave you a message..You gotta know I really like my blogger friends..Have a great week everyone..

Heart shaped doilies and a Rant!!

2012-01-16T13:30:00.000-08:00

I just finished this one up over the weekend. The pattern was written wrong and had to work from the pictures..yes..it is an Annie's Attic publication. I have found so many mistakes in their publications that now when I decide to work one I just assume there will be a problem. But it turned out in the end.

I finished this one up too. It was a very quick and easy pattern..I found it online at Crochet Memories..it is called Trio of Hearts doily pack. It is only 12" smaller than what I normally make, but pretty none the less. I just listed both in my etsy shop, maybe they will sell and maybe not.

Ok..it is what it looks like..my craft room has been invaded by a machine. I am not happy about it, I don't like it, but I have to do something. So...There is a tv on the opposite wall..makes the walking a little more bearable..You know walk and hour..crochet 2....Ok..I have a rant and you don't have to stay around to read it if you don't want..remember this is only my opinion, I don't mean to hurt anyone's feelings and it is not directed at any one person..It is what it is...Just a rant...You all know that I have a shop on Etsy..I make doilies and maybe they will sell and maybe they won't. I only have an Etsy shop because I make so many and it helps me get more thread. My rant it this..how can some shop owners sell their crochet items so cheap? It almost doesn't cover the cost of the yarn or thread. I believe it devalues our craft and the time and effort to create this wonderful things. I also believe that the people that buy these cheaper good believe that most of us are over charging, because the of the few that really devalue their goods. I know the thread I use is more expensive than other brands and I take that into account..but really how can they sell the exact same doily made with cheaper thread for less than 75% than mine? Don't get me wrong..I am not going to get rich on Etsy..I do so many more sales out of my home and at the one craft sale..but to undervalue and undercut not only myself, but the other crocheters out there just to make a sale? I guess what I am trying to say..is this..if one values their creativity, proud of what they create, and considers themselves good at what they do..then let your price reflect it. Ok rant over..Did I go over the top? Like I said at the beginning of the rant..It is just that a Rant..not directed at any one person..and definately did not mean to offend anyone of you. What is your opinion..and am I wrong?

2nd doily of the year..blocked and listed!!

2012-01-10T13:24:00.000-08:00

This is my second doily of the year..Can you believe it..I am not throwing them in a basket to block later..that is my goal..to block them as I go so I don't have such a mess to do later. I still haven't finished getting all of my stash de stashed yet..Sooner or later I will get it together to give away. Maybe over the weekend I will get it done and get the giveaway going. I didn't think I liked this doily as I was making it, but after I got it blocked I decided that I like it. I want to make some heart coasters and I have my eye on a couple more patterns that I would like to make. All of them heart felt..HA!HA! I am thinking that this might look really pretty in a rosy color..what do you think?

I received the "stabalizers for bed..What a joke..if I paid for them I would be upset..just 2 peices of gray foam material..I have my doubts if this is going to work..we will see. If you want my personal opinion..stay away from select comfort and buy the temperpedic foam bed. I think you will be happier.

I have some friends coming from where I used to live..Haven't seen them in years!! My card playing people..pinocle..They are coming tomorrow and leaving on Thursday sometime..We are going to play some good cards..I am so excited.. I like pinocle and since we have moved I can't find players..We have tried to teach my oldest daughter and her husband..but..you know..I want to play not teach.. I need to get busy and get stuff together..I hope I can find some cards..Thanks for stopping by and taking to read my thoughts and looking at my doily. Have a great week..

2012-01-05T13:48:00.000-08:00

This is the first completed doily of the New Year. I thought you might want a look. I am looking through my patterns trying to find some doilies with hearts for Valentine's Day..I know I have them..just have to find them. Can you say Hoarder? I haven't been blogging and I feel awful as there are many blogs that I am so far behind on. This new blogger is really throwing me off..I can't say I like it, I don't hate it, I just don't like change..I thought it was ok before..why do "they" have to " improve" it? Any way..this is a pattern of Kathryn White..she has a blog... http://beadsandcrochet.blogspot.com and an etsy shop..can't remember the name of it..might be the same. I used peach, mocha and white. What do you think? oops http://CrochetNBeads.blogspot.com is the correct link..sorry..don't use the first link..I am not sure who that is..one of those days..

I had to get nasty with customer service..I don't like it when they do not listen or try to tell me I need to spend more $ to "fix" a problem.. We bought a comfort select bed..you know the one with the sleep number..a couple of years ago.. has a 20 yr warranty. To make a long story short, I have more backaches and roll to my husbands side, and for those of you who have hot flashes you know how that goes. I go into the store and they tell me I need a stablizer for his side..cause his number is greatly different than mine..I need to call customer service..I go home and call customer service..They tell me it isn't a problem, but I need to pay for an upgrade..I lost it..I told them to come and pick up their bed..20 warranty..cause it hurts my back.. I got a supervisor..and now they are sending me the parts I need..they don't tell you that you may have to buy upgrades if you and your partner have different sleep numbers, and a stablizer to keep from feeling like you are on a waterbed..to top it off my bottom sheets are all torn up, because of the lack of support on my hubby's side..or because my number is so much different than his..could it be that he just weighs more? Thanks for letting me rant..anybody else have this problem?

On the brighter side of life..I am once again going to stash bust my room..So that means in the near future there is going to be a give away of thread..maybe a couple of boxes or more..nope won't be DMC but it is all in new condition. I will give you more details sometime near the first of the week. Thanks for stopping by and I am hoping my rant didn't scare you off..

Finished projects and Happy New Year!!

2011-12-28T08:49:00.000-08:00

Do you remember me talking about the "steel blue" colored thread and the doily I was making. Well here is the center of the doily..

and here is the entire doily. I love this color..this is a Patricia Kristoffersen pattern, found in her book Simple Elegance. The name of the pattern is Aurora. Isn't the center just awesome. You can click on the pics and get a close up view. I think you can do that with any pics.

This is the tablecloth pattern for those who have been asking about the tablecloth. I am still working on one for my dining room table. Hopefully I will get it done in the next few weeks.

Butterfly doily. I needed to work on something that made me feel good. The butterflies are supposed to attach to each other, but I think I wanted them to be mobile, so they looked like they were flying..This is a pattern by Ann White. http://bellacrochet.blogspot.com tell her Vikki sent you.

My inlaws didn't make it in for Christmas. They planned on driving here from New Mexico. The weather didn't co-operate. Which kind of worked out. I was able to get up to my mom and dad's for Christmas Eve and spend some time with my family. We had a great time. I guess when one gets older family becomes more important. Anyway I enjoyed the short amount of time we were able to spend there before heading home. My kids and their families will be here for New Years. This year it was all of the other families years to have them. I am happy that it works the way it does.

To all my blog followers thank you for all the comments this past years, the helpful hints, and the hunt for pattern books. I have truly enjoyed visiting your blogs and reading about you and yours. Although I have never met you I consider you my friends and hope one day we will meet and be able to sit and crochet together. Or at least go hunting for that special thread or yarn. Hugs and Blessings to you all.

My WIPs and giveaway win..

2011-12-19T08:54:00.000-08:00

work in progress..a flower doily that I am working on..ran into a problem with either the pattern or my brain isn't registering..so I will go back to it to look at it again.

A pattern by Trish Kristoffersen..working with a steel blue color that has been discontinued. I hate when they discontinue an awesome color. It is a cross between gray and a country blue. I love it.

Finally, but not least, is a package that arrived last Thursday from Tazmania. I won a blog giveaway at http://hooksandbooks.blogspot.com Pat thank you so very much. She makes these beautiful coin purses. Knitted with beads..I am so in awe of her work. Her Barbie dresses are incredible. She also threw in a baseball cap that has a Tazmania emblem on it. I put it up somewhere so I would remember to put it in my blog..and now I can't find it. Go figure. But if you have a few seconds go check her stuff out. You will not be disappointed.

On the home front, I had to be up and have my house all cleaned by 9:00..the realtor wanted to show the house. So my house is all cleaned up and nothing left to do but grab a hook. On my way out the door I noticed that there are 2 more houses on my street that now have for sale signs up. The good news is I don't have to sell mine..we want to but if it doesn't that is ok too. We seem to move about every 3 years. I guess we haven't found the right house or neighborhood yet. My hubby sister is coming in from New Mexico, weather permitting. So the blog might be on hold for a week or two after this Thursday..So I want to wish you all a very merry Christmas. May you always find peace, love and hope. Blessings, Vikki

MY RED TREE. (feel free to go UGH!)

2011-12-15T07:58:00.000-08:00

My red tree during the day with no lights on...not very pretty. I just hope nobody puts this in their what not to crochet list..Really it is not pretty..

My red tree during the day with the lights on...better

My red tree..at night with the lights off in the house..and the lights on the tree on...LOVE IT!! the pic doesn't really show it really well..During the day this tree is about as ugly and weird looking as they get. I used a strand of red and a strand of white worked together through out this tree. Next time I want a colored tree I think I will use white yarn and look for the color of lights I want to use.

On the crochet project front..I have decided not to make the slippers..I can whip out some thread things alot quicker. Besides I am tired of working with yarn..I don't know what I will do with all the yarn..Maybe I can do a square or two a day and by next Christmas someone will be getting a nice blanket..hmm.. I am thinking I will make a couple potholders for each of my daughters, and maybe a centerpiece for each of their dining room tables.. I have 3 daughters..each one very different that is for sure. Now I know I can get that completed in time for Christmas. I am still working on the tablecloth..I think I am about half way done with it....OK now that I have a plan I must get busy and grab a hook, find a pattern( that can be the hardest part for me, making a decision on what I want to make. I tend to make a real mess in my craft room going through all my patterns. It has to be the right one..you know what I mean? Then I must decide on the thread color, which could make me have to do another pattern search..My husband laughs at me..doesn't understand it all..) I hope you all have a very wonderful weekend..Until Monday unless something comes up that I really have to share..Blessngs to all my wonderful blog friends.

As Promised pics of Buddy

2011-12-12T16:20:00.000-08:00

My dining room table got taken over this weekend by my grandson, Kyle. He loves his grandma and comes over every chance he gets. I had to put a leaf in the table to make room for the toys..think maybe I will leave it like this through the holidays..I don't have a tablecloth to fit it and no time to make one..guess I will have to run out to Walmart and see if I can find one.

Here's Buddy..I just scolded him for trying to make off with some legos..Does he look like he was being scolded..Sometimes I think there is a persom in there.

My grandson..I just love him to peices..just don't look beyond the boy..my house is a mess..but who wants to clean when the kids are over? Someday they will grow up and remember the trains and the legos, but not the dirty house..I am all about creating memories..hopefully good ones.

Buddy is getting bigger..he no longer can fit under the table..I was thinking this might give you an idea how big he is for only being 10 months old..Stitchy..this pic is for you.

I just had to put this pic in..he just decided to get under my feet just before turning over on his back for the belly rub..such a slut puppy...

On the crochet front..I finished the red and white tree..waiting for hubby to make the frame part..hopefully he will get to it when he gets home..maybe if I am really nice..:) I am going to start on the slippers tonight..yuck..I know I don't like working with yarn..I am a thready so these slippers will be the last thing I make with yarn this year..then on to the tablecloth..if I don't get it done..no big deal..it is for me and my table. I hope you all had a nice weekend..Hopefully I will post again this week with a pic of a red tree..but for now thanks for taking the time to read my blog and hug for all my blog friends that leave comments..til next time..

My Green Tree..finished finally..

2011-12-08T07:14:00.001-08:00

Ok I don't know how that happened..the branches is the first pic posted...That pic is for someone who wanted to know what my branches looked like..So now you all can just see the branches..the ones I meant to post are of my tree..which I wanted to show off. The tree is almost 46" high!! The biggest I have made yet. I put lights inside the tree and didn't really get them all nice and pretty looking..there is a spot with no lights..I used plain and simple clear lights..they are getting really hard to find by the way. I went to Joann's for more thread and while I was there all the Christmas ornaments were on clearance. I couldn't pass that up so I bought like 6 packages of ornaments..I used all the red ones on this tree. I think it looks pretty cool.. I have started a red and white tree. It is going to be alot smaller..hopefully about 22"..this one is about 46" high. OK Stitchy.next post I will put a picture of Buddy up. For my new followers..Buddy is my German Shephard..he is a puppy still..is 10mo old today..weighs over 90 lbs..and leaves about 2lbs of hair on my carpet daily. I am trying to teach him how to run the vacume, but so far all he wants to do is protect me from it. Thanks for stopping and taking the time to read my little spot in in the world..Hope you all have a blessed day

It is a dark and dreary Monday...

2011-12-05T08:11:00.001-08:00

I just listed these in my ETSY SHOP today. I love the gray silver color. It has been discontinued by DMC. Why do they discontinue colors that make such beautiful doilies? Anytime I find this color I buy it up. I think I have maybe 2 balls left of the color. It is one of my favorites. both are Trish Kristoffersen patterns.

So dark and dreary here in Southern Indiana..The 2nd day of it. Flood warnings are posted for the Ohio for those people living in low lying areas. Man I need some sunshine..so you will be able to find me under my Ott Lite..for those of you who don't have one..It is well worth the money to buy one. The light is awesome to do needlework by. I don't know how I worked with out it. I have a smaller one that my hubby has claimed..says they should make all lights like this..ha! I am going to have to get it back from him sooner or later. But I need to be nice..I want him to make me some frames for my Christmas Trees..so for now he can "borrow " it.

I am still working on the Green Tree..I have to finish putting the branches on it, and lights. Hoping that my Hubby gets the frame done by the same time..so I can post a pic on here. Hopefully by Wednesday.. Thanks for taking the time to read my Monday morning thoughts..hoping you all have a good week..

2 posts on the same day?!!

2011-12-02T11:13:00.001-08:00

I know, I know..2 posts on the same day..So out of Character for me. I just wanted to show you what Mr. Brown left for me today. What a surprise. This came from Kat. Her blog is Hanging with Mr. Lick Lick.. I guess she is De-stashing. She thought I might like this ..she was right!! I love the marble in the key ring..guess I won't lose my marbles now!! I am curious about the one thread..weird..kind of textured..Anyone know what this is? Thank you so much for thinking of me. Just might have to make her something from this.. Thanks Kathy!!

My Works In Progress (WIP)

2011-12-02T08:11:00.000-08:00

Good Morning..Not much going on here. All my neighbors have lights on their houses. Not me. There is one decoration that I am not sure what it is. I will take a pic tonight and show you. You tell me what it is. I have more things on my hook than I normally like, and even more rolling around in my head. I put my angel out..I got this from my mom..I don't know if she made it or Dad. Maybe they did it together..It is at the end of the hall under a mirror that hung at my grandma's house. I think it was at my Great Aunt Agnes' home, not sure though..Do you see a tree in the green mess on my footstool? Hoping to get the branches on over the weekend. It will be 4ft when finished up. I have plans to make a small one as soon as I get this one done. Went to the Dollar Tree (I have to go there more often) Look what I found..see the pic with the red yarn and cotton yarn?...I think I may go back....That big pile of yarn in my craft room...slippers..yep I see slippers..and the makings of a scrap afghan..can you see it? The pile of thread thingy sitting on my basket..yes that is my tablecloth..not finished yet.. Now do you understand why I only have one thing on my hook at a time....There are all kinds of projects going and not one of them is finished..so my plan for today is to finish up the laundry, vacume, and grab a hook and get something done!! Tomorrow there is a craft show I think..I am so going!! There just may be something there that peeks my interest..Have a good weekend everyone..How are your hooks flying?

HELLO MONDAY MORNING!!!

2011-11-28T08:31:00.000-08:00

I trust you all had an awesome day of overeating and feeling bloated afterwards. I know I did. I am still eating leftovers. Getting really tired of the turkey and we have another holiday in less than a month away. I am waiting for a visit from Fed Ex..you all know how I feel about him/her. I just love them..I ordered some yarn from Joann's..for another Christmas tree..green this time. I am still working on the tablecloth..I will get it done..just might be awhile longer..as I received a kindle..from the fed ex man..I like this guy I really do..anyway I have been "reading" more. Crocheting less..I am trying to make some slippers..I am having some problems with the gauge..can't seem to get it right..I am working with yarn. I truly like working with thread better..I think I crochet too tightly with yarn..must relax it a bit. I think when I get all the yarn work done I am going to yarn bomb my house when my hubby is at work. He is gone for days at a time so I can pull it off. He will think I have lost my mind..LOL I can use all the leftover yarn from these various projects.. Thought you guys might want to have a look at my newly listed doilies for my etsy shoppe.. I am having free shipping until Dec 4th.. Ok I need to go comb my hair and wash my face..the fed ex man is coming today and I have to look decent...Gosh I love the Fed Ex man!!

Just a quick note

2011-11-25T11:18:00.000-08:00

Just a quick note. My daughters and their families were all here for Thanksgiving. I am so thankful that God 's given me the family he has. We are all different, and the same. I love the the laughter of my grandchildren. There is a difference between boys and girls and the way they play and communicate with each other. I smile and laugh more now as a grandparent..why did I sweat the small stuff back then? Broken dishes, spilled drinks..don't seem to bother me as much as it used to. I was truly blessed yesterday. For those of you that are interested..I am offering free shipping in my etsy shop until Dec 4th. Just enter code Christmas11 in the coupon box. Thanks for taking the time to read this post..I hope you all have a blessed weekend and find the joy.

Works in Progress

2011-11-22T10:41:00.000-08:00

Somehow I missed Monday and writing on my blog. So I think Tuesday will work just fine. Wow what a day this has been. Had to get up early and be at the Vet's by 8..for those of you who know me know that I am not usually up and out by that time at all..So with that being said trying to get myself ready and Buddy fed and out the door was trying. Buddy (my German Shepherd for my new followers) hasn't been acting right..Any way Buddy has a yeast infection in his ears, he has scratched himself causing the infection to spread to his back and his sking is peeling off. After sitting in the Vet's office for over an hour (had to run test to see what was going on), we left with a bag of medicine and the wallet $200 lighter!!

Then the realtor calls while I am at the vet's..they want to show my house at 11:30..I say sure..So I have to run home (it is going on 9:30) in order to get things picked up..I walk in my house and it smells like sick puppy..Thank goodness I have some yankee candle room deodorizer spray..works wonders if you have never tried them..Go for the McIntosh apple..I digress...I need to get Buddy pinned up so I can vacume to get the dog hair up, clean up the kitchen(hide dishes in dishwasher), sweep floors, make bed, wipe down counters..Wow..not even a morning person. I am just getting done and it is 10:45..and the realtor shows up 45 min early..shoot I did not want to be here...I haven't even had my 3 cups of tea..caffeine headach starting up.. After they leave I have to bathe the dog(he doesn't have a name that I can say at this point), put 2 kinds of medicine in his ears (we fought over this, I won). The dog and I both take Claritin now..his dose is his more than mine ( I told the vet I already had this so I wouldn't have to pay out the butt for the "doggy" kind).

On a lighter note..thanks for letting me rant by the way..thought you might want to look at my tree..there are lights on it that twinkle, doesn't show up in the pic very well. Went to Joann's yesterday..can you guess what I am going to make? I am making some progress on the tablecloth..I think. And last but not least I just finished this one up the other day..I used maroon, and cream (DMC) and the green (love this color) is Nezli Garden. It is an Ann White from BellaCrochet pattern.. I am going to go have a cup of tea, grab a hook and relax..my work is done for today..Thanks for stopping by.

Look what came in the mail today.

2011-11-18T09:55:00.000-08:00

I received a message from a lady, don't know her name, the other day. She wrote that she found a bunch of old crochet books while cleaning out one of her relative's home. She said they were old. Was I interested? Heck yeah..I say..but how do I know you? She says you don't, but I read the article in the paper about you and your crocheting (that article was over a year ago)!! She said I know you of all people will appreciate these and take care of them. So I give her my address so she can mail them to me (I am grateful she wasn't a he, or an axe murderer). I am always telling my grandkids to not give out that kind of info..What was I thinking!!! Today the envelope comes and it is thick..she mailed it priority!! I open it up..and lo and behold ...some of the oldest magazines I think I have ever seen intact!! Over a years worth from 1916 through 1917!! I don't know what I am going to do with them..Maybe frame them? I don't know..I do know it is a piece of history. I am becoming a Hoarder!!!!! Anyway to all you fellow hoarders..I thought you might want to take a look at my new treasures!! She didn't even put a return address so I could send her a thank you note..Enjoy!!

Just listed 6 more doilies at Etsy..

2011-11-16T13:36:00.000-08:00

Just a quick note so you can take a look at one of the new doilies I just listed on Etsy..I don't think you have seen this one before..this is from I think Maggie Weldon's design..I changed the leaves. I didn't like hers or the way the looked..I used 8mm faceted beads for the berries. I think it looks ok....What DID THEY DO TO BLOGGER?!! Not sure I like it!! Why do they always have to "fix" stuff?

Just a quick note to show you guys what I finished over the weekend.

2011-11-13T13:16:00.000-08:00

Hello all my fellow bloggers. I wanted to show what I just finished up..this is a design from Elizabeth White..BellaCrochet. I am loving this.. it is a simple pattern that goes quick until you get to the holly leaves..but once you get going on them you can knock them out in no time. I think I am going to make a set for myself for my coffee table. Still working on the tablecloth..I think I am on row 50 or so..with a long way to go..I picked a pattern that doesn't repeat too often, but still takes quite a bit of time to get around it once so I am learning that I can have two projects going as long as I don't think about the other one..and yes..the penquin is coming along nicely too..that is 3 count them 3 projects at once!! By the way..I don't like going from using yarn down to thread..takes awhile to get the "feel" back. I can go from thread to yarn but not the other way. Weird Huh? Anyone else ? I am curious. Hope you all had a wonderful weekend.

Not your grandma's pineapple doily.

2011-11-07T10:13:00.000-08:00

This is a Patricia Kristoffersen pattern from her Absolutely Gorgeous Doilies book. The name of the pattern isPineapple Song. I made it with DMC Cebelia thread #712, which I think is called cream. I am so liking this. Thought you might want to have a look before I list it in my shop.

I am still working on the tablecloth, but am getting bored so I have a couple of other things on my hook..which is out of the ordinary for me. I get overwhelmed when I have too many projects going and it tends to make me not do anything...ADHD kicks in bad. I just have to think about what else I want to do and I get overwhelmed. Does this happen to anyone else..or am I just weird? Christmas is coming and I want to make a couple more small trees, and some gifts for my daughters..what the will be I don't know. I am so glad you guys stop in and read my stuff..I think when I reach 100 followers I might have to do a really good giveaway to celebrate..when it gets closer I will give you details..Thanks for stopping by and I hope you all have a great week..

A dark and dreary day..here in Southern IN

2011-11-03T10:34:00.000-07:00

Just finished this one up..thought you all would want a look..going to post it in my Etsy shoppe.. I am now working a very large project..A tablecloth.. I am hoping to get it done within a month. LOL it could happen. It is raining and dark here in Southern Indiana. So I am not feeling too ambitious. Ok well you guys all have a good day.

Happy Halloween..Black pineapple tabletopper

2011-10-31T08:32:00.000-07:00

I mentioned on one of my last posts about a pattern I was trying..out of THE BIG BOOK OF DOILIES. This pattern is called forever and always..last one in the book. Anyway..I made this one because I saw the upside down pineapples. I have never seen them or made them, so it caught my eye. Now when seeing this all finished up it is awesome. The center starts with a sun, then the pineapples join to make a star..Took 4 balls of Cebelia thread (280 yds) in a ball. I am not real thrilled about the edge of it though. I may make some changes if I make it again. But I like it. I am listing it in my etsy store, and we will see if anyone else likes it. Or if it is just me. On the homefront..things are the same, which is good. I have a bowl of kitkats, reese's cups, almond joys, whoppers, and hershey bars for my trick or treaters..My favorite candies..just in case they don't show up....or I forget to turn on the light..

What a cloudy day..what to do?

2011-10-27T10:05:00.001-07:00

Just listed these in my Etsy shop..thought you would want to have a quick look..It is so cloudy today I have done nothing but play on the computer..I have bought some dog toys that are guaranteed to be indestructible..We will see. I am working on a black table topper that has upside down pineapples. All the years that I have been crocheting I have never seen upside down pineapples. I saw the pattern and I just had to make it. I only have like maybe 10 rows left to do so maybe I will finish it up sometime today or tomorrow..get it blocked and take some pics..I know some of you will be interested in the upside down pineapple..WOW I have over 80 followers!! That kind of scares me because I really don't have much to say, just lots of crocheting to show. It is nice to have people that enjoy doilies as much as I do..I think if I ever reach 100 I will have to do something special..who knows.. Thanks for stopping by. Hope you enjoy the doilies as much as I do when I make them..

Just a pic..or two...

2011-10-24T11:35:00.000-07:00

Not much going on here..the typical Monday stuff...run the vacume, dust the furniture, sweep the floor..grab a hook..Ok I am so done for today..I don't like housework..so I am just done..thought you might want to take a look at what I just listed in my etsy shop..I have a few more of these in different colors I am going to put on..red, purple, yellow, a cool looking blue one..looks like a steel blue..the color has been discontinued..I buy it up when I see it.. I am not in the mood to do much of anything. I hope everyone is having a great day and not doing anything they don't want to do..Gosh what a crappy post..sorry guys..just one of those days..Enjoy the pic of the doily

Just off the hook!! and a pic of my 90# puppy!!

2011-10-20T10:51:00.000-07:00

Just finished this runner up last night and believe it or not..blocked!! I have one more doily to block. I have decided that I am not going to let them pile up anymore. I get too overwhelmed when I see a great big bin of doilies needing to be blocked. I am going to list the runner in my shop sometime today.. I listed 3 spiderweb runners yesterday. Stitchy thinks I need to post a pic of my puppy..Buddy is his name for my new followers. My husband wanted to name him Kitty..imagine calling him Kitty..here kitty, kitty..lol..I think I am going to do a CAL a penquin..have to go get some yarn (can someone say Joann's?) and some ink so I can print the pattern. It starts on Nov. 11.. http://stitchymcfloss.blogspot.com

Tell her Vikki at byhooks sent you..you should check her out anyway..always good for a smile.

I Just Love the Fed Ex man!!

2011-10-19T14:36:00.000-07:00

Today has been a blah day..Rain, windy and cold. Had to turn the heat on. Made some veggie soup. Just getting ready to grab a hook. And then my doorbell rang. The dog and I just had to beat each other to the door. By the time I got my dog back under control, the bell ringer was gone. I have never seen the Fed Ex Man. I don't know what he looks like, he may be a she, I just don't know. But I just love when he just stops by. Look what he left me today!! Like I said, I just love the Fed Ex man. Have a good one my blogger friends.

My birthday present and my Christmas trees

2011-10-17T09:55:00.000-07:00

I thought I would show my new earrings from my dear hubby for my birthday. They are so pretty..The stones are green I think topaz..not sure though..

I think Stitchy McFloss asked me if I made snowflakes and such to decorate my house for Christmas. I told her that I didn't, but made Christmas trees.. Well here they are..up and ready!! I leave them up all year..I like the colored lights and they look good in that space..I don't want to have to decorate for every season..I am lazy..These trees are crocheted with Red Heart thread..2 pieces held together through out..I usually have a blister or two by the time I am done. The white tree in the middle I believe is 3ft, the two green are a little under 2 ft. I have another that is 4 ft, that I wil put out after Thanksgiving. I am wanting to make 2 more this year a little smaller that the 2ft, and one more big one..They have a frame made with dowels and wooden embroidery hoops (hubby makes the frame for me). I put lights on the frame and pull the crocheted tree over like a sock. I hope you can enlarge to see the detail. I guess one could put ornaments on them..I don't. They look so nice without all the stuff..just lights..

My dad made the church for my daughter's wedding..she didn't have a place for it so I kept it, the duck was also carved by my dad and the santa too. The Train is my husband's contribution. Well I am off to try and make some order out of my craft room..once again...Have a great week my dear blogger friends

Saturday day post?

2011-10-15T11:38:00.000-07:00

Just wanted to say thanks to all who wished me well for my birthday thank you. I had a wonderful day..got treated like a queen. Hubby cooked steaks on the grill..one of the best I have ever had. He bought me some jewelry..will post a pic on Monday as I have my daughters coming over for a movie day..pizza, snacks, and junk food will be served. They are in charge of it all so I have no clue as to what the movie will be..A birthday party they say..How fun..Hubby bought cupcakes so that is definately on the menu. He has to go to work so he will be missing out on the fun. Probably be chick flicks anyway. Thought you all might want to see what I just posted in my shop..I love this pattern..it is so pretty and any color looks great!! It is a Trish Kristoffersen pattern..not sure what book it came from..It is either, Spiral Doilies, or Victorian Spiral Doilies. This was made with DMC #210..a light purple or lilac..whatever you want to call it. To all my blog friends I hope you have a great weekend and I will be back on Monday..

A couple more doilies.

2011-10-14T13:56:00.000-07:00

I am liking the gray thread. It has been discontinued by DMC and I only have a couple of balls left. I need to make something really awesome with it as I may never find it again. Too bad it was discontinued..I am so liking working with colors..now not only do I have to decide which pattern to make, but also the color..takes me awhile to decide. Sometimes even when I do I end up frogging it because I don't like the color with a certain pattern..just me I guess. But I really like both of these..I think maybe I might try reds, pinks, and blacks with the really colored doily..maybe even Christmas colors..what do you think? Every one have a great weekend

forgot I made this one!! I like it!!

2011-10-12T12:26:00.001-07:00

I forgot I made this one!! I love it..Guess I should go through my stash more often!! Posting it on Etsy..OH!!!! My birthday isn't until Friday....guess I should have said something on the last post..but thanks for all the wonderful early birthday wishes!!

Just a passing thought or two....

2011-10-12T10:10:00.000-07:00

I just listed these two doilies in my shop. To celebrate my birthday for a limited time I am offering free first class shipping (US only) . Just enter the code ship4free1014 in the coupon box. I have alot more doilies to list within the next week or two. Believe it or not, I am staying right up with the blocking..I have decided as much as I hate blocking stuff, I like it even less when it piles up. And it piles up. I have been wondering about Artfire.com . I just found it last night while playing around on the computer. Artfire is another site which allows crafters to sell their stuff. They do charge a monthly fee..but no listing fees or final sales fee..and it is unlimited. You can post as many items as you want.. I am wondering how it compares to Etsy..I am doing ok..but I would really like more ..ok lets be honest..I want to sell more of my stuff!! So I am putting this question out there...Does anyone one of my followers use Artfire? If so how does it compare and is it worth the fee every month? Wow..Ok I am up to 73 followers? wow..Hello to you all. I am sorry I do not answer every comment..I love your comments, Please continue to stop by if I am not to awful boring.. The problem is once I sit down at this computer..I end up spending way too much time and getting very little of anything else done..except for grabbing a hook..I need a maid...Eveyone have a good day..I have to go grab a broom..

What a wonderful Monday morning.

2011-10-10T08:40:00.000-07:00

Sun is out, windows are open. What more could a girl ask for. Ok..a maid, my house is a mess. I was gone all weekend to visit my mom and dad. I didn't clean or vacume before leaving so I came home to a mess. I need some motivation to get started. My hubby works strange hours. for those that don't know he works as a locomotive engineer, on call all the time. Seems like he sleeps when I want to vacume. I like to get my housework done early so I can do whatever I want the rest of the day..well today that isn't happening. Oh well, I guess it just doesn't matter.. I had a wonderful time with my family this weekend. We went to a pumpkin festival..I forgot my pumpkins at mom's. I am sure she will decorate with them. I forgot to pack my camera so there are no pics. Oh!! MY BIG BOOK OF DOILIES was in my mailbox when I got home..I am so anxious to do some of those patterns!! Thank you to the person who sent it to me!! I just posted this runner to my shop. It is a very easy pattern..you just have to remember to count once in awhile. You can find the pattern in Heirloom Pineapple Centerpieces and Doilies. The designs are by Agnes Russell and it is a House of White birches publication, 1996.

Yipee!! Happy Happy Joy joy!!!

2011-10-05T14:25:00.000-07:00

Well hello..once again I am blogging on Wednesday..usually out of the norm for me. However it seems that I have things to share on Wednesdays..Ok I will have my BIG BOOK OF DOILIES with in the week..Thank you to my anonymous friend..whoever you are!!!! My etsy shop is doing ok..for that I am grateful. Helps me to stay stocked up on my thread stash. I am listing this oval doily today, thought you guys might want to have a look first. I just love this pattern..I have it on my dresser, only in maroon. I listed a couple of other doilies today too, in case you want to have a look see. I am making a runner as my work in progress..now that the craft show is over I seem to have gotten back into the swing of things. I have lots that I want to make and new patterns I am wanting to work. I found an older Trish Kristoffersen pattern book..one I didn't even know she had published. It is called Pretty pineapple doilies. And I thought I had all of her doily books. Hope you all had a great day. Until next blog moment.

Just another Tuesday.

2011-10-04T09:18:00.000-07:00

I was so busy yesterday I forgot to blog. Nothing much has changed since last week. I had my grandson over for the weekend. We made caramel corn, that was dangerous. We built a pirate ship..that is the pic that is up. And we played sequence..all of my grandkids love that game. I enjoyed him very much. I bought a new camera. That is on my agenda for today, to figure out how to use it. I don't like change and it usually takes me awhile to figure something out and how to make it work for me, the camera is no different. I have banana bread in the oven. Should be done really soon as I can smell it baking..Too many bananas to go to waste..can't have that. I am going to visit my mom and dad for the weekend..taking the dog with me..that should be different. I am thinking about ordering some more thread with the money I made at the craft show..Not that I need anymore. Hey I want to say Hi to all my new followers..I am up to 70!! wow..I hope I do not bore you too much. And I want to say thanks to everyone who tried and is trying to help me get the book..The Big Book of Doilies..and your ideas about the library..I have an order in..would it be in violation of copyright laws if I scan a few patterns? I don't want to take anything away from designers..feedback from any designers who happen to follow my blog? Ok the timer is beeping on the bread. You guys have a great day and be sure to leave me comments. I so enjoy reading them. Until next time..Blessings to All.

Still looking for this book..ANY ONE ?

2011-09-29T10:01:00.000-07:00

Thanks for taking the time to read my post.. there are no pics, no frills for this post..just one very simple question. Can anyone help me find this book at a reasonable price? It is The Big Book of Doilies, American School of Neeldlework #1262. If you have it and don't want it would you think of selling it to me at a reasonable price? I would be so very grateful..I might even make you a doily out of it.

Just a quick picture

2011-09-28T13:32:00.000-07:00

The last of my Autumn/Halloween Doilies

2011-09-27T13:07:00.000-07:00

This is the last of my Fall doilies. I am going to put it on Etsy here shortly. I don't plan on making anymore unless someone requests one. This is a pattern from Ann White bellacrochet. I think she has some very pretty patterns. Just thought I would show you guys..Everyone have a great day.

trying to get things done Monday

2011-09-26T12:54:00.000-07:00

Good afternoon fellow bloggers..and blog followers..wow I see I am up to 65 followers..Jeepers I hope I don't let you down. I don't usually have to much to say and today isn't any different. Some of you know I did a craft show this past weekend. The weather was just awful..Rain Rain and more rain, all weekend long. So not many people were out and about, basically this year was one of the slowest I have been to. I have been doing this show for about 5 years now I think. I believe this was the lowest attendance level I have witnessed. I did ok compared to some other crafters..did some bartering..traded a doily for a necklace. Which is the one you see in the pic. I think I got the better deal.. I think I might do one more show before the end of the year..It is a juried show. That means I have to send pics of my stuff, my display, and sample of my stuff before they will let me in the show..and that is if they have room for me..I guess this place is rather picky. I have to be voted on and approved. I can kind of understand the theory behind it. I don't know if I like it, but I can understand why they do it..so many people buy things and make a small revision to it and pass it off as homemade..this show wants only handcrafted items from beginning to end..so this is how they insure who and what is in their show. Posted some pics of the craft show..

sharp crochet hook giveaway..

2011-09-22T12:30:00.000-07:00

I just found this site. http://www.sharpcrochethook.com what a neat idea..why didn't we think of this? Also http://easymakesmehappy.blogspot.com is having a give way of one of these hooks. But you got to hurry, the drawing is this monday..If I don't win it I still may order one, shipping is free until Sept. 30..go check this out if you crochet any edgings on towels or blankets, sock, whatever.. You know that I don't normally advertise or suggest places to visit..but you gotta check this out!

Black Doily..just finished..I love it!!

2011-09-20T10:44:00.001-07:00

I just love this doily..I just finished it up and had to show it off. If I had a light colored table I would keep this one. Being as I don't I guess I will just put it on Etsy..Oh well, I hope everyone is having a great day.

getting ready for Craft show

2011-09-19T09:52:00.000-07:00

I am so busy this week. I feel like I am running around like a chicken with my head cut off (no offense to those bloggers who are raising chickens..I read your blogs). I wish I could teach Buddy to run the vacume, after all it is his hair that makes me have to vacume so often. but to no avail..all he wants to do is protect me from it..Has anyone tried the rumba? you know the little robot that just vacumes all the time? I am curious..Oh I digress..thought you might want to see my craft room and the total mess that it is in. I put pics of my bins of doilies that will be displayed..and then the reason for my having to vacume. Still looking for the book The Big Book of Doilies..I can't justify paying the price that some are asking for it..oh well maybe I will find it at a garage sale..Oh and a question...The doilies I have in my Etsy shop..should I take them with me to my craft sale? I am thinking I will..leave them posted for sale...but still take them with me and delete the listing when the sell...sounds like a hassle..I will have to take a laptop..hmm..I gotta go I have so much to do and so little time..Have a great week you guys..

So Distracted

2011-09-16T09:23:00.000-07:00

Ok I was going to get on here, post a pic of a doily I just finished, and get off. Well, I happen to see that Linda, at Linda Crochets had answered my question about where I could find her pattern that she made. She made a wonderful doily that I just have to have the pattern for..The name of the Book is THE BIG BOOK OF DOILIES..american school of needleworks #1262. So I began my search through my pattern books...I do not have this book..I have hundreds of books but not this one. So now I go online. I found the book in a couple of places...$144.00!!!!! and that is the cheapest!!! Holy Cow!!! So I am asking my fellow bloggers do any of you have this book that you would be willing to sell me at a more reasonable like $30 or less? I really, really want this book..so now that I have asked everyone I think I know to keep an eye out for this book I am going to shut the computer off and get my laundry done. Then I will come back later and post a pic of my doily..I have been on this computer for over 2 hours looking for this book..Thanks to all my blogger friends for reading this rant or begging blog..Please help me find this book!!

And the winner is.......

2011-09-12T07:46:00.000-07:00

Good Morning fellow bloggers..lovely sunny day here. I know you all just stopped by to see who won the box of thread..and the winner is (drum roll) is Mary from Here's Home. Mary send me your email address to vikkihook@yahoo.com and I will get that out ASAP...For those of you who entered thanks so much..I am still cleaning..and just may have more stuff to give away..stay tuned..This is so much more fun than listing it on ebay!!

I haven't done alot lately..I have a craft show coming up at the end of the month..It is one of the best that I have ever been to. This year there will be over 400 crafters. There can be no mass produced stuff, manufactured stuff. Everything has to be hand made..Not too many of these types of shows left. Seems like they sneak tupperware, pampered chef, or some kind of candles that are not homemade at most shows. Not this one. They will kick you out if they even think you are a resale person..I just love this show. I think this is my 4th or 5th year of doing the show..and I still haven't seen everything.. Here are the details in case in any of you might want to make a road trip...Vanderburg County Fairgrounds, Evansville In..The last full weekend in Sept..this year it is the 24th and 25th..from 9am to 4pm both days..$2.oo per person to enter. I think it would be so cool to meet some of my blogger friends..There are crafters that come here from all over the midwest..Hopefully I will meet some of you there...I am in the building on top of the hill..just in case you want to pop in..Gosh that would be so neat to meet some of you.

This is the latest doily I have finished..thinking maybe from this point on I am going to make coasters and potholders.. I only have like 10 days!! I don't know if I posted the pic of my craft room wall or not, but I have new followers..My wall of stitches..All of these doilies, and needlecraft were made by the women in my family..4 generations on this wall..my greatgrandma, hers is the one with the rose..my grandma's towel..embroidery and crochet, my mom's pink doily, and my sisters needlepoint, and of course..mine..the big white one. My sister and mom helped me do this..I just love it.

versatile blogger award..thanks Deb

2011-09-08T08:33:00.000-07:00

Thanks Deb for helping me get this award up and posted.. and giving it to me. Seems like my followers are growing I think the thread giveaway has something to do with that.. Welcome to my new followers and thanks to the "old"ones for hanging with me.. I am supposed to tell 7 things about myself .

1. I am not a computer person. I can type and get from site to site, and I can use it to by stuff. Other than that I have to ask for help from others..again thanks Deb.

2. I would love to open a store someday that specializes in thread and thread crochet. I want to carry only the best threads and maybe some good yarns..Can't find good thread at any stores around here..I order it online..I use DMC Cebelia..

3. I am married, have 3 daughters, 6 grandchildren..I have been so truly blessed. My cup runneth over.

4. I love to crochet..I find time to do it everyday..I don't work outside the home..so I make sure I have lots of time..I am never "bored"

5.I hoard thread and patterns..I have more pattern books than any store and I still go to the yarn section to look at pattern books..I will not buy patterns that have been taken from books or magazines..kind of my hang up about tearing up a pattern book.

6. I do one craft show a year at our county fairgrounds..400 crafters..all homemade crafts. One of the best shows I have ever been to. The local paper even did a lifestyle article featuring me, yours truly..and named me the Doily Lady..So I guess I am a celebrity..LOL

7. My big toe looks like my husbands thumb.

How's that for some information..thanks for reading and I hope you all have a great week..I am trying to get something done so I can make a post tomorrow with a pic..

It is my monday blog..better late than never..

2011-09-05T19:40:00.000-07:00

It is 9:30 pm, and I am finally getting around to doing my Monday blog..Wow..the holiday really messed me up. I had my grandson over the weekend. He is ADHD, along with OCD. He takes meds for both. I used to be able to keep up, but now that he is older he is wanting to actually do stuff... We made brownies, he "helped" cook dinner, he went to doggy school with Buddy and I (that is a story on its own),. We latched hooked, he crocheted me a whole lot of chains and then we learned the slip stitch. We built a race car from a model, we played DS games. He helpedme dust, vacume, clean sinks. My dog is even worn out..and is already sleeping..We were up until midnight watching movies..and he was up before it was even light outside..and every light in my house was on. Along with all that he talks and talks and talks even more..Don't get me wrong..I love him dearly and am really happy he wants to come over. I know someday he will outgrow grandma and papa..and I will miss him dearly. I enjoy him and he makes me smile, but man can he wear this grandma out.. OK..we packed up some of the thread I found stashed away that I won't use..notice I said some...anyway this box has 9 balls of Aunt lydias #10 ecru I believe might be a natural or two, 2 different pinks of knit cro sheen, some more pink..don't know what it is..3 madera embroidery floss..not sure how or when I got this..I don't embroidery..1 ball of aunt lydias fast five.., and 3 ball of Aunt lydias cream color. I am going to give this away to someone who reads my blog..all you have to do is let me know you want it, be a follower, and you have to use it and not sell it..That is it..I am sorry but I have to limit this to US residents as postage will be a killer out of the states..sorry. Oh yeah and I have to have a way to get in touch with you..I will draw a name at random next Sunday night and post the winner on Monday the 12th? thought you might want to see my newest Scrubbie..A RED ROSE.. the only thing that I actually finished over the weekend. Have a great week you guys and remember if you want the thread...leave a comment.

3 runners blocked..8 more to go!!!

2011-08-29T10:33:00.000-07:00

Good Morning fellow bloggers!! Did you see I am up to 50 followers!! This happened sometime over the weekend. So I want to thank you all for thinking I am worth following and leaving comments from time to time. I am "cleaning out" my craft room and have found thread that I won't be using I don't think so I am putting it all in a box..and maybe I will be giving it away on my blog..more details later in the week if the room gets "cleaned".. Just blocked 3 runners this morning..only 8 more to go then I am all caught up...Making potholders really helps keeping the blocking pile down..I think I have made almost 40 of them since I started..the OCD is really obvious..my husband says they make a pill for that.. I am putting the pineapple doily in my etsy shop today. No sales yet..So far I think it is a big waste of time..I have had lots of lookers, and people adding me to their favorite stores, but no sales yet. Buddy and I went to doggy school yesterday. We did great..the instructor said she was impressed. She had me put Buddy in the sit and stay mode..and walk around him while bouncing a ball. Buddy was not to move..and was to stay in the sit position..WE DID IT!! My husband's grandmother celebrated her 96th birthday sunday. We couldn't be there as she lives in New York and we are here in IN. We talked to her and she sounds just great..this woman is still living alone, driving, and enjoying life. She is in great health, and goes to FL for the winters. I guess it is the Italian blood, or food..ok I am rambling..so you guys have a great week and thanks again for all the comments and stopping by.

Look what arrived in the mail today!!

2011-08-27T09:25:00.000-07:00

I am going to keep this short and sweet. I received a potholders and what creative earrings..from my potholder swap partner..Thank you so much Debb..I love them..and so nice of her to include the pattern!! Have a great weekend..and to my blog friends on the east coast..stay safe.

My WIP

2011-08-24T10:26:00.000-07:00

I don't usually post on Wed, but I did last week and I guess I am again today. It is hot and humid again. And I am having a hard time getting myself in gear today. So I am blog hopping, and thought while I am here I might as well post something. Last post I talked about my dog, Buddy, and how we were going to doggy school. Some have asked for a pic of him so I am posting a pic of Buddy. Yes, he is one of my WIPs..he is only 6mo old and weighs 65 pounds already. The vet says he will probably be about 120lbs full grown!! Yikes..so I need to make sure he is well mannered. We have class once a week and I will keep you updated. Last walk he did very well with the heel thing..and sitting is pretty good esp if a treat is involved...down seems to be a challenge for him..waiting is very good, for me anyway. My husband is still Buddy's favorite toy. That is my husband's fault..he is just a big kid. I thought I would show you what is on my hook..it is another swirl tabletopper..in yellow..started it last night. I am hoping to have it done by Sunday.. Well..that's about it for now..everyone have a great day and good luck to those on the east coast hoping you guys come out on the good side of the storm..

another Monday

2011-08-22T12:30:00.000-07:00

Good afternoon you guys. Not much new here. My life is pretty mellow. Not much changes much from day to day. Yesterday I took my dog, Buddy, to doggy school. Buddy is 6mo old, and a german shepard. Now he is a smart dog and he does know sit, stay, down, off and leave it. But you wouldn't have known it yesterday. It was like he knew nothing. Now a 65 pound puppy who doesn't know anything is extremely hard to handle and I was so embarrassed..But that is why we are going to school right? The instructor wants me to use hand signals!! WHAT?!! Yes, hand signals..shoot I can't remember the correct hand signals so I am making up my own..we will see how that goes...my dog is confused..I am confused. So my plan is to work with Buddy at least 45 min a day and hopefully we can get this down before the next class.

I am posting a pic of a swirl doily/table topper..one of my favorite patterns. Going to put this in my Etsy shop today. Thanks for taking the time to stop by and have an awesome week.

Look what I got!!!

2011-08-17T08:54:00.000-07:00

I don't normally post on Wed. but I needed to share what I found on my stoop this morning. For those of you who have been following my blog know my husband got a speeding ticket (not his first nor his last I am sure). We had a deal because I got tired of paying speeding tickets, that every time he had to pay a fine I get to spend equal amount on whatever (we all know what whatever is). Anyway he finally got around to paying the ticket plus some kind of thing where it won't show up on his record if he doesn't get another one in 6 months. The total ended up close to 200.00!!!! Yipee?!! Hopefully he won't get another one for awhile. Or at least until my stash starts to run out. This is what I got for my money!!!

I am posting pics of my newest potholders..I just love this pattern. It has become one of my favorites..So Mary these pics are for you..

And it is Monday

2011-08-15T12:49:00.000-07:00

Good Afternoon my fellow bloggers. Nothing new on the homefront. So I guess that is good news. I have been into making potholders. I need to move on. But for some reason I think they are just the prettiest things around. I think I am going to yarn bomb my kitchen with them..hang them on hooks on everything.. I will take pics and maybe get the pics up tomorrow. But today I just finished this up in an army green color. It isn't DMC thread so I had to get used to working with it. It is Nezli Garden..very soft for thread. I like the results. I don't think I would like it too much for smaller projects because it is soft, but for larger ones like this table topper it works really well. I think this thread would be awesome for thread clothing or a bedspread. It is fairly reasonable in price..I think I paid about $3.50. It had about 350 yards of thread. I got it at Yarn Mountain on line..not sure of the web address as I kind of found it by accident. I bought it because I like the color and army green is hard to find. I am thinking I am going to put this in my etsy shop..

2011-08-10T11:39:00.000-07:00

Just a quick note to show a pic of my spider web!! one of the simplest patterns ever. The turkey you ask..well I have to make nine crochet feathers...and well it is put on hold..I don't really enjoy working with yarn at all and then I saw some potholder patterns, and well...you know how it goes..so the turkey and its feathers are crammed in a bag..I just might get it done or NOT,,

Not your Grandma's pineapple Doily

2011-08-08T09:40:00.000-07:00

Good Afternoon fellow bloggers. I hope you all had a wonderful weekend. I spent most of mine napping. I feel so so much better today. The ears don't hurt and no I repeat no headache!! It so great that anitbiotics can help so much.. Thank God for the men and women he uses to heal us!

I don't usually work with anything other than thread, but today I am going to start a turkey. I know it's not my usual thing. It is kind of a joke..I had a lady call wanting to know if I could make her a turkey last year...I told her no..that I didn't have a pattern (I am a crocheter..not a designer, but am very very grateful to all designers, and kind of want to do it). That same day my daughter goes to Big Lots and finds a crochet book with a Turkey centerpiece pattern. I figured I might as well give it a shot..My WIP for this week.

Thought you might want to take a look at this doily...I just love this one..I like the texture and the way it looks..going to make another one like this only in a mocha color for my coffee table..This one I just listed on Etsy..

I hope you have a great week. I will post pics of the Turkey as it gets created..It is a stretch for me..No laughter please!!

2011-08-05T07:56:00.000-07:00

My Autumn Doily

2011-08-05T07:46:00.000-07:00

Good Morning to all my blogger friends in blog land. I have been fighting a stupid sinus and ear infection. The doc prescribed some antibiotics that are supposed to make me feel better. Well, now I have diarehha..great..I really feel better now. My head still hurts, still can't hear, still feel lousy..oh well having the poops is really helping.. I haven't been crocheting much, but I did finish one doily and even got it blocked. I really like this one..I had to use a different brand of thread as DMC doesn't make an orange color..can't remember what brand the orange is. Oh well.. I am going to post this in my etsy store..maybe this one will sell..who knows. I am not having much luck with the store. I am being told to hang in there, that it takes awhile. We will see.. Oh yeah some people are asking what I gave away in my give away..I gave a yellow and white potholder.. I hope you have a great weekend. I am hoping to feel better and get back into my groove..

And the Winner is>>>>>

2011-08-01T08:47:00.000-07:00

Good morning..The winner of my drawing is CROCHET LADY....I am making this just a short blog to let everyone know who the winner is...Crochet Lady please contact me with a mailing address in the next few days so I can get the prized mailed out. I have lots to do today so I will keep this short and will post later..Have a great day everyone!

potholder pics

2011-07-29T10:13:00.000-07:00

I don't have much to say..been working on some potholders. Thought maybe I would post pics of them.. I do have to say though the patterns are from Bellacrochet. She has a blog http://bellacrochet.blogspot.com/ One of these days I will have to break down and figure out how to link up. Just tell her Vikki sent you if you leave a comment. I may post a couple of these in my etsy shop on Monday..just in case you are interested.. Have a great weekend and stay cool.

one more week until give away!!

2011-07-26T11:43:00.000-07:00

Good afternoon to all my fellow bloggers. It is amost 2:00 in the afternoon and I have not done much at all.. Seems like I am on a slow crawl with this heat and all..no break in sight..Jeepers. I am so grateful for air conditioning. I can't imagine having a hot flash in this stuff..probably why Lady Godiva rode around naked. Any way the pile of doilies needing to be blocked has went down greatly..I think I counted only 10 more to go!! Thought I would post some pics of them. Just let me know if you all get tired of looking at my doilies and I will move on to something else, potholders, coasters or whatever else. I just enjoy working with thread and doilies seem to be my thing...I think I may put the red one in my etsy shop and maybe the pineapple one. The runner was a pre order for my craft show. Hopefully she will pick it up as I do not have a table that will fit a runner close to 4ft. Remember to sign up for the give away to celebrate the opening of my etsy shop..drawing is Monday August 1..you have to be a follower, new or old, and you have to tell me which one of my doilies in any of my blog is your favorite..a link back to here would be nice, but it is optional as I have a hard time linking stuff too..but please a mention in your blog would be nice.. eveyone have a nice week and hope you guys are finding ways to stay cool.

More Doilies and a GIVE A WAY perhaps?

2011-07-18T11:34:00.000-07:00

This is the second time trying to do this post..I deleted the first one as there were lots of spaces making this thing very hard to read. Where does the time go? It is already going on 2pm here and I feel like I still have lots to do..Oh well it will all be here tomorrow. As you can see to your right...BIG pic huh?..Well..I opened an Etsy store over the weekend (can you see it?).. I am not a computer person so I had to have my sister help me through with setting up a link. Anyway we did it over the phone and I must not have heard how to resize the pic..so..therefore there is a BIG picture!! I hope the store does well. I have had many people ask me if I sell my stuff..the answer is yes, but haven't really had a way to do it other than the craft show..so I am going to try this out and any suggestions my blogger friends might have send my way. One suggestion was that I should do a give-a-way to promote my store, and blog..So following the suggestion I am having a giveaway....The rules are: You have to be a follower of my blog. You have to leave a comment as to what is your favorite thing I have posted in any of my previous blog, and why. And you have to mention my blog in your blog..a link would be just awesome. Oh and you have to leave me a way to get in touch with you should you be the winner. The Prize? I haven't decided yet, but it will be something I have posted on my blog at one time or another. The Drawing will be held August 1, 2011..and the winner will be post on Monday's Blog..Good Luck to you all. And thank you

need opinions or advice..whatever you want to call it

2011-07-15T07:35:00.000-07:00

I am going to keep this real short, no pics, just a quick note and hope that some of my blog friends will give me some answers or advice. I am thinking about opening an Etsy store. I am curious if one actually sells stuff, and is it worth my time, and should I do it? Ok thats my question. Hopefully you guys will give me advice....Too Etsy or not to Etsy that is the question...Thanks guys

potholders and scrubbies oh my!

2011-07-11T09:27:00.000-07:00

Wow it has been awhile since I blogged..I have a reason for that. I have been told that I need to get out more often, get around people, do something, it is not normal what I do. OK..goodness knows I want to be normal..So I decided to put my hook and thread down for a week so I could be "normal." I went groc. shopping, went birthday shopping, got with the grandkids, cleaned my house, did the laundry, cooked some meals (all of these things I would have done anyway). I watched TV (big waste of time), played DS..killed some zombies, spelled some words. I did not touch a hook or even a tiny piece of thread. NOW looking back on the week..there is not a thing to show for it..is that normal? I feel like I lost a week. I have made this conclusion..if sitting in front of the television..and becoming like those zombies in my game is normal..I don't want to be normal. I like being home, I am content with my life, and I am ok with being abnormal then. With that being said..I am going to go to my corner, sit in my chair, grab a hook, and move some thread. There will be something to show, other than this blog, for the week. I am not sure I ever want to be normal again.

Thought I would show some pics of potholders and scrubbies created when I wasn't being normal. That is if blogger lets me post them..if not another day then.

pics of the earrings i won.

2011-06-30T08:02:00.000-07:00

Hello to you all in blogland..Mom came for a short visit..went to a new yarn shoppe..Knit Wits. They have some very nice yarn, but you all know I am a thread person. I need to find a place to find good thread. The only thread I can find anymore is Aunt Lydias, and America's Best. I just don't like those threads..Anyway..I don't want to start a rant on thread so moving on to the reason for my post..My earrings arrived in the mail..I just love getting stuff in the mail..These are from Rachel ok..not sure if that worked. Mom tried to show me how to link to other blogs..shoot I am not a puter person..we will see if this worked..any way thanks Rachel..I love them.

More pics of blocked doilies

2011-06-27T09:27:00.000-07:00

Good Morning to you all. I am going to make this quick. My mom is coming for a short visit and I need to get things cleaned up. So I am just going to post pics for you all to enjoy. Hey I am getting the pile down. I think there is only about 14 more to go if you don't count the coasters or small ones. That means I have done alot of blocking in the last week. Anyway, hope you enjoy the pics

I won!!!! Twice!!!!

2011-06-20T12:12:00.000-07:00

Yipee!!! I usually don't win a thing, but today must be my lucky day.. First I check my email and the first thing I see is an email from Rachel Riley..her blog is The Life of Riley..you should check her out..good for a smile..she make jewelry. Anyway she was had a contest last week..3 give-aways..I won a pair of earrings!!! Then I scroll down..deleting all the spam and lo and behold..there is an email from Mary White..with a note saying contest winner...hmm I say..maybe I should look because the name sounded familiar....Yipee!!!! I won her Birds of Happiness Pattern from BellaCrochet..a really cool blog..Thread Crochet designer..loves doilies..one of my favorites..Check her out if you like Crochet Patterns..I open the email there are 4 count them 4 patterns. I don't leave comments at all the blogs I read..I think I may have to more often..Thank you Rachel and Mary..You have made my day..

On a sad note..I think my camera is dead :(

5 doilies blocked only 25 to go.

2011-06-15T11:21:00.000-07:00

Good Afternoon, I am still in my pajama pants..maybe I will just stay this way today. I have 5 doilies blocked, they are drying as I blog. Took some pics..the pics didn't turn out to well, but you get the idea.

Went to Joann's yesterday on my way to order truck parts. Found a pattern book that I didn't have..not that I need it.. I think I am a hoarder..someday you will find me on that tv show. Gosh I hope not..I am keeping it together. They make a pill for that right?

Where are they coming from?

2011-06-13T12:00:00.000-07:00

I finished these potholders over the weekend along with a pineapple doily that needs to be blocked...

Ok..I finished a doily and it needs to be blocked. For those of you who follow my blog you know I do not like to block. So I tend to put finished doilies in a bin to block later. I thought I was catching up on the blocking thing..well now I am back up to 30 to be blocked. I don't know how this happens.

I shouldn't have looked or counted them when I threw the pineapple doily in the pile. I didn't think I had completed that many..again...I need a person or fairy godmother that will block them as I complete them. I will get them done before the end of September..It just takes time and a place to lay them out to dry. My dear hubby even made me more boards so this wouldn't keep happening. Maybe tomorrow I will start the blocking process..again. But for today...It is time to grab a hook and some thread and make something...preferably nothing that needs to be blocked.

Looking for a pattern with a certain stitch..Help....

2011-06-07T14:01:00.000-07:00

Good afternoon fellow bloggers. I have been busy. Doing what you ask. I do not know, I have just been busy. Seems like there is always something to do. Today was no different..had to take the dog to the vet and that took time, had to run out for bread and milk, that took more time, needed to shred some papers that have piled up..that took even more time..wow..and I really haven't done all that much..ever have days like this? Oh well..anyway I thought I would show what I have been working on..potholders and coasters..I took pics of the potholders not the coasters. I am trying to finish up a pineapple doily that has been sitting around for awhile, then there is a runner I need to finish up. Maybe I will get them done in the next few days or weeks...

I am looking for a doily pattern that uses the buillion stitch. I have tons of books new and old, If anyone one knows what book or where I can find a pattern I would appreciate it. I could just sit down and start going through my books, but I tend to get sidetracked and end up having a stack of patterns that I want to make, and not finding what I am looking for. The buillion stitch is one that you wrap your thread around the hook a certain number of times and take all of the loops off at once. Helps to have an inline hook..like susan bates or one of the really old hooks. So if anyone knows of a pattern or book where I can find the pattern I would be most grateful....thanks..

Blogger Problems!!! ARGH!!!

2011-05-26T09:45:00.000-07:00

Ok just a little rant here..I am reading posts of others and I want to leave comments to let them know I was there and that someone is reading their post..But..Blogger makes me sign in over and over and I am still not posting..What is up with that? Is it just me or is anyone else having the same issue? I wouldn't know if you guys have the same problem or not because if so you couldn't leave a comment and tell me..What is up with Blogger? If for some reason I am doing something wrong and you guys can leave comments please let me know how to fix it..If it is Blogger then..just know I am reading my reading list or blogs that I follow and I am trying to leave a comment... So I will leave one comment for all my blogs followed..I love the color, you do great work, and I may have to try the pattern, or I want to do tunisian crochet just can't follow you right now and let you know I am reading your blog..Time for me to go grab a hook and find something to make..have a great day.

What I made when trying to decide what to make..

2011-05-23T12:50:00.000-07:00

Good Afternoon everyone. I hope everybody had a nice weekend. To my followers in Missouri,I hope you are all safe and you got through the storms untouched. Tornadoes are horrific, but even worse during sleeping hours..

Over the weekend I was trying to figure out what I wanted to make. I got to looking at all the "scrap" or leftover thread I have stashed in bins and baskets in my room. I thought that maybe I should try to make some things out of them. I have a great deal of leftovers..I think I gave some to my sister, and mom I think got some odd lot balls..but for the most part I have years of leftovers.

I think the potholder was my favorite..that is the yellow rose one..I think I may make more of these or maybe different flowers on the potholder.. The other ones are small doilies or coasters..

I hope you all have a great week. Thanks for taking the time to read my thoughts.

What happens when I am looking for a new project.

2011-05-20T10:39:00.000-07:00

I thought I would show you guys what happens when I am looking for a project to do. I think it is the ADD..I can't decide. I pull out dozens of patterns..look at all the thread..make little stuff..I just can't decide. I want to make some of the beautiful potholders that I have seen on some of the blogs I follow..I want to make an afghan out of beautiful granny squares like I have seen on even more blogs. And then I want to make more doilies.. I need to stay away from blog hopping..I feel like I need to go buy more yarn, or thread or patterns or all three. I still have the speeding ticket $..can't decide on what to buy..I am looking for a pattern book called Mini Masterpieces by Trish Kristoffersen..Leisure Arts L2966. I think I have found it..waiting for the lady to get back to me..Anybody got one they want to sell?

Ok, now that you heard my thoughts I think you can see why I feel frazzled. So many things I want to do..if I could only get started.. I hope everyone has an awesome weekend. Talk to you real soon.

Dress is finished

2011-05-13T09:40:00.000-07:00

Good Morning. This is the dress I was working on and was wanting advice about. It turned out very well. The pattern is from Annies Attic. I think I have 20-25 hours into it. Hard to tell as I crochet off and on while doing other stuff. I still have to make the headband that goes with it. The lady brought me elastic for it, but I don't think this is the right kind. It is very stretchy, and extremely difficult to crochet over. I think I may run to the nearest Joann's and look for a different type of elastic :). It might take me awhile to get home..I tend to get lost in Joann's. I hope you all have an awesome weekend. I think my grandson is coming to spend the night on Saturday..I do enjoy him.

thanks to all..

2011-05-09T21:16:00.000-07:00

Thanks to all who have left comments trying to help me figure out how much to charge for making the dress. Seems like I have very wise blogger friends. I am in the process of making the dress now. The pattern seems to be easy to follow, so that is no big deal. And it seems to be working up very quickly. It is kind of fun to be working on something other than doilies. I think I should make different things..so I have been lurking around..there are some beautiful granny squares out there so I think I may make an afghan. At least I am thinking about it. But for now I will finish up the dress a post some pics when it is completed. Thanks again for all the comments and helping me out. Hopefully Friday I can post some pics..

To Make the Dress or Not

2011-05-01T10:19:00.000-07:00

Ok I am asking for advice..There is a lady who called me up. She had read the newspaper article about me. Apparently she saved it too. Anyway she would like me to make a baby dress for her. I have no problem making the dress..she needs it in 2 weeks..not really a problem there either. My problem is how much to charge her..So to my friends and followers, If I am to make the dress..she will buy the yarn and all ribbons and frills..she wants it in a size 18-24mo..I figure the cost of yarn alone to be about $45..SO the question is this..How much should I charge her? I can't post a pic it is too big..but you can find the pattern at http://www.crochetgarden.com the name of the pattern is Charlotte Belle. I look foward to hearing your suggestions..thanks so much

As Promised Doilies Blocked!!!

2011-04-26T08:46:00.000-07:00

The pile of doilies waiting to be blocked is getting smaller!! Yipee!! First I want to thank all of you bloggers who make me laugh, who inspire me, and who encourage. Is it wonderful to find people out in the world that share their wisdom and hobbies with us? I think it makes the world a much smaller space and the miles don't seem like miles at all. I enjoy looking at all your creations and reading about the conquests and joys in your lives. Thank you for sharing. More rain and storms heading our way..up to 7 more inches or rain today and tomorrow. Severe storms today, tonight and tomorrow..but then Thursday and Friday no rain..hopefully sunshine. I tell my husband that I am sitting in the sun when I am crocheting under my ott lamp..and I need the sunshine to feel good.. He just grins and says that I better stock up on the bulbs then!! Hope you enjoy the pics..have a great day.

Should have let him buy a boat!!

2011-04-25T08:56:00.000-07:00

I haven't posted to my blog for over a week. Sorry to anyone who follows. It has been raining and storming here for the last week. Many power outages so the puter has been unplugged. I have been blessed..there were many people who had some major damage by the storms in my area. A small tornado touched down less than a half mile from here, roofs torn off, power outages, and large trees down. I went to the store the other day and I couldn't believe how bad it looked. Se have had 7.5 inches of rain since Friday..and it is still raining. People are sandbagging their homes and riverbanks. With a forecast for more rain and severe storms predicted until Wednesday I am wondering if I should have let my husband buy the boat he wanted. While taking cover in the bathroom the other night I had two weird thoughts..the first one was we are going to have to move...the second I could see my balls of thread blown all over the neighborhood, and all the doilies hanging in the trees..funny how the mind works. Thank goodness we were blessed and no damage here. The plan is to block some doilies today..maybe..and hopefully post pics in the next few days. Thanks for taking the time to read and hope everyone out there had a good Resurection Day..He Lives!!

Speeding Ticket=cash in my pocket=more thread!

2011-04-18T09:00:00.000-07:00

Let me explain..My husband, we will call him Rich, (I love this man very much), any way I digress. He has a habit of driving fast. We made a deal quite awhile back because I didn't think it was fair he got to spend money paying fines and speeding tickets. I mean if he was willing and sometimes even appeared eager to give money to such as a good cause as our government. Surely he should be so eager to give it to me. Right? Ok the deal was that if he got anymore tickets or fines that I would get at least equal to what the fine or court costs were. Maybe double if I was feeling entitled. We recently purchased a new car..lo and behold my dear hubby comes home after working 12 hours running a train at 1:30 am. He calls me and tells me he is on the way home with a cop behind him. I'm thinking he is driving a little slower because there is a cop behind him..I am thinking wrong..The cop is behind him because he is already pulled over. He got popped doing 60 in a 40. Here is his excuse..1:30 at night nobody around should be a free for all..I just smiled and said CHA CHING!!!! I know this has nothing to do with crocheting, but in a way it does..after fines, court cost, payment for class so insurance won't go up, I am thinking I am going to get quite a bit of thread!!!

A Blocking Nightmare..

2011-04-15T09:00:00.000-07:00

I made a popcorn doily out of Popcorn Stitch Doilies by Josie Rabier (American School of Needlework 2001). I wasn't liking the way it was working but I kept on working that thread hoping the doily would eventually start lying flat. By the end I wanted to just put it aside, probably would never finish it if I did. I muddled through and finished it about 1:00 am, and promptly threw it on top of the other doiies to be blocked. I took a look at it this morning..thought you might want pics of the blocking nightmare. I just hope you can see the mess I was working with. I pull out my blocking boards (made out of the sheets of stuff they insulate houses with,covered with contact paper..for those of you who asked what I blocked on). I soaked this doily and went to work..an hour later..TA DAH!!! To get to this result..I pulled out my largest mixing bowl and found what I hoped was a good place to start and began to make a round doily I couldn't make it round without the bowl. The doily became every shape except round. What a mess..Anyway I think I got it..check the pics out..oh and I think this doily will be really stiffly starched..there should be a blocking warning on this one..

5 more doilies blocked

2011-04-08T09:29:00.000-07:00

Good Morning. It is sunny in southern Indiana and warm. Trees are budded, grasses are being mowed and my head hurts and my eyes are watering...love springtime!! I feel like a criminal when I need to buy Sudafed..I probably look like one too, eyes all red, nose running, and constantly making funny noises so I can clear my throat.

I have blocked more doilies..Hip Hip Horray!! Only 28 more to go. I posted pics..maybe not the best quality of pictures. Like I said my eyes are so watery, I did it very quickly..they are round even if they don't look like.

The large army green one is made with Nazli Gelin Garden thead..size 10. I thought I would try this thread as DMC Cebelia is crazy high in price and really hard to find. To compare..Nazli: size 10 is a little smaller, alot softer, blocks very well..and seems to hold its shape..if you tend to have to rip out and rework your work I think it might get fuzzy. It is less expensive and has quite a bit more thread.. I would buy it again..Got it off line on ebay for less than $3.00. I have saved the seller in my favorites to make another purchase.

I Have finally blocked some doilies..and have pics to prove it!!

2011-03-26T13:38:00.000-07:00

It is a cloudy rainy Saturday here in Southern Indiana. I have been putting off blocking and today I finally blocked some of the doilies I have been working on. I still have quite a few left to block (30). Hopefully I will get them done real soon. I am not sure if anybody even visits my blog, but if you've happen to stop in take a look at my stuff and let me know what you think..All in all it has been a productive day.

just an update

2011-01-31T09:01:00.000-08:00

This is one of 30 doilies that I have made that need to be blocked. It seems to me I would have learned by now to block as I go. Someday maybe that will happen..NOT! Ok the real reason for my blog today...I haven't posted for some time now and I realize that I am a hoarder when it comes to thread. For those of you who do not know, the price of DMC thread has gone way up, and according to "yarns and threads by Lisa" (a blog that I follow and the place I buy my thread) DMC is raising their prices again. I am contemplating putting in a big order.. Now I must tell you that I have lots of thread..Look at the pics from previous postings.. I don't need it. But in the future I will..Does that make sense? I am thinking I may be like some of those poor folks on the show Hoarders. Will my girls one day have to dig me out from the stacks of thread? I need feedback from someone to tell me what to do..to order or not to order..that is the question.
Oh...I have found some lovely thread to work with..NAZLI GELIN.. this thread is #10..very soft and appears to hold its' shape. Now I haven't blocked anything that I have made with it so we will see what happens when I get around to it. Anyway it is Turkish cotton..so far I like it..I ordered it online from Yarn Mountain and Massanutten Hookery..shipping is reasonable and extremely fast. Ok now remember to leave me a post as to whether or not to place an order..Lisa's thread price will be going up in March..so if I make an order it needs to be placed sometime in Feb..OH WHAT TO DO? Thanks for taking time to read my thoughts..let me hear yours..

oops here are the pics

2010-11-05T11:37:00.001-07:00

craft room

2010-11-05T09:26:00.000-07:00

I am trying to post at least once a month, even though I may not have much to say. Mom and my sister came down a few weeks ago to help me with my craft room. I wanted to make it look nice as theirs. My mom's room looks nice and organized, my sister's room is just cool. They seem to be really creative and it shows. Anyway, I have had things that were made by my great grandma, my grandma, and sister. I have been wanting to put the work into shadow boxes and show them off. My mom made me a doily for her shadow box last weekend, so now I have 4 generations of needlework on my wall..It looks awesome. Thought I would show it off..my husband's grandma made me a blanket and I have been waiting to do something with it. I found a quilt rack at a craft show for 25 dollars...what a steal. So my hubby hung it for me in our bedroom. It looks good.

I finished another doily..a pineapple runner..it is in a pile to be blocked. I think I said this before..I don't like blocking. The pile is growing. It is now up to 6 to block. When I get them blocked I will post pics.. but for now I posted this pic of a table topper that is finished and blocked. It is from a pattern from Trish Kristoffersen...love her patterns.

Thanks for taking the time to read my blog..let me know what you think..Love hearing from you. That way I know someone is reading my thoughts..

newspaper article? really!!

2010-10-22T09:29:00.000-07:00

Hi all. Trying to do this blog thing at least once a month. I received a call from the local newspaper..evansville courier press, asking if they could do an interview and pictures for the sunday lifestyle section. I thought it was a joke. Apparently it isn't. I did my yearly craft show about a month ago. I always get the same questions and comments year after year..like my grandma or great aunt used to do this..how long does it take you..anyway you all know the questions. I am sure you have heard them also. I guess one of the people that asked some questions is a writer for the newspaper. I didn't know it at the time.

So yesterday I get a phone call wanting to know if she could interview me and take pictures of my doilies and stuff..I hope she doesn't want too many pics of me..I am not photogenic at all. I started laughing thought it was a joke from one of my kids..it wasn't.

It got me to thinking maybe if I do this then the art of crocheting will make a comeback..wouldn't that be nice to be able to walk into a craft store and see all kinds of patterns and thread? I don't know about the area where you live..but finding thread esp DMC is tough..and the price has gone crazy..around here...So will do my part to revive this "lost art" as she called it...I am sure hoping that it will be found again..

Oh I keep meaning to put pictures of my newest creations..but they need to be blocked and you all know how I put that off..Well that is it for today and this happy hooker is gonna go hook..

WoW!! has it really been that lon?

2010-10-03T10:10:00.000-07:00

I really have been bad. Not blogging at all in almost a year!! Wow!! has it really been that long? To those of you who follow my blog or at least used to, I apologize. I am going to try and be better. I am still crocheting my heart out. The cost of DMC Cebelia thread had gone out of this world. Still it is the only thread I use. Love the results..so I guess it is worth it. For those of you looking for the best place to buy DMC Cebelia..not counting ebay..is yarnand threadsby lisa.com. Lisa is extremely friendly and is quite helpful. She will make sure your thread is the same dye lot if at all possible, and will leave the thread in the boxes if you request it. She ships quickly and the times I have ordered from her, the thread has been here in about a week. Oh and she also carries tons of different yarn..so go check her out before buying anywhere else. She should give me a dicount for advertisement.

Ok..here's really why I am blogging today..I am looking for runner patterns..really would love oval ones..It is really a shame as I have tons of pattern books, new and old, and there are very few runners. So if you have a favorite runner or oval pattern you like and would like to share let me know and we can swap some patterns.

my new family member..

2010-01-06T13:22:00.000-08:00

Hi, with all the holidays over it is time to get back into the scheme of things. I wanted a german shepard for Christmas, and my wonderful husband got me one. I could have had jewelry..hmm should have thought this out a little more. Just kidding. I love my new family member. Her name is Heidi, which means good girl in German. She is doing pretty good with the potty training although yesterday she had and accident, just as I was thinking about giving her a little more freedom. Take a look at the pic..she is just adorable..loves people.

I put a picture of my dad up. I don't usually put people in my blog..but dad is retired and thought he would try a craft show. He looks happy to be there doesn't he. I am hoping he will be at the craft show I do. He does wonderful work, and the ducks are just beautiful works of art. Not much new is going on in my world as of this moment. We are anxiously waiting the arrival of a grandson sometime this month. How wonderful is that? My baby having a baby..Life is Good..

It is December..what did you expect?

2009-12-17T13:15:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas to all who visit me here. I have to apologize for not blogging more often. It is December what did you expect? I have been busy. Went to a new craft show up in Monticello Il. It was the first year for this show, and I think it will be a decent craft show with a little more organization, and a bigger building as I believe they will outgrow the building with just a few more crafters. I am pretty much finished with my gifts for people. I didn't make alot of homemade gifts..I think people are getting bored with my doilies. I could have done trees, but that takes lots of time and it is December, what did you expect? I need to take pics of my finished trees..they are awesome..I love them. I did make a thread tree..LOL did not use enough stiffening stuff and now it is the leaning tree..I like the pattern though and will make another one I am sure..Maybe I could restiffen it? I have this new computer and I havent figured out where my pics are..in order to post them..someday I will find them..Again Merry Christmas I pray that we find the joy, the love and the peace that Christ was born, died and rose again for.

About time

2009-11-13T13:22:00.000-08:00

I know, I know..I haven't posted anything for a long time. I have been busy. Don't ask me what I've been busy at..I don't know. Just been busy. OK I am doing another show. It is a new show, up in Monticello, Il. I won't count on anything..just trying to help someone out. My sister lives up there so I will consider it a visit to my sister's house. I don't get there as often as I should. I have been crocheting, just haven't posted any pics lately. Oh Yeah, I just posted some patterns that I need to get rid of..patterns of dresses..fancy ones that fit Barbie type dolls. I have been hanging on to them thinking I might someday use them..I don't think that is going to happen. So I decided to let loose of them. I don't usually get rid of patterns..I tend to hoard them. Maybe someone will really enjoy them. Anyway ..they are listed on Ebay..and yes, it is byhooks4u (seller name) in case anyone wants to have a gander. I am in the process of making Christmas trees..I will post one here when it is completed..maybe next week. I am glad you stopped by and read my thoughts. Leave a message just to let me know that you were here, and I am not talking to myself.

"free shipping"? from Joann's

2009-10-05T11:51:00.000-07:00

Good afternoon, I received my order from Joann's today. It arrived and I felt like it was Christmas. I was kind of upset with Joann's when I looked at the invoice..I was charged $22.95 for shipping and handling. I thought any order over $50 was free. So I get on the phone, call customer service, waited at least 5 minutes on hold (because of course all customer service representatives are busy) until someone finally picks up my call. She was very nice of course, but told me there was a code that I did not enter (I put my order in online, and did not have a code), Ok whatever, any way for this one time only she would refund the shipping. So my shipping is being refunded. So beware if you order from Joann's online, make sure you find whatever code there is and enter it . Do not assume they will do it for you, even if your order is over $50, and their ad online says it is free. Don't get me wrong, I like Joann's.com. I will continue to shop online and in their stores. They have more thread and colors than any other store out there. With my rant over, I must leave you, there are balls of thread to play with, hooks with my name on it, and a pattern calling me. Happy Hooking to you all.

My room is clean..

2009-09-28T18:44:00.000-07:00

Just thought i would let everyone know that I finally got my craft room all clean and organized. Only took all day. There is now room for all the new balls of thread that I ordered from Joann's. It is on sale this week..so I just had to stock up. I am saving money..LOL.

craft show

2009-09-27T16:25:00.000-07:00

I am so sorry it has taken me over a month to post. I have been busy trying to finish up things for the craft show that was held this past weekend. Now that it is over I can hopefully get back to normal. My room, craft room that is, looks like a bomb went off. I have patterns all over that need to be put back in their folders. I have remnant balls of thread that I have no idea what to do with as they are probably odd dye lots. I think I need a bigger room. As for the show it went very well. I am always happy when no one tries to talk me down. Anyway I thought I would blog before I get on JoAnn's to see if maybe my thread would be on sale. If not I guess I will have to wait. I posted some pics of my display for you guys to take a look at. Oh yeah by the way all of the doilies pictures I have posted, I sold... you can click on the pictures for a closer look(so cool). I sold quite a few of my doilies and I am going to have to work some thread and hooks to replace the ones that are gone. So I guess I am still going to be busy. But I like it!

The latest Doilies

2009-08-25T12:52:00.000-07:00

Good Afternoon. I finally blocked some finished doilies. Thought you might want to take a look. I had help blocking them as I do not see straight, my dear hubby has a better eye. The runners are a new pattern that I found in Joanne's. It is not too often I find patterns that I do not already have, so this was a treat. There is alot of counting in the runners, but the pattern is not difficult. I am going to make one with a bigger hook hoping that the runner will be just a little larger. As they are they are about 26" long and about 16" wide. They are pretty. Let me know what you think.

Too Busy To Blog

2009-08-16T12:46:00.000-07:00

Oh my, how time does fly. A month has passed since my last blog, without me even aware of it. I have been busy with family stuff, wedding shower, visits from relatives, and visiting relatives. My husband's sister and her daughter came for a visit. It is always good to see family. My niece is getting married next month, so there was a wedding shower. Oh and my youngest daughter is having a baby in January...She and her husband are so very happy and excited about it..So are the two grandma's. This will be my 6th grandchild..I love grandkids..so much easier than your children.

OK so I haven't posted any new pics lately. It doesn't mean I haven't been making anything. I have..I just haven't blocked them. I told you before I do not like blocking and put it off until I have so many it takes me days to get them done. Maybe tomorrow I will block and take pics.
My computer is old and I really need a new one..it runs so slow that putting pics on here is really a pain..Craft Show is coming up really quickly.. Last full weekend in September!

My 10 reasons why I like to crochet

2009-07-17T11:55:00.000-07:00

Good afternoon. Before I cozy down in my chair to grab a hook thought I had better update my blog. No Pictures today. I thought about taking a pic of my craft room, but thought better of it. I have so many things I would like to get done, and so many ideas in my head, it overwhelms me. Which leads me into My Top 10 Reasons I like to Crochet.

1. It relaxes me...my mind just goes to a happy place,
2. I like the feel of the thread in my hands
3. I like the idea of something so simple as a piece of thread turning into a wonderful piece of art.
4. I like collecting old patterns..they have changed so much over the years,
5. I like creating doilies..I like doilies
6. I love a challenge..some patterns require more concentration than others, sometimes I think they may even have their own personalities
7. I am content with my hands working the thread..not much bothers me..
8. Who says I can't do 2 things at once..My hubby is amazed that I can watch Tv and crochet at the same time..heck I have even fallen asleep with a hook in my hand.
9. Without sounding full of myself...It is something that I do well, and makes me feel good about myself
10..Finally the most important reason I crochet is this....I LIKE IT!!

A Few More Doilies Just Blocked

2009-07-07T11:42:00.000-07:00

Good Morning..I had a wonderful 4th of July. Most of my family were at mom's. The day was rainy, but it was good company so all was well. These doilies were just blocked and ready to be put up for the craft sale. I thought I would put up a pic of them before putting them away. I don't have as many this year as in previous years. I sold so many last year that I am having a hard time replacing the "Stash". All of these doilies were made with DMC Cebelia thread..size 10. It is the only thread I care to work with. So when it is on sale anywhere I try to stock up. Although I have enough I have more than I really need. I am thinking I need to make some coasters as they work up quickly. Right now I am trying to finish up a pineapple pattern. So maybe after I finish it...We will see. Anyway enjoy the pics and let me know what you think. Thanks for stopping by and hope to hear from you. Vikki

Not So Sure About Blogging?

2009-07-02T12:08:00.000-07:00

Ok I am not much of a computer person..but for the life of me I cannot figure out how to go Blog searching . Heck that may not even be the term..I want to read and look at other people's blog that have the some hobby I do. That being Crochet..mostly with thread.. ok so if for some reason someone reads my blog and knows how to do this and can explain it in simple terms please feel free to tell me how to surf the blogs...I would be most grateful..as this is really getting to feel like a diary type of thing..any way..have a good 4th.

Another doily, finished..and blocked..

2009-06-25T11:09:00.000-07:00

Here is the last of the doilies that I had set aside to block..this one is also a Kristoffersen pattern. This took 2 balls of DMC cebelia thread. I am trying to get everything blocked so I can really concentrate on the one and only show I do a year. It always falls on the last full weekend in September. This will be the 4th year I have been doing it. Every year gets better and better, as long as the weather is half way decent. The cost of the thread has gone crazy, and I am not sure if people will buy if I price it accordingly. Some just don't value handcrafted items. Don't get me started on that. I am sure I am not the only one that can go on a rant on this topic..oh well. Anyway enjoy the pic..It really is pretty.

2009-06-22T13:50:00.000-07:00

I finally have all the doilies blocked. Thought you might want to take a look at a couple.. They both are a Kristoffersen pattern, both made with DMC Cebelia thread size 10. The Pineapple one is white while the other is a light olive color. I really like the olive one. What do you think ? I wish I figured out sooner how to post a pic and a comment together..oh well like I said a learning process.