Pioneer Woman at Heart

One Flourishing, Frugal and Fun Family!

One family learning to live off the land, cut back on expenses, and to live a simpler and a more self-sufficient lifestyle.

Adopted Motto

"Eat it up,
Wear it out,
Make it do,
Or go without."
~A Pioneer Sampler, by Barbara Greenwood~

Showing posts with label Crochet Patterns. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Crochet Patterns. Show all posts

Sunday, April 23, 2023

Gardens are Ready ~ Crochet Pattern ~ A Mix of Granny Ripple and Double Crochet/Single Ripple with Straight Edge Start

The compost has all been tilled into the gardens, and they are ready for planting next month.   We still need to build the new raised beds, but we are ahead of schedule thankfully.   We are still working on purchasing an electric solar fence.

The recent weather was perfect to catch up on laundry and dry it on the clothesline.  It's been a long week, and we got some rain too.

By the way, those Einkorn waffles I posted about the other day?  Well, they taste great re-heated.  They are not a crunchy waffle, and are soft, but so good!

A few of you mentioned you were interested in the pattern for the most recent, and newest, afghan I am crocheting.  I have to admit, this pattern is getting rave reviews, and a lot of inquiries. 



I had spent time searching for a new pattern to use up yarn colors I had in my stash, and this is the one I came up with.  As I said previously, the woman who wrote the pattern mentions to change your yarn color differently.   You basically can do what you want, and I love that she includes a graph at the end of the pattern, so you can customize your afghan by the size you want to make the afghan, and with what size yarn you are using.

I first found this pattern at:  The 6-Day Kid Blanket
At the very bottom of this pattern, the author and creator, shares the graph I was explaining about.  It is very helpful in deciding size of blanket and what yarn/hook you want to use.

I did more digging and found her pattern for:  How to start your 6-day kid blanket with a Straight Edge

I used the instructions for starting with a straight edge (this pattern is the second link I shared).  I have never crocheted a ripple pattern with a straight edge start, and I really like it so far.  I don't think I have ever crocheted a granny stitch ripple either, and I love this combination and look.  I will be playing around with the blanket and yarn sizes this year.


I've gotten a bit more done on it, as of today.

In appearance, the afghan with the blue and green in it, is an inch shorter in width than my last blanket, but I will end it with a edging.  The first  pattern link will also have information on edging designs for the blanket.

I plan on making some lap afghans and a few baby blankets down the road, using this pattern.  It would be great for a scrap lap afghan too.


Monday, January 2, 2023

Updates and such....

 Well folks, I have not been on an antibiotic for almost 2 years or longer.  They asked me what I was able to take and could not remember, other than I cannot take the z-pac.  

Now I am having other issues, despite eating the BRAT diet, so a call is getting placed to the doctor this morning.  Not sure what he can do, other than change the antibiotic and take another route.  

I'm just not taking chances for things to go south, like they did with the z-pac (put me in the hospital for 14 days).

I am eating my yogurt and taking a prebiotic, but it's not helping.  My cough is a bit better, but we are also going to seek out a different prescribed cough syrup.

In the meantime, I got plenty of rest last night.  I went to bed at 6pm and didn't get up until 7am this morning. I'm still dealing with fatigue.

I haven't felt like crocheting, reading a book....nothing.

It's foggy here and predicted to reach up into the 60's.  Crazy.


I remembered a family member asked me and one other about crocheting her the below afghan, so I looked into it.  Check out the cost of supplies!  Even though I would not need stitch markers or a hook, that is one expensive blanket to make.  I would want labor, so yeah, I am sure it's not affordable to make.  The cost of supplies plus labor would almost make this a $200.00 blanket.







Monday, May 24, 2021

Happy Homemaker Monday

We had a very hot weekend, so tilling didn't happen.  It was so dry out.  We had to water the flower beds daily. I am very frustrated getting the vegetable garden in this year.  It's either the weather or my husband is not available to till.  He won't let me till when I am home alone.  We asked someone if they were interested in tilling for me for some cash.  Didn't happen.

The weather was perfect for starting some jars of comfrey oil.  I'll be trying a new salve recipe and giving it a try before I put a review on here about it.

We are somewhat feeling like normal in our state again.  We noticed however, when eating out they still give those annoying packets of ketchup vs. a bottle.  I'm putting one in the fridge just for when we are on the road from now on.  

We had a busy weekend.  There was a baby shower we attended, and delivered gifts for two grand niece birthdays we missed.  I forgot to take a picture, but we gifted a crocheted baby blanket and matching baby booties, along with diapers and other items (man the price of diapers - wow!!).

Our Bike Week will be different this year, but it's coming up the same weekend they do an MS charity bike poker run.  Rain is in the forecast for next Friday, so I'm not sure what activities we'll be doing. We are in a race to get the entire garden planted too, so who knows what we'll actually be able to participate in.  Personally, I'd like to work my bum off this week in the garden and try and get at least one day on the bike.

Our mower guy (only charges us $40 for what we mow on our 6 acres), showed up so that is one job taken off our hands.


 


Today, I'm joining Sandra at Diary of a Stay at Home Mom.

The weather  . . .
83°F/68°F, it finally rained last night.

On my reading pile . . .



On my TV . . .
Heartland

On the menu . . .
-new recipe to try, roasted rosemary asparagus
-crock pot pork chops, crock pot sweet potatoes
-sheesh....have no idea, it's hard to work up the menu without potatoes, rice, bread, pasta etc to keep tabs on my husband's sugar intake.  Last night we had chicken chili, but I hate making a hot dinner like that when it's in the 90's.  I have a pasta recipe with black beans that is basically a cold meal for a hot day, but yeah - pasta.  Salads sound good.  I love to make them with chicken, dried cranberries, sweetened pecans, but yeah sugar.  

On my to-do list . . .
-make a breakfast scramble
-boil eggs
-laundry
-empty dishwasher
-sweep/mop kitchen
-vacuum
-clean master bath
-plant flowers (one flat of snapdragons, 3 lavender plants I bought from a niece - school fundraiser)
-weed a portion of  a flower bed, drop dirt and seeds, add one more bag of mulch to another
-plant in vegetable garden
-check asparagus
-harvest some rhubarb
-muck chicken coop
....oh boy, this is a "Monday" for sure for us


What I am sewing, crocheting, knitting or creating . . .
Today's project is crocheted water balloons for the grandkids. To see a complete (or sort of) list of what's on the hooks click here.



Looking around the house . . .
The kitchen stayed looking good thankfully.  The girls worked all weekend, so less chance for a mess here or there.  The living room is another story, and the hallway is not done (we are either out and about, or working outside now).

From the camera . . .
Nothing exciting ha ha!  I got my cherry bomb seeds from an Etsy seller and got them planted.  I know it's late, but I'm hoping the hot weather will encourage fast growth.  One of my habanero plants is up due to the heat we were having.



Something fun to share . . .
If you are interested in how to crochet the water balloons, you need Bernat Blanket yarn and an 9.00mm hook.  The instructions are found on YouTube.  I bought this "bright" solid a year ago, so I can't remember where I bought it. 

I had intentions of making them last year (or maybe the year before, can't remember but found the yarn in the closet.  I went to Wal-mart for more color options, and they did not have solid colors, or the brights in the cake form either.  I picked up some blue variegated, and ordered some other solid color options online.  I haven't had time to check in-store at Meijer yet.  I attempted to order from Michael's online, but depending on the color, it was a forced store pick up or I had to order two of one color so that didn't happen.  I've got too much to plant to drive that far for yarn right now.


Something else fun to share.  A foldable, chargeable fan for the camper.  I bought it a year ago, and never got the camper out, but it's going in it this year.  I've heard from so many people how hard it is to get campground reservations this year, so it may be our only one this summer.  Who knows.  The fan pulls up, so the height is adjustable as well.


On my prayer list . . .
No personal requests at this time, other than the Mother of Daughter E's boyfriend that passed.  Both his family and our daughter still have a rough time.  






Wednesday, February 12, 2020

Treasures ~ Corn ~ Turkey/Zucchini Meatballs and other Tidbits

In the process of  cleaning the closet, I found 5 crochet hooks, 4 pairs of scissors, one embroidery needle and one yarn needle.  Oh, and one more of my favorite pens!  I also uncovered 4 pints of tinctures that need strained.  They'll be strong ones, ha ha!

The garage is next, but I still have a bit to clean up in the utility room.  I'm just glad I got the closet done (other than Hubby purging his clothing).

Bad news for our area.  The produce stand (has been open for 91 years) announced they will not be opening for the 2020 season due to numerous road closures.  We get our corn and other various veggies from them.  I'll have to look for a co-op to drive to or other source, but it will be drive if we want corn.  They also sold popcorn, so I may be planting it, and hoping for the best this year.

Good news!!! Woohoo!  Mom went to Cleveland Clinic on Monday, and the news came back that she does not have to see a doctor for at least one more year.   No surgery.  So happy for that news!  Thank you all for your prayers, good thoughts, vibes and mojo!




The cardinals came back.  There were so many again.  I have a few more photos to load too.




I had a day in the kitchen - turkey/zucchini meatballs.  I made about 81 of them.  All in the freezer - no breading/oats either.


The cross bookmark pattern is free on Ravelry https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/cross-bookmark-or-ornament

I just put my tassel at the top vs. the bottom.  I will also have some up for sale soon.






Thursday, January 24, 2019

Soaked ~ Patterns

There was so much rain yesterday, the schools closed.  It was pretty nasty weather considering we went from freezing, snow covered to pouring down rain.


I've had a request for patterns for the items I make.  Here are a few of them.


The pattern for the heart cup/mug coasters is online and free at Red Heart yarn:  Valentine Heart Coaster

The heart bookmarks are in this book:



Your local library may even have this book.




The rugs are simple too.  Here are the instructions on how I make them:  Crochet Scrap Rugs

The headbands/ear warmers are for sale on my Rooster's Crow Farm blog, but I have also had requests for the pattern.  The pattern is free online at Yarnspirations:  Bernat Twisted Step-Sister Headband.


Thursday, February 2, 2017

Ma's Little House Shawl


I originally posted this back on May 10, 2013 on this blog. Blogger won't allow me to link this post back to my old post, and I want to share the pattern. Evidently, it's becoming quite popular on Pinterest.


I continue to receive emails asking for the pattern, so here it is:

Sunday, January 29, 2017

The Scarf of Many Colors

Dolly Parton had a coat of many colors.  I now have a scarf of many colors.  

I need another project, like a need a hole in my head.

However.

I've wanted to learn the corner to corner (C2C) crochet stitch, and I'm using up leftover, leftover yarn.

While I'm crocheting the scrap blanket, there are small balls of yarn.  That would be the "leftover, leftover" yarn balls.  They are too small to even make one row across the blanket, so they are in a basket.

My inner, "you can't store that anymore" and "can't waste it mode" (again) kept poking at me.

Monday, March 21, 2016

Camping Prep ~ Crochet Projects

Remember all those English Walnuts we bartered for?  I was still cracking them this month.  Apparently, the kids have lost their mojo with helping me.

The shells are always saved from these walnuts.  My older brother and his wife gift me their cardboard egg cartons.  


Four dozen campfire starters are in the making today, and I have more shells.

Wednesday, December 16, 2015

Dead Mouse and other Homestead Happenings

Oh dear, I have had practically nothing to share lately.  No new recipes, no new concoctions of herbs, or even anything remotely exciting.

Unless you count the night that King proudly brought in a dead, flattened mouse.  Two girls went ballistic and screamed for me (or their Dad who conveniently ignored them) to come rescue them.   

I found one daughter holding one puppy, and one holding the other and both screaming and pointing to the dead mouse.  I removed it of course, even while they were screaming at me while doing it.  I had gloves on, but they still couldn't watch.  I told them when they grow up and have kids, they'll be able to do almost anything without gagging. 

Puppy nap time - Zuri with her head on top of King.  They both are growing so fast already.  King still thinks he's a lap dog, so this will be interesting.  King has learned "speak" already.  He's been easy to train in that department.  He's very vocal.  Zuri is such a doll.  I just hope she can hold up to her end if protection is needed.  She is so calm for me.  

They are partners in crime.  This weeks casualties?  One church youth group flyer that they kept pulling off the fridge, along with the clip magnet.  I had to go in search of their toys to get them to stop.  Oh, and one chewed our 19 year-old's computer charge cord in half. Not their fault.  Daughter just forgot to put it up.  I told the kids to put stuff up as if they were baby goats in the house.

Hubby and I have gotten the tree limbs split and stacked, so we are ready to tackle that one tree when school is out for Christmas.  This Saturday however, he'll be putting Duaghter's car back together. 

I have finally made myself something

Friday, December 4, 2015

. . . from the handiwork journal

Now, first of all, I have no business in starting any of these new fun projects, but I did.  I still have a baby blanket that is not finished.  Remember the granny square one?  I put it away and plum forgot again.  I have to use different white yarn so we'll see if it even turns out right when I do finish it.  

So.... 


Cup of coffee anyone?  This one was a bit of a challenge for me, and my coffee is sitting up a bit too high in the cup, but I'm glad I'm venturing into toys for kids.  This would even make a nice pin cushion for someone who sews and loves coffee.  Heck, it could be hot chocolate.  I could crochet mini marshmallows on top.  I mean it's a play toy, so we can play all sorts of make believe.

Friday, November 6, 2015

Dandelion Greens for Dogs ~ Crocheted Cowls ~ Writing Update

I picked up more dandelion greens on my trip to town delivering meals to Dad.  With my dehydrator due to arrive any day now, I plan to dehydrate some for Jesse.  The one dog remaining from the original pack of ours.

He has tumors, and some were removed, but are growing back.  They are "fatty" tumors, but with that in mind, I'm drying dandelion, to sprinkle over his food (1 tsp. per every 20 lbs. of weight).  

His dog treats are made with kale, so he's getting more vitamins and nutrients that way as well.

Thursday, April 30, 2015

Flower Cup Coaster ~ More Gardening

I'm using leftover scrap yarn from crocheting seat cushions, to make these cup coasters in my very few spare minutes of time (which is about a few nights a week now, ha ha).

Thursday, April 9, 2015

Still sick, but plowing through....

Hubby bought this new sign for me.  It's totally me.  It's totally him too.  To start my day requires a heavy dose of organic coffee.  

The ironic part, is that we ran out of coffee yesterday.  The last thing I wanted to do was run out to the store.  I truly missed Hubby's help yesterday.

Friday, April 3, 2015

Crocheted Placemats and Chair Cushions ~ Vultures and Tidbits

I think these placemats will look nice when I finish them all.  It will work until I have a day to antique shop for some long tablecloths (in spring colors).  I made them as large as our largest dinner plates.  The width is good, but I could crochet less rows and still make them fit nicely.

Saturday, March 7, 2015

Surprise Delivery ~ Just for Me


The birds are singing this morning.  What a nice thing to wake up too.  It sounds so peaceful out there.  It's a good day to let the ladies out and clean the coop too.  They will be so happy to be out and about today.  My 15 year-old opened the door and smiled, "it sounds like spring out there."  

Yesterday, I was just finishing up my lunch, when a van pulled in.  My Hubby surprised me with red roses.  

Tuesday, March 3, 2015

An apple in my pocket ~ The iPod eating box ~ Floor Rug

School closed today, so watch out.  This post will be a doozy.  I've got a pot of coffee all to myself, and all the kids are still in bed.

I guess, although we are to warm up to the 38°F, they are predicting ice covered roads until noon today.
 
Aside from animal feed, which I may run out before the end of the week, I'm declaring this week a no-spend week.  Toilet paper is stocked up so we are good in that department.

Tuesday, February 17, 2015

I got "Notered" ~ Granny Square Crochet Bookmark ~ Random Tidbits

I woke up with a hot cup of coffee, and sat down to read my email and discovered I was "notered" by Youngest Daughter.

(The history of the "noters":  for years we exchanged uplifting notes.  I'd put them in their lunches, and Youngest loved to write me back often).

Here is what I found in my email today:

 
 "Soo I don't really have anything to write about but I love you mommy. You're amazing and you care for me and I love you. Also check facebook :) I couldn't help but brag about how amazing my mom is.. I love you. You do a lot for me and there should be more than one day of the year that I show my gratitude to you and how much I appreciate you, and of course the work you do for me. You are AMAZING. I love you. I love you times 10000000 <3 :d="" are="" br="" hearts="" lol="" love="" mom="" symbols="" those="" you="">

Sent from my iPod=



That just made my day start even better.  I did hack into Hubby's facebook to see what she posted too (Sigh....in a good way).
 


Lookie, lookie! (just trying to be funny)  I found another one!  (actually I found two, but I'll explain the other one on another post).

While shuffling through my leaning-tower-of- Pisa stack of magazines, I found this:

Saturday, February 14, 2015

The little things that say "I love you"

Happy Valentine's Day!

I wanted to make something useful for the kids this month - a little something to say "I love you."  I don't like to simply wait for February to tell them, so my challenge to myself is to tell them more often.


I used scrap fabric to make these homemade cards (right), and old book pages (left) to create the envelope.  I used a fine-line black marker to make dashes around the scrap fabric heart (adhered with fusible web). 

What's inside?

Tuesday, January 27, 2015

Pinto Beans ~ Pantry Lunch Packings ~ Handiwork Developments



I finally broke down and rinsed our home grown pinto beans.  The piddly harvest....we all know that story right?  Either way, I am cooking them to go with breakfast burritos, snacks and after school burritos.   We get creative with breakfast burritos.  Which reminds me, I better open a jar of zucchini salsa too.