Phew! I'm Back ~ Family Funny

I'm back, and a day early.  The tulips are blooming and we have beautiful colors surrounding the front porch - pink, purple, red, and white.
 
My break from blogging gave me more time to work on our "extreme" house cleaning.  I got all the windows washed and cleaned of winter mildew, washed all the curtains, a few walls, and boots are put away.  I spent time cleaning out my closet (holds my crafts supplies, so you can imagine how packed in it is), and tidying up and dusted.  I also got work done in the gardens.

Here's what else I got accomplished:

I finished the brightly colored tablet cover.  It was too short for my youngest daughter's tablet, so it went to my 13 year-old.  However, I will still make her one.  I just won't make these for sale.  They will make great gifting ideas though.  The pattern is on Sugar n'Cream (http://www.sugarncream.com/search.php?pspt=o&advps=y), and you do need to register to view the free pattern.

I finally found a hot pepper jelly recipe that tastes hot, but it turned out too thick.  I've only had this problem once, but with another jelly.  If you have a hot pepper jelly recipe to share, I'd love to give it a try.   The one I made yesterday used habanero and green peppers, and the peppers get strained out.  Hubby said he'll eat it all, but I can't sell  any of it, so I'm a bit bummed about that.  It's just too thick.

~The Funny ~

I was sitting at the computer this morning, loading photos, updating blogs, and making the last of the market signs, when I hear my 13 year-old screaming in the bathroom.

Those of us who were up, began looking at each other, wondering what was going on in that bathroom.  I thought, hmm?  maybe a spider?  

I got her to unlock and open the bathroom door (after much more screaming, and by then I was thinking snake?).  We found her sitting on the top of the toilet, with her feet up on the sink, screaming even more.

Guess what it was?

A mouse!  Ha ha ha!  We got the biggest laugh.  Even though we sent in a mouser cat to get it, it escaped through a tiny crack in the floor. 

I was still laughing when the school bus arrived. Ha ha ha! 




 

 


  



 

Sharing another gift....and a Sunday Ramble

I can finally share two starfish dishcloths I gifted to my mother.  She received these yesterday.  They are thick enough to be table top/counter hot pads as well.  The pattern is free on-line.  I'll post the link as soon as I locate it again.

Mug Rug for the Football Fanatic ~ Black Bean and Sweet Potato Chili

The pattern is really for a place-mat, but I call it a mug/snack rug for a football fan.  I just finished one for a Christmas present for hubby.  These look pretty nice when they are finished.

The pattern can be found at

Wear Your Slippers All Day ~ October 14th

October 14th is "Wear Slippers all Day" day.

How fun is that? So make sure you put that on your calendar.


Today is National Diversity Day and World Farm Animals Day.  October is also Diversity Awareness Month, Eat Better, Eat Together Month, National Book Month, and National Cookie Month.

It's raining here today.  A bit dreary, but we needed the rain in the garden.  My sugar snap peas were starting to wilt, and my green beans are about ready to harvest.  

In celebration of National Book Month, I am pulling this off my shelf.  Today is a good day for reading this book.  Hubby bought it for me years ago, and it contains seven novels by Jane Austen.  I may also bake us some cookies and hold a "read and feed" night here with the family. 

I am also making a trip to the library.  I to return this book.  I'm not going to have time to make any of these this year.  However, I do plan on checking this book out again.  Cute stuff!

I finished the 4 scarves that teachers ordered, and making a 5th one for my 10 year-old.  They have a spirit week this week, and she has pleaded for one to wear on Friday.

What book(s) are you reading this month?

Knitted Dishcloth/Washcloth Pattern

I have had a few requests for the knitted dishcloth pattern.  I sell these at the Farmer's Market and our family store site (new site under construction).

I've adjusted it to the size that I like, but you can do the same as well.

Note: for dishcloth I knit to 52 on my needle, for a larger dishcloth or washcloth, knit 72

Library Book Heaven ~ Or Dilemma?

Well, most people were right.  All of the those library books got me into a lot of trouble - ha ha ha ha! UGH!  I found soooo many ideas I want to make for friends and gifts and family and and and and......

Check this crochet project out.....

This could have been my "best friend" when I was sick!  These are super cute and handy.  I wonder if these would be useful to women in nursing homes?  The pattern for these are in a book titled Big Book of Crochet, by Leisure Arts.  This book is packed with ideas! 

And that's just the beginning.  I have already started writing book titles and projects into my "crafting journal."


It seems like I am adding projects every day now.  I did have plans to make my Mom some notecards from wallpaper, and did not, so those are on the list again this year too.


Speaking of projects, my 9th grader is working on a box assignment for Art class.  The box is a cigar box and they are filling it with items the represent a place they like.  She came up with ideas and of course headed to my closet - the craft/clothing closet in my bedroom.  It's not small, but not real big either.  


When we moved here, the closet was added on between the bedroom and the garage, so the walls (most of them) are block walls.  There was no hanger bars for clothes hangers either.  It was simply wire shelves on the walls.  


In my prior home I had organized all the supplies in labeled containers, and most of them had fit into this closet.  Many tubs of beads, and material went into the garage.  I often forget what's out there too.

Anyway, she started with a crackle paint to create a barn look on the outside, and then asked for other supplies (I'll post a finished picture later).  This is where we both laughed.

"...but what can I use to make chicks or eggs with?"


"sculpey?"


"OH! I know! That clay stuff I put in your closet last year!"


"Are you kidding me?" I shrieked.  "I'm not sure I can find anything in there!"


So....we ventured into the closet and finally found the clay she was needing, the popsicle sticks and more wood scraps she could use. We ooh'd and ahh'd over things we found in containers, including the tiny wooden clothespins I had.


And guess what?!  I found the roll of applique I had been looking for!  Yay!  Two days of searching and found it.  


You can bet that I'll be spending some time cleaning that closet today.  After I clean a few drawers in my refrigerator too. 


Not only did I find the applique, and items she wanted, but found a tote bag with two unfinished crocheted dishcloths in it. Aiyeeee!  Yep....there's that word again.  I  guess there won't be any moss growing around me feet too soon.

Bed Rest and a Bigger Box

Yesterday was the first day I actually go dressed and left the house.  My son, thankfully, drove us both to go vote.  After that I went back to bed.  The congestion caused me to develop a very bad headache.  I've tried just about everything but the pioneer recipe shared by bluestockingredneck.  Thank you also Denise for the tip with garlic.  And Candy, I have not yet tried a neti pot. Thanks for that tip too.

While spending hours resting, I think I will need a bigger box for my donation to the homeless this winter.

 This project not only provided me with the opportunity to try new patterns, but to reflect on what I am thankful/grateful for.  Although I am sick and feel miserable, my reflections of my gratitude, kept my thoughts more positive.  I am grateful that I have extra yarn to provide warmth for people who have nothing.

 One Warm Coat Crocheted Scarf

 Simple Scarf and Hat

 Scalloped Edged Scarf

 

House full of sick people ~ Storm on the way

We have all been sick these last few days.  We have been soothing sore throats with hot teas.

Before I became worse, or had a house full of sick ones, I was able to crochet a new dishcloth pattern.  I used scrap Christmas colors for next Christmas.

And, crocheted a simple (sc, ch1, sk 1 st, sc) scarf for one of the kids, with yarn I had on hand.  I also cranked out a rough draft article.

My husband, even though it was not in the spending budget, allowed my 11 year-old to pick out yarn for her crocheted, hope chest blanket.  

What is so amazing, is that she picked 2 yarn colors I have leftover from another blanket (she had no idea), and only one additional color to buy.  I decided, since I am not feeling so good, to use the same pattern as the scraf, and I created this rotation of colors on my own.  I will edge it in orchid when it is completed.

Thankfully, my son ran errands, and is helping around the house, because I am still sick.  Two more kids are home, and a storm is on the way.  He's been very helpful in stocking up water (freezing pipes), supplies for sickness and more.  He's even hanging the sheets out on the line.  The wind is strong, and I felt our sheets, which carry germs, needed to be washed.  

 (19°F / Feels like 4°F)

I'm getting yelled at to get my "germs" off the computer now....they are predicting 12-15 inches of snow.  Who knows how much we will actually get.

A peek at Handmade Christmas presents for 2011

The green one is a hot pad holder, very thick with a crab (reverse sc) stitch for edging.  The red is a dish cloth, and again very durable.  I used an on-line pattern, but used yarn I already had, and did not add the pansy flower as instructed in the original pattern.

Dishcloth and Hot Pad Holder (register for free with sugar n' cream yarns to download free pattern)

Christmas Handmade ~ Wrap

I just finished another Christmas present.  I made this nice warm wrap for my 14 year-old using a pattern on-line.  One more gift done!

Men's Hat and Scarf Set - Christmas Handmade

Here is another finished crocheted Christmas gift.  This is a men's hat and scarf.  I used up leftover yarn from a blanket, yarn from a friend and leftover yarn from crocheting wrist warmers last winter.  Here's the pattern I used:

Laundry in the Snow

I was probably the only one in my county that put laundry out to dry while it was snowing.   It proved to be worth it.  The wind kicked up, and the sun came out.  Everything dried.

On another note, I finished a crocheted shawl for my 16 year-old for Christmas, using the 1/2 dc stitch.  Then today I made this "poncho" for my 11 year old with a rose colored yarn that would look great over a white turtle neck sweater.  Apologies in advance for the poor lighting in my house when I took this photo.

I did not use the yarn that the pattern called for, but used yarn a friend gave me.  It worked pretty well and I'm happy with the final poncho.  Here's the pattern I went by:  Posh Poncho.

Homemade Crochet Christmas Gift Ideas ~ Giving Homemade This Year

10 Ideas for Crocheted Christmas Gifts

This is a list compiled from 
the Internet.  Check
Your Local Library for Books and Magazines for
More Patterns and Ideas

Another Crocheted Blanket ~ Started last Sunday

"Why honey, I have no idea how that yarn ended up in the shopping cart!"

Hot pads from beer/pop caps and crocheted covers

My next venture in crocheting. 

I found this pattern by searching the Farmgirl Connection board and my first one (one of several for the first hot pad) didn't turn out too bad. For the pattern you do have to register with
FaveCrafts Quick and Crafty is published by Prime Publishing, Llc. 
 

Crocheted Dish Scrubbie ~ Christmas 2009

This is my current project for additional Christmas presents.  I am thrilled with the pattern I found in 

Saving Money ~ Stop buying wet mop pads

Make these instead: Biffer Shrug (pdf) I definitely have to make these! I will save so much money. There are more patterns on the Internet.

Latest Handmade Christmas Gift Project

You can find the pattern at: Men's Easy Slippers

Although, with all the big feet in this house, I will have to make the ankle part of the slipper wider. They are nice, however, for handmade Christmas presents, or gifts for men.

Christmas Handmade 2009 Update

Crocheted lip balm holders for each of the girls. I'm using leftover slipper yarn, so each girl will have matching slippers and lip balm holder. I'll be attaching a lanyard clip and ring to each one before I wrap them. These will be stocking stuffers.



Here are 3 pairs of slippers completed. I found buttons from $2.00-3.50 (2 per package), on clearance from $.50 to $.97! What a deal! The camo slippers have deer crossing buttons I found in clearance for $.50! I'm working on the 4th and 5th pair. They know they are getting them. They picked their color of yarn and they picked out their buttons. I had to size them as I crocheted them, so I needed their feet anyway. Believe it or not, but they are trying to make me give them the slippers now. Ha, ha, ha!

Now the challenge remains on what to make my 17 year old son. I'm looking for more bootie type slipper patterns for him.

Update on Finding the Crocheted Slipper Pattern

Regarding the crocheted slippers with the button closure:

I could not find the pattern on-line. Here is the link to other free patterns that are in the same issue of "Makin' Hay" and other issues - Mary Jane Butters Patterns and Instructions.

If you have access to a fram supply store such as a TSC store (Tractor Supply), you might find the Aug-Sept 2009 "Makin' Hay" Issue of this magazine. In it, you find patterns for knitting and for crocheting the slippers.