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

Vintage Hankies ~ Crochet Projects Continue

I'm sharing some very special hankies that belonged to my mother.  I am not sure what I will do with them yet.  I know for one idea, I will be using them to decorate around the house and possibly take some camping.

More Finished Gifts

I finally finished the baby bonnet and booties for the expected baby next month.  I used two free patterns from the Internet - Granny Square Baby Bonnet and a bootie pattern on Bernat yarn site (you have to register to print it).

Embroidery ~ Relaxing and Fun

I am reading the diaries from pioneer women who crossed the U.S. in the 1800's and it's been interesting and amazing.  Many women took extra needles and thread with them and traded with Indians for food.  Embroidery work, on hankies and other items were also given as gifts.  In my quest to embroider, learn more, and improve my skills, I have completed several projects.  Here are photos of my progress so far:

Here is my first embroidery sampler (posted before)

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)

More Canning for Christmas Gifts

The teacher of my 3rd grader, will be receiving a jar of homemade candy apple jelly.  I crocheted a round dishcloth in variegated cotton with red, green and white colors, and wrapped it around the jar.

 The dishcloth ended up larger than I thought, but you know they always shrink after washing.  It fit perfect around the bottom of a half pint jar of homemade jelly, and served nicely for "wrapping" paper.  I hope the teacher enjoys both items.

We have also started our holiday baking.  The kids are doing most of it considering I am sick, and so are many of the other kids.  I have one daughter who has taken over the candy making and is doing a wonderful job.  She helped make toffee, and made buckeyes for the family Christmas.

Toffee starts with a lot of butter, but ends up tasting so delicious.  I think this year's batch was the best batch ever made so far.

 My daughter did a great job.  It really helps to have help.

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:

Christmas Handmade - Another Poncho

With leftover yarn from a blanket and leftover yarn from a scarf I made last year, I made my 8 year old this poncho.  It's a lot bigger than I thought it would be, but she's tall, so she can wear it for a few years.

Homemade Gifts ~ Poncho

Here is a pattern I am using for my 8  year-old's poncho.  I am using leftover yarn from two different projects.

 I will make 2 rectangle pieces and sew them together, creating a diamond shaped neck hole.

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

Crocheted Dish Scrubbie ~ Christmas 2009

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

Christmas Gift Projects ~ Wrist Warmers

I found a super simple pattern on the Internet for these cute wrist warmers.  They are actually called fingerless mittens on the pattern.  I plan to make more sets with the yarn left over from making slippers.  If I can locate the exact link to the pattern, I will add it to this post.  I think I will make longer ones for the older girls. 

Christmas Gift Ideas - Bead Projects

I found this wonderful link to many free bead projects. All of the instructions include a skill level and there are many ideas for Christmas gifts you can make yourself.

More crocheted dishcloths finished

(Size 9 x 9 inch, above)

(Size 10 x 10 inch, above)

(Size 8 x 8 inch, above)

More Handmade Gift Ideas 2009

Pencil Bags

Wellness Bag

Oven Mitts

Gifts for the Crafter

More Crochet Projects Finished

I'm making these washcloths about 11 x 11 inches. I'm still making other color varieties, as well as white. The pink would make nice gifts for breast cancer survivors, and the red would make nice gifts to women with heart conditions.

Crocheted Slippers ~ Christmas Handmade 2009

Another crocheted pair of slippers for Christmas. This pair is for one of the girls that has a dog for a pet. I love the buttons!

Handmade Gift Ideas for Teachers, Friends, Neighbors and other Adults

Crocheted Snowflake Bookmark

No-sew sachets

Beaded Fringe Earrings (Crochet)

Wavy Shoulder Bag (Knit)