A New Year is Almost Here

Only two days left in 2012!  I remember how as a child it was very difficult for me to remember that it was 1950, not 1949.  Wow!  How time flies!  You should enjoy every day of your Life, because time passes so very fast and before you know it, you will feel the same way about your long-gone childhood.

So what's going to be on your table on New Year's Day?  We'll have our traditional meal - Blackeye peas, rice, greens, and cornbread, with a apple pie/cake & ice cream for desert.  That Christmas ham will season the beans, and do it deliciously.  One of the main reasons we always have a ham at Christmas, is for the blackeye peas on New Years!  LOL~

I finished a test pattern for a Sock Monkey hat this week.  Isn't it cute?  It's by Tammy Harder.

 

The pattern can be found on Ravelry at http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/sock-monkey-hat---newborn-through-adult-sizes

 

 

I hope you have a good New Year's Eve and Day and that the new year brings happiness and good health to you and yours~

The world did not end on 12-21-12, so let's all have a wonderful holiday season and new year! 

My Goals for 2013 - What are yours?

Jen, at Everyday Life and Leisure made me realize that it IS time to make my Goals for 2013.  I gave up making New Year's Resolutions ages ago, when I realized they usually led to my feeling bad for not keeping them.  Instead I changed to setting Goals that I hoped to reach.  I don't always reach them, but I do not feel like a failure.

With that in mind, here are some of my Goals for 2013;

Well, my Goals for 2013 include, but definitely are not limited to . . . .

1) Make several dozen Amigurumi to give to children at the Wiregrass Christmas Celebration.  Georgia Museum of Agriculture

2) Socks! I hope to crochet at least a half-dozen pairs of socks for myself, and one pair for hubby to see if he likes them too.

3) Crochet the Lantern Pullover sweater that my dear friend Jennifer gave me yarn for.

4) Learn to needle felt, and make 5 cats, one each for my daughter, a friend at the Agrirama, my son & DIL, another friend, and myself. I ordered a kit from Nancy's Notions, so maybe it will happen~

Crochet sets of Little Dress and Little Britches dishcloths to sell at the Wiregrass Christmas - this time WITH the poem.
Stitch 'n Frog blogspot

Crochet hats and squares for those who need them.

Crochet more hat/cocoon and hat/blanket sets for our local hopsital for the Preemies and Preemie Angels.

 

And the last crochet Goal is to crochet all of the critters in this store - Little Owl's Hut 

I think this might be the first one I make :

 

Isn't he a Darling?  I just love him!  But then I love ALL of her patterns~

Last for this list, but certainly NOT least! Is to learn to cook healthier meals. After all, at 68 I really do need to cook better meals for us. My body isn't as young and resiliant as it once was~ LOL 

A Wild Yarn Gal in Etsy

Do you need something embroidered, Beautifully embroidered, by a Pro?  This Wild Yarn Gal is the one you should contact.

Just look at the beautiful wall hanging she made~

 

 

And if you want this sweater, you had better be VERY FAST because not only is it hand knit, it is priced way below the going market price.

This is her Etsy Store addy - A Wild Yarn  But be quick, her prices are amazingly low!  And trust me, the low price does not reflect in shoddy work!  I have some of her work and it is top notch!

Wiregrass Christmas Celebration 2012

What a wonderful day you missed if you were not at the Agrirama yesterday!  The weather was lovely, the people attending were too!  Those of us who stayed all day and demonstrated had a great time, at least I sure did!

Agrirama Wiregrass Christmas at the Museum

You can see a LOT of photos at their site, of this and previous events out there.  At this point there are none of myself or of Wendy, maybe later? 

This is one that Wendy snapped with her cell phone -

Being at the Agrirma and having her snap a photo with her cell phone, is rather ironic. At the time the village is set in, even a telephone in the house was rare and they sure couldn't take photos!

The hallway we sat in to crochet is the "dog trot".  It is a hallway that is open on each end, to allow air to travel through to cool the house in summer.  With gates on the room doors, you could open the door to the dog trot to allow the hot air to escape, while keeping the dogs out. 

There were a group of musicians on the front porch, playing a variety of songs, Christmas, childrens, country, all sorts of songs.  And a lady whose voice is truly incredable sang along with them.

Another lady, Ms Cody, was in the kitchen cooking biscuits & sausage gravy on a wood stove.  Talk about delicious!  Yum!  You could have your biscuit with gravy or with site made cane syrup. Right beside the house was the cane press and syrup making shed.  You could also get a small cup of fresh cane juice to drink.  Oh how I loved snitching cane juice to drink when I was a child.  My grandfather's press was just like the one they have at the Agrirama, and lots of neighbors brought their cane over for grinding in it.

If you ever want to see the late 1800 early 1900 times in action, come visit the Agrirama.

Preparedness Pantry - Food Storage, Emergency Preparedness, Emergency Kits, Water Storage: 12 Days of Christmas, 12 Days of Giveaways

Preparedness Pantry - Food Storage, Emergency Preparedness, Emergency Kits, Water Storage: 12 Days of Christmas, 12 Days of Giveaways: Can you believe it's almost December? Neither can I! Well, if time has flown by and left you scrambling for Christmas gifts, our 12 Days...

BOGO Sale starts at Midnight Tonight!

A BOGO sale of my patterns starts at midnight tonight (and I would honor it now too. LOL)

Here are some of the things that you can make from my patterns~

Stitch Sampler Hat & Scarf

Beret and Keyhole Scarf Set

Double Thick Potholder - comes with Easy Dishcloth pattern

Bloodshot Eyeball Hacky Sack

I like this for people who are ill or in the hospital, so I can "keep my eye on them"

 

My Favorite Kitchen and Bath Washcloths!

I use and swear by these washcloths. They are great on dishes AND on our skin.

 

OctoGottcha pattern

OctoGottchas look like an octopus, but they steal brains and put them in the head of their child. But PLEASE warn your child to not put the OctoGottcha on a dumb person's head because then he/she will be getting dumb brains. 

Ditto for dogs, cats, ferrets, birds etc.  No one really wants to have Bird Brains!



 

And more, but you can see them in Stitch 'n Frog's Etsy Shop

 

I'm off to crochet on items from other people's patterns . . . It figures, doesn't it.  LOLOL~



From December 1 through 14th,

In case you want to use one of my patterns to make a Christmas or other holiday gift for someone, I am going to have a BOGO in the first two weeks of December.

If you buy any pattern from my Etsy shop, you may note in the Comments section of the sales basket which other pattern you want free.

Do not buy the second pattern, it will cost you.  Just send the note to me about which one you want as your second pattern.

This will run from December 1 until 11pm on December 14th.

Stitch 'n Frog's Etsy Shop

Happy Hooking~

For anyone who asked a question, but

For anyone who asked a question, but did not get a reply.

I just recently found out how to view comments.  So if you asked me a question via comments, but had no reply, it was not that I did not care, it was that I did not see it.

So please, ask again and I will try to check Comments every day~

Flying Fairy Princess is finished!

The Flying Fairy Princess hat has been finished.  Would you believe that I have a second one over half-finished now?  ROFLMBO!    It is going much quicker and easier now that I'm not as stressed as I was while working on the first hat.

Pardon the way I look in the photo  - - not enough rest and too much stress can do that to a person.  But maybe the hat will take your gaze away from me.  At least I sure hope so!

These photos give a better view of the face.



The flower below the pompom is partially hidden, but they are cute.  I did change the pink yarn that is securing the braids in these photos.  Should have done it prior to the photos, but did not even notice until the pictures were taken and downloaded.

The Flying Fairy Princess Hat is by Fussy Gussy Baby 


Look at the pattern that will soon be available at Little Owl's Hut  or at Little Owl's Hut at Ravelry

And Her other patterns are equally wonderful! It is too cute for words. Here's a photo of it - - -  

As soon as it hit's her store, I'm going to get that one too!  I have most of their patterns now, but have not been able to work on them.  But very soon they will be my main projects to get done!

I'm not suppose to be here . . . .

I'm not suppose to be here, blogging, today.  I am suppose to be putting the fnishing touches on a hat for a client.  This adorable hat -

 

It's from Fussy Gussy and the pattern is not hard, it's just me~

For some reason, it is kicking my butt!  Granted sometimes I need a good swift kick in the butt to get me moving, but this darling hat is really beating me badly!  I am using the same colors that Fussy Gussy used, and it is just too cute for words.  Maybe when it's done I can make more of them without cringing at the thought, but I think I'll take a break for a little while . . . maybe~

Granted I had to take time out to make a set of Counting Fish since the lady pre-paid, but this hat should have been finished ages ago.  I am planning to get it off to it's new home this week.  Maybe I can get hubby to buy me a pecan waffle breakfast on Friday after getting his INR (blood thickness test) if I get the hat done and ready to mail . . . Those waffles are Yummy!

Look at what Sara Teasdale is doing now!

Day of the Dead ceramics: what do you think?

Oh look at this gorgeous piece by Patty Mara! I am loving the detail and the design. I am starting to make more Day of the Dead ceramic pieces for the upcoming shows and art festivals.

I think what I like best is the boldness of the designs and strong imagery. What do you think?

 

See more of her beautiful work at KliKlaKlay

Love this cocoon & hat set!

A couple of days ago I finished this cocoon and hat set, isn't it beautiful?  Not my work, the pattern!

The stitch pattern is lovely and it works up very quickly.  The pattern is from Sandy Power at these links;

 Sandy's Cape Cod Orignials at Etsy

sandyscapecodoriginals blog

ravelry.com/stores/sandy-powers-designs  store at Ravelry

And beware, because you will find a LOT of patterns there that you will love!  While you're there, check out the Alligator slippers.  Aren't they a hoot?

Have a Great Weekend and enjoy Life~

I LOVE RAKs!

A box came in, one that I had not ordered.  No one else here had ordered it either.  I opened it and was brought to tears immediately.  It was a RAK (Random Act of Kindness) by a member or my Ravelry group.

She had sent yarn to me, for making the baby, preemie, and preemie angel things for the hospital.  And was most generous too!  How does one thank a person for doing such a kind and wonderful thing?

Here is a photo of the yarn she sent -

It is all Caron's Simply Soft, which is the yarn that the hospital requested.  I can also use Caron's Natura Pounder yarn.  There is enough yarn here to keep me busy for a good while before running out!

A summer of hooking for a good cause awaits me with the gift of this yarn!   Thank you so much Jennifer!

Preemie Angle blankets & hats

This is what I've been up to all week, working on Preemie blanket/hat sets.

I am using Caron's Natura Pounder yarn in the baby print for the tiny blankets & hats.  With one skein, I got 3 blanket/hat sets, and one cocoon/hat set.  The blankets are approximately 14" square as requested, and the hats are tiny, sized with a preemie size chart.

All proceeds from my patterns are going for more yarn to make more of these.  The hospital need more preemie blankets, and those I enjoy making~

These are the first batch;

After I take them to the hospital I will find out if the pouch is the right size.  It's so tiny that just looking at it makes me sad that a life was lost so early, the blankets hit me the same way.

So now I am working on some Angel Pouches, tho that is not the name the designer gave it, I just can't stand to even type the correct name.  It is beautiful and I hope will bring some consulation to the parents they go to.

This is a link to the Angel Pouch pattern, in case you want to make some for your hospital too.

Tonis Angel Pouch

I won a pattern!

When I woke this morning, it was to find that I am in a full Fibro flare.  In other words, in misery.  A fibro flare is where you feel;

Pain all over

Fatigue

Sleep difficulties

Brain fog

Morning stiffness

Muscle knots, cramping, weakness

Digestive disorders

Headaches/migraines

Balance problems

Itchy/burning skin

After prying myself out of bed, limping to the kitchen where I turned the coffee pot on, and swallowed some medication to help with the pain, I turned the computer on to check my email while waiting for the coffee to be ready to pour.

My day turned much, much happier when I saw on FaceBook that I had won a pattern from Bella Crochet !   Thank you so very much Bella Crochet!
I immediately went to her site to drool over her patterns.  I had bought patterns from her previously so knew it would take some time to choose.  I highly recommend her site for beautiful, well written patterns.

After a cup of coffee, and much looking, I finally chose her Sedona Wrap.

I get cold very easily, love to read, need pockets for my phone & book, so this was just perfect for me!  It's almost as though she knew me and designed it just for me!  And my daughter too.  I imagine there will be two Sedona Wraps underway in this house soon~

Now, for an update on hubby, he is doing much much better, tho his blood is still not at the right thinness.  Now it is TOO thin!  The nurse sent us home Friday after the test, with the instruction for me to feed him some dark green leafy veggies to thicken the blood some.  And we are to continue having the iceberg lettuce salad every other day.  Next Friday, we will find out how well we've done.   Once his blood is stable, we will have to stay with that dietary regime for the rest of his life.

The main thing is that he IS doing much better, the doctor approved his return to work on Monday, and he is determined to eat as directed to get better and stay that way.  I kinda like the man, so am very happy that he actually wants to eat the way they've told him to.  And who knows, maybe both of us will be more healthy and lose some weight in the bargain!

I hope you are having a wonderful weekend and that the coming week is the best you have ever had!

Not much crochet time lately

Well, I've not had much crochet time lately, at least not things that require a pattern.  I've made a bunch of newborn baby hats for the hospital, then Thursday got a call from them asking if I had a tiny blanket or cocoon for a baby that was not  going to live.  I didn't.  But I did whip out a little cocoon that afternoon and took it to them. 

A professional photographer comes in when they lose a baby, to take a photograph for the parents to keep.  They try to have the baby in a blanket with a cap, or a cocoon, for the photo, then they give them to the parents along with the photograph as a keepsake.

It breaks my heart to make them, but they asked if I could make some in a variegated baby blue & pink yarn.  So I will.  I had to order yarn, even with all the yarn I have, that kind/color was not in my Stash.   As soon as it comes in, I'll get started on some blankets & hats first then some cocoons.  The blankets need to be only 14 inches square.  That alone broke my heart.  So tiny, with no chance at Life.

It is a sad thing, but from the parents viewpoint, it is a loving thing.  So if you think you can do it for the parents in your area, contact your hospital and ask if they need them and what size is most needed.  I have nothing other than memories and a photograph of my two lost babies graves. So can say from personal experience that your work will be appreciated and loved for many years.

The reason I was crocheting only newborn hats for the past week, is that my husband was in the hospital with blood clots in his legs and lungs.  We are so very lucky that he agreed to go in.  He does not have pain with them, like most people does.  So we have to watch for other symptoms.  For the rest of his life he will be on Coumadin and on the Coumadin diet - very careful of vitamin K intake.  I did not realize that it thickens the blood, causing it clot quicker.  Naturally the foods he likes best have a lot of vitamin K in them.  I'll be giving all of our high-K foods to some friends who can use them, and not buying more.  This is at hubby's request.  He said that if he can't eat the amount he wants of them (huge bowls each serving) he'd rather not eat them at all.

We got him out of the hospital Tuesday afternoon, and he's still weak and needs more rest.  So this weekend we are enjoying some rainy weather, practicing go be professional Couch-Potatoes, and getting Square Eyed from watching movies.  Not a bad weekend, eh?

Wishing you and yours a happy weekend and good health!

My Spidey'ghan is in a free crochet afghan pattern ebook

My Spidey'ghan pattern is in All Free Crochet's new ebook "Crochet for Men"  Get your copy at this link;

all free crochet afghan patterns

Just in time for Father's Day! You've seen plenty of pretty, frilly afghans and throws but what about patterns for guys? Everyone loves curling up with a homemade afghan, especially when the pattern fits their personality.

Create sporty lapghans, squares and so much more with this handy eBook. Download your copy of Crochet For Men: 14 Crochet Afghan Patterns for Men and Boys today — it's completely free!  all free crochet afghan patterns

Technicolor Fish

These are my Technicolor Fish for learning to count and/or for learning colors.  They are for sale in sets of ten, in both my Etsy and YardSellr shops.
They can also be made with magnets inside in case one wants to make a "fishing pond" with them, or used without the magnets for making a crib mobile.

Lil Fishies - Counting Fish

This is a bad photo, tho it was the best of the lot, of the first batch of ten Counting Fish I've made.  They are to help small ones learn to count to ten, while learning how many ten actually is.  I may make a fish crib mobile that can be taken apart as the baby grows, to become Counting Fish for him/her.

This is the same fish, so you can see why I'm not pleased with either the indoor or outdoor photo colors.

The pattern is a free one, you can find it at;

Lil Fishy

It is easy, fast, and accurate.  A very nice pattern!

Diaper Cover & Leg Warmers

Finally!  I managed to get a photo of this darling set of Zebra Diaper Cover and Leg Warmers. 

The pattern can be found at http://shop.snappytots.com and is very easy & quick to make.  She includes changes for older babies/todlers as well.

And just to add to the Cute Factor, I have not gotten the photos of my cocoon like this one, but it is finished.  It and the set above will be given to a  lady for her first grandbaby.  I think she'll love them.

Also a Snappy Tots pattern



I've been thinking of how cute this entire set would be as a  little Honey Bee.  Whatcha think?

Elephants Are Soooo Cute

This pair of Elephants, Morris and Matilda, are too cute for words!  I'm going to be making them just as quickly as I can finish up the current project.  You can find the pattern at The Itsy Bitsy Spider shop on Etsy

But what colors to use . . . . hummm . . . . .

Pink and Blue are great, but as you know, I'm a bit weird, so~

My Swiffer type pad patttern

Hi!  I hope everyone is having a lovely Sunday afternoon.  And if you live in the stormy areas, I hope you come through the storms unscathed.

A while back I wrote a simple crochet pattern for my swiffer.  I hated buying pads for it, and with the economy and jobs as they are now, I decided to share it for free instead of selling the pattern in my Etsy shop or YardSellr shop.

So, here is my pattern for an easily made, washable & reuseable cover for a Swiffer type floor cleaner.

Sugar'n Cream - Duster Cover (crochet) by Gail E and Wendy G - January 2010

This crocheted Duster Cover slips right onto the end of your mop or duster for easy and economical cleaning.

MATERIALS

Lily® Sugar’n Cream Ombres  (56.7 g/2 oz/ 86 m/95 yds) 1 ball

Size 5 mm (U.S. H or 8) crochet hook or size needed to obtain gauge.

INSTRUCTIONS

Main Piece

Ch 37.

1st row: (RS). 1 sc in 2nd ch from hook. 1 sc in each ch across. Turn. 36 sc.

**2nd row: Ch 1. Working in back loop only of each sc, 1 sc in each sc across. Turn.

Rep last row until work from beg measures 4 ins [10 cm]. Fasten off.**

Sides (make 2).

Ch 12.

1st row: (RS). 1 sc in 2nd ch from hook.  Rep from ** to ** in Main Piece.

Join Sides to Main Piece: Place 1 Side at each end of Main Piece and pin outer edges tog. With RS facing, join yarn with sl st in any corner. Ch 1. Work 1 row of sc around outer edge (through both thicknesses of Side and Main Piece at each end), working 3 sc in each corner. Join with sl st to first sc. Fasten off.

Note: Slip each end around the dusting tool’s base. When one side is soiled, flip the side pockets inside-out and use the opposite side to keep cleaning! The ridge stitch design helps trap dirt.

AND - at this site, Suzies Yarnie Stuff , you will find a great Broom Handle Duster pattern that works great on the end of your duster handle.  It gets way up to do away with spider webs, dust, etc.  I make them to match my floor duster cover.  They even make a great gift.

Spring Flowers Cell Phone Pouch

It's Spring in southern Georgia, and in honor of the Spring Flowers that grow, here's my Spring Flowers Cell Phone Pouch.

It comes with five flowers that are attached to the pouch with the button provided.  I like wilder colors for my flowers, but it would be awfully boring if everyone liked the same things.

I've been sick for nearly a full week, so haven't felt up to posting and haven't gotten much hooking done either.  But I think it is finally clearing up so maybe I'll get more done at home, and post more too.

Happy Thursday To You!

Do you Crochet/Knit and want new and innovative patterns?

If you crochet, or knit, and want to see some new and innovative patterns, do I have the shop for you!  I have a good number of her patterns, and would have ALL of them if my bank account and hooks could handle the load! 

Her patterns are so cute, and you can trust me on this - Kids Love Them!  You will not be dissapointed if you buy a dozen or two dozen of them, and get started on your Christmas gifts right now.  You'll be the hit of every kid in town who sees your kids, or you, with something designed by Heidi!

These are just a few of her hats.  My 45 year old daughter has asked for the white & black Snoopy lookalike dog hat.

THIS is the hat I want for myself, and I want to wear it out to the restaurant for Thanksgiving Dinner!

Don't you think I'd look great in it? 

Go check out Heidi's Snappy Tot's shop.  I promise you that you will not be dissapointed~

Snappy Tot's Shop

Cell Phone Pouch / Cozy / Bag

I will be posting the pattern for it as a free pattern after it's tested.  If you want to test it for me, send me your email address and I'll get the pattern out to you.
Stitch_n_Frog@mchsi.com

What do you do when Life gets in your way?

What do you do when Life gets in your way?  I brood, crochet, and watch stupid movies on TV.  For the past few days that's all I've done, mostly brood while watching those stupid movies. If you have never seen the movie "Second Sight" and like silly, stupid, yet very funny movies, give it a try.

For Saint Patrick's Day I made a cell phone pouch with a 4-leaf clover, and I'll use that one all month in March.  Maybe I also need a white pouch with a bunny face, ears, and tail?

And have made a couple of children's hats, one Minnie Mouse and one Mickey Mouse hat.  No photos of those yet. 

Crocheting helps keep my hands busy when my mind won't focus on Life and the normal things that need doing.  Therapy comes in many forms~ ~ ~ 

Rainbow Cell Phone Pouch

Just finished this one today~

I like the Happy Colors in this one~

New Item in my shops - Cell Phone Pouches

These are now on sale in my Etsy shop and my YardSellr shops. Or may be purchased by contacting me at Stitch_n_Frog@mchsi.com

At my email address I can accept Pay Pal only.

Over the shoulder Cellular Phone pouch.

Pouch fits most cellular phones as is, with a strap that is worn cross-shoulder. Each Pouch Is Made To Order: For a quote, send the following information
1) Size of cell phone (height, width, thickness)
2) Length of strap desired
3) Color/s desired
4) Flower or no flower
5) If an Animal Pouch is desired, include type of animal ($12.00) plus shipping
6) PO'ed Pecker Pouch (like Angry Birds) is also extra ($15.00) plus shipping

To purchase, after confirming via email with request, I will send an invoice to you from Pay Pal. After payment is received, pouch will be mailed within one week.

~Thank you for looking~

Angry Birds

These are my latest FO and will be going to their new home soon.  The little guys with the hats are Mini-OctoGottcha's.  I thought that the boys who are going to get the hats, would love one of them in the same color.  Whatcha think?

I enjoy making them and watching them each take on a personality of their own as their faces are sewn onto the hat.

They sell for $15.00 each and shipping.  If you are in the market for one or more, contact me about them.  I accept PayPal. You can reach me at Stitch 'n Frog

I make them for size baby to adult.  All I need is the measurement of the receipent's head, or their approximate age, There is also a Yellow and a White Angry Bird.

I can also make a baby's diaper cover in the same color as the hat.  It makes for a very cute set.

OctoGottcha vs Loctollipop

When this critter was first designed, its name was Loctollipop.  However due to people not being able to say or remember the name, they now are OctoGottchas.  Octo because they look like an octopus.  And Gottcha because if they are placed on your head, even for an instant, they've "Gottcha" brain!

Recently, in getting ready for a craft show in April, I made the batch below.  The bodies of the ones above are about 4" tall, while the ones below have a body only about 2" tall.  They are the perfect size to give as surprises to the kids that come up to my table, or to children while I'm "out & about".  They are especially helpful when at the doctor's office, given to a child who is frightened or miserably sick.  For some reason ( I can't figure out why . . . LOL ) the thought of sucking the brains out of someone, then putting those brains in their own heads, seems to brighten even the most ill child ~:o)  Sure wish I'd have thought of them when my own children were young!

The pattern is currently on sale in my Etsy store~ Stitch 'n Frog at Etsy