What can Brown do for you?

I received a very special UPS delivery today.


And the delivery guy was the cutest I've ever seen!


I even paid him for his services.


Who says UPS doesn't deliver on Saturdays?

Frugal Shopping & TONS of Pics!

We spent a very long and exhausting, but quite productive, afternoon in Springfield yesterday. After lunch at the Chinese buffet, we went to Goodwill where I scored ALL kinds of AWEsome finds!

First off I spotted this sweater. It's 85% wool so I'm going to try and felt it. I love its stripey goodness and can't wait to figure out what to create with it. But it will have to wait a while... we currently do not have a washing machine at home (we are working on remedying that) and our local laundromat does not have hot water. :(

Cyndi and I both spotted this adorable candle holder, but she was the first to grab it so it went home with her. I do have visiting rights though. :)


Spotting this Circle of Friends candle holder made me forget about the cutesy flowered one though. I've had my eye on one of these for the longest time. And now it's mine!


These are some things I picked up with my son in mind. He's very much into the celtic/medieval/dragon/sword kind of thing but without being kitschy. I gave him the cross right away, but the candleholder and basket I'll hold until Christmas. I could tell he really like the candleholer (the purple rectangular thing). He kept commenting on it but I told him I was keeping it. "It will be perfect in the living room," I said. I'm so evil! >:)


I also found some cool hand stamped stone coasters. The back of one of them is stamped and signed "Hand-stamped with love (C) Stamin' Up Tiffany". Thank you Tiffany, I just love them!



I just realized we got a lot of candle holders! Here is yet another one... A lantern to be exact. It holds a small tea light. I love the bright colors and the butterfly cutout.


I fell in LOVE with this bright orange martini style glass. Now I just need to buy a shelf to display it! LOL


Now on to the real reason we're all here... YARN! I bought 2 of each of the 4 stripes shown below. They are for the Mystery Project I mentioned in my last post. I don't know if I'm feelin' the Autumn Stripes though... It's a little too brown & drab for my taste. I may end up replacing that one with another bright one. BUT, I haven't given up on it just yet. It may look entirely different once it's worked up.

I did get more yarn than this at Hobby Lobby but I can't show it just yet as it's for a Secret Santa partner and I don't want to give away the secret. ;)


At Walmart I went a little crazy stocking up on the Red Heart. Our local store sells it at $2.59 a skein, but Springfield prices it at just $2 even! I guess because they have competition with all the other craft stores in town. Whatever the reason... I decided to stock up on some basics. White, Soft White, Black, Claret, Frosty Green, and Orchid. In total I walked away with 21 skeins. I was disappointed they only had 2 of the new RH colors. I was really hoping to grab some at the lower price. *sigh*

And last but not least, I just couldn't walk past the Halloween section without getting some yummies to fill the candy dish. :)

She's at it again...

I've said it before... I have crocheter's ADD. Yes, I am the Goddess of WIPs. I can't help myself. I'm easily distracted by pretty colors. :)

I thought I'd whip (was that a pun?) up a quick granny square the other day for my Multi Color Granny Square post. Then I liked the colors so much I decided I need to make an entire ghan in this colorway. So I have yet another Grannyghan on the hook!

This one will be for Cyndi to give her mother in law for Christmas. Kathy's favorite colors are green and purple, so she's going to love this one. It won't be a plain granny square afghan though. I'm playing around with joining smaller squares then bordering them to make a larger square. There will be a total of 6 large squares. I'll leave any further details a mystery for now... >:)

I haven't been working on the bright grannyghan lately. I'm still fretting over how to arrange the squares. *sigh* :(

We'll be going to Springfield today (Saturday) for some more yarn/holiday shopping. The last time we were at Hobby Lobby they had some new striped ILTY. I restrained myself at the time and only bought 3 skeins. I've been KICKING myself ever since. I found the PERfect project to use the stripes with. Not just one of the colorways... but 4 of them... all in the same project. Yes, it sounds ugly, but trust me... it will be totally AWEsome. I've even received Cyndi's approval, and trust me, that truly means something! :)

Then Sunday I plan to work on a join-as-you-go tutorial for traditional granny squares. I hope to have the tutorial finished sometime next week so be sure to look for that!

WOOHOO!

I have lots of happy things to report today...

First is a BIG WooHoo! Several weeks ago I finally figured out that I was essentially poisoning myself with the high volume of aspartame I was consuming. After "detoxing" I am so happy to report that I have been feeling very well since I gave up the fake stuff. No more feeling nauseous. No more feeling lethargic. No more just plain feeling like crap. Woohoo!

And an even BIGGER Woohoo for a new and amazing product I discovered. Sun Crystals. I had read a little about the Stevia plant when I was researching sugar alternatives. Then Melani told me about Sun Crystals, an all natural sweetener made from the Stevia plant. No chemicals! Woohoo!

It's a bit pricey at over $6.00 a box, BUT... It's WAY sweeter than aspartame. Where I used to need 6 packets to sweeten my HUGE Rt. 44 tea from Sonic, I only need 1 packet of the Sun Crystals. So in the end it's essentially the same price. Woohoo!

Yarn Update: Our local Walmart cut its craft section drastically this past spring when they did a remodel. As a result, the yarn selection here in town was cut by at least 50%, if not more. So when I recently started seeing clearance tags on several of the yarns they still carry I was feeling a little nervous. Several Red Heart colors, all of the Simply Soft Eco, a few of the Homespun colors, and some of the Vanna's Choice were all marked down. I was happy to get a good deal, especially on the Homespun, but it still worried me. Walmart is the ONLY yarn store within 50 miles! I wasn't looking forward to traveling an hour just to get the basics.

Well today I was happy to see the reason for all the clearance yarns. They were making room for new colors AND new yarns! WOOHOO!!! Cyndi and I spent a while drooling over the new yarns and the new colors of Red Heart. I bought 2 skeins of a gorgeous new (to me) RH green called Tea Leaf, and Cyndi bought some Cherry Cola. I could have bought SO much more yarn, especially the new BULKY yarn they have, but I am on a yarn diet for now. I still had fun looking and planning potential future projects though. :)

Pattern Update: I finally posted the Multi Color Granny Square pattern that I'm using for the grannyghan. I also updated my Solid Granny pattern. Something I've been meaning to do for AGES. It's basically a standard granny, the only real difference with mine is that I prefer not to turn after each row as many patterns do. Next on the agenda will be creating a tutorial showing the join as you go technique for the Granny Squares.

And now a sneak preview of what's to come...
I totally amazed myself and finished up November's square AND wrote the pattern this past Tuesday. So it will actually start on time next month! WOOHOO!

Multi Color Granny Square

Multi Color Granny Square

NOTE: Please realize that although I am not the designer of the common Granny Square and cannot claim copyright as such, I do however claim copyright on these instructions as written by me.

Finished size: 4 rows = 5 1/2 inches

Materials: Worsted Weight Yarn*: 2.5 yards color A, 5 yards color B, 7.5 yards color C, 10 yards color D; US size "I" hook; Tapestry needle for weaving in ends.

With color A ch 5, sl st in 5th ch from hook to form loop

Round 1: ch 3, [2 dc, ch 2, (3 dc, ch 2) 3 times] in loop, join with sl st in top of beg ch 3, fasten off.

Round 2: Join color B with sl st in any ch 2 sp, ch 3, (2 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) in same sp, ch 1, * (3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) in next ch 2 sp, ch 1, rep from * twice more, join with sl st in top of beg ch 3, fasten off.

Round 3: Join color C with sl st in any ch 2 sp, ch 3, (2 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) in same sp, ch 1, 3 dc in next ch 1 sp, ch 1, * (3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) in next ch 2 sp, ch 1, 3 dc in next ch 1 sp, ch 1, rep from * twice more, join with sl st in top of beg ch 3, fasten off.

Round 4: Join color D with sl st in any ch 2 sp, ch 3, (2 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) in same sp, ch 1, (3 dc, ch 1) in each ch 1 sp across, * (3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) in next ch 2 sp, ch 1, (3 dc, ch 1) in each ch 1 sp across, rep from * twice more, join with sl st in top of beg ch 3, fasten off, weave in ends.

*Yardage given is for a 4 round/4 color Granny Square. For a larger Granny Square , repeat round 4 until desired size. For yarn amount, increase yardage by 2.5 yd increments. i.e. Round 5 would use approx. 12.5 yds.

Pattern written by April Moreland
© 2009 All rights reserved

Fred's New Duds

Fred is still alive and doing fine. After his mega dose of Botanical Viagra (A.K.A. water) his leaves are nice and plump and shiny, much better than when I first brought him home. I know it hasn't been that long, but still, I'm very proud to report that he's quite healthy and happy looking, albeit a little naked. I'm thinking maybe I should crochet him a sweater for his bucket. I have some bright Noro waiting for a fun project and I think Fred is deserving of the honor.

He's perking up already! :) Fred is looking quite spiffy in his new duds if I do say so. :) I think he's smiling! :D

Botanical Rescue

Walmart is starting to put thier Christmas merchandise out already. It comes as a shock every year when I begin to see ornaments, garland, stockings, wrapping paper, lights, and all the other seasonal goodies transforming the Lawn & Garden section into a Winter Wonderland.


I usually dread the shopping season but this year I was anxiously awaiting those first signs of the impending rush. You see, I've been wanting to make some crochet covered ornaments such as these for this year: Diamond Ball Cover and Christmas Ball Cover. So I readily snatched up a box of silver shatter resistant (A.K.A. plastic -- gotta think of Ben's curiosity for anything shiny) ornaments to cover in all that brightly colored size 10 thread I've been collecting over the past several months.

Admittedly, that was not my first seasonal purchase. I was in the local dollar shop a few weeks ago and snagged these cuties. I love their bright purple glittery-ness. They will look great hanging in my living room window. But not until the day after Thanksgiving. Anything earlier is just pushing the season, IMHO.

I've always had a brown thumb. It doesn't usually take long. Whether I forget to water, over water, or otherwise neglect, I can't seem to keep a houseplant alive for any length of time. But that's never stopped me from trying! My last attempt was a sad one. It was a plant that my aunt gave me after my cousin's funeral. I vowed to do my best to keep it alive, and I did well for a while. A few years in fact (a record for me!) Now don't get me wrong, all that time it was hanging on by a thread... but it was hanging on nonetheless. But with the move I guess it just couldn't hang on any longer. Sadly it has moved on to plant heaven.

Well tonight in Wally World, after choosing my shiny plastic orbs, I moved down the aisles to the last remaining traces of Lawn & Garden and found a sad sight. This poor little guy was looking so depressed. His soil was bone dry and rock hard. Neglected even more than I could do. So in an attempt to redeem myself, I adopted him and vowed once again to do my best to keep a thriving plant.

Fred, as I've since named him, was so thirsty he could barely drink. In the picture above you can see the soil over the top rim of the container. When I first watered him all he could do was float. :(

It's been a few hours since Fred arrived at his new home. His thirst is finally quenched. He soaked up all his water and has had another drink since. His leaves even seem to have perked up a bit. Maybe Fred will be the one...

I'm keeping my fingers crossed...

Pink Deception?

I came across this interesting article (Pink Overload) that supports what I've suspected about companies using the pink ribbon symbol to rake in sales. What first aroused my suspicion was the Think Pink Crochet For The Cure book. Although it does state in the description that a portion of the proceeds will go "to breast cancer research being conducted at the Indiana University Melvin and Bren Simon Cancer Center.," nowhere does it state how much, nor does this particular company make such a statement on the myriad of other "pink" items they push during the month of October, and throughout the year, in the name of Breast Cancer Awareness.

Don't get me wrong, I'm not denouncing any company. Nor am I saying we should boycott anyone. All I'm saying is know where your money is going when making charitable donations/purchases. We can't go on blind faith anymore. If it is something that you would normally buy then by all means continue to buy that product. I'm just saying be aware.

Weather Reprieve

Well Mr. Sun was still playing shy today but the clouds lightened up a bit to show me a few minutes of picture taking mercy. So I swept up the leaves, laid down my fleece blankie, and had some fun with the camera.

And here are the results:
Who knew grannies could look so young & hip? :)
There are 90 grannies in 30 different color combinations. I still haven't made a layout schematic. I think a random layout will probably end up being the best way to go, but the thought of that word (random) makes me cringe. I'm a very orderly and symetrical person. I like to have a plan for everything and nothing is considered finished until it's perfect, at least when it comes to crochet. House cleaning is a different story entirely. LOL

So I think I'm going to use black for the joining row. It will contain the colors nicely... tone them down, but make them pop at the same time. My only concern is the purple. I probably should have used a lighter shade... but at this point I'll have to stick with it. If anything I'll have to switch from black to a lighter shade to join...

As it turned out the weather reprieve was only a temporary one. Shortly after everything was picked up and inside it started raining again. But that's okay, I am happy with the little bit of brightness I was given today. :)

Basic Infant Hat (4 sizes)

Finished size: Small Preemie - Newborn

Materials: 1 ounce sport weight yarn (Bernat's Baby Coordinates White used for example), US size G hook, Tapestry needle for weaving in ends.

Gauge: Rounds 1-3 = 2 1/2 inches, 9 sts = 2 inches

*NOTE: The final "scallop" round may be substituted with a round of half double crochets for a boy's hat.

Small Preemie Size (2 lbs):

ch 4

Round 1: 11 dc in 4th ch from hook, join with sl st in top of beg ch 3. (12 dc)

Round 2: ch 3, dc in same st, 2 dc in each rem st around, join with sl st in top of beg ch 3. (24 dc)

Round 3: ch 3, dc in same st, dc in next st, (2 dc in next st, dc in next st) 11 times, join with sl st in top of beg ch 3. (36 dc)

Round 4: ch 3, dc in next st, dc in each remaining st around, join with sl st in top of beg ch 3.

Rounds 5 - 10: Rep round 4.

*Round 11: ch 1, (sc, ch 1, 2 dc) in same st, skip next 2 sts, [(sc, ch 1, 2 dc) in next st, skip next 2 sts] 11 times, join with sl st in beg sc, fasten off, weave in ends. (12 scallops)

Preemie Size (3-4 lbs):

ch 4

Round 1: 11 dc in 4th ch from hook, join with sl st in top of beg ch 3. (12 dc)

Round 2: ch 3, dc in same st, 2 dc in each rem st around, join with sl st in top of beg ch 3. (24 dc)

Round 3: ch 3, dc in same st, dc in next st, (2 dc in next st, dc in next st) 11 times, join with sl st in top of beg ch 3. (36 dc)

Round 4: ch 3, dc in same st, dc in each of next 5 sts, (2 dc in next st, dc in each of next 5 sts) 5 times, join with sl st in top of beg ch 3. (42 dc)

Round 5: ch 3, dc in next st, dc in each remaining st around, join with sl st in top of beg ch 3.

Rounds 6 - 11: Rep round 5.

*Round 12: ch 1, (sc, ch 1, 2 dc) in same st, skip next 2 sts, [(sc, ch 1, 2 dc) in next st, skip next 2 sts] 13 times, join with sl st in beg sc, fasten off, weave in ends. (14 scallops)

Large Preemie/Small Newborn Size (5-6 lbs):

ch 4

Round 1: 11 dc in 4th ch from hook, join with sl st in top of beg ch 3. (12 dc)

Round 2: ch 3, dc in same st, 2 dc in each rem st around, join with sl st in top of beg ch 3. (24 dc)

Round 3: ch 3, dc in same st, dc in next st, (2 dc in next st, dc in next st) 11 times, join with sl st in top of beg ch 3. (36 dc)

Round 4: ch 3, dc in same st, dc in each of next 2 sts, (2 dc in next st, dc in each of next 2 sts) 11 times, join with sl st in top of beg ch 3. (48 dc)

Round 5: ch 3, dc in next st, dc in each remaining st around, sl st in top of beg ch 3.

Rounds 6 - 12: Rep round 5.

*Round 13: ch 1, (sc, ch 1, 2 dc) in same st, skip next 2 sts, [(sc, ch 1, 2 dc) in next st, skip next 2 sts] 15 times, join with sl st in beg sc, fasten off, weave in ends. (16 scallops)

Newborn Size (7+ lbs):

ch 4

Round 1: 11 dc in 4th ch from hook, join with sl st in top of beg ch 3. (12 dc)

Round 2: ch 3, dc in same st, 2 dc in each rem st around, join with sl st in top of beg ch 3. (24 dc)

Round 3: ch 3, dc in same st, dc in next st, (2 dc in next st, dc in next st) 11 times, join with sl st in top of beg ch 3. (36 dc)

Round 4: ch 3, dc in same st, dc in each of next 2 sts, (2 dc in next st, dc in each of next 2 sts) 11 times, join with sl st in top of beg ch 3. (48 dc)

Round 5: ch 3, dc in same st, dc in each of next 7 sts, (2 dc in next st, dc in each of next 7 sts) 5 times, join with sl st in top of beg ch 3. (54 dc)

Round 6: ch 3, dc in next st, dc in each remaining st around, join with sl st in top of beg ch 3.

Rounds 7 - 15: Rep round 6.

*Round 16: ch 1, (sc, ch 1, 2 dc) in same st, skip next 2 sts, [(sc, ch 1, 2 dc) in next st, skip next 2 sts] 17 times, join with sl st in beg sc, fasten off, weave in ends. (18 scallops)

Happy Fall Y'all!

It's another dark damp dreary cold rainy day here in Missouri. The weather has not been cooperating at all for more than a week. Even on the days that it doesn't rain, it's still overcast and cold & damp. Weather.com tells me we are supposed to have a couple of warm sunny days early next week, but then it'll be back to the wet raining nastiness. *sigh*

As if the dreary weather wasn't proof enough that Fall is definately here, there are plenty of leaves to prove the fact as well. They're covering the deck. I'd sweep them up but they are too wet. I've been wanting to take pictures of some of my WIPs but the deck is so wet it's in no state to act as a canvas and inside it is so dark I can't get a good shot; the colors are just too off.


Here's a picture of Ben taken a little over a week ago just before it turned chilly. I had just taken the air conditioner out of the window and he saw it as the perfect place to sit and "watch" the outside. He LOVES to be outside. Even as an infant, the only way to settle him sometimes was to take him outside on the porch and just sit in a chair with him to let him be in the fresh air and watch the trees. He just loves it.

I did manage to get a picture a few weeks ago of some hats I sent to Jessica for her charity God's Tiny Angels. The design is mine. It's just a very simple pattern. I wrote it up in 4 different sizes and really need to get them posted to the blog for everyone to try. :)

I also made some scratch mitts and am working out a bootie pattern, but don't have pics or the pattern for them written up yet. Hopefully soon! :)

Pretty In Pink

This month's CAL is created in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month
Pretty In Pink

Finished size: 12 inches square

MATERIALS: Approx. 4 ounces worsted weight yarn (Baby Pink used for example), US size "I" hook, Tapestry needle for weaving in ends.

NOTE: v-st = (dc, ch 1, dc) in designated st.

Gauge: Rnds 1-2 = 3 inches

Ch 4

Round 1: [2 dc, ch 2, (3 dc, ch 2) 3 times] in 4th ch from hook, join with sl st it top of beg ch 3. (12 dc)

Round 2: ch 3, dc in same st, dc in next st, 2 dc in next st, ch 2, skip next ch 2 sp, * 2 dc in next st, dc in next st, 2 dc in next st, ch 2, skip next ch 2 sp, rep from * twice more, join with sl st in top of beg ch 3. (20 dc)

Round 3: ch 1, sc in same st, (5 dc in next st, sc in next st) twice, sc in next ch 2 sp, * sc in next st, (5 dc in next st, sc in next st) twice, sc in next ch 2 sp, rep from * twice more, join with sl st in beg sc. (40 dc)

Round 4: sl st in each of next 3 sts, ch 1, sc in same st, ch 2, skip next 2 sts, dc in next st, ch 2, skip next 2 sts, sc in next st, ch 2, skip next 3 sts, v-st in next st, ch 2, skip next 3 sts, * sc in next st, ch 2, skip next 2 sts, dc in next st, ch 2, skip next 2 sts, sc in next st, ch 2, skip next 3 sts, v-st in next st, ch 2, skip next 3 sts, rep from * twice more, join with sl st in beg sc. (16 ch 2 sp)

Round 5: ch 3, 2 dc in next ch 2 sp, (tr, ch 3, tr) in next st, 2 dc in next ch 2 sp, dc in next st, 2 dc in next ch 2 sp, v-st in next v-st, 2 dc in next ch 2 sp, * dc in next st, 2 dc in next ch 2 sp, (tr, ch 3, tr) in next st, 2 dc in next ch 2 sp, dc in next st, 2 dc in next ch 2 sp, v-st in next v-st, 2 dc in next ch 2 sp, rep from * twice more, join with sl st in top of beg ch 3. (40 dc, 4 v-st)

Round 6: ch 3, dc in each of next 3 sts, ch 2, (sc, ch 3, sc) in next ch 3 sp, ch 2, dc in each of next 6 sts, v-st in next v-st, * dc in each of next 6 sts, ch 2, (sc, ch 3, sc) in next ch 3 sp, ch 2, dc in each of next 6 sts, v-st in next v-st, rep from * twice more, dc in each of next 2 sts, join with sl st in top of beg ch 3. (48 dc, 4 v-st)

Round 7: ch 3, dc in each of next 3 sts, skip next ch 2 sp, (tr, ch 1, dc, ch 2, dc, ch 1, tr) in next ch 3 sp, skip next ch 2 sp, dc in each of next 6 sts, v-st in next v-st, * dc in each of next 6 sts, skip next ch 2 sp, (tr, ch 1, dc, ch 2, dc, ch 1, tr) in next ch 3 sp, skip next ch 2 sp, dc in each of next 6 sts, v-st in next v-st, rep from * twice more, dc in each of next 2 sts, join with sl st in top of beg ch 3. (56 dc, 8 tr, 4 v-st)

Round 8: ch 3, dc in each of next 4 sts, dc in next ch 1 sp, dc in next st, (3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) in next ch 2 sp, dc in next st, dc in next ch 1 sp, dc in each of next 6 sts, skip next st, (tr, ch 1, v-st, ch 1, tr) in next v-st, skip next st, * dc in each of next 6 sts, dc in next ch 1 sp, dc in next st, (3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) in next ch 2 sp, dc in next st, dc in next ch 1 sp, dc in each of next 6 sts, skip next st, (tr, ch 1, v-st, ch 1, tr) in next v-st, skip next st, rep from * twice more, dc in next st, join with sl st in top of beg ch 3. (88 dc, 8 tr, 4 v-st)

Round 9: ch 3, dc in each of next 9 sts, (2 dc, ch 2, 2 dc) in next ch 2 sp, dc in each of next 10 sts, ch 2, skip next 2 sts, sc in next ch 1 sp, ch 3, skip next v-st, sc in next ch 1 sp, ch 2, skip next 2 sts, * dc in each of next 10 sts, (2 dc, ch 2, 2 dc) in next ch 2 sp, dc in each of next 10 sts, ch 2, skip next 2 sts, sc in next ch 1 sp, ch 3, skip next v-st, sc in next ch 1 sp, ch 2, skip next 2 sts, rep from * twice more, join with sl st in top of beg ch 3. (96 dc)

Round 10: ch 3, dc in each of next 11 sts, (2 dc, ch 2, 2 dc) in next ch 2 sp, dc in each of next 12 sts, 2 dc in next ch 2 sp, dc in next st, 3 dc in next ch 3 sp, dc in next st, 2 dc in next ch 2 sp, * dc in each of next 12 sts, (2 dc, ch 2, 2 dc) in next ch 2 sp, dc in each of next 12 sts, 2 dc in next ch 2 sp, dc in next st, 3 dc in next ch 3 sp, dc in next st, 2 dc in next ch 2 sp, rep from * twice more, join with sl st in top of beg ch 3. (148 dc)

Back to CAL Main Page

Designed and written by April Moreland
Copyright 2009

Rainy Day Blahs

What is it about the rain that makes me not feel like doing a darn thing. Not even crocheting! [insert Home Alone face here] It has been raining all day and all evening, and is supposed to continue into tomorrow. I've been watching TV all day, something I rarely do. But it put me in the mood to organize and clean. Also something I rarely do. :)

I love designing and decorating shows. I find them very inspiring and watching a marathon like I did today is usually followed by some sort of project. But not today. I went into the "craft room" (a.k.a. my bedroom) stood there, looked around at the stacks and stacks of plastic totes, bags, and boxes full of yarn and other crafting goodies, quickly became uninspired, and returned to the living room to lounge and continue watching How Not to Decorate, and Clean House. (I just love Niecy Nash!)

I did manage to get the 3rd row on 15 more of my grannies. A slow day considering I did 45 yesterday. So that leaves me just 30 for tomorrow then I'll start on the next row which will bring the colors together, help tone them down, and make them pop all at the same time. I'll be doing a join-as-you-go technique. I despise sewing squares together, especially small 5.5 inch squares so j-a-y-g is for me!

No pictures yet on my progress... too dark & dreary today to bring out the camera... maybe tomorrow.

Grannies on Parade

I didn't mean to do it. I didn't set out to start a new project, it just sort of happened. My WIPs pile is already taking over the craft room, but these colors were just begging to be turned into a Grannyghan. I was forced into it, they were threatening bodily harm I tell you. ;)

So what do 90 Granny's Daughters look like? Surprisingly the pile was actually quite small so they worked up amazingly fast.

Even adding the second row seemed to go at warp speed. There are still 90 squares. (3 of each color combo.) For the record, they are called "saltines" at this stage, I'm told, because they are about the size of a saltine cracker.

Each square will get one more blast of color, then they will all get a final round of an anchor color to bring it all together. I haven't decided yet who will get this little lovely. I love the colors together and it would certainly go perfect in my living room, but I think my conscience might get the better of me and it will be on its way to charity. After all, keeping someone warm is much more important than decorating a room!

Cool angle :)

Granny's Daughter

Granny's Daughter

Materials: Approx. 2 1/2 yarns worsted weight yarn, US size "I" hook

Finished size: 1.75 inches

ch 5, sl st in 5th ch from hook to form loop

Round 1: ch 3, [2 dc, ch 2, (3 dc, ch 2) 3 times] in loop, join with sl st in top of beg ch 3, fasten off, weave in ends.*

*You may wish to leave a long tail for sewing if you plan to sew your granny's daughters together rather than crocheting them together.

In Remembrance Awareness Square

In honor of Kathy and all those who were taken too early.

Early detection is the key to survival!

Hearts & Ribbons/In Remembrance Awareness Square

Finished size: 12 inches square

MATERIALS: Approx. 4 ounces worsted weight yarn, US size "I" hook, Tapestry needle for weaving in ends.

GAUGE: Rounds 1 & 2 = 3 inches

ch 4

Round 1: 15 dc in 4th ch from hook, join with sl st in top of beg ch 3. (16 dc)

Round 2: ch 3, 4 dc in same st, * dc in next st, ch 1, skip next st, dc in next st, 5 dc in next st, dc in each of next 3 sts **, 5 dc in next st, rep from * once more ending at **, join with sl st in top of beg ch 3. (30 dc)

Round 3: sl st in next st, ch 3, * 5 dc in next st, dc in next st, ch 1, skip next st, dc in each of next 3 sts, ch 1, skip next st, dc in next st, 5 dc in next st, (dc in next st, ch 1, skip next st) 3 times **, dc in next st, rep from * once more ending at **, join with sl st in top of beg ch 3. (38 dc)

Round 4: ch 4 (counts as beg ch 3 + ch 1 now and throughout), * skip next st, dc in next st, 5 dc in next st, dc in next st, ch 1, skip next st, dc in next st, dc in next ch 1 sp, dc in each of next 3 sts, dc in next ch 1 sp, dc in next st, ch 1, skip next st, dc in next st, 5 dc in next st, dc in next st, ch 1, skip next st, (dc in next st, dc in next ch 1 sp) 3 times **, dc in next st, ch 1, rep from * once more ending at **, join with sl st in top of beg ch 3. (56 dc)

Round 5: ch 4, skip next ch 1 sp, dc in each of next 3 sts, * 5 dc in next st, dc in next st, ch 1, skip next st, dc in next st, dc in next ch 1 sp, dc in each of next 7 sts, dc in next ch 1 sp, dc in next st, ch 1, skip next st, dc in next st, 5 dc in next st, dc in each of next 3 sts, ch 1, skip next ch 1 sp **, dc in each of next 7 sts, ch 1, skip next st, dc in each of next 3 sts, rep from * once more ending at **, dc in each of next 6 sts, join with sl st in top of beg ch 3. (72 dc)

Round 6: ch 3, dc in next ch 1 sp, * dc in each of next 5 sts, 5 dc in next st, dc in each of next 3 sts, ch 1, skip next ch 1 sp, dc in each of next 11 sts, ch 1, skip next ch 1 sp, dc in each of next 3 sts, 5 dc in next st, dc in each of next 5 sts, dc in next ch 1 sp, dc in next st, ch 1, skip next st, dc in each of next 3 sts, ch 1, skip next st **, dc in next st, dc in next ch 1 st, rep from * once more ending at **, join with sl st in top of beg ch 3. (88 dc)

Round 7: ch 3, dc in each of next 8 sts, * 5 dc in next st, dc in each of next 5 sts, ch 1, skip next ch 1 sp, dc in each of next 5 sts, ch 1, skip next st, dc in each of next 5 sts, ch 1, skip next ch 1 sp, dc in each of next 5 sts, 5 dc in next st, dc in each of next 9 sts, dc in next ch 1 sp, dc in next st, ch 1, skip next st, dc in next st, dc in next ch 1 sp **, dc in each of next 9 sts, rep from * once more ending at **, join with sl st in top of beg ch 3. (104 dc)

Round 8: ch 3, dc in each of next 10 sts, * 5 dc in next st, dc in each of next 7 sts, dc in next ch 1 sp, [dc in next st, (ch 1, skip next st, dc in next st) twice, dc in next ch 1 sp] twice, dc in each of next 7 sts, 5 dc in next st, dc in each of next 11 sts, ch 1, skip next st, dc in next st, dc in next ch 1 sp, dc in next st, ch 1, skip next st **, dc in each of next 11 sts, rep from * once more ending at **, join with sl st in top of beg ch 3. (116 dc)

Round 9: ch 4, skip next st, dc in each of next 11 sts, * 5 dc in next st, dc in each of next 11 sts, dc in next ch 1 sp, dc in next st, dc in next ch 1 sp, dc in each of next 3 sts, dc in next ch 1 sp, dc in next st, dc in next ch 1 sp, dc in each of next 11 sts, 5 dc in next st, dc in each of next 11 sts, ch 1, skip next st, dc in next st, dc in next ch 1 sp, dc in each of next 3 sts, dc in next ch 1 sp **, dc in next st, ch 1, skip next st, dc in each of next 11 sts, rep from * once more ending at **, join with sl st in top of beg ch 3. (136 dc)

Round 10: ch 1, sc in same st, sc in next ch 1 sp, sc in each of next 13 sts, *3 sc in next st, sc in each of next 35 sts, 3 sc in next st, sc in each of next 13, sc in next ch 1 sp **, sc in each of next 7 sts, sc in next ch 1 sp, sc in each of next 13 sts, rep from * once more ending at **, sc in each of next 6 sts, join with sl st in beg sc. (152 sc)

Pattern designed and written by April Moreland
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