Birthdays & Butterflies

My 44th birthday was last month. I honestly don't know how I feel about getting older. On the plus side, I'm finally comfortable with where I am and who I am... But at the same time, I'm really starting to feel my mortality. I realize 44 is still relatively young in the grand scheme of things. But so many family members have died early. I guess I worry a little too much that I'll follow suit...

Mickey needles, my b-day present to myself.
(I didn't make the pretty cloth. I received it in a Round Robin swap :)

Gorgeous B-day Cake from Cyndi

I love the bright colors, and especially love the butterfly!

And just for fun... Here's a recent picture of our little "ham"

He loves posing for the camera!

Pineapple Blossom

Pineapple Blossom

Finished size: 12 inches square

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

Gauge: Rnds 1-2 = 3 inches

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

Ch 4

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

Round 2: ch 3, dc in next st, ch 1, dc in each of next 2 sts, ch 2, * dc in each of next 2 sts, ch 1, dc in each of next 2 sts, ch 2, rep from * twice more, join with sl st in top of beg ch 3. (16 dc)

Round 3: sl st in next st, sl st into next ch 1 sp, ch 3, (dc, ch 2, 2 dc) in same sp, skip next 2 sts, 6 tr in next ch 2 sp, skip next 2 sts, * (2 dc, ch 2, 2 dc) in next ch 1 sp, skip next 2 sts, 6 tr in next ch 2 sp, skip next 2 dc, rep from * twice more, join with sl st in top of beg ch 3. (16 dc, 24 tr)

Round 4: sl st in next st, ch 3, (2 dc, ch 2, 2 dc) in next ch 2 sp, dc in next st, skip next st, (dc, ch 1) in each of next 5 sts, dc in next st, skip next st, * dc in next st, (2 dc, ch 2, 2 dc) in next ch 2 sp, dc in next st, skip next st, (dc, ch 1) in each of next 5 sts, dc in next st, skip next st, rep from * twice more, join with sl st in beg ch 3. (48 dc)

Round 5: sl st in next st, ch 3, dc in same st, dc in next st, (2 dc, ch 2, 2 dc) in next ch 2 sp, dc in next st, 2 dc in next st, ch 1, skip next 2 sts, sc in next ch 1 sp, (ch 3, sc in next ch 1 sp) 4 times, ch 1, skip next 2 sts * 2 dc in next st, dc in next st, (2 dc, ch 2, 2 dc) in next ch 2 sp, dc in next st, 2 dc in next st, ch 1, skip next 2 sts, sc in next ch 1 sp, (ch 3, sc in next ch 1 sp) 4 times, ch 1, skip next 2 sts, rep from * twice more, join with sl st in top of beg ch 3. (16 ch 3 sp, 40 dc)

Round 6: sl st in next st, ch 3, dc in same st, dc in each of next 3 sts, (2 dc, ch 2, 2 dc) in next ch 2 sp, dc in each of next 3 sts, 2 dc in next st, ch 1, skip next st, skip next ch 1 sp, sc in next ch 3 sp, (ch 3, sc in next ch 3 sp) 3 times, ch 1, skip next ch 1 sp, skip next dc, * 2 dc in next st, dc in each of next 3 sts, (2 dc, ch 2, 2 dc) in next ch 2 sp, dc in each of next 3 sts, 2 dc in next st, ch 1, skip next st, skip next ch 1 sp, sc in next ch 3 sp, (ch 3, sc in next ch 3 sp) 3 times, ch 1, skip next ch 1 sp, skip next st, rep from * twice more, join with sl st in top of beg ch 3. (12 ch 3 sp, 56 dc)

Round 7: ch 3, dc in same st, dc in each of next 6 sts, (2 dc, ch 2, 2 dc) in next ch 2 sp, dc in each of next 6 sts, 2 dc in next st, ch 1, skip next ch 1 sp, sc in next ch 3 sp, (ch 3, sc in next ch 3 sp) twice, ch 1, skip next ch 1 sp, * 2 dc in next st, dc in each of next 6 sts, (2 dc, ch 2, 2 dc) in next ch 2 sp, dc in each of next 6 sts, 2 dc in next st, ch 1, skip next ch 1 sp, sc in next ch 3 sp, (ch 3, sc in next ch 3 sp) twice, ch 1, skip next ch 1 sp, rep from * twice more, join with sl st in top of beg ch 3. (8 ch 3 sp, 80 dc)

Round 8: ch 3, dc in same st, dc in each of next 9 sts, (2 dc, ch 2, 2 dc) in next ch 2 sp, dc in each of next 9 sts, 2 dc in next st, ch 1, skip next ch 1 sp, sc in next ch 3 sp, ch 3, sc in next ch 3 sp, ch 1, skip next ch 1 sp, * 2 dc in next st, dc in each of next 9 sts, (2 dc, ch 2, 2 dc) in next ch 2 sp, dc in each of next 9 sts, 2 dc in next st, ch 1, skip next ch 1 sp, sc in next ch 3 sp, ch 3, sc in next ch 3 sp, ch 1, skip next ch 1 sp, rep from * twice more, join with sl st in top of beg ch 3. (104 dc)

Round 9: ch 3, dc in same st, 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 st, ch 1, skip next ch 1 sp, sc in next ch 3 sp, ch 1, skip next ch 1 sp, * 2 dc in next st, 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 st, ch 1, skip next ch 1 sp, sc in next ch 3 sp, ch 1, skip next ch 1 sp, rep from * twice more, join with sl st in top of beg ch 3. (128 dc)

Round 10: ch 1, sc in same st, sc in each of next 15 sts, (sc, ch 2, sc) in next ch 2 sp, sc in each of next 16 sts, sc in next ch 1 sp, sc in next st, sc in next ch 1 sp, * sc in each of next 16 sts, (sc, ch 2, sc) in next ch 2 sp, sc in each of next 16 sts, sc in next ch 1 sp, sc in next st, sc in next ch 1 sp, rep from * twice more, join with sl st in beg sc. (132 sc)

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Pattern designed and written by April Moreland
Copyright © 2009 All rights reserved

A Bug

I had such high hopes for my Labor Day weekend. With the long weekend I was hoping to get LOTS of crocheting done. But I ended up in bed all day Saturday, and lounging most of the day Sunday. It actually started friday night, I was unusually tired, I thought it was just from getting up so early all week with Ben so I went to bed early. Then in the morning I still felt tired and a little nauseus, and it just got worse throughout the day. Ugg. So I ended up sleeping all day Saturday and all night Saturday night. And was still a little queasy Sunday, although I did feel better.

Amazingly I did actually get some crocheting done yesterday (Sunday). I actually worked on something for myself! I didn't want to infect anyone with my germs if I was contagious! So I started my Pineapple Regency afghan that I've had on my WIM list forever. I'm going to love it. I'm using I Love This Yarn in Light Sage. The first square is finished. Oh boy is that square big! I think it's about 23 or 24 inches and takes pretty much one entire skein of yarn. I only have to make six squares for a twin size bed. But it did work up kind of quick so it won't take any time at all to finish. Now I just need to buy a bed! LOL

And I just realized, I forgot to post the CAL on Dishcloth Diaries this past Wednesday! ARGGH! The pattern has been written for over a week. Oh well... I will start it this Wed...

Here's the RR I finished this week. This thing took me FOREVER! It's somewhere in the neighborhood of 50-55 inches. I couldn't find my tape measure when I had it laid out. Need to do that before I wash it.

I found out one thing... I don't really care for making round ripples. LOL BTW... I did finish it off and weave in the ends! I wanted to get a pic of it to decide if it needed more of the cherry chip. I guess I probably should have added a few more rows. The raspberry seems to be jumping off the edge. It's only 5 rounds, as is the cherry chip on the border, but as with RH, the raspberry worked up much wider.

Kahlil Gibran

I'm feeling rather philosophical tonight. I first read Kahlil Gibran's The Prophet about 10 years ago. It was such an inspiring piece of literature for me and truly helped me through a very rough patch in my life. He speaks of life, faith, and religion in a manner that applies to all paths. I highly encourage everyone to read the poem in its entirety.

Below is an excerpt. It's my favorite passage. :)

~~~

On Joy and Sorrow
Kahlil Gibran

Your joy is your sorrow unmasked.
And the selfsame well from which your laughter rises was oftentimes filled with your tears.
And how else can it be?
The deeper that sorrow carves into your being, the more joy you can contain.
Is not the cup that holds your wine the very cup that was burned in the potter's oven?
And is not the lute that soothes your spirit, the very wood that was hollowed with knives?
When you are joyous, look deep into your heart and you shall find it is only that which has given you sorrow that is giving you joy.
When you are sorrowful look again in your heart, and you shall see that in truth you are weeping for that which has been your delight.

Some of you say, "Joy is greater than sorrow," and others say, "Nay, sorrow is the greater."
But I say unto you, they are inseparable.
Together they come, and when one sits, alone with you at your board, remember that the other is asleep upon your bed.

Verily you are suspended like scales between your sorrow and your joy.
Only when you are empty are you at standstill and balanced.
When the treasure-keeper lifts you to weigh his gold and his silver, needs must your joy or your sorrow rise or fall.

F1

I'm not usually so inept when it comes to the computer. Uggg...

I joined Facebook because it was recommended by a crochet designers only group that I belong to. "It's a great way to promote yourself as a designer" they said. WTF!? I have yet to figure out what designing and crochet have to do with Facebook!

Honestly, when I first heard about it I thought it was a blog site of sorts. Somewhere more "happenin" than Blogger (sorry blogger...)

But that doesn't seem to be the case. If it's a blog site, I have yet to figure out how to use that function. In fact, I have yet to figure out anything about the site other than how to log in, and how to click "accept" when someone wants to be my friend... And boy do I get plenty of those requests!

For it seems you see, that when I signed up, Facebook notified the entire known universe because people started crawling out of the woodwork to add me as a "friend". I have a good selection of friends so far, mostly people I know from my groups. And I'm seeing stuff about playing games, and someone gave me an orange tree?

No offense... I just don't "get" it.

Heat Wave

Finished size: 12 inches

MATERIALS
Approx. 4 ounces worsted weight yarn (Light Coral used for example)
US size "I" hook
Tapestry needle for weaving in ends

Gauge: Rnds 1-3 = 4 1/2 inches

PATTERN NOTES: dc next 2 sts tog = yo, insert hook in next st, draw up loop, yo, draw through 2 loops on hook, yo, insert hook in next st, yo, draw up loop, yo, draw through 2 loops on hook, yo, draw through 3 loops on hook.

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 2, dc in next st (beg dc dec made), ch 3, (dc next 2 sts tog, ch 3) 7 times, join with sl st in top of beg dc dec. (8 ch 3 sps, 8 dc dec)

Round 3: sl st into next ch 3 sp, ch 3, 4 dc in same sp, ch 1, (5 dc in next ch 3 sp, ch 1) 7 times, join with sl st in top of beg ch 3. (8 ch 1 sps, 40 dc)

Round 4: ch 1, sc in same st, ch 3, skip next 3 sts, *hdc in next st, (2 dc, ch 2, 2 dc) in next ch 1 sp, hdc in next st, ch 3, skip next 3 sts, sc in next st, sc in next ch 1 sp, sc in next st, ch 3, skip next 3 sts, rep from * twice more, hdc in next st, (2 dc, ch 2, 2 dc) in next ch 1 sp, hdc in next st, ch 3, skip next 3 sts, sc in next st, sc in next ch 1 sp, join with sl st in beg sc. (8 ch 3 sps, 12 sc)

Round 5: ch 3, 3 dc in next ch 3 sp, dc in each of next 3 sts, *(2 dc, ch 2, 2 dc) in next ch 2 sp, dc in each of next 3 sts, 3 dc in next ch 3 sp, dc in each of next 3 sts, 3 dc in next ch 3 sp, dc in each of next 3 sts, rep from * twice more, (2 dc, ch 2, 2 dc) in next ch 2 sp, dc in each of next 3 sts, 3 dc in next ch 3 sp, dc in each of next 2 sts, join with sl st in beg ch 3. (76 dc)

Round 6: sl st in each of next 2 sts, ch 1, sc in same st, (ch 2, skip next 2 sts, sc in next st) twice, *(sc, ch 2, sc) in next ch 2 sp, sc in next st, (ch 2, skip next 2 sts, sc in next st) 6 times, rep from * twice more, (sc, ch 2, sc) in next ch 2 sp, sc in next st, (ch 2, skip next 2 sts, sc in next st) 3 times, ch 2, skip next 2 sts, join with sl st in beg sc. (28 ch 2 sps)

Round 7: sl st into next ch 2 sp, ch 2, dc in same sp, ch 2, [yo, insert hook in next ch 2 sp, yo, draw up loop, yo, draw through 2 loops on hook, yo, insert hook in same sp, yo, draw up loop, yo, draw through 2 loops on hook, yo, draw through 3 loops on hook (cluster made)], ch 2, skip next st, dc in next st, *(2 dc, ch 2, 2 dc) in next ch 2 sp, dc in next st, (ch 2, cluster in next ch 2 sp) 6 times, ch 2, skip next st, dc in next st, rep from * twice more, (2 dc, ch 2, 2 dc) in next ch 2 sp, dc in next st, (ch 2, cluster in next ch 2 sp) 4 times, ch 2, join with sl st in top of beg dc. (32 ch 2 sps, 24 cluster sts)

Round 8: sl st into next ch 2 sp, ch 3, 2 dc in same sp, 3 dc in next ch 2 sp, skip next st, dc in each of next 2 sts, *(2 dc, ch 2, 2 dc) in next ch 2 sp, dc in each of next 2 sts, skip next st, (3 dc in next ch 2 sp) 7 times, skip next st, dc in each of next 2 sts, rep from * twice more, (2 dc, ch 2, 2 dc) in next ch 2 sp, dc in each of next 2 sts, skip next st, (3 dc in next ch 2 sp) 5 times, join with sl st in top of beg ch 3. (116 dc)

Round 9: sl st into next st, ch 1, sc in same sp, (ch 2, skip next 2 sts, sc in next st) twice, ch 2, skip next 2 sts, *(sc, ch 2, sc) in next ch 2 sp, (ch 2, skip next 2 sts, sc in next st) nine times, ch 2, skip next 2 sts, rep from * twice more, (sc, ch 2, sc) in next ch 2 sp, (ch 2, skip next 2 sts, sc in next st) six times, ch 2, skip next 2 sts, join with sl st in beg sc. (44 ch 2 sps)

Round 10: sl st into next ch 2 sp, ch 1, sc in same sp, (ch 2, sc in next ch 2 sp) twice, ch 2, *(sc, ch 2, sc) in next ch 2 sp, (ch 2, sc in next ch 2 sp) ten times, ch 2, rep from * twice more, (sc, ch 2, sc) in next ch 2 sp, (ch 2, sc in next ch 2 sp) seven times, ch 2, join with sl st in beg sc. (48 ch 2 sps)

Round 11: sl st into next ch 2 sp, ch 3, 2 dc in same space, 3 dc in each of next 2 ch 2 spaces, *(2 dc, ch 2, 2 dc) in next ch 2 sp, 3 dc in each of next 11 ch 2 sps, rep from * twice more, (2 dc, ch 2, 2 dc) in next ch 2 sp, 3 dc in each of next 8 ch 2 sps, join with sl st in top of beg ch 3, fasten off, weave in ends. (148 dc)

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Pattern designed and written by April Moreland
Copyright © 2009 All rights reserved

Bug on a Leaf Bookmark

Bug on a Leaf Bookmark

Materials: (US) size 7 steel hook, size 10 cotton thread, novelty "bug" button with shank (be sure end of hook will fit through shank far enough to draw up a loop)

NOTE: to attach button, place hook through next ch, place button on hook, yo, draw up loop through button and through ch, yo, draw through both loops. (see pic below)

Leaving a 5-6 inch tail, Ch 81

Row 1: sc in 2nd ch from hook, sc in each of next 5 sts, attach button in next st (see notes), sc in each of next 3 ch, ch 3, turn.

Row 2: tr in each of next 5 sts, dc in each of next 2 sts, hdc in next st, (sc, ch 2) in next st, working along opposite side of starting ch, sc in first st, hdc in next st, dc in each of next 2 sts, tr in each of next 5 sts, ch 3, sl st in next st; For tail: working in unworked sts of beg ch, sl st in each of next 70 ch, fasten off leaving a 5-6 inch tail.

Tassel: cut 10 pieces of thread approximately 6-7 inches long. Cut another piece approximately 8 inches long and set aside. Using the 2 end pieces on the tail of the bookmark, tie around the center of the 10 pieces of thread, secure tightly. Using the 8 inch thread that was set aside, wrap around and tie a knot approximately 1/4 - 1/3 inch down from top of tassel. (See photo for placement). Trim ends even.


Designed and written by April Moreland
Copyright 2009