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)

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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.