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.

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
© 2009 All rights reserved

Chain Reaction

Hypochondriac: a person who worries or talks excessively about his or her health."

I'm beginning to feel more and more like this word describes me to a T. I've been feeling out of sorts again. When I first started feeling bad a few months ago I was having migraine-like headaches. Knowing I had a history with HBP I assumed that was the culprit. So I took measures to remedy that, including limiting my caffeine intake. Things seemed fine... Then the headaches started again along with severe backaches. I attributed the relapse to the lack of caffeine and my body needing to adjust through the withdrawal stages, as well as dehydration. So I started consuming more liquids, and over a relatively short period of time the symptoms once again dissipated.

Another side effect of caffeine withdrawal, of course, is fatigue. But this symptom should be improving as time goes on, not getting worse. I've been feeling overly tired recently. No matter how long I sleep, whether it's 7, 8, or even 12 hours I feel like it's all I can do to drag myself out of bed in the morning and by early evening I am in desperate need of a nap. And now, for the past several days the headaches feel like they are trying to come back, along with the blurry vision, white spots, and on occasion, nausea. I'm not usually the type to constantly complain about my health but this general "malaise," I guess is the best way to describe it, has got me feeling like I'm going crazy.

After some more research about caffeine and caffeine withdrawal I was led to some research results regarding aspartame. According to Cancer.org the ADI (acceptable daily intake) of aspartame for the average sized adult is approximately 3500mg. Sounds like alot... until I looked on my box of equal. ONE packet of equal contains 1000mg. That amounts to 3.5 packets per day ADI... I've been using AT LEAST 16, oftentimes more. That's more than 4 1/2 times what is considered safe!

Reliable information on the adverse side effects of aspartame is extremely hard, if not impossible, to find on the internet. I did find a reliable article about the MIT Study on which the FDA (at least partially) based its findings. They gave participants in the study 3 mg per 1 kg body weight. That's 3500mg (on average). A "safe" level according to the FDA, but MIT claims that's almost 20 times the average daily intake. I know I'm not an MIT "genius", but those numbers just don't add up for me. That's less than 1/4 of a packet. I think most people use at least one packet in thier morning coffee.

So it's still up in the air as to the effects of taking it in extreme excess, as I evidently have been. While looking for more information I found lots of outrageous claims about the substance. Everything from it causes M.S. and Lupus (a false claim according to Snopes) to the ludicrous claim that it was originally developed as an ant poison, again false according to Snopes. But the general consensus among various laypersons contributing to message boards, etc., is that it caused symptoms for them such as: migraines, hip and joint pain, heart palpitations, restless leg syndrome, frequent urgency to urinate, extreme fatigue, cognitive disfunction or "brain fog", panic attacks, and more.

So after putting all this information together things are beginning to make a little more sense... I think. It seems everytime I take measures to cure one set of symptoms, the cure then creates a whole new set of symptoms to deal with. So now I'm giving up the aspartame. I'm drinking water and orange juice for now. Yes, much healthier than diet tea, but kind of boring especially since I have to limit the fruit juice because of the sugar... *sigh*