Kicking off National Crochet Month

"Crocheted Room" 

origin unknown

It's been nearly a year since I moved out of my daughter's house into my own apartment. It had been a while since I lived in my own place. I have to admit it's quite nice to finally feel "at home" again. I've spent the past several years bouncing between family members' homes. In these types of situations space is always a commodity, so out of necessity (and keeping peace) I've given away, donated, or otherwise disposed of a lot of my old furniture and decorative items.

With all of my moving and shuffling things around, I did hold firm on keeping the necessities such as kitchen items, bath supplies, bed linens, etc., knowing someday I would have my own place again. I also managed, through it all, to hold on to the majority of my yarn and crafting stash. I'm still amazed I actually managed to pull that one off. There were times I was sure the family had had enough of constantly bumping into and tripping over my storage totes!

But we muddled through somehow and now I'm back to looking at a blank canvas. So with almost no budget, but with a closet full to the brim with crafty "stuff", I'm taking on the task of beautifying my new home with yarn, thread, and any other fun supplies I happen to have on hand. The rules are simple. Well, not rules really, more like arbitrary guidelines...

1. Reduce, reuse, recycle.
2. Spend little or no money.
3. Enjoy the process.

I'm not entirely sure where I'm headed with this project. I have a few ideas, small projects here and there--maybe a few larger ones as well (think filet tablecloth and maybe even mural??)--little bits of colorful and creative accessories to liven up the bland ecru walls. It will be a relatively slow process. Never-ending really. Continually growing and evolving. And I'm inviting you all along for the ride!

I've started a Flickr group so we can share our creativity and inspire others to enhance their living spaces as well. So come show us how you have used crochet or other DIY projects to decorate your home?

Did you know?

As you already know, I love to design original crochet patterns and I've shared many of those designs with you over the past several years. I've so enjoyed seeing the projects you've created with them and how you personalize those patterns with your own ingenuity and color sense.

I will always continue to offer free patterns for all to enjoy, but lately I have ventured into the realm of Self Publishing. I currently have three patterns offered in my Ravelry store (see below) and am working on plans for many more in the near future. Future patterns include some fun and quirky kitchen items, some adorable little amigumi, a mile a minute design, and a light and airy wrap called "Ocean Breezes."

These are my current designs for sale. I hope you like them as much as I enjoyed designing them!

Tic Tac Tote

This bag is sized just right for everyday use. Fill it with your daily essentials for a stylish purse, or add your latest WIP for grab-n-go convenience. Pattern includes both a handle option and a strap option for your carrying preference. 

*Finished size is 15 x 12.5 inches, (not including straps).

 

$3.50

 

---

Li'l Punkin Bear

No one will be able to resist this little cutie! Li'l Punkin Bear is all dressed up and ready to bring fun to your fall decor and festivities. Make several to use as place markers at the holiday table, to give guests as favors, or just to brighten someone's day.

*Li'l Punkin Bear is 4 inches tall.

$3.00

---

Bagels with Lox and Cream Cheese

Whip up a few to display as part of a whimsical tablescape, or make some for the kids to serve up in the play kitchen. Either way, this breakfast staple is sure to be a hit with everyone! 

*Finished size for the Bagel is 3.75 inches diameter. 

*Finished size for the Lox is 2.75 x 1.5 inches.

$3.00

---

CAL Patterns Added

Just a quick note to let you know that I have added 2 new patterns to the Charity CAL. Hope You enjoy!

12" Sailing Along

6" Sailing Along

12" Orange Blossom

6" Orange Blossom

She's Ba-ack

Wow, it's been a long time since I posted. I don't have much to say other than things are starting to look a little brighter for me. I recently bought myself a new computer to replace the one that died early last fall in what I call "the great carpet cleaning fiasco of 2011." I can joke about it now only because no data was actually lost. All of my patterns were safely backed up, plus the hard drive itself was not damaged. Phew! I have to admit though, it was pretty hard living without a computer for all those months!!

You may have noticed I just posted a couple of new free patterns. First is a washcloth that I made using "I Love This Cotton," hence the name "I Love This Washcloth".

And next is a pear shaped hotpad/trivet. The Pear Trivet is very similar to the Apple Trivet I posted in 2010. In fact they are almost identical. I changed the last row to make it a little more flat to give the pear the right shape. You could also use this for the apple to give it a flatter bottom. I also changed the leaf a little bit for the pear.

Pear Trivet

Pear Trivet as an apple

I do have some more free designs coming up soon, including the final installments for the Charity 'gahn CAL, as well as some new patterns for my Ravelry Shop. Everything is worked up, just need to write them up and test them!

Stay Tuned!

Pear Trivet

Finished size: Approximately 9 x 7 inches

Materials: (US) size G hook, Worsted Weight Cotton: 2 oz main color, 2 yards brown. (Example was made using Sugar‘n Cream in Country Green and Warm Brown), tapestry needle

NOTE: Row 3 is now corrected. It was missing the "ch 1" before the last shell. Thank you Micheline for catching that error!

Weave in ends as work progresses

PEAR (make 2)

ch 6, join with sl st to form loop

Row 1: (ch 3, 2 dc, ch 1, 3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc, ch 1, 3 dc) in loop, turn.

Row 2: sl st in each of next 2 sts, sl st into next ch-1 sp, (ch 3, 2 dc, ch 1, 3 dc) in same sp, 6 dc in next ch-2 sp, (3 dc, ch 1, 3 dc) in next ch-1 sp, turn.

Row 3: sl st in each of next 2 sts, sl st into next ch-1 sp, (ch 3, 2 dc, ch 1, 3 dc) in same sp, ch 1, skip next 3 dc, 2 dc in each of next 6 sts, ch 1, (3 dc, ch 1, 3 dc) in next ch-1 sp, turn.

Row 4: sl st in each of next 2 sts, sl st into next ch-1 sp, (ch 3, 2 dc, ch 1, 3 dc) in same sp, ch 1, skip next 3 sts, (sc, ch 2) in each of next 11 sts, (sc, ch 1) in next st, (3 dc, ch 1, 3 dc) in next ch-1 sp, turn.

Row 5: sl st in each of next 2 sts, sl st into next ch-1 sp, (ch 3, 2 dc, ch 1, 3 dc) in same sp, ch 1, skip next 3 sts, (sc, ch 2) in each of next 10 ch-2 sps, (sc, ch 1) in next ch-2 sp, (3 dc, ch 1, 3 dc) in next ch-1 sp, turn.

Row 6: sl st in each of next 2 sts, sl st into next ch-1 sp, (ch 3, 2 dc, ch 1, 3 dc) in same sp, ch 1, skip next 3 sts, (sc, ch 2) in each of next 9 ch-2 sps, (sc, ch 1) in next ch-2 sp, (3 dc, ch 1, 3 dc) in next ch-1 sp, turn.

Row 7: sl st in each of next 2 sts, sl st into next ch-1 sp, (ch 3, 2 dc, ch 1, 3 dc) in same sp, ch 1, skip next 3 sts, (sc, ch 2) in each of next 8 ch-2 sps, (sc, ch 1) in next ch-2 sp, (3 dc, ch 1, 3 dc) in next ch-1 sp, turn.

Row 8: sl st in each of next 2 sts, sl st into next ch-1 sp, (ch 3, 2 dc, ch 1, 3 dc) in same sp, ch 1, skip next 3 sts, (sc, ch 2) in each of next 7 ch-2 sps, (sc, ch 1) in next ch-2 sp, (3 dc, ch 1, 3 dc) in next ch-1 sp, turn.

Row 9: sl st in each of next 2 sts, sl st into next ch-1 sp, (ch 3, 2 dc, ch 1, 3 dc) in same sp, ch 1, skip next 3 sts, (sc, ch 2) in each of next 6 ch-2 sps, (sc, ch 1) in next ch-2 sp, (3 dc, ch 1, 3 dc) in next ch-1 sp, turn.

Row 10: sl st in each of next 2 sts, sl st into next ch-1 sp, (ch 3, 2 dc, ch 1, 3 dc) in same sp, ch 1, skip next 3 sts, (sc, ch 2) in each of next 5 ch-2 sps, (sc, ch 1) in next ch-2 sp, (3 dc, ch 1, 3 dc) in next ch-1 sp, turn.

Row 11: sl st in each of next 2 sts, sl st into next ch-1 sp, (ch 3, 2 dc, ch 1, 3 dc) in same , ch 1, skip next 3 sts, (sc, ch 2) in each of next 4 ch-2 sps, (sc, ch 1) in next ch-2 sp, (3 dc, ch 1, 3 dc) in next ch-1 sp, turn.

Row 12: sl st in each of next 2 sts, sl st into next ch-1 sp, (ch 3, 2 dc, ch 1, 3 dc) in same ch sp, ch 1, skip next 3 sts, (sc, ch 2) in each of next 3 ch-2 sps, (sc, ch 1) in next ch-2 sp, (3 dc, ch 1, 3 dc) in next ch-1 sp, turn.

Row 13: sl st in each of next 2 sts, sl st into next ch-1 sp, (ch 3, 2 dc, ch 1, 3 dc) in same sp, ch 1, skip next 3 sts, (sc, ch 2) in each of next 2 ch-2 sps, (sc, ch 1) in next ch-2 sp, (3 dc, ch 1, 3 dc) in next ch-1 sp, turn.

Row 14: sl st in each of next 2 sts, sl st into next ch-1 sp, (ch 3, 2 dc, ch 1, 3 dc) in same ch sp, ch 1, skip next 3 sts, (sc, ch 2) in next ch-2 sp, (sc, ch 1) in next ch-2 sp, (3 dc, ch 1, 3 dc) in next ch-1 sp, turn.

Row 15: sl st in each of next 2 sts, sl st into next ch-1 sp, (ch 3, 2 dc) in same sp, dc in next ch-2 sp, 3 dc in next ch-1 sp, turn, sl st in 3rd ch of beg ch 3 (see photos below), fasten off.

Left Handed (click for close up view)

Right Handed (click for close up view)

 LEAF

leaving 10-12 inch tail for sewing, ch 9

Row 1: sl st in 2nd ch from hook, sc in next ch, hdc in next ch, dc in each of next 3 ch, hdc in next ch, ch 1, sl st in next ch, ch 1, (working along opposite side of starting ch) hdc in next ch, dc in each of next 3 ch, hdc in next ch, sc in next ch, sl st in next ch, fasten off.

STEM (hanging loop)

ch 8, join with sl st to form loop

Round 1: ch 1, 12 sc in loop, fasten off leaving 10-12 inch tail for sewing.


ASSEMBLY

1. Using green yarn and holding the 2 pear pieces wrong sides together, sew around the outer edge to join.

2. Using long tail, sew stem/hanging loop into place at top of trivet (see photo for example).

3. Using long tail, sew leaf to side of stem as desired (see photo for example).

Turn it around and you have an Apple! :)

 Pattern designed and written by April Moreland
© 2012 All rights reserved

I Love This Washcloth

Finished size: Approximately 7 x 7 inches

Materials: (US) size I hook, 3 ounces I Love This Cotton* (available from Hobby Lobby), tapestry needle

*Colors shown above, from left to right: Carousel Ombre, Amethyst, Buttercup, Aqua
*One skein will make 2 cloths

NOTES
ch 1 does not count as a stitch at beginning of row
ch 3 counts as dc at the beginning of row
Weave in ends as work progresses

ch 22 loosely

Row 1: sc in 2nd ch from hook, [dc in next ch, sc in next ch] 10 times, ch 3, turn. (21 sts)

Row 2: [sc in next st, dc in next st] 10 times, ch 1, turn. (21 sts)

Row 3: sc in same st, [dc in next st, sc in next st] 10 times, ch 3, turn. (21 sts)

Rows 4 - 17: Repeat rows 2 - 3 seven times (ending row 17 with ch 1, turn) for a total of 17 rows. Do not fasten off.


Border:

Round 1: 3 sc in same st, sc in each of next 19 sts, 3 sc in next st, *working in ends of rows- evenly space 19 sc along side**, working along opposite side of starting chain- 3 sc in first st, sc in each of next 19 sts, 3 sc in next st, repeat between * and **, join with sl st in beg sc. (88 sc)

Round 2: ch 1, (sc, ch 1, dc) in same st, skip next st, [(sc, ch 1, dc) in next st, skip next st] 43 times, join with sl st in beg sc, fasten off. (44 scallops)

 Pattern designed and written by April Moreland
© 2012 All rights reserved

Exciting News and a Sneak Preview!!

I am just beside myself with excitement. I've been sitting on pins and needles for several months now wanting desperately to spill the beans. It was very hard, but I was a good girl and kept quiet. And now the time is here, I can finally say it out loud...

I'm going to be Published!!

Yes, published! My first professional pattern in a real honest to goodness, buy it at your local news-stand, popular crochet magazine. The October 2011 issue of Crochet World magazine to be exact.

Here's the sneak preview on Ravelry of what you will see in the magazine:
http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/sources/crochet-world-magazine-october-2011/patterns

I can't believe my afghan was chosen for the front cover! It truly is an honor!

Orange Blossom

Finished Size: 6 or 12 inches

Materials: Worsted Weight Yarn: approximately 2 ounces in each color A, and color B; US size "H" hook; tapestry needle for weaving in ends.

12 inch example (shown above): Pattern was worked using Red Heart Super Saver in Aruba Sea for color A, and Red Heart Super Saver in Real Teal for color B.

6 inch example (shown below): Pattern was worked using Red Heart Super Saver in Real Teal for color A, and Red Heart Super Saver in White for color B. (*See note below for instructions for 6 inch square.)


With color A ch 4, sl st in 4th ch from hook to form loop

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

Round 2: Working in BLO: ch 3, dc in same st, 2 dc in each st around, join with sl st in top of beg ch 3. (32 dc)

Round 3: Working in BLO: ch 3, dc in same st, dc in next st, (2 dc in next st, dc in next st) around, sl st in top of next beg ch 3 to join, fasten off. (48 dc,)

Round 4: Working in unworked FLO from Rounds 2 and 3: join color A with sc in first st of rnd 2, ch 2, sc in 3rd st of rnd 3, ch 2, (skip next st on rnd 2, sc in next st, ch 2, skip next 3 sts of rnd 3, sc in next st, ch 2) around, join with sl st in beg sc. (8 "petals")

Round 5: Join color B with sl st in top of beg ch on round 3, ch 3, [(2 dc, ch 2, 2 dc) in next st, dc in each of next 3 sts, hdc in next st, sc in each of next 3 sts, hdc in next st, dc in each of next 3 sts] 3 times, (2 dc, ch 2, 2 dc) in next st, dc in each of next 3 sts, hdc in next st, sc in each of next 3 sts, hdc in next st, dc in each of next 2 sts, join with sl st in top of beg ch 3, fasten off. (40 dc, 12 sc)

Round 6: ch 3, dc in each of next 2 sts, [(2 dc, ch 2, 2 dc) in next ch sp, dc in each st across to next ch sp] 3 times, (2 dc, ch 2, 2 dc) in next ch sp, dc in each rem st across, join with sl st in top of beg ch 3, fasten off. (76 dc)

Round 7: Join color A with sl st in any ch 2 sp, ch 1, 3 sc in same ch sp, sc in each st across to next ch 2 sp, (3 sc in next ch sp, sc in each st across to next ch 2 sp) 3 times, join with sl st in top of beg sc, fasten off.

Round 8: Join color B with sl st in center st of any corner, ch 3, (dc, ch 2, 2 dc) in same sp, dc in each st across to center st of next corner, [(2 dc, ch 2, 2 dc) in next st, dc in each st across to center st of next corner] 3 times, join with sl st in top of beg ch 3, fasten off.

Rounds 9 - 12: Repeat rounds 7 and 8 twice more. Weave in all ends.

*NOTE: For 6 inch square work as follows:

Rounds 1 - 5: Work same as rounds 1-5 of 12 inch square, fasten off at end of round 5.

Round 6: Work same as round 7 of 12 inch square. Weave in all ends.

Pattern designed and written by April Moreland
© 2011 All rights reserved

Back to main Charity 'Ghan CAL page

Sailing Along

Finished Size: 6 or 12 inches

Materials: Worsted Weight Yarn: approximately 2 ounces in each color A, and color B; US size "H" hook; tapestry needle for weaving in ends.

12 inch example (shown above): Pattern was worked using Red Heart Super Saver in Aruba Sea for color A, and Red Heart Super Saver in Real Teal for color B.

6 inch example (shown below): Pattern was worked using Red Heart Super Saver in Real Teal for color A, and Red Heart Super Saver in White for color B. (*See note below for instructions for 6 inch square.)


With color A ch 4, sl st in 4th ch from hook to form loop

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

Round 2: ch 3, dc in same st, 2 dc in each st around, join with sl st in top of beg ch 3. (32 dc)

Round 3: Working in BLO: ch 3, dc in same st, dc in next st, (2 dc in next st, dc in next st) around, sl st in top of next beg ch 3 to join, fasten off. (48 dc,)

Round 4: Working in unworked FLO from Round 3 join color A with sl st in first st, (ch 3, sl st in 2nd ch from hook, hdc in next ch, skip next st on rnd 3, sl st in next st) around, join with sl st in beg sl st. (16 "waves")

Round 5: Join color B with sl st in top of beg ch on round 3, ch 3, [(2 dc, ch 2, 2 dc) in next st, dc in each of next 3 sts, hdc in next st, sc in each of next 3 sts, hdc in next st, dc in each of next 3 sts] 3 times, (2 dc, ch 2, 2 dc) in next st, dc in each of next 3 sts, hdc in next st, sc in each of next 3 sts, hdc in next st, dc in each of next 2 sts, join with sl st in top of beg ch 3, fasten off. (40 dc, 12 sc)

Round 6: ch 3, dc in each of next 2 sts, [(2 dc, ch 2, 2 dc) in next ch sp, dc in each st across to next ch sp] 3 times, (2 dc, ch 2, 2 dc) in next ch sp, dc in each rem st across, join with sl st in top of beg ch 3, fasten off. (76 dc)

Round 7: Join color A with sl st in any ch 2 sp, ch 1, 3 sc in same ch sp, sc in each st across to next ch 2 sp, (3 sc in next ch sp, sc in each st across to next ch 2 sp) 3 times, join with sl st in top of beg sc, fasten off.

Round 8: Join color B with sl st in center st of any corner, ch 3, (dc, ch 2, 2 dc) in same sp, dc in each st across to center st of next corner, [(2 dc, ch 2, 2 dc) in next st, dc in each st across to center st of next corner] 3 times, join with sl st in top of beg ch 3, fasten off.

Rounds 9 - 12: Repeat rounds 7 and 8 twice more. Weave in all ends.

*NOTE: For 6 inch square work as follows:

Rounds 1 - 5: Work same as rounds 1-5 of 12 inch square, fasten off at end of round 5.

Round 6: Work same as round 7 of 12 inch square. Weave in all ends.


Pattern designed and written by April Moreland
© 2011 All rights reserved

Back to main Charity 'Ghan CAL page

S P R I N G

Our first real sign of Spring showed up in the front yard several days ago. In amongst the rose bushes and uncollected leaves from last fall is one single lonely, but gorgeous, tulip. This is our first spring here so we are left wondering why only one. Did the previous owner see fit to plant just one bulb, or is this the lone survivor of all those harsh winters? Either way it is good to have concrete proof that spring is finally here!

Below is a flowering tree from the back yard. I'm not sure what kind it is. Cherry maybe? Another pretty surprise for spring.

And this one, a bush that accents the corner of the front porch, I have not a clue what it might be. I don't think I've ever seen one like it before. Very unique indeed.

And now for some crochet:
I can't show you anything I'm working on at the moment. It's all very Top Secret and Hush Hush, so I thought I'd show you the Flower Fairy and Mushroom that Cyndi surprised me with before Easter. I just love them. :)

Corn Flower

Finished Size: 6 or 12 inches

Materials: Worsted Weight Yarn: approximately 2 ounces in each color A, and color B; US size "H" hook; tapestry needle for weaving in ends.

12 inch example (shown above): Pattern was worked using Red Heart Super Saver in Cornmeal for color A, and Red Heart Super Saver in Gold for color B.

6 inch example (shown below): Pattern was worked using Red Heart Super Saver in Gold for color A, and Red Heart Super Saver in White for color B. (*See note below for instructions for 6 inch square.)


With color A ch 4, sl st in 4th ch from hook to form loop

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

Round 2: Working in BLO: ch 3, dc in same st, 2 dc in each st around, join with sl st in top of beg ch 3. (32 dc)

Round 3: Working in BLO: ch 3, dc in same st, dc in next st, (2 dc in next st, dc in next st) around, sl st in top of next beg ch 3 to join, fasten off. (48 dc)

Round 4: Working in unworked FLO on Round 1 join color B with sl st in first st, (ch 2, sl st in next st) around, join with sl st in beg sl st. (16 ch-2 sps)

Round 5: Working in unworked FLO on Round 2 join color B with sl st in first st, (ch 2, sl st in next st) around, join with sl st in beg sl st. (32 ch-2 sps)

Round 6: Join color B with sl st in top of beg ch on round 3, ch 3, [(2 dc, ch 2, 2 dc) in next st, dc in each of next 3 sts, hdc in next st, sc in each of next 3 sts, hdc in next st, dc in each of next 3 sts] 3 times, (2 dc, ch 2, 2 dc) in next st, dc in each of next 3 sts, hdc in next st, sc in each of next 3 sts, hdc in next st, dc in each of next 2 sts, join with sl st in top of beg ch 3, fasten off. (40 dc, 12 sc)

Round 7: ch 3, dc in each of next 2 sts, [(2 dc, ch 2, 2 dc) in next ch sp, dc in each st across to next ch sp] 3 times, (2 dc, ch 2, 2 dc) in next ch sp, dc in each rem st across, join with sl st in top of beg ch 3, fasten off. (76 dc)

Round 8: Join color A with sl st in any ch 2 sp, ch 1, 3 sc in same ch sp, sc in each st across to next ch 2 sp, (3 sc in next ch sp, sc in each st across to next ch 2 sp) 3 times, join with sl st in top of beg sc, fasten off.

Round 9: Join color B with sl st in center st of any corner, ch 3, (dc, ch 2, 2 dc) in same sp, dc in each st across to center st of next corner, [(2 dc, ch 2, 2 dc) in next st, dc in each st across to center st of next corner] 3 times, join with sl st in top of beg ch 3, fasten off.

Rounds 10 - 13: Repeat rounds 8 and 9 twice more. Weave in all ends.

*NOTE: For 6 inch square work as follows:

Rounds 1 - 6: Work same as rounds 1-6 of 12 inch square, fasten off at end of round 6.

Round 7: Work same as round 8 of 12 inch square. Weave in all ends.

Pattern designed and written by April Moreland
© 2011 All rights reserved

Back to main Charity 'Ghan CAL page

Update

Just a few things I want to catch up on...

The next square in our current CAL is due to be posted tomorrow but I will be a little late getting it posted. I have the design worked out in my head but I don't have it worked up or the pattern written just yet. The main thing holding me back is a MAJOR deadline on Monday that will take me the entire weekend to finish up, so I will be able to post the pattern early next week... until then I'll give you a hint: "Gold"

I've gotten a few emails recently asking for permission to use my butterfly patterns (here and here) for church fundraisers. I just wanted to let you all know that I absolutely LOVE when my patterns are used for charity. It is fine if you are donating the finished item (NOT the pattern) to be sold at a local sale or auction that benefits a worthy charity. You may leave me a comment to let me know how your charity drive went, but it is not necessary.

I've also gotten a couple of comments asking about the status of the Mum's The Word square from the Calendar 'Ghan 2009 CAL. I was thinking about doing something else with it, but didn't realize the pattern's popularity. I still may do a variation on the pattern sometime in the future, but I will leave the square pattern up when/if I do. So I will be putting the pattern back up shortly for your crocheting enjoyment.

That's it for now... thank you for hanging in there with me! I have some exciting new things happening behind the scenes. More will be revealed later in the year... I've said too much already! ;)

Death and Taxes

Ask anyone in the US what April 15th means and they will tell you without hesitation, that's "Tax Day". Doesn't matter if they owe money or are due a refund, it's ingrained in them to know what that little square on the calendar means. Even when the "big day" is moved forward due to a holiday or weekend, it is still the date that even those who can't keep track of birthdays and anniversaries will remember with certainty.

The only other sure thing in life, according to Benjamin Franklin, is death. This is why I thought it kind of funny, in an odd sort of way, several years ago when my mother passed away on April 15th. She and I weren't really close so the date usually goes by without thought of anything other than the anticipation of how I will spend my refund check. This year however, proved to be different.

Phil and I married young at ages 17 and 18. Much too young to be married really, but we thought we were beyond our years with wisdom. The marriage only lasted 5 years; 3 1/2 of which were spent separated. During the 18 miserable months that we were together, the only thing good to happen were our 2 daughters.

I haven't given him more than a passing thought over the last 25 years, so why is it now I feel such a sense of mourning for him?



April and Phil Moreland ~ March 6, 1983


Philip Henry Moreland
January 24, 1964 - April 15, 2011

A New CAL!

Melissa over at Hooked on Handmade will be hosting a month long Crochet Along during the month of May. She will be featuring a different square pattern for each day of the month and invites everyone to join her. Unfortunately I will not be able to join in due to time constraints and current deadlines, but I will be peeking in from time to time to see everyone's awesome work!

P.S. Check out the pattern for the 7th. :)

Knitting & Crochet Blog Week: Day Seven

Day seven: 3rd April. Your knitting and crochet time.
Write about your typical crafting time. When it is that you are likely to craft – alone or in more social environments, when watching TV or whilst taking bus journeys. What items do you like to surround yourself with whilst you twirl your hook like a majorette’s baton or work those needles like a skilled set of samurai swords. Do you always have snacks to hand, or are you a strictly ‘no crumbs near my yarn!’ kind of knitter.

My crochet/crafting time really has no rhyme or reason. With a 3 year old in the house, it's nearly impossible to find a decent block of uninterrupted crochet time. I do try to sneak in a little here and there during the day, but between Ben, cooking, housework (which I can never seem to keep up with!), and other miscellaneous distractions, my daytime schedule is pretty much spoken for.

I am a tad more successful finding some quiet time in the evenings after Cyndi gets home. When I can finally settle in for some quality hookin' time my list of requirements is short. First and foremost, I must have a cold drink nearby. Sometimes it's water or Coke, but usually it's iced green tea with lemon. The only other thing I need is something to listen to.

In an ideal world it would be my favorite radio station, DC101. (I have yet to find a decent radio station anywhere other than the Delmarva area.) I prefer radio because, for me, the television is visually distracting. I've never been able to "get" people that can just "listen" to the TV. I guess I'm a visual person through and through.

Instead of radio, it's usually the TV until everyone else goes to bed for the night. This is when I can finally get some "me time" to use how I please. Sometimes I watch a movie, but usually I crochet. Below are a couple of pictures from my favorite hooking spot, the couch.

My Cup O' Hooks

And the bookcase where I keep my WIPs

2kcbwday7

Knitting & Crochet Blog Week: Day Six

Day six: 2nd April. Something to aspire to.
Is there a pattern or skill that you don’t yet feel ready to tackle but which you hope to (or think you can only dream of) tackling in the future, near or distant? Is there a skill or project that makes your mind boggle at the sheer time, dedication and mastery of the craft? Maybe the skill or pattern is one that you don’t even personally want to make but can stand back and admire those that do. Maybe it is something you think you will never be bothered to actually make but can admire the result of those that have.

For decades my dream has been to be an accomplished crochet/knit/craft designer. With over 70 free patterns on my blog so far, and just as many waiting in the wings to be published here and in various other venues, I suppose I could say I've made that dream come true. And in a sense I suppose I have with the free patterns alone.

On Day Four I talked about the negative side of gift giving. I wanted to take the time here to say that not all of my gifts have been thusly abandoned. I enjoy crocheting and crafting very much and want the recipients of my efforts to love my work just as much as I enjoyed creating them. So I was pleased to discover that my (ex) sister-in-law still loves and uses the afghan I made for her almost 20 years ago.

And an old friend of mine still has the baby blanket I made her son as well as the ceramic planter, including the ORIGINAL plant, that I gave her when her daughter was born. (How she kept that plant alive after all this time just amazes me!) It's good to know that not all of my gifts have fallen by the wayside. I hope my crochet designs can stand the test of time as well as these few gifts.


2kcbwday6

Knitting & Crochet Blog Week: Day Five

Day Five: 1st April. And now for something completely different

After my last post (sorry, I didn't mean for the anger to come through so harshly) I thought I'd try to lighten the mood a little.

I'm not really a fan of British humor, but still, I can't help but hear John Cleese's voice in my mind when I read today's prompt. And I can't help but think of one of my favorite movies (The Wedding Singer) when I see this video. Hope you enjoy!


2kcbwday5

Knitting & Crochet Blog Week: Day Four

Day Four: 31st March. Where are they now?
Whatever happened to your __________? Write about the fate of a past knitting craft project. Whether it be something that you crocheted or knitted for yourself or to give to another person. An item that lives with you or something which you sent off to charity.

I've crafted many, MANY gifts over the years. This includes knitting, crochet, cross stitch, quilting, beading... you name it. For whatever reason most of them have never been seen again. I admit some of those gifts may have missed their mark due to poor planning or mis-interpreted enthusiasm on my part, but I always try to put a lot of thought and effort behind my crafted gifts. I truly enjoy sharing my love of crafting with those around me.

Sadly, several years ago I decided that I would no longer be giving hand crafted gifts to friends and family members. That is with the exception of my children who, (I think... I hope... at least this is what they tell me,) appreciate my thought, time, and effort. They make specific requests and are honest with me about what they like and don't like. I don't gift anything that hasn't been discussed and planned with them ahead of time, whether they know it or not. I can be sneaky that way. hehe

Others are not as enthused as my children though, even when they specifically ask for something. Several years ago my grandmother asked for an afghan I had made. It was already finished. She knew exactly what it looked like. I felt pretty darn confident (and rightfully so, in my opinion) in knowing that she would like it. She displayed it on the back of her couch for all of about 3 months, then it disappeared. When I asked her what happened to it, she said, "Oh, that old thing? I gave it to Goodwill."

OLD??? I was furious! But I got over it. A few years later she saw a pillow I was working on. She raved about it. It was so pretty. She wanted one. I gave it to her. It sat in the gift bag in the corner of her bedroom behind the door for well over a year, then one day it was gone. I never got the nerve to ask, but I knew...

When I started thinking of all the gifts I had ever given, and never saw again, I can't help but wonder if they met the same fate. I love Goodwill. I shop there often and have picked up some awesome deals. I donate to them quite regularly old clothes; household items and the like. But it was never my intention to craft for them.

2kcbwday4

Knitting & Crochet Blog Week: Day Three

Day Three: 30th March. Tidy mind, tidy stitches.
How do you keep your yarn wrangling organised?

I only pretend to be an organized person. I mentioned my proposed attempt at organization in this post. I did manage to get a few things moved around and even put some yarn away. And I moved some boxes that contained non-crafty items to the basement for storage. But it's still a mess in that room. It's not completely disorganized. There are small bits of order to be found.

My RHSS is organized by color with a separate cubby for variegateds. I've also got 2 cubbies each for ILTY, Simply Soft, and Vanna's Choice.


And I've got my fabric neatly folded and put away on a small bookshelf. I don't do much with fabric these days so it's easy to keep this area in order.


But pull away from that bookshelf and the chaos reveals itself! Boxes, tubs, and baskets of yarn and other craft supplies waiting for a home to call their own.


What it comes down to is do I take the time to organize? Or do I crochet? Duh, we know what that answer is! I do spend small bits of time in my "Yarn Room" in the name of organization but, for the most part, I just go in there to gather supplies and take them elsewhere to work.

The truth is I desperately want a perfectly arranged space to work in. Who doesn't? But my current situation doesn't afford me that luxury. I can see it in my future. It's on the horizon. Eventually I will have that ideal workspace, but for now I'll have to settle for almost.

2kcbwday3

Knitting & Crochet Blog Week: Day Two

Day Two: 29th March. Skill + 1UP
Look back over your last year of projects and compare where you are in terms of skill and knowledge of your craft to this time last year. Have you learned any new skills or forms of knitting/crochet (can you crochet cable stitches now where you didn’t even know such things existed last year? Have you recently put a foot in the tiled world of entrelac? Had you even picked up a pair of needles or crochet hook this time last year?

Today's post was a hard one to write. I've been crocheting for 35 years, and while I believe there's always something new to learn, there's just not anything in the past year that I see I'm doing any differently. I haven't learned any new techniques or skills. No new stitches or unusually complicated patterns. I've done both tunisian and single crochet entrelac. I know how to crochet cables (and knit them too.) I've even made a sock! I've never met a pattern I couldn't conquer. From the very beginning I took to knitting and crochet like a duck to water. It all seemed to come naturally to me.

I think the hardest thing I've ever done was teach my daughter how to crochet. As you probably already know I am left-handed. As a lefty I'm used to looking at the world backward. I can look at what a right handed person is doing and reverse it in my mind and know what to do. Imagine learning to crochet with nothing but mirror images where left is right and front is back. I learned at an early age to make this compensation and it has been an invaluable tool to me ever since.

My daughter on the other hand (pun intended) is right handed. For her the world is just as it should be. So looking at me and trying to reverse the images wasn't working. Even when I guided her hand... So what was a mother to do? I sat down, crochet hook in right hand, and started awkwardly crocheting right along with her. We both struggled at first and created some wonky looking stitches. But we made it through and she is now a fabulous crocheter and designer!

As for myself, well I never could get past those beginner wonky stitches and was quite happy that she was able to catch on quickly. I am a proven lefty and always will be.

Knitting on the other hand is a different story...

2kcbwday2