Work in Progress Wednesday

   Up bright and early today with lots to do!!!  Its Work in Progress Wednesday everybody!!! What do you have on your hooks??? Here's one project I just started a day ago for an order.

I just love watching this work up!! I love the way the colors work together so neatly and well. I have another project on the horizon- a bit more complicated-using this technique, and simply cannot wait to get it started now that I have this technique down!

  Here is the picture that inspired this order:

 Cute, huh?

   Well, besides work in progress, Wednesday means I'll be off to church this evening-a favorite thing of mine. Homeschooling my daughter takes up my afternoon, but then I have a cardiologist appointment later this morning, and I was hoping to make it to church early today to begin making posters with the overhead projector for the Vacation Bible Time class I will be teaching at the end of June. (Its always nice to start on projects early, so there's no unnecessary rushing around the last week trying to fit it all in.) I also have dinner to make-which must be made early if I am to make it to the church early, so off I go to a busy day, trying to fit it all in!!

 

 Have a LOVEly day everyone!

Love all you do, and those you have, with all your heart!  

Jamie Cooks It Up!: Chinese Cabbage Salad

Jamie Cooks It Up!: Chinese Cabbage Salad: Ah....the Chinese Cabbage Salad.  Seen at many a BBQ,  Potluck Party,  Baptism Luncheon,  Blessing Day.... Baby Shower... Wedding Shower... ...

Walk with Me

   Thanks to "My Rose Valley" for posting this tidbit of wonderful information about the health benefits of walking. As I get older, I am realizing more and more my need to get some me time and get out there and exercise again, but being as busy as I am, have a hard time finding the time or the desire to do so. Facing certain health problems now, I am know faced with the fact that I MUST start making some changes, regardless if anyone else is with me or not. I am reposting her bit of information, as it is something I know I will need to come back to time and again as gentle reminders and encouragement along the way. Who will walk with me??

My goal for this week is a minimum 15 minutes a day, preferably 30 minutes a day. Because it is a little bit like starting all over and considering the weather reports I think this is a fair goal.
To inspire you a bit to put those walking shoes on I have collected an benefits of walking list below. Enjoy!

♥ Short brisk walks helps to control your blood pressure.

♥ Walking reduces the risk of breast cancer and colon cancer.

♥ Walking strengthens your heart and can reduce the risk of a heart attack with 35%. This is if you walk a minimum of 3 hours or more a week on a regular basis. :D

♥ Walking prevents Type 2 diabetes. Walking a minimum of 1 hour and 30 minutes in combination with loosing some of your extra kilos can reduce your risk of diabetes with approx 50%. :D

♥ Walking releases endorphins and can help beat mild depression. Scientific studies shows that walking can be just as efficient as an antidepressant for mild depression. Do you get the blues this time of the year? Take a walk!

♥ 15 minutes of walking can reduce your sugar cravings. Are you craving chocolate or sweet treats? Take a walk!

♥ When walking uphill you burn up to 30% more calories than walking on a flat and it helps toning your bottom and thighs. That is great! :)

♥ Walking downhill helps toning your bottom and thighs as well.  This is even better. :D

♥ After just one day of walking you have increased your metabolic rate and start burning more calories faster.

♥ After a few weeks of walking your quality of sleep gets better. You sleep deeper and feel more rested in the morning.

♥ After a few weeks of walking your immune system in general gets better. :D

♥ Walking is proven to be one of the most efficient ways of getting a slim waist and narrow hips if that is what you wish for (at least I do wish for less love handles material...)

The list can go on of course. Just surf the Internet about walking and you can't help but feeling a NEED to get out there. I have to admit I have felt a bit fatigue and down lately and this might just be a result of me not getting my daily boost of fresh air, endorphins and blood flow. So come on girls. It is never to late. It is not over yet. Come Walk With Me again. Explore how nature is becoming a firework of flowers, leaf buds and green grass fields right now. Share it on your blog. This week I will share a walk from work because I am so lucky to have a teeny tiny forest close by that I usually walk through on my coffee breaks. So, see you later my friend. And don't forget to write down your minutes. And to report next Saturday if you can.
 

 

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Basic Crochet Headband for Baby

   This simple pattern for a basic headband works up quickly, and by following a few simple steps, can easily be adapted for any length and width desired

  The pattern calls for a size G crochet hook and Bernat Baby Sport Yarn for a delicate finished product that is perfect for a newborn, but any sized hook and co-coordinating yarn weight can be used creating varied looks specific to your needs!

LETS BEGIN!

Chain a beginning foundation row in multiples of 3,  13" long or to desired length. Join with a slip stitch to the back of the first chain, going through one loop only.  (See figure 1 below)

 **You want to be sure the chain is straitened out when measured, but not stretched to full capacity. This will ensure the headband will fit the size you are intending it to fit, but will also allow room for growth and continued future use. 

Row 1:  
 (Right side)

 Ch 1, hdc in back stitch of next ch, *ch 1, sk 1 ch, hdc in back of next 2 ch; repeat from * around.  Join w/ sl st to top of 1st hdc. (see figure 2)


(figure 1)

Note the 2 hdc's of row 1 and the ch-1, sk-1 sp created as well as the back loops of the foundation chain: The spaces indicated where you are to be working in.


(figure 2)

Note the arrow and hook indicating where to join row 1 together.

Row 2: 

  Sl st into ch-1 sp, ch 2, hdc in same ch-1 sp, *ch 1, 2 hdc in next ch 1 sp; repeat from * around. Join w/ sl st to 2nd ch of beg ch 2. Finish off.

   **NOTE:  

 If you wish to create a wider headband, DO NOT FINISH OFF at this point. Continue to repeat row 2 until your headband is half the desired width, then finish off, making a mental note of the number of times you worked row 2.

Row 3: 
 Turn the headband upside down now so that row 2 is now at the bottom. With right side facing, on the backside of the beginning foundation chain (the unworked side), join yarn w/ sl st in any unworked ch-1 sp. Ch 2, hdc in same ch-1 sp,* ch 1, 2 hdc in next ch-1 sp; repeat from * around. Join w/ sl st to 2nd ch of beg ch 2. Finish off, & weave in all ends.

Your basic 3-row headband should now look like this:

**NOTE:

   If you followed row 2 more than once, continue to repeat row 3 at this point the exact number of times as you did for row 2, then finish off & weave in all ends.

 You now have a pretty little headband ready for wear! Leave as is or embellish as desired with crocheted flowers or with flowers such as are pictured here, made by  Joli Good Flowers.

Have a LOVEly day everyone!

Love all you do, and those you have, with all your heart!

 

A Group Project Gone Great

Since October I have been teaching a group of ladies, as well as working with others, towards a goal of making two afghans for our Pastor and His wife as a special "We love you" gift. Well, this past Friday marked the 37th year anniversary of our church, and I had the privilege to present both of these beautiful afghans this past Sunday to our Pastor's wife as a small token of our love and gratitude to both of them for their many years of dedication, love,  and sacrifice they so faithfully have given throughout all these many years.

  Funds were donated by those who were willing to give towards the project, and once all the materials were gathered, we began our meetings on Friday nights at my home. We met on many days and evenings working and crocheting and learning and laughing and sharing and stumbling (and eating), but through it all, some new talent was discovered along the way, new friendships forged, a new sense of unity and sisterly love and understanding among us grew, and two beautiful gifts were created  for two very special people. 

Aren't they absolutely stunning?

 

This was the first group project I led that I actually had to teach a group of ladies to crochet all at one time, with (somewhat of) a deadline, with an actual intended end and goal in mind.

Could  it be done?????  

   
 This afghan was started on first. As I began teaching those who did not know how to crochet, those who already knew how to crochet were given their assignments and yarn, and after some brief coaching, began their work at home. They joined us during the lesson times and worked on their squares while the others learned, and would step in and help when someone was stuck and I was busy with someone else. As their squares were finished, they were handed over to me, and the afghan would be sewn together as the squares permitted during my own time.

  Once we began to make headway, the next one was started.  Those who took to crocheting easily, and those who had time to work at home on their projects with sufficient skill, took home their own assignments by this time.  And still others joined in on the crocheting to contribute.

   
Between these two afghans being started, there was even another one made for a baby shower, and some of my newbies who had just mastered their single crochet, and some who had already mastered the granny square took part in this one! Even my ten year old willingly created a square for her church class teacher's soon to be born bundle of love!

 

 

Baby shower now over, the winter holidays came and went,  during which time we did not meet, killing the wonderful momentum that had quite wonderfully developed in the beginning. Life eventually settled back down into a somewhat predictable pattern again, as did our meetings. But for me, with four children still living at home, homeschooling one, being a crochet "addict" by default, and being an active member of my church,  time can fly by so quickly! It soon came down to the final week before I had planned to present them, and there was still a row and a half that needed to be sewn together on the final afghan, and many ends still not weaved in on both of them, and the border to put on one!!!!

 Did I stress? Did I panic? 

 

Almost.

 Although I had done this part on my own in other past group projects, I realized I needed yet another lesson in the fine art of delegating.  I was able to gather three ladies that were available one afternoon, and 9 1/2 hours total of laboring at weaving in those lovely little ends passed away in one lovely afternoon over girl talk, coffee, tea, soda, strawberries, cheese and crackers, Oreo cookies, and my favorite-entertaining a little red head. 

   

The afghans were presented- fully completed- and on time! 

As I presented them to our Pastor's wife, I couldn't help but feel overwhelmed with gratitude for all the time and energy and love and sacrifices she and her husband has given these so many years selflessly to our church and the many people who have walked through its doors.

It has been 37 years, and knowing this is going to be the last anniversary celebrated before Pastor retires, I was grateful and humbled to be able to stand before her and present her the gifts. As her eyes filled with tears, mine started to as well. A few words were said in honor of all they have done and given, and the afghans held up and presented. 

I slept well that night, feeling full, blessed, happy, and relieved, knowing that the project was finally completed and over with.

 
I woke up the next morning already having started planning the next project in my head. 

Can you relate????

Have a LOVEly day everyone!

Love all you do, and those you have, with all your heart!

Newborn Baby Gown and Then Some

    

   So, what is the usual reaction when a crocheter or knitter hears of a new baby on the way? They grab their hooks, needles, and yarn, and begin creating, of course!

  And that is just what I did for a young woman at my church who 
 was to have her first baby!

 Well, the baby has just been born, and I cannot take the suspense any more of not sharing my photos of my newest pattern now in the works-inspired by the little miss born last week!

 She will be getting her bag full of goodies I have crocheted for her tomorrow, so hopefully Momma isn't up in the middle of the night tonight, searching the internet for soon to be received gifts from well wishers. My instincts tell me that isn't going to happen, so I think I'm safe sharing this now.

As I thought of what I wanted to make for her, I thought back to my first days at home with my new babies, and memories came to me of those sweet little baby gowns I would dress them in at bedtime. I loved those little night time garments-they grew to be symbols of those first memorable days I had with my new precious bundles from heaven, and the first few sweet days of basking in the wonder of each little precious miracle.

I was always so sad to see the day my babies outgrew them. :(

So, a baby gown is what I decided to make.

 Within a few short days, I had it made, and the first rough draft of the pattern written out. It is sized for newborn up to 13 pounds, with ties on the arms and at the bottom. Once their newborn nails are no longer a threat to their little eyes and delicate skin, the ties can be taken out, and the end of the sleeves folded up, if needed or left as is.

I then decided any little girl outfit wouldn't be complete without a special little matching headband to complete it, especially since her auntie makes these beautiful flowers that go so wonderfully well with them!

But could I stop there? Of course not!

I just had to try out that beautiful little Mary Jane Shoe pattern I bought eons ago and still had not made!

And, oh, yes! I just had to try out another original pattern of mine for a bonnet I designed, but this time in a newborn size, here, topped with another "Joli Good Flower"-just to see how it would go.

And then, yes, that's right! She always made sure it was known she wanted a diaper cover for the baby, so why not make it a set? 

And I did.

I can't wait to meet the little one, and see Momma's reaction to the gifts I've made for the baby.

If you like those beautiful flowers, head on over to "Joli Good Flowers" and tell them Vicki sent you!

Joli Good Flowers
(click above)

Have a LOVEly day everyone!

Love all you do, and those you have, with all your heart!

 

Conference Music Special

Besides Crochet, music is my favorite hobby. I sing, play flute, and dream of being a fairly decent pianist. The church I am a member of hosts a special prophesy conference every year, and for the past few years, we have had the privilege of having it fully recorded, live streamed on the internet, and copied on DVD's and CD's for further viewing. This has been a great blessing to those us of in the choir, as we actually get to hear what we sound like once in a while, and enjoy the fruits of our labors. This is one of the specials we sang at this years conference. Periodically I enjoy going back to listen to it. It is such a joy to be in our church's choir, as we all work in unison for a common goal. I just wanted to share another one of my joys with you. I hope you enjoy it as much as we all enjoy singing it.

 Click here for the Conference Special Music Performance

Have a LOVEly day everyone!

Love all you do, and those you have, with all your heart!

Crochet Reading Charts

From time to time, I find invaluable helps and how to's from sources such as websites and other blogs that I follow, and I like to pass on the information. Creations by Valorie does the same, and has passed on this information through her blog. I am following suit. 

Reading charts for crochet is one such skill I myself am in need of perfecting, and this helpful chart is reader friendly and a great place to start!  Thank you Val and Catarina!

 

Reading Crochet Charts by Catarina

Hi!

My name is Catarina and today will go thru our first lesson on how to read Crochet Charts.

I don’t know what is the easiest way to start this as I have never been taught this. I just got used to reading them on my own, as most of the crochet patterns in Portuguese magazine come with a chart.

But let’s start with the symbols. Every chart comes with a legend so you know what it represents, but they are kind of universal and here they are:

Crochet Chart Symbols

Sometimes you may find a chart online that doesn’t have a legend or that the symbols are a bit different from the list above. Well that is a problem that arises when the pattern does not include it's own legend. Sometimes you can read them; sometimes you can’t. So far it has just happened for me once that I couldn’t follow a pattern in chart form.

Please don’t get overwhelmed with all these symbols, you don’t really need to know them by heart, as you can always go back to your legend and see what they mean.

So let’s do a pattern reading from a simple chart, this time from a granny square, as I think almost everyone know how to do them or at least understands their construction.

So, as you can see this chart has a legend, and the stitches used for this pattern are chain, double crochet and slip stitch.

In this case we know that granny square starts from middle, but sometimes you don’t know how the pattern you are going to do is suppose to work out, but there are some small things that will help you. Some patterns have a small arrow indicating the pattern first stitch, and other’s have numbers in rows (like this one), indicating what is that row so you just have to look for row 1. But, mainly you just have to look at the symbols – here you can see were the top of the double crochet is, so its easy to see what direction the work is done.

Let’s start then, with the reading of the chart. We start in middle, and...

Start with: 4 ch joined with sl st.

Row 1 is written in black: ch 5, *dc 3, ch 2* 3 times, dc 2 and join with sl st in the 3^rd chain from beginning of the row

Row 2 (in red): ch 5, *dc 3, ch1, dc 3, ch 2* 3 times, dc 2 and join with sl st in the 3^rd chain from beginning of the row.

So carry on by yourself, leave a comment if you have some doubt and see you next week for lesson # 2.

Hugs,

Catarina

Catarina Yarn Craft

Catarina Yarn Craft

Burning the wick at both ends

    It is winter here in New England, but what a winter we have had! Very mild, sunny days, and two snow falls that have amounted to about an inch! It feels almost like winter in Arizona rather than Rhode Island, but who's complaining?  Not I! Last year we were bombarded with large storm after storm-so much so that my entire winter grocery shopping schedule seems to have revolved around when the next storm was going to hit! I love the beauty of the snow, but I certainly enjoy not having to bundle up with hat, thick heavy coat, and gloves each time I just want to step outside!

       It is staying lighter out longer now, and for that I am thankful for! Oh how I love the sunshine and blue skies and hearing birds twittering amongst themselves, which has already started this year, as has the premature growth of crocus' popping through the gardens around my home.

    My days are spent homeschooling my daughter and crocheting, my evenings crocheting in my big cozy chair as my family relaxes together and watches old time shows and movies late into the night. My husband is seasonally unemployed this year, and it is nice to have time to just hang out and do nothing with him for once in our married life. Most of the kids are grown, save one child-Bethy-who is ten, and my husband has worked 6-7 days a week most of our married life. Most recently, the past five years or so averaging 65 hours a week. that doesn't leave much time for just hanging out and enjoying eachother's company. So, we are taking advantage of it while we can, and making up for lost time.

  
Here is a new afghan I made for my son who is away at Bible college studying church ministries and music. It was finally finished a few short weeks ago after laboring at it for 9 months off and on.  Made with half double crochet with a size H hook, one row seemed to be endless to me! I created patterns with various colored yarns from Vanna's Choice, Caron's One pound, and Red Heart. From light to dark colors and shades and back again, there is a definite pattern throughout, and is repeated only three times throughout the entire afghan. It measures approximately 6' x 6 1/2': Plenty big for wrapping your self up in, and acting as a great throw on a full or queen size bed in the future.

 

Here is a picture of  him with another love gift I made for him recently at college. We may grow up, but there is always still a little child in each of us.

 

        February 21 marked my third child's birthday. He turned 20. Wow!  My two oldest now having their own Momma-made-blankies, it was time to start on his. I took him out yarn shopping-for which he tried desperately to hide as I pulled him through the isles to where the yarn was. This is the pattern and colors her chose for his blanket, which again is 6 feet wide. The yarns are Caron one pound and Red Heart in Spring Green. His favorite color is green-must be the Irish in him. I am thankful he chose this pattern-made with long double crochet, it will still be thick and warm, especially because I am using a smaller hook than the yarn calls for, but it also is made with long double crochet stitches, so finishing one row doesn't seem to take forever and it shouldn't take nine months to complete it, either!

Here is a picture of my Irish boy upon his graduation.

What a handsome boy.

  Lastly, here is another project I have been partially working on. I have been teaching a group of ladies at my church how to crochet, and we have been working on a -SSSHHH- surprise gift for our Pastor and his wife. This is the finished blanket for her, and his is partially complete. His is made following the same pattern but with two shades of blue, a tan, brown, and natural. The ladies and I make the squares, and then I  weave in the ends to make sure all is well, sew the squares together,  and add the boarder. I so would like to make one for myself someday. Isn't it beautiful?

 Have a LOVEly day. Love all you do, and those you have, with all your heart!