My Mom: The Embroidery Queen

I’m sure I mentioned once or twice that my mom embroiders. This is one of the first things she taught my sister and I to do, and it is still one of my favorite things to do. But I don’t think I mentioned that she embroiders whole sets of tea towels for family and friends. I think she even has a set of seven tea towels set aside for the next generation of family members, too. She has given a set of them to all of her children and grandchildren.

Since I like to cook and always wear an apron when I cook, my mom decided to make me a set of four tea towels along with an apron. I love the way the little girls in the scene are always sitting together, just like sisters or friends. She made my sister a set of tea towels, and since we know we will never use them, my sister decided to make a quilt out of them. I just love how the quilt looks, the way she sashed it with different colors, and how she had my mom sign each towel. Next time my mom is over, I’m going to get her to sign mine, too. Does anyone else out there wear aprons to cook in? Does anyone else cook anymore?

Here is a picture of the first dresser scarf that I embroidered. Before I knew how to poke-hole-in-it, I would take all of my dresser scarves to my mom to edge. This was one of them that she added an edging to. Tell me what things you first made.

If you like this kind of traditional embroidery, I found some really neat pattern books (see above) that you might want to check out: Cherished Redwork for Baby, Embroidered Monograms and More, and The Sunbonnet Sue Primer.

Eyelet Handkerchief

Don’t you just love this? My sister found these eyelet handkerchiefs and thought of me. Wasn’t that sweet? Since they already have holes in them, she thought I could surely crochet around them. What a neat thing--I don’t even have to Poke-a-Hole-In-It!

Tell me about some of the things that you’ve found to poke holes in (or that have the holes already in them ready and waiting).

Free Pattern Friday: Cloud-Soft Cover-Up Crochet Pattern

I chose this Cloud-Soft Cover-Up crochet pattern for Free Pattern Friday because I had this TLC Cotton Plus yarn from Coats & Clark that I really wanted to make something out of, and it was the weight that this sweet baby afghan pattern called for. I really like the way the yarn glides through my fingers. The way the yarn is spun seems like a cable that doesn’t separate.

Check out my work-in-progress above! Now that I've finally figured out the pattern stitch for this design, I'm really enjoying making it. Aren’t most afghans the same couple of rows over and over? This pattern is no exception; you just repeat two rows throughout the whole piece. The weather here has also been great for afghan making since the nights are getting longer and cooler. I love this time of the year, when you can open your windows and feel the cool air.

Once I started the afghan, I realized I only had three skeins of yarn, so I knew I would have to find some more to finish it. I thought it would be easy to find here in Wichita, but I was wrong. The stores aren’t carrying it, but then I remembered that Crochet Soiree carries it in their store, so I’ll have to put this project aside until I receive my order of six more skeins of yarn.

I can’t wait to see what yarns you’ve decided to use for your afghans, and I’ll make sure I post my finished project when I get mine completed.

My Son and the Mouse

I just had to share this with everyone; it’s too funny. My son Joshua was commissioned by his dad to help dig out a bed frame, mattress, and box springs from the garage. To Joshua, the organizer, that meant to start sorting things in different piles--one pile to go to Goodwill, one pile to throw away, and one pile to keep. But that also meant he needed to ask me a question about every five or ten minutes on what to do with different things.

I think he was enjoying it a little as he found some of his old toys, books, and other things that he hadn’t seen in a long time. But one of his trips in was so funny--he came in, and being as dramatic as he is, he gagged a little and tried to explain what he had seen. I thought I was going to die laughing at his expression on his face.

He said, "I found a dead mouse, and it’s been dead for a long time because it’s flat." Well, since I don’t pick up mice, I asked him to take care of it. He said, “Like, I might get a disease or something?" I told him to put some gloves on, pick it up, and dispose of it. So he went out and a little bit later he came back in, and the photo above is what he looked like. He found a grabber tool and one glove, and he managed to pick the mousetrap up with the grabber and throw it away.

I think he might be almost ready for New York. What do you think? Next lesson is going to be in laundry. I’m going to miss him so much.

Megan’s Top

After my first attempt at making my granddaughter's top failed (too small), I had the tag already made, so I decided to try another top that was in the Top-sy Turvy book. I chose the Tiered Halter this time and found yarn in the colors that Megan and I both like. The top came together really fast and easy.

As you probably already know, the thing about me is that I can’t stop at just a top! I decided to add fabric straps instead of crocheted straps. So that meant going shopping for fabric (oh darn) Ha! Ha! I found some really cute fabric and some vintage buttons on my trip to Newton with my husband. I love the fabric that I found and went ahead and purchased enough to have some left over for my fabric stash.

Then I decided I had better try the top on Megan, and it fit perfectly, at which point, my daughter told me how cute the top would look with a pair of jeans that Megan really loved, but that had gotten too short on her. I told her, “No problem. I'll just add a little edging on the bottom of the jeans.” When she brought them to me, I realized that the jeans were bell bottoms, and adding fabric to the bottom of a bell doesn’t look so good, so I decided to cut them off and make capris.

Anyway, the little project of making Megan a fast and easy top turned into a complete outfit and took most of one day. (By the way, Megan had worn these jeans so much, she had worn a small hole in the back, so, oh no, I had to make a crocheted flower to cover it up.)

What a rewarding feeling it was to sew that tag in the fast and easy crocheted top!

August KS My Stitch Program

Wendy decided that our August program would be on edgings. Maybe learn how to poke-a-hole-in-it or just make some useful edgings to sew onto things as you want? Whatever the case may be, I usually try and do these ahead of time as I have a hard time concentrating on these types of things when there are a lot of activities going on, and since I am the President, I conduct the meetings, so I’m just a little busy. Anyway, I decided on two of the edgings, the first one I decided to poke-a-hole-in rick rack and crochet onto it. Then, I wanted to find either a tea towel or something to sew it on to. Well that led me into another direction again, what to sew it on? I thought about my Mexican linens and decided to choose one of them to sew it on. I think this will look really nice on this dresser scarf.

You can’t see it in the picture but someone already poked-holes-in-it and crocheted around it.

Then, it was off to figure out what I wanted to put the other piece of crochet edging on. I was thinking about making a pillowcase and poking holes in the edge of it and crocheting the edging on it. Then that led me to my fabric stash. Well, I didn’t have quite enough of any one fabric to make a pillow, so I decided to make a scrappy-quilty piece and make a pillow out of it. Only thing, I messed up on one of the strips and had a little boo boo to cover up, so now the edging becomes an embellishment for my boo boo. It seems like I can cover a lot of things up with just a little crochet.

I really like the way the pillow turned out and it looks so “Anthropology”. Now it’s off to wrap my secret pal’s gift. Have a great week.

Saturday at Knit and Crochet Show/Banquet Night with Fashion Show

Saturday was another good day. I finished my scarf after I arrived at the show. I even talked Debra into trying her hand at poking-a-hole in rick rack.

I don’t think she wants to do that again, but you never know. At least now she knows how to if her next project requires crocheted rick rack. Ha! Ha!

I was excited about the Banquet and Fashion Show and couldn’t wait for it to start. Rita Weiss invited Debra, Susan, and I to join her and Jean at the President’s table (which is right at the end of the runway). We had perfect seats for the show.

Here are a few of the pictures that were good enough to share with you:

Crochet ladies and gentlemen waiting for Banquet doors to open.

Check out the meal we were served. Look at the little star on the mushroom; everything was just perfect.

My camera didn’t do very well when it came to moving targets. But it sure got some good shots of the back of the photographer’s head. I hope they will get the pictures posted soon on the CGOA website. Everyone did an amazing job with all the designs.

Then it was back to reality and home for me the next morning. I had so much fun and hope I’ll be given the opportunity to go again in the future.

Free Pattern Friday: Sweet Innocence Sweater Set

I just couldn't resist this Sweet Innocence Sweater Set free crochet pattern. Doesn’t everyone like to crochet for babies? I know I do because babies can’t complain about the color or the way things fit. They just wear them, and they’re so cute in crocheted pieces.

I love crocheting booties, so I started with them first. This pattern features a loop stitch for the edging. As everyone already knows by now, I can’t stick to the pattern, and I chose a different edging for my booties. That is what’s so fun about crochet. You can make up your own edging if you want, and it still looks good.

Have fun with this pattern and make it your own. I can’t wait to see what you all come up with for your baby sweater set.

Friday in Buffalo and Friday Night in Niagara Falls

While I was at the show, I was able to go around and look at all the cool yarn and gadgets.

I decided since I was there, I might as well purchase some yarn. I had taken along some of my thread and rick rack to show people how to poke-a-hole-in-it, and I also took along a design project that I was working on before I left. But since I was there, and the yarn was there, I decided I needed something different. So I set out to find something different. And guess what? I found it. It was called Just Soya, it’s dk weight and so soft I couldn’t stand it not going back to the booth with me. And of course, when I got back to the booth, I had to start crocheting with it right away. I bought four different colors, green, blue, pink, and brown. I also purchased a pastel self-striping sock yarn. I didn’t really know what I was going to make, but started out doing doubles. Usually when I want to make something without a pattern, I’ll make a scarf. So that’s what I did. I just decided I would crochet until the first ball of yarn ended and then pick up the next ball of yarn and so on and so on. And that’s what I did.

The plans for the evening were to visit Niagara Falls (since it is only 20 miles from Buffalo), and we had it all figured out how we were going to make our get away. We took turns going to the hotel to change our clothes, and Susan would go and get the car at a certain time so we could leave right at the close of the show. We did just that, and I took my scarf along to work on, too. We arrived at the falls, and oh my gosh, it’s so beautiful and so unbelievably high.

You can’t imagine how scared I was when Debra took my picture on the edge of the falls. Right behind the fence that’s holding me up is a drop off straight down to the bottom of the falls. Whew! What I do for a picture and the blog.

We also got to ride the Maid of the Mist boat ride that takes you along the bottom of the falls on both the American side and Canadian side. Wow that was fun! You have to wear a blue raincoat that’s provided, or you will get wet.

After the boat ride, Debra and Susan planned to walk over the bridge and go into Canada. I didn’t have my passport, so I stayed in America. I didn’t mind at all because I had a plan to crochet some more on my scarf. Well I finished the second color and had started on the third color by the time they returned. I loved the sights and the sounds as I crocheted and listened to the French children playing hide and seek and speaking French along with all of the other different cultures that come together at the falls to see this amazing sight. It was a very good day. More to come!

My First Day and Night in Buffalo

I think everyone knows that I went to Buffalo for the CGOA/KGOA Knit and Crochet Show. Here’s a little bit about what happened:

I arrived in Buffalo Thursday afternoon and was met at the airport by Debra Nettles and Susan Sullivan of Leisure Arts. First stop was Target as they both mentioned that they always have to stop at the nearest Target when they go to any of the shows for last minute things for the booth. They took me to eat at the Cheesecake Factory since I had never been before. The food was great and here’s the piece of cheesecake that I chose for Susan and I to share.

Oh my gosh, I think it was called Turtle Brownie Cheesecake. Yummy!!!! After our cheesecake, it was off to the hotel to unpack and prepare for Opening Night at the show. Remember I said that I always pick out all of my clothes ahead of time and know exactly what I’m going to wear? Well, the night before I left to go to Buffalo, my sister stopped by my house and brought me a poncho that I had made for her and she said that she thought I should just try it on and maybe consider wearing it, although it’s more a capelet on me. Well, I decided to wear it on opening night and got lots of compliments on it. Now, she can tell me that she told me so.

I got to meet a lot of people. Some of them you may know, and some of them you may not. Here’s a few of the people that I was privileged to meet:

Melissa Leapman, Drew Emborsky, and Marty Miller

Drew Emborsky

Susan Sullivan, Mary Beth Temple, & Mary Beth's daughter

Margaret Hubert

Rita Weiss and Jean Leinhauser: I loved their blingy pins that read: “OLD BROADS RULE!” They are such fun, generous, and beautiful ladies.

Elaine Brown's hat just intrigued me, and she was gracious enough to let me take her picture and told me that I could use it on the blog. She made this crochet cover for her straw hat.

I had so much fun meeting all the people at the show and introducing them to the Crochet Soiree website. More tomorrow!

Craft Room Clutter

I can’t seem to find the time to organize my craft/sewing/ironing room. Here’s just one of the piles of disorganization in my room. Does anyone else out there have this same problem? Tell me about how you organized yours and some of the things that you used to get organized. I need HELP.

Crocheting with Buttons

My friend that gave me all the rick rack also gave me this necklace at about the same time. She knows how much I love crocheted things and knew that I would love this necklace, too.

I think there are a lot of you that collect buttons. I know I am one of those people. When my friend gave me this necklace, I got inspired to use a bag of buttons that I thought were just so pretty that they had to come home with me. I didn’t know what I was going to make with them at the time, but I just had to have them.

And here’s my version of a button necklace.

I would love to hear your stories about your button collections and if you make anything with them.

Free Pattern Friday: Whimsical Box Turtle

For this Free Crochet Pattern Friday Box Turtle pattern, I remembered I had some stash yarn from the amigurumi animals that I had made, so I pulled out the green that I had made a frog out of. I knew I didn’t have enough yarn to make the top of the turtle, but it doesn’t matter because I like to mix things up anyway. I started making the bottom and had just finished the legs, when my husband came in and asked me what I was making. I told him that I was making a crocheted turtle that is made into a candy dish. He said that’s nice, but don’t you have to put a bowl or dish inside of it. I told him I didn’t know because sometimes I just don’t read all of the material list or the directions before I get started.

So I decided to check the directions out and read ahead to the assembly part of the pattern. Well it said to use a soda bottle cut a certain way, so I thought ok, and I started reading the materials list, and it calls for a 2-liter soda bottle. Oh well. My turtle is a baby turtle since I made it with light weight yarn rather than the worsted weight called for by the pattern, so I used a 16 oz. plastic water bottle for my candy dish.

Here’s my version. It's still cute, and the fun thing about it is that it’s crocheted and around here we don’t need a lot of candy!

Doilies

I love doilies. I don’t think I’m the only one out there that does though. I collect them when I can find them and the more elaborate they are the better. The other day when I walked into the cabin for our retreat, my eyes landed on this beautiful doily.

Jinna found this doily at a garage sale and could hardly get the 50 cents out of her purse and into those young ladies' hands fast enough--she was so afraid they would change their minds. I’m sure these young ladies didn’t have any idea how long these things take to make and how much work goes into them. Oh well, more for us doily collectors to have.

Some of these doilies I have bought, and some of them I have made. I especially like the colorful ones. I think they add that little something that a room needs. Tell me about your doily collections.

KS My Stitch Second Annual Retreat

Jinna was so kind this year to let us hold our retreat at her cabin at Fall River Lake in Kansas. We had seven people travel there. Jinna and I had decided this year we would have some patterns and some ideas available to everyone if they wanted to do a project, or they could bring their own things to work on. Everyone started arriving around 10:00 am, that way we had a chance to visit before we ate lunch, which was my famous tacos, rice, and homemade salsa.

Everyone enjoyed their lunch and couldn’t wait to get started on their projects. I thought it would be neat to see what everyone brought because we all know that crocheters do not travel light. We carry a lot of bags. Ha! Ha! So here goes:

Susie carries baskets.

Jinna carries plastic tubs.

Kelly’s bag didn’t look like it could hold that many things, but I think she had four projects in there and also her project notebook.

Kay had the biggest bag I have ever seen, full of projects, plus she showed us a few things that she had already made.

Lee traveled the lightest.

Rosina had quite a few projects to work on, and I think she was the one that finished the most UFOs.

I had three UFOs in my bag and only worked on one the whole weekend, but it felt so good just to be able to sit and crochet and not worry about the phones, laundry, or anything.

Buddy is Jinna’s dog, and he was the cutest little dog I think I have ever seen. He hardly ever barked, and he didn’t get in the way like some dogs will. He was the perfect little dog for a retreat.

I recommend everyone get away as much as they can allow themselves. I think I can speak for all of us. We had a very good time and plan on doing it again real soon. Please let me know if any of your guilds do these kinds of things.