Doggy And Bone Book Thong

I did get around to making the dog and bone book thong.  Thread a little too thick for the needle on this one, but I need to use up the thread from the cloche.

I don't really read books all that much. Everything is all electronic now.  But I do journal and these are perfect.  Do you think there will come a time when books are obsolete?

Below is an excellent tutorial for making these book thongs:

http://www.crochetme.com/media/p/88334.aspx

With Grace,

Debra

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A Snowflake Pattern For You

I will be working on snowflakes through the weekend.  It has started to rain and I love the idea of sitting out on the back pouch and enjoying a little bit of moisture in the air and a break from the dry heat.  

Crochet snowflakes to me, are basically just chains and picots.  Well, that is how I make them.  On occasion I will have a sc or dc to build the snowflake.  

I always like the six point snowflakes and these are very simplistic.  

Here is how I made the six point aqua colored snowflake.  

I used a bottle ring from a plastic bottle or you can use a plastic ring or rubber gasket ring.  Any type of ring that is maybe about 1" in diameter, give or take.  

4 ply worsted yarn, your color choice.  

F Hook

sl =slip stitch

ch=chain

sc=single crochet

sk=skip

The first thing that you are going to do is single crochet around the ring and here is a good tutorial:

http://www.anniescatalog.com/crochet/content.html?content_id=69

I always count the slip stitch and chain 1 as a single crochet.

You need a total of 18 sc on the ring.  

Now you are ready to make your points.

*sc  into the chain one on the ring (which I really refer to as an sc), chain 6, sl into the 4th chain from hook, (you have made a picot), ch 4, sl in 4th ch from hook, ch 4, sl into the 4th ch from hook, (you have a total of 3 picots),chain 2, sk a sc on the ring and sc into the next sc on the ring.*

You have created your first point.  

Repeat between * 5 more times.  

Fasten off, sew in ends and your done.  

As you noticed a point covers a multiple of  3 sc on the ring.  So, if you want to make more then 6 points, just remember to make a set of three sc on the ring for each point.  Maybe use a 2ply worsted yarn, experiment.  

If you want your picots to be bigger, then just increase your chains.  For instance, if you want the center picot to be bigger, try 6 or 8 chains rather than the 4, just remember to sl stitch in the first chain made for that picot.  

If you want the stem part  longer, make 4 chains rather then 2.  

I like to keep them small, because I use them for gift tags and small tree ornaments.  

Have fun, and please let me know if the pattern is easy to follow.  

Hopefully, you will look at the water or soda bottle your drinking from and reconsider saving that cap and ring.  

Have a great weekend,

Debra

Bottle Ring Snowflake

I have so many plastic bottle caps and the plastic rings from plastic bottles.  We know they can't go into the recycle bin and I defiantly don't want to put them in the trash where they will end up in the landfills.

Today, I am working on bottle ring snowflakes.  Great for small ornaments for the tree, gift tags, purse charms, appliques, you name it there is some kind of use for them.

These are so quick to make and it gives me an opportunity to work on my photography and with different colors on a smaller scale.

My Daughter won't be pleased with a dead on shot or the shadows, but hey, I'm in training, right?

I start making snowflakes about this time of year.  I think it is because it makes me feel like it is a lot cooler outside then it really is.  Helps me get through the final stages of the desert heat.

I can't decide if I should stiffen them, or just leave them natural.  What do you think?

With Grace,

Debra

Finished Vintage Cloche In Crochet

It was such a pleasure crocheting this vintage Cloche hat.  Patterns were written so differently and actually make you do the mathematics when it came to increasing and decreasing stitches.  It was challenging.  If I had to sit down and just crochet the hat instead of writing a more comprehensible pattern, it probably would have never gotten done.  If  you would like to crochet this Clothe, you can find the pattern here:

https://www.etsy.com/listing/157460029/vintage-crochet-cloche-hat-pattern-pdf?

It's been a long day, and to be quite honest I struggled more with the decision on the PDF converter, then interpreting the hat pattern.  

With Grace,  

Debra

Smothered Burritos

If my Daughter ask me for one of my recipes, I know it is good one.  

Here is how I make:

Smothered Burritos:

Ingredients:

2 lbs of boneless chuck roast
1 10 oz can red enchilada sauce
1 15 oz can of re fried beans
10 tortillas
1 1/2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese

Cut the boneless chuck roast into cubes and place in the slow cooker.

Add 1- 10 oz can of red enchilada sauce.

Cook on low in your slow cooker for 7 to 8 hours.  (my slower cooker took 7)

Once the meat is cooked. reserve as much as you can of the broth, in a bowl.

Strain the meat to make sure you get  all the juices off and put back into the slow cooker.

Add 1- 15 oz can of re- fried beans to the slow cooker.

Use a wooden spoon to mix the meat and beans.  Also while you are mixing crush the meat with the wooden spoon so that it shreds, in the process of mixing the beans and meat.

Cook on low for about 30 minutes.

I check it about every 5 minutes and stir it, so it won't burn, because you are basically just warming the beans up.

In the meantime grease a 9 x 13 casserole dish, and preheat your oven to 375 degrees.

Once the beans are warmed up, turn your slow cooker off and we are ready to make burritos.

Put a couple of scoops of the meat and bean mixture on the tortilla, about 3/4 down from the top and leaving about an inch on each side free from the meat mixture. Fold the sides in and bottom of the tortillas up and roll to form the burrito.

Put the burrito seam side down in the greased casserole dish.  You should be able to make 10 burrito.

Use a cooking brush, brush on the reserved broth.  I only lightly brushed it on to cover the tops of the burritos.

Sprinkle the cheddar cheese generously on top of the burritos, until you only see cheese.

Place in oven for about 15 minutes, or until the cheese is crusty.

Pull them out of the oven and they are ready to eat.

I like garnish on top.  I added dabs of sour cream, chopped tomatoes, and some more shredded cheese.  Use your imagination on this one.

Adapted from http://blogchef.net/smothered-burritos-recipe/



Debra

Sneak Peak Vintage Hat

Just a sneak peak of the the finished hat.

Most say they don't have good lighting, in my world sometimes I have too much.

I need to find a model.

Bubbles

I'm down to the last few rows of the vintage hat.  I believe it will not be until Monday until I present the pictures.  

What is most important is that we enjoy our lives and surround ourselves with friends and family.  

I met up with my bowling buddies at the Uptown Alley last night and we weren't bowling.  I did try out a new drink last night that was delightful and I will be working to recreate this refreshing pineapple delight.  

My intentions were to take a picture of the bubbles, in the background and one of my bowling buds just had to be in the picture every time I took a shot.  

Needless to say, it was a great evening, a new drink, tons of laughter, and surrounded by people we share our lives with.  Who could ask for more?

So needless to say, it is a late start today. I am sure you can relate to what is priority in life.

Have a weekend of  laughter and joy,

Debra

National Lollypop Day

http://dailysavings.allyou.com/2013/07/20/free-lollypops/

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Happy National Lollypop Day,

Debra

Birds

As I get ready to finish up on the vintage crochet cloche hat, I wanted to share this with you until then.  I went grocery shopping yesterday, and in these days, it becomes like a day at the mall.  I need to remind myself to shop the dairy, meats and frozen goods last.  Even if I go in for a few things, I wander.

I thought these were cute.  They were glass cylinders with branches, birds and leaves printed on them. I had to get a picture.  I thought the birds were cute and would make a perfect little project for a crocheted bottle ring.

Today I will be trying out a new recipe for smothered burritos.  I probably will not share that recipe until Monday, if it turns out well.

I will be finishing up the hat today and will share that with you tomorrow.  I need time to finish with the updates to this designer's pattern, but it is turning out, oh so, cute.....

Have a great weekend,

Debra

Vintage Hat - Popcorn Stitch

I am almost to the final row of the popcorn stitch.  I was taught the popcorn stitch a little different.  The affect is the same, but it is interesting the differences.

Has anyone ever encountered that?

I think maybe because I was taught by someone, that over time they modify the stitch to their liking either because it is easier to get the effect that they need?  Maybe they just were not taught the stitch correctly?

What are your thoughts on this?

As I am getting further into the pattern, the instructions are requesting that I  join in certain instances, so I believe the designer's expectations is to have the swirl affect at the top of the hat.

I am not going to change any part of it, but I can't seem to understand why there isn't a row of working in just one loop to give a seam affect so the hat can be formed easily.

Then again, I might find out when I finish it.

It's been awhile since I have worked on a project with thread, besides my book thongs.  I am finding it enjoyable.  The thread and hook are larger and it doesn't seem to make my eyes hurt.

Working today on this project for 3 hours and then again tomorrow for 3 hours, so hopefully I will have this completed and start my dog and bone book thong.

Then I want to try some new recipes.

Where ever you are, have either a great evening or a great day,

Debra

Top Of Crochet Vintage Hat Pattern

I have started the crochet Vintage hat and this is what I am talking about when interrupting the patterns.  This is the very top of the hat.  As I am working each round, it doesn't really tell me to work continuous rounds, but it also doesn't tell me to join and work the next round. 

My interpretation is not to join, but I could be wrong and it is in no way my intentions to take away or add to the pattern. 

I will just have to go with my gut feelings and hope that I made the correct choice.

By choosing not not to join and work in a continuous round this is what happened. Isn't that pretty?  It created such a subtle swirl, no line showing the join.  This is defiantly something, I want to incorporate in my own patterns. 

It is so polished, and such a beautiful subtle affect. 

For someone who has crocheted for over 30 years, it never fails me to have an element of surprise on occasion.  The sad part about it, is I'm not sure it is really suppose to be that way, or if it was a fluke on my part.  

I am just in awe, with the results so far.  

On that note, I need to end my day, and have some, me time.  I get so absorbed, I lose track of time.  

Take Care,

Debra

Vintage Crochet Hat

I am always captured by the vintage crochet hat patterns that I find.  I'm not much of a hat person, myself, but when I see pictures of the hats from the 60's, they fascinate me. I am re-writing a crochet hat pattern so that it is more comprehensible for others. I always find that they no longer make the thread that is required and the patterns are sometimes difficult to follow.

The hat, I will probably never wear, but I am sure someone will make a good offer for it.  Hopefully, the re-write on this will be easier to follow and encourage others to make this hat.

I remember many years ago attempting to make a doily and for the life of me I could not figure out what the instructions were asking me to do.  I spent days trying to comprehend what should have been a simple task.  I dreamed about this doily in my sleep for several nights because I really wanted to complete the project.

I eventually did figure it out and I still have that doily 30 years later.  So needless to say, the patterns and designs that are vintage truly do hold the test of time.

My only hope is, that others will attempt to create these patterns that I have re-written in a more comprehensive format,  so that our history of designers can be preserved and appreciated.

Hopefully, I can finish today and treat myself  to a crochet book thong with the cutest little dog and bone beads. Yes, I am a collector of  vintage buttons and unusual beads.  Isn't that the cutest?

With Grace,

Debra

Contest - 1 Year Subscription to - All You Magazine

I love the All You Magazine!!!

The only store that I have found in my area that sells this magazine is Walmart.  

By the time I get to Walmart, it is sold out or I get so absorbed in  shopping that I forget to put one in my cart.  

It is time for me to get a subscription.

I believe in this magazine so much, the simplicity and variety of information on savings, and oh, all those coupons, I can't keep my mouth shut when someone mentions magazine, I just feel the need to speak up about All You.  

What better way to get the word out then to: 

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With Grace,

Debra

Sedona

Sedona is a great place to escape the mid summer heat in Phoenix. It always amazes me that 90 degree weather is a welcoming temperature from the Phoenix sun.

This small artsy community always inspires me.  The red rock as you enter Sedona has one of the most calming affects.  To walk the galleries and the shops and sit outside and enjoy a refreshing drink or meal and wait for inspiration comes easy.

The Native American artwork, the patterns on the ceramic tiles, walking on red earth and the cast of the red rock against the blue skies is just phenomenal.

We visited Tlaquepaque shops this visit.  As you walk in there is always an abundance of little shops and dining.  I am always captured by the ceramic tile work, the large metal art work, galleries and the simplicity of it all.  I was able to capture a few pictures of the ceramic tile and hopefully I can design a few crochet motifs.

I was good and did not spend too much money, but all those Christmas ornaments at the Feliz Navidad store got the best of me, especially the glass ornaments of the cactus and the bullhead skull.  My Christmas tree is a lifetime of memories and I added to the collection this weekend.  Come to think of it, I could rid of every nik nak that I have with the exception of the Christmas tree ornaments and that alone would tell my life story.

Hoping the rest of your weekend is wonderful and inspirational.

With Grace,

Debra

Salsa

This salsa with made with Kraft Italian Dressing.  It is a keeper for me.  My Daughter ate this so fast, it didn't even stand a chance to sit and savor.

Here is where you can find the recipe.

http://www.kraftrecipes.com/recipes/fresh-tomato-salsa-63801.aspx

Yesterday, my Daughter and I took a trip to Ikea.  I found the cutest little bowls that hold a couple of tablespoons of spices, butters, oils...........I just had to have them.  They will be perfect for holding my smaller ingredients until my meats or batters are ready for their arrival.

My Daughter has only a couple of weeks to teach me how to take better pictures.  I think she is doing a great job.  She lectured me big time about the photograph with the toilet paper roll in it and insisted that I take it out.  I refuse to remove it, it shows my progress and lets her know that someday she will be a great teacher in her field.

Linen Spray

My Daughter and I went to Target yesterday and I just can't resist the $1.00 bins as you walk in.  I know they do that on purpose and it pulls me in every time.  I found hand towels for $1.00.  They are not of the highest of quality but for a buck they work for me.  Perfect for my kitchen crafts.

I had to put together a batch of linen spray.

My recipe for linen spray is:

Lavender essence oil 40 drops
Vodka 1/4 cup
3 cups of filtered water

In a spray bottle, pour in the vodka and lavender, mix really well.  Add the three cups of water and shake it up.

You can use linen spray to spritz your linens before you iron them, or you can just spray it directly on your bedding and curtains and upholstery.  Might want to colorfast check first with your upholstery.  I even use it as a body spray. Just shake it up each time, before use.

Lavender has a lot of uses and I am sure if you google you can find all types of effective uses for lavender.

Now I just need to figure out which applique to use.

Applique

I am designing and writing patterns for appliques today.

What fun these are.

I can't wait to sew some of these to my kitchen hand towels.

Pumpkin Diaper Cover and Hat

These are darling.

I worked with several patterns that I found on the Internet. 

The hat pattern is from:

http://knottyknotty.blogspot.com/2012/02/little-hat-and-matching-diaper-cover.html

and the diaper cover is recommended by Repeatcrafterme.com from:

http://flowerscreations.blogspot.com/2012/05/free-diaper-cover-pattern.html

I did use the recommended H hook, and I am going to have to work with the gauge and drop back down to the F hook.

I tried, but I am partial to the F hook.

Then to top it off, I was trying to design a pumpkin, and I guess my colors are a little off.

Needless to say, I will have to find the right colors and modify a little to work with the F hook.

Hey, wasn't I suppose to be off today?

I have to share these regardless of the color, because the patterns I found are darling.

I 

Colorado River

Committed to sharing something today.

Busy listing, so nothing new to share.  

This is the Colorado River that we were planning to fish last weekend.  

Until my big catch comes along, I will continue to find some recipes.

Have a wonderful weekend.

Watermelon Fruit Bowl

Topping up a wonderful day with a new recipe and getting ready for the fireworks.

I used a sugar free raspberry jello and fruits consisted of watermelon, strawberries and bananas.

http://www.kraftrecipes.com/recipes/watermelon-fruit-bowl-50990.aspx

Owl Luggage

Had a great time with friends on the trip.  We didn't get to fish.  124 is just too hot and the temperatures at night were in the 90's.

We did play the slots, but 5 days is just a little too long.

I was able to pick up a piece of luggage for $14.00.

Most know, I love owls, I just couldn't resist.

I'm currently working on my Daughter's 4th of July gift and finishing the pattern up on my stars.

I'm going to be extremely busy for the next 9 days with the mini break, but it was well worth it.....