Mushroom Inspiration

Some new mushroom inspiration popped out of the ground last night.  Monsoons are in full swing and the humidity is incredible.  We have about one more month of the heat.

I am working on some new crochet Christmas ornaments, putting together my snowflakes and making more salt dough ornament.

I am a busy bee today.  Hopefully the weekend will bring some relaxation for a fresh start on Monday.

What are your plans this weekend?

With Grace,

Debra

Snowflake Patterns

It is currently 107 degrees where I am.  I have worked on snowflakes all day and still have a few days to go with modifications and fine tuning the patterns.  Snowflakes for some reason cool me down.  I am able to walk outside and convince myself the dry heat wind that is blowing is a nice icy cool breeze, well, for about 15 seconds anyway. Always reminds me of the cartoons growing up, that showed an oasis with someone hallucinating that they were by an oasis drinking water and being fanned with a palm leaf, only to realize they were crawling a long through a sand storm and drinking sand or something to that nature.  

I am invited to apply for a spot in a Holiday Craft Fair this year and hopefully my application will be accepted.  These snowflakes will defiantly be one of my selections for my booth.  

I was going to wait until October to present the patterns, but with craft fairs in mind, I need to get them out by the beginning of September for those that would like to make snowflakes and need a pattern.  

Easy and fun to make they are perfect for ornaments, gift tags or appliques as gift or for yourself.  

I hope your day and evening are a delightful one.  

Chillin in the dry heat,  

Debra

Hamburger Casserole

This is a quick and easy casserole dish that I want to share with you this evening.  I don't know the official name, but I call it hamburger casserole.

You you need:

Round casserole dish with fitted lid
1 pound of ground round made into 4 equal patties. (I usually use very lean but on this dish I use an 80/20)
4 medium potatoes
1 medium onion (I am using a red, but use what you like or have on hand)
1 green pepper
3 pinches of garlic salt
1 pinch of salt
1 pinch of pepper

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

If you are using anything other than a glass casserole dish, you will need to lightly grease.

Slice all the potatoes, about 1/4" thick, and put into the bottom of the casserole dish.

Sprinkle about 2 pinches of garlic on the potatoes.

Slice the onion about 1/4" thick and separate the rings and place over the top of the potatoes.

Cut the top and the bottom off of the green pepper and clean the inside out.

Cut the pepper in half and then cut each half into slices about 1/4" thick.  Place these on top of the onions.

Place the 4 patties on the top of all vegetables and sprinkle one pinch of garlic, salt and pepper on the patties.

Cover and place in the 350 degree oven for about 1 hour.  

Check to see if the potatoes are done after an hour, if not, cook in 15 minutes intervals until done. 

You can always use a leaner meat or use ground turkey, just lightly grease your dish, so the potatoes won't stick.   I just prefer the fats from the meats to flavor the potatoes.  

You can also make foil packets and grill these on low as well.  

Enjoy,

Debra

Done Doodling

That wasn't too bad.  Only 3 doodles and I am off and away with my next project.

The doodles were fun and I did learn a few new techniques with Irish crochet.  I will look forward to incorporating them into future works.

I usually don't do much with my doodles, in fact I usually pull them apart and use them for other projects.  I think going forward, I will attach all of these with a netting stitch and either make a picture or curtain with them.

Would that be called free form crochet?

Have a great weekend and be safe,

Debra

Doodle Art

I think to much.  What does one do when they think to much?  They doodle. I doodle with the hook, rather than a pen.

If I have to many ideas or things on my mind, and I need to stay focused, doodling with the hook, keeps me current, until I can get things organized with my thoughts.

Today, I am doodling.

I guess I'm trying to say, I have to much on my mind today to attempt a new project without getting side tracked.

Have you doodled, lately?

Should we have a contest on how many doodle motifs I will make before I start my next project?

Just touching base.

Your doodler,

Debra

Rylee the Peacock Pattern

This is a PDF pattern for a crochet peacock ball ornament.

The pattern is entitled "Rylee the Peacock", inspired from my great niece's love of peacocks.

Perfect gift for the peacock lover. Great ornament for the tree or just for hanging around.

Detailed instructions and 13 pictures to illustrate each round. 

The pattern is written in standard American terms. 

You can sell products made from this pattern. 

This is a copyright pattern.

Please, do not copy, distribute, or resell this pattern.


Thank you,


Debra

Rylee the Peacock is Done

Rylee the Peacock is done.  Long day, will finish up the final pattern tomorrow.

Have a nice evening, everyone.

Debra

Breakfast at the Pints

Back from a mini break in Laughlin, NV.

Who can eat all of this in one sitting?  They serve this breakfast special at the Pints in the Colorado Bell Hotel,  Laughlin, NV.  What a deal for $5.99.  Two people could share this special.  I love food, but no matter how hard I try, I can't eat all of this in one sitting.

Back to making salt dough ornaments and looking for my breakfast burrito recipe to share with you. Perfect for using up any left over ham you may have. 

Debra

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Have a wonderful and safe weekend,

Debra

Rylee's Peacock Ball Ornament

I started this yesterday while I was making salt dough ornaments.  This is a new pattern that I am working on.  I still have a lot of process improvements, but I think it is coming along nicely.

My great niece loves Peacocks, so I am making a peacock ball ornament pattern named after her.  She will be so excited.

As you noticed, I sat the vintage mitten pattern aside, again.  Round 1 is just not matching all the other rounds and I either make too many stitches based from what I am reading and the holes for the ribbon to run through don't match up.

I can understand why one would not want to pick up this form of art during this era.  I can sit down and design and create something, but to read the vintage crochet patterns, ugg. I am determined though, I will not give up, it will get done in given time.

Today, I am ending a little early.  I worked on making a gazillion salt dough ornaments and ended up not getting to bed until really late.  Loved every minute of it.

Have a great day or evening, where ever you may be,

Debra

Salt Dough Snowflake Ornaments

This day consisted of making salt dough ornaments.  Here is a small sample of what I did.  I bought this large rubber stamp with different snowflakes all over it and thought it would be cute to have snowflakes stamped on a snowflake.

Love the stamp.  Now to sand down and cover with a protective clear gloss.

I need to learn how to stamp on both sides without ruining the shape of the ornament.

I'm ready for winter,

Debra

Potato Chips

I picked up this (gizmo), microwave potato chip maker at a yard sale for practically nothing.  Of course, it sat in the cupboards for a few years, let's not go there, with the number of years.  I finally got around to using it, convincing myself that this won't work.  I can officially say, I will never buy a bag of chips again.

I love chips, seriously, love chips.

These are so easy to make, all you need is a microwave, a microwave potato chip maker, mandolin, a medium potato, sea salt and a bowl, to make enough to go with a sandwich for lunch.

This is how I made them:

Slice the unpeeled potatoes with the mandolin into the bowl.  Sprinkle the sea salt on the slices.  Place the potato slices in the slits of the microwave potato chip maker and microwave for 6 to 8 minutes.  Mine take 7 minutes.

I use the salt because I like to take day trips and I tend to dehydrate in this heat, so these help with retaining water.

There are so many possibilities.  You can peel the potato if you like, I don't because I was always told that is where all the vitamins are.  You don't have to salt them, but you could add herbs, spices to your personal preference.  You could brush them with olive oil which will enhance the flavor and then add whatever spices you like.

These microwave potato chip makers are well worth a try.

With Grace,

Debra

Sleeveless Top Sewing Pattern

I couldn't sell this.  I just keep looking at it, thinking I can make a sleeveless top for practically nothing rather than buying one at the store.  I will make it a little longer though.

I love the style of the low cut pants and jeans, they are comfortable but, wow, are they cut low and I am always trying to sit on my top or have my hand on the back of my top when bending, in fear of exposing myself. Ever have that problem or is this just my issue?

This top will work out perfectly.

I'm just listing today and will probably call it a day in a little bit. My eyes are getting blurry eyed, so it is about time to stop and get off the computer for awhile.

Tomorrow, I have devoted the whole day to working on the Vintage Infant Mittens.  I have one done, but I need to finish up so I can start a new vintage pattern project.

A day trip is coming up and I need snacks, so I am going to be making microwave potato chips this evening. Can't wait to share those with you on Wednesday.  Chocolate covered potato chips sound even better, don't you think?

Just touching base,

Debra

Orpha's Crochet Mushroom Ornament Pattern Is Done

I had to name this pattern after my Grandmother. Not only does it remind me of her crochet hot pads, but also the gardens she had every summer.  

I'm thrilled to offer this pattern and it can be found here.

http://www.etsy.com/listing/159380331/crochet-mushroom-ornament-pattern?ref=shop_home_active

These mushrooms are so whimsical and fun.  They also offer the opportunity for you to embellish the stem with your embroidery, adorn with a gnome, add bead work.  Add some thread and hang on your Christmas tree.

With pleasure,

Debra

Mushroom Pattern In The Making

Finishing up my mushroom pattern and then heading out for some weekend fun.

Be Safe,

Debra

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Mushroom Ornament

It never fails me.  I come up with one idea and it ends up escalating into another.  Until I can decide what color combination I want for the wall art, I might just end up with a lot of mushroom ornaments.

I am going fishing on Sunday.

What are your plans this weekend?

Debra

Crochet Wall Art

My Grandmother on my Father's side of the family was a quilter and an excellent one at that.  She did on occasion crochet.  She would crochet potholders and hotpads.  The pink and white one shown is the one she made.  I always found them to be interesting because of the circles within circles. 

I sat down last night and thought it would be interesting if I could make yarn out of bed sheets or yarn from worn out jeans and come up with a similar design to hang on the wall.  The top sample in the picture is the one I hooked last night to see if I could come up with a contemporary design that would be suitable to hang on the wall.  I think this will work.  

Now to decide on colors and a border to make it pop. What would be your color choices? 

I am back to crocheting and will be working on the vintage mitten pattern.  Hopefully, I can end my week and finish the mitten pattern and list on Etsy.  

Have a great day,

Debra

Lettuce Scrap

I have heard that you can grow lettuce inside a container with just water. I thought I would give it a try.  I already do this with green onion and love the idea of snipping  the amount I need for my recipes and it is so fresh.

My kitchen sits to the front of the house, so I have decided to plant herbs in my flower beds since I can't seem to grow flowers in the desert. I know I can grow basil outside, so I will try some other herbs as well.

It will make it convenient as well, to just go right out the front door and snip the herbs I need for the day.

There are vegetable scraps that will grow in just water, so I am experimenting with this to see what I can grow at home.

Gives me a reason to re purpose my plastic water bottles. I usually cut the plastic bottles down and crochet over them to hold paperclips, little nails, and what not, but you only need so much of those items, right?

I think this week is about listing on eBay, but I did want to touch base.

My meals have been simple outside grilling and a salad as a side, and then the lettuce idea came up.  So this is what I am doing in the kitchen this week.

I have sat the vintage mittens to the side for now and will resume later.

My Daughter made it safely to her destination and her roommate at the University is from China.  What a great opportunity for both of them to learn and share their different cultures.

Have a great day or evening, wherever you may be,

Debra

Listing, Listing, Listing

My Daughter and her Dad are making great time on their cross country trip. Once they make it to their destination, I can get back to a normal routine, until then I am busy:

listing on eBay to keep myself preoccupied.

I like to collect.  Most of my collections are crafts.  Sewing patterns, needlepoint patterns and kits, beads, buttons and all sorts of craft items.  I also like to collect anything that is vintage that appeals to my eyes.  

I draw inspiration from these items.  Either I make the item from the pattern, or  I create something new, that comes to mind by the picture or by touching the items.  

Sometimes it is years before I get around to looking at a pattern or kit but once I do, then I draw from that inspiration and create or jot down possibilities.

For instance:

What a great idea for little crochet dolls or animals, or a pocket full of crochet flowers.   It's just an all around great pattern and what a great way to re purpose a pair of worn out jeans.

I am trying to be more diligent about getting through all my crafts.  I am sure there are those that would like to utilize the pattern and I have been feeling a little selfish about putting them in a tote and not working my collections a little faster. 

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=350849499994&ssPageName=STRK:MESE:IT

What inspires you?  

With Grace,

Debra

Chicken Pot Pie

My Daughter is on her way to get her MFA in Metal Arts and this is our final farewell.  We both will be starting a new chapter in our lives.  I'm so proud of her and I will truly miss her.

Being a single parent had it's ups and downs with keeping a fast pace, but on that note, she was a pleasure to raise and turned out to be a wonderful young adult and great friend.

Between working and caring for my mother and raising Sarah, it was always busy and everything was fast and stressed, but we always had time for laughter and love.

Here is one of her favorite dishes that she requested.  This was quick and easy to put together after a long day at work so we could focus on the important rather than the urgent.

Chicken Pot Pie

2 cans Cream of Potato Soup
1 16 ounce can of Veg-All drained
2 cups of diced chicken (I just use a 10 ounce can of chicken)
1/2 cup of milk
1/2 teaspoon of thyme
1/2 teaspoon of pepper
2 - 9 inch frozen pie crust thawed ( I use the deep dish)
1 egg beaten

Combine the first 6 ingredients.
Spoon into one of the pie crust.
Cover the top with the other pie crust and crimp the edges together.
Brush the top with the beaten egg.
Bake at 375 degrees for 40 minutes.

I don't even know where I obtained this recipe to give credit.  I am sure it came from a magazine or a back of a can.

Enjoy,

Debra

Infant's Thumbless Mittens

Working on the rewrite of a vintage pattern for Thumbless Mittens.  Do you think thumbless is a word?  Spell check in every avenue states, no.  Trying to figure out what was considered a baby yarn in the 50's is interesting.  I was sure this would be a quick project, but I am still struck on row 1, but hopefully the rest of the rows will be much smoother.  

I never used these on my Daughter.  I probably should have.  Reminds me when the nurse came to our home to check on her to make sure we were handling everything ok.  I just can't seem to get that imagine out of mind, when she said, "oh, you need to keep her nails trimmed so she won't scratch her face".  This woman, no joke, sat there and chewed my Daughters nails down.  I couldn't get up fast enough to stop her, she was so quick and pro about it. I was so stunned, I didn't know what to say.  Needless to say, she was never let back in the house.

Yes, I should have hooked some of these up and had them on her hands before the nurse showed up.  

Least she didn't spit her nails across the room like we spit a sunflower watermelon seed.  

Have a great weekend,

Debra

Christmas Slippers

Yesterday, I attempted to design Christmas slipper charms to use with my packaging, but it just isn't happening. I have attempted to many times and they are just not coming out the way I want.  I will come back to them, but for now, just set it aside and give it a rest.

I do plan on listing my bottle ring snowflakes, but that will not be until October.  I am excited to say, that I am attempting to start a new vintage crochet pattern today.

Oh, and a new recipe is on the way.   I have so many crossing my desk, that I just couldn't decide which one to try.

I think this week is pretty much not happening as far as attempting to design, create, and cook on a normal level.  This is my last week with my Daughter, so she is packing her things and I am reorganizing and filling the empty spots.

Funny how the dogs know she is going.  Her little wiener dog is starting to scream whenever she goes out the front door, amongst other things that we won't talk about.

It will be an adjustment, we have been together for a very long time, but I am also very excited for her and preparing to start a new chapter in my life.

See you tomorrow,

Debra