Crochet Heart Vintage Contact Paper

It is so hard for me to clean my craft area without getting distracted.  I have spent all day going through it and getting rid of a lot of items that I know I will never get to. 

I did come across some vintage contact paper and decided to take a break and cut out two heart and place them together and crochet a border around them. 

I need to get back in there and start going through everything again. 

I just stopped by to share this with you. 

Since I am beginning to enjoy crochet edgings, what better way to practice? I can make some wonderful gift tags, ornaments and what not and practice my edging patterns, to get a feel for what I want to use on my towels. 

Hope your weekend is a wonderful one!


Deb

Vintage Crochet Shell Edging Pattern Has Arrived

 

 

Hello Everyone!!!!!

 

I hope this finds you all in the best of health and spirits.  

 

I have released a vintage crochet edging pattern today.  This pattern can be found here. 

 

I really love kitchen hand towels, and my intentions were to pick up some flour sack towels and practice a little embroidery work.

 

I stopped in at the 99 cent store the other day and they had two of the below flour sack towels left, so I grabbed them.  What a deal!!!

 

Since I really don't have any room on the towels to do embroidery work, I still couldn't pass up the bargain and decided to work on some crochet edging. 

 

I have released a vintage crochet edging pattern today.  This pattern can be found here. 

 

This pattern will be so cute on guest towels, pillowcases, tops, etc. 

 

The pattern instructs to use tatting thread and a small needle. I used a size 10 tread and a size 8 (1.50 mm) steel crochet hook for the towel you see below.  I also bypassed Rnd 1 on the instructions. 

 

Instead of doing a blanket stitch across edge of the towels, I insert the hook at the very edge of one side, *chain four, insert the hook about 1/4" across from your first insert,on the top edge of towel, (depends on your tension),  and completed a single  crochet *, repeat until you have something similar to a blanket stitch across the edge of your towel.  I prefer these technique, because it produces a firmer fit for me, and the crochet work doesn't sag from the material. 

 

I am pleased with the results, and I now understand why one charges the amount they do for crochet edged towels. 

 

Beautiful results, and I have come to appreciate those that design and crochet edgings.

 

Now, if I can get myself to use the towel. 

 

 



 



 

Enjoy,

 

Deb

Project Crochet Brooches

I have been making homemade paper for the past couple of weekends and I have no idea what I am going to do with all of it, but here is a start. 

I'm back to doodling with my crochet, before I start my next pattern. 

I though it would be fun to embroidery on the homemade paper, so I have pulled out the books and I am starting to practice some stitches. 

In the meantime, I though I would be interesting to incorporate crochet, and the homemade paper and a little bit of embroidery and start a little project of making brooches for gifts this Christmas. 

I am really enjoying simplicity of the project and working with the different elements.

I just wanted to pop in and share this with you.

See you soon with a new crochet pattern that I am designing. 

Deb

Vintage Crochet Snow Ball Buffet Set Pattern Has Arrived.

 

I hope that you all enjoy this pattern as much as I have.  This vintage crochet snow ball buffet set pattern can be found here. 

 

 

This pattern has so many options.  I have made the doily and used a sugar water stiffener to convert the snow ball doilies into baskets.  The first four rounds of this pattern make a lovely flower as well. 

 



 

This is defiantly a pattern that will be made over and over again in this household.  I just love the simplistic elegance and flexibility it has.  

 

Enjoy,

 

Debra

 

 



Crochet Newborn Princess Crown

We have a new little princess that has entered our lives at work and I though it would be fun to make a crown.  I did not design this pattern but you can find it here. 

I really struggled with attaching the beads and used a fuzzy stick to give the peak stability. 

I just love the pattern and the simplicity of it.

I think this would be adorable attached to a headband as well, for your bigger princesses.

So, so cute!!!

Debra

Vintage Doily Pattern Bowl

A quick hello!!!

I have so many projects going on, I can't keep up with myself. 

I just wanted to stop by and share one of them.  This is a vintage doily pattern that I have, well, kinda became obsessed with. 

I decided I would start making a few bowls with them. 

I will be releasing the pattern, with all the other patterns I need to release, but for now, I am just enjoying all the projects and crocheting. 

Stay with me, I will eventually come out of my phase of constant crocheting and get the patterns out. 

Until then, have a great day and see you soon. 

Debra

Soon To Arrive A New Crochet Pattern

I am designing, I swear I am.  I am working on the final modifications for a new crochet pattern.  I just can't seem to decide, if I should incorporate beads on these lollipop flowers. 

What do you think?

Can anyone guess what I am designing?

The first person that guesses what I am designing before I release the pattern, will get the pattern for free, as a giveaway!!!

This will probably take me another week, I am still deciding on a few elements. 

For instance, make the circles of the flowers perfect, or leave them as is for character?  Add beads to the flowers? Do I want to add leaves on the stems? 

I struggle with my ideas when starting a new pattern, (or better yet, the yarn struggles with me).  I will start a pattern with a plan in mind, and it always, always ends up not being what my original thoughts were. 

I am really trying to learn to accept the fact, that the yarn is in charge and it is going to tell me what it wants to become, and not get upset because a piece I am designing is not on schedule as I planned.  Is that called enjoying the moment and going with the flow?

I will probably leave some hints during the next week, so watch for those!!!

Just leave your comment as to what you think it is.  You can comment as many times as you like, if you think of other possibilities. The only rule is, if you have multiple guesses, they have to be separate comments. 

Good luck!!!

Debra

Southwest Guacamole Recipe

I am working on finishing up a crochet pattern and started thinking about when my Daughter and I attended a Art Symposium in Yuma, AZ. 

I usually pick up a magnet as a souvenir, but that particular year, I picked up recipe postcards.  One of the postcards was for Southwest Guacamole. 

I had to whip up a batch and share the recipe with you. 

You won't be disappointed, and you can include this with all types of dishes.  I couldn't stop eating it, so it didn't make it on any other recipes, but it sure was good on the tortilla chips. 

Ingredients:

2 ripe avocados, (make sure they are black and soft)
1 plum tomato, chopped
1/2 onion, chopped
1 minced garlic clove
2 tablespoons of sour cream
2 teaspoons of diced jalapeno
1 teaspoon of lemon juice



The first thing you want to do is slice the avocado, remove the pit and the outer peel of the avocado.  If your avocado is ripe, you should be able slide the peel right off the pulp. 

Mash the avocados with a whisk. 

 

 

Chop the tomato and onion.  I like chunky, but this is a personal preference.  Add this to the avocado and mix well. 

 



Mince the garlic and add to the avocado with the sour cream, and jalapeno, mix well. 

Add the lemon juice. 

Mix well and chill. 

I am inpatient, I put mine in the freezer for about 15 minutes and that is about how long it last in my house before it is gone. 

 

 

Great dip with tortilla chips. 

Enjoy,

Debra

Slow Cooker Refried Beans

 

 

 

 

 

I love refried beans.  I use them in dips, burritos, taco salads, nachos and oodles of other dishes. This recipe I love because it gives flavor to the beans.  Let's not forget, they help lower your cholesterol. 

 

Here is what you will need.

 

Ingredients:

 

2 pounds of pinto beans that have soaked over night and rinsed thoroughly after soaking

 

1 can of jalapeno peppers with juice.  ( I use two teaspoons of pepper and 2 teaspoons of the juice)

 

1 onion

 

5 garlic gloves minced

 

5 teaspoons of salt

 

1 3/4 teaspoon of pepper

 

1/8 teaspoon of ground cumin

 

Water to cover the beans

 

 

 

I soak my beans overnight in the cooker and then rinse them really well the next morning.  I pick out any that float to the top. 

 

Then I fill the cooker with water to cover the beans. 

 

Peel the onion and cut in half and place in the cooker with all other ingredients and mix well.  

 

Cook for about 8 hours on low. 

 



 

 

 

 

 

Once they are done drain and reserve the liquid.  

Mash with a potato masher, adding the reserved liquid to obtain the consistency that you want.  I like mine nice and thick, so I use only about one cup of the liquid. 

This makes a huge amount, but I freeze them in one pint containers until ready to use. 

 

 

 

These will last up to three months in the freezer. 

 

Adapted from the recipes of:  http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Refried-Beans-Without-the-Refry/Detail.aspx

 

Enjoy,

 

Debra



 



Slow Cooker Chicken Stock

 

 

 

I bought one of the pre-cooked roasted chickens at Walmart a couple of weeks back.  To be honest, I thought to myself, I will never buy an already cooked chicken from the market, but I was hungry when I walked in and didn't want to take the time to prepare a meal.  I had to give it a try, it just kept calling my name. 

 

I was really impressed.

 

A few weeks later, I bought another one, and thinking to myself, I can buy a whole chicken and cook it and it would be a lot less expensive, but I kind of like the idea of picking one up and taking a break after a busy day and not preparing a meal in the kitchen. 

 

On that note, I started feeling guilty, so I thought, well, I can make some chicken stock which would probably bring that cost down on the pre-cooked chicken. 

 

Time to share a new recipe:

 

Ingredients:

 

Chicken carcass

4 carrots

2 celery stocks with leaves

1 onion

2 bay leaves

 

 

 

 

 

The first thing to do is put the chicken carcass in your slow cooker. 

 

Chop up the carrots, celery with leaves, and onion.

 

Place these all in your slow cooker.

 

Add two bay leaves.

 

 



 

 

Pour in 12 cups of water, making sure that the chicken bones are covered by at least one inch of water.

Set the slow cooker to the lowest setting and simmer for 24 hours. 

After 24 hours strain and dispose of the chicken carcass and vegetables. 

 

 

 

This yielded about 12 cups for me. 

 

You can place in containers and freeze for up to 6 months until ready to use. 

 

 

You can always add different ingredients.  Peppercorns and garlic and different spices would be ideal too.  Salt is an alternative as well.  

 

 

 

 

Looks like I will be busy preparing some great soups this summer.....

 

 

Adapted from the recipe of:http://www.agirldefloured.com/2014/02/04/slow-cooker-chicken-stock/

 

 

 

Enjoy,

 

Debra

Knook Contest Winner and a Bottlecap Butterfly Pattern

Happy Mother's Day!!!

I've been tinkering with a few crochet patterns for a couple of weeks now, so I thought it would be fun to share the plastic bottle cap butterfly pattern for Mother's Day.

For this project you will need:

Two plastic bottle caps that are the same size. 
Two Fuzzy Sticks
Two small beads of your choice
4 ply worsted yarn of your choice
F Hook

You will need to crochet over the two plastic bottle caps. 

The pattern to cover a plastic bottle cap is here.

To Attach the fuzzy stick body and legs:



Take one of the fuzzy sticks and fold evenly in half.  Twist the bottom several times to the folded fuzzy stick about 1" above the fold line to form the tail. 

With the top side of the covered plastic bottle caps, you will need to slide a stem through the side of the bottle cap, and then do the same with the other stem and cap.  Slide the caps down the stem so that they are against the tail.  Twist the top of the two stems together to hold the caps in place.  Take two small beads and place one on each stem for the eyes.  Curl the top of the stems to form your antennas. 

Take the other fuzzy stick and cut in half.  Slide the sticks from top to bottom on the back of each cap.  Form the legs to your desire. 

Enjoy,

Debra

P.S.  Our winner for the Knook kit and yarn Giveaway is Lynda..

Overnight No-Cook Refrigerator Oatmeal

 

It's becoming the first topic of discussion when I walk into work, as to weather my lunch made the full trip.  I can't help myself.  I'm just not hungry for breakfast until about half way to work and my lunch starts calling my name. 

 

My lunch bag either shows up empty or half full. 

 

The whole purpose of packing a lunch is it is less expensive and probably healthier than pulling into a fast food drive through. 

 

I decided I finally needed to resolve this issue and try out a new recipe that I can make ahead of time.

 

Overnight No-Cook Refrigerator Oatmeal. 

 

 Ingredients:

 

Old Fashion Oats

Greek Yogurt

Milk

Fresh Fruit of your choice

 

You will also need one cup containers with lids.  The half pint mason jars work really well, but I am on the go, so I need something non-breakable.  I used the one cup Ziploc containers. 

 

 

 

Measure 1/4 cup of oats into each container.



 

 

 

Measure 1/3 cup of milk into each container.  I used 2%.

 

Measure 1/4 cup of Greek Yogurt into the container and mix well. 

 

 



 

 

Cut up your fresh fruit into smaller pieces.  I used one strawberry for each container.  This is personal preference. 

Mix well and place in refrigerator with lid for at least 8 hours. 

These last up to four days, so plan accordingly.

When ready to eat, you can add some more fresh fruit to the top. 

Enjoy,

Debra

Giveaway - Knook Beginner Kit and Peaches and Cream Cotton Yarn

I have always wanted to learn how to knit but I just never seemed to make the time.  I was shopping the other day, (becoming my favorite past time), and noticed these beginner kits for the Knook. 

I had to try it out.  I have a lot of practicing to do, but I love the idea of using a crochet hook to make knitting stitches with a crochet hook. 

I'm starting with small projects and trying my hand at cotton wash clothes for part of spa gift baskets that I'm putting together. 

Would you like to join me in learning how to Knook?

Time for a Giveaway!!!

One lucky participant will be randomly chosen to receive:

A beginner set of the Knook.  This kit contains, 3 knooks, (4mm, 5mm and 5.5mm), 3-36" long cords, and How To Knook instruction book by Leisure Arts.

Also included with this giveaway is one skein of  Peaches and Cream 2 oz, 4 ply cotton yarn in the color of Oasis. 

If you would like to participate in this random drawing Giveaway, there are up to 4 possible entries you can obtain.   

Share this blog post on Facebook.

Tweet this blog post on Twitter. 

Pin this blog post on Pinterest. 

Post a comment on this blog post and share with me what you would try your hand at making first, if your win the Giveaway. 

Be sure to leave a separate comment on this post for each possible entry that you complete.  If you completed all 4 entries, then you should have a total of 4 comments on this blog post. 

This Giveaway will end on May 10, 2014 and a random winner will be selected on May 11, 2014. I will then post the winner on May 11, 2014 and I will need you to make contact with me to get your mailing address to send the prizes. 

If the winner does not respond by May 15, the second runner up and so forth will be notified. 

This Giveaway is open to all USA and International Countries, not unless prohibited by law. 

Good Luck,

Debra

Crochet Soap Coat

Help!!!

I have been kidnapped by Spring Fever for the past month.

Spring Fever has forced me to clean, do gardening, (this actually means pulling weeds), cooking and crocheting not to mention, just plain out enjoying the weather.  It won't be long before we are reaching the 100's again, and I will be released.

I could post all day with my projects over the past month, but I only have time to detain Spring Fever in the afternoon as the weather gets up in the 80's and weakens his/her ability to realize it is Spring.

Today, I am sharing some crochet soap savers that I have been working on.  I love these, I can't decide weather I like the cotton or worsted yarn better.  They both exfoliate so well, but I find the worsted ones are great for getting the sap from weeds off my hands.

Here is where you can find the soap coat pattern.

Enjoy,

Debra

Spring Crochet Pattern to Arrive Soon

Spring is approaching and I always think of Easter and collecting Easter eggs.

Just touching base and sharing a sneak peak of one of the items from a new pattern I am designing.

I am focusing all my energy on this new pattern release for next week.

Next week, be prepared for a free craft project, a new pattern release and giveaway.

See you soon,

Debra

Crochet Plarn and Yarn Scrubbies or Coasters

I love making these!!!!!

They are crocheted scrubbies made from plastic grocery bags and worsted yarn.  

I use them to clean my dishware, pots and pans.  Problem is they last forever....I currently have one that is three years old and it just won't give up.  

I occasionally pop it in the washing machine to clean it or let it soak in a cleaning solution and let it air dry outside to get the freshness back into it.  Defiantly don't put them in the dryer or around any heated element.  

Some of them I use as coasters.  My daughter likes to use them on her metal arts that she designs and she can actually wear one out, but it takes her a long time and she is using a raw metal and chemicals.  

I am really getting overwhelmed with the grocery bags, and would like to offer the scrubbies, or whatever cleaver ideas you have use for them, For Sale.   

I just don't want the plastic bags to end up in the land fills.  I have white and brown plastic bags.  The yarn can be your choice in color to match your decor.  

These measure approximately 3 to 3 1/2" in diameter, it just depends on how thick I cut the grocery bag strips.  

Help me, help our environment!

The postage is free if shipped within the USA.  

If you are located somewhere other then the USA, message me before ordering so that I can calculate a shipping rate for you and you can make a more informed decision on whether to purchase.  

For One Scrubbie

1 Scrubbie $3.00 USD 2 Scrubbies $5.00 USD 3 Scrubbies $7.00 USD

Plastic Bag Color

Brown White

Yarn Color

Surprise Me I will message you

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

Debra

Crochet Granny Square Heart Motif

I am working stead fast on a new pattern and hopefully will release it by the end of the month. 

In the meantime, I wanted to share this granny square heart motif with you.  I joined a group to swap granny squares with a partner each month and I am having such fun with it.  This particular one will go to my Daughter and I don't want to spoil the surprise element for my partner so I won't post those creations.

I don't know about you, but I have indulged a little too much with the chocolate this week.  

See you soon,

Debra

Banana Split Brownie Cups Recipe

What a delightful mini desert for Valentine's Day.  Seriously these are delightful for any day!!!!!

Here is how I made them.....

Ingredients:

A box of  your favorite Brownie Mix 18 to 20 ounce size and the ingredients to mix the brownies as stated on the box, (usually oil, eggs and water).
Softened cream cheese 8 ounce (seriously any brand will do)
2 tablespoons of granulated sugar
A can of crushed pineapple 8 ounces (drain juice)
One large banana
Fresh strawberries (I used about 12)
Chocolate Syrup

I am going to add this picture, but sorry folks, I was up at 2 am putting this together and forgot the sugar and syrup.

The first thing you will want to do is preheat your oven to 350 degrees.  Then oil your 24 count mini muffin pan.  I used olive oil.  

Following the instructions from your brownie mix box,  mix the ingredients that it calls for, on the box.  My box calls for brownie mix, 2 large eggs, 1/4 cup of water and 1/2 cup of oil.  

It then instructed me to mix these ingredients with 50 strokes.  I used a whisk to mix.  

Then you will want to use a 24 count mini muffin pan and fill each compartment 2/3 full.  I used the Pampered Chef mini muffin pan and 1 tablespoon filled each compartment 2/3 full.  Once I filled all the compartments, I then shook the pan lightly, so the brownie mix will settle and release any air bubbles as well as level the mix .  

Place this in your preheated 350 degree oven.  This is the difficult part, because all ovens are different.  If you want a chewy brownie, I recommend to leave it in only 12 to 15 minutes.  If you want the mix to be more of a cookie, leave it in 15 to 20 minutes.  Either way, they are both delicious!!!

While the brownies are cooking, you will want to put the banana and crushed pineapple in a bowl and mix together.  I usually squeeze the banana right in the peel before adding to the bowl of pineapple.  

I place the cream cheese and sugar in another bowl and let them sit for a little bit, and then mix with a fork.  

Add the pineapple, banana mixture to your cream cheese and sugar mixture and mix really well.  

When your brownies are done baking, remove them from the oven and let them sit for about 2 minutes.  Then take a mini tart shaper and press down into each brownie to make an indention into the brownie.  

At this point I lay my cooling rack on top of the mini muffin pan and flip it so the brownies will fall out onto the cooling rack.  They usually won't fall out until they are completely cooled, but that keeps me from filling them too soon.  

Once they are completely cooled, then you are ready to fill.  

You are now ready to fill the mini cups with the cream cheese and fruit mixture.  I use an accent decorator, but a small spreader will work as well.  

Use about half of the cream cheese mixture, and fill each brownie mini cup evenly with half of the mixture.

Cut your strawberries into thin slices and place two small slices into each cup, gently pushing into the cream cheese mixture.  

I then transfer the brownie cups to my serving plate and drizzle chocolate syrup over the brownie cups.  Hey and it is ok for you to drizzle the chocolate onto the plate as well.  I know I personally like to sweep up the chocolate from the plate as I'm getting one of the banana split brownie cups.   

Be sure and refrigerate until ready to eat......

Now you are ready to make another 24.  

This make 48

Adapted from: http://www.food.com/recipe/pampered-chef-banana-split-brownie-pizza-112322

Enjoy,

Debra