Goodbye 2011, Hello 2012

Happy New Year, everyone.  Goodness but it just doesn't seem possible that we are in 2012 already.  I feel like I blinked a few times in 2011 and missed part of it.  But I do feel that good times and good things are in store for 2012.  So how many of you made New Year's Resolutions?  I didn't because let's face it...those are just made to be broken so let's just skip that step, shall we? 

Was Santa Claus good to you?  He was good to me.  My wonderful husband, Kevin, gave me an iPad2.  Both of my daughters were eyeballing it and I had to point out to them that my name was engraved on the back so don't even think about taking off with it.  Gee, they looked disappointed after that.  Poor babies.  I wanted to make sure that it was protected from scratches while in my purse so I made this:

It was really very simple to make using a worsted weight yarn.  I used Red Heart Super Saver yarn.

1 skein Red
1 skein White
Hook size N

Holding two strands together chain 41. 
Row 1:  HDC in 3rd chain from hook to the end of the foundation row; Join with Slip Stitch.
You will now be working in rounds.
Round 2: Chain 2, HDC around.  Join with Slip Stitch in first HDC.
Round 3 - 17:  Repeat Round 2. 

Handle:
Rounds 1 - 2: Chain 1 and SC around.  Join with Slip Stitch in first SC.
Round 3: Chain 1 and SC for the first 5 stitches.  Chain 8; skip next 8 SC and make a SC in the 9th SC.  SC in the next 11 stitches.  Chain 8; skip next 8 SC and make a SC in the 9th SC.  SC to the first SC in the round and join with a slip stitch.
Rounds 4 - 5:  Chain 1 and SC around.  Join with Slip Stitch in first SC.
Finish off and weave in ends.

Whip stitch bottom of bag. 

There you have it.  Easy to carry and it gets protected from scratches when in your purse or briefcase.
I think I will now go make one for my iPod and Android phone, minus the handles.

Until next time, keep on hooking.

Terri

Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, Feliz Navidad...

I sure haven't been very good at keeping up with my blog.  I have been busy with projects for Christmas.  I'm pretty much making all the little kids their gifts but since they range in ages 1 - 6, I'll also get them a small toy or something to go with it.  I would show pictures of what I have made so far but I'll have to wait until after they open them. 

I'm also working on a crochet scarf for the Texas Special Olympics.  The deadline for them to receive it is in January so while it seems like I have a lot of time, I really don't.  But a refreshing beverage helps:

On another note...Bethanie started decorating our Christmas tree that we have had for  13 years:

She used to stand on her tippy toes on a chair to reach that same branch.

Well, off to do some more hooking.  Have to keep at it if I want to finish everything in time. 

Until next time, keep on hooking.

Terri

Louie in 2012



'Tis the season

I know, I know...it's been almost two months since my last posting.  After I last posted I started a job and I found it hard to find the time to update.  I did, however, slowly finish the project that I began with the pink yarn.  I made a lovely prayer shawl that was intended to be a give-away here but I came across someone in need of it and gave it to her.  I didn't get a picture of it but I have started another one in the same color and when that one is finished, I will take a picture and post it here.  I thought about doing it in holiday colors but I just love the pink yarn and another donation was made to the Susan G. Komen foundation. 

There's just something comforting about making prayer shawls.  I have made a few over the years without having anybody in mind.  But it's nice to have them to give.  The same goes for newborn hats.  I just feel so peaceful when I'm making them because I know they will be going on a newborn's little head at the hospital, whether in the NICU or regular nursery.  Making those just takes my mind off of everyday issues for a little while, I can just "zone" out for a while.

So on that note, I am currently working on hats for the grandchildren, nieces and nephews.  I just might throw some in for my children, too.  We shall see. 

Until next time, keep on hooking.

Terri

Prince Louie IV in 2012

Fall has arrived

Fall has finally arrived.  We have gone from triple-digit temperatures down to the cooler mid - to - high 90's.  Still no rain, although we did have some showers a week and a half ago.  Yay for the little things. 

One of the good things about the arrival of Fall is...the holidays aren't too far away!  Isn't that exciting?  I think it is.  October is just a few days away so that means Halloween is coming.  Now that my daughter and her family have moved back home from Kentucky, I get to see my three granddaughters in their Halloween costumes.  So excited!  Doesn't take much to excite me, does it? 

October is also Breast Cancer Awareness Month.  I am hoping that one day there will be a cure for it as I can't stand the thought of any of my girls (or anyone else) having to go through that.  So on that note, when I bought this lovely yarn...

...the proceeds of the sale were donated to Susan G. Komen for the Cure  (www.komen.org).  Wonder what this yarn will grow up to become.  Stay tuned to my blog for a give-away. 

Until next time, keep on hooking.

Terri

P.S.  Louie in 2012!

Friday Quickies

Happy Friday!  The weather has finally gotten cooler, if you can call 95 degrees cool.  But after going through 20 plus days of triple-digit temperatures, yes, I do call 95 degrees cool.  But we still need rain.

So on that note, I made a pair of wristers: 

These should keep me warm when it's cold in the room and let me keep on crocheting and blogging.  These are so simple to make.  It's made with Lion Brand Hometown USA and a P hook.  It's a simple half-double crochet stitch.

Chain 14
Row 1: HDC in 3rd ch from hook and in each ch across
Row 2: Ch 2, turn, hdc in each stitch across.
Repeat Row 2 until piece measures about 7 - 12 inches from beginning.  (Measurement depends on how long you want it - mine is 8 inches). 
Fasten off.

Beginning at top edge, sew side edges together for 1 inch, leave next 1 1/2 inches open for thumb, sew remainder of side edges together.
Weave in ends.

There you go.  Easy peasy.  And warm. 

Until next time, keep on hooking.

Terri

Roses and Hooking

Did everyone have a good Labor Day?  I did.  In fact it was mine and Kevin's 13th wedding anniversary.  Here is what he got me (notice the bottle of chocolate syrup?):

The roses have bloomed open and are really pretty.  I love the red and white combination. 

Today I decided to take a break from the bigger crochet projects I'm working on (the Special Olympic scarfs) and do a quickie project.  I love how it turned out:

It's a Boutique Purse and you can find the pattern here.  I'm thinking about making one for each of my three granddaughters and two nieces for Christmas, all between the ages of 2 and 6.  Stuff them with little toys and candies, and it should make a nice extra little gift for them.  I'm also thinking that maybe I should make another one or two with the holiday sparkle yarn for the holiday season (it is just a couple of months away, you know).  But I do need to finish the special project and then make a little something for a baby girl that's due in Janaury and a baby boy (my grandson!) that's also due in January.

Until next time, keep on hooking. 

Terri

 

Song of the day...

The song of the day is Whip It by Devo.  Except I'm substituting Frog It for Whip It.  Why, you ask?  I started a pair of Wristers yesterday.  I finished the first one, length was great, side seaming was great, thumb hole was perfect.  I started the second one.  Should have been a piece of cake.  It's a mindless chain 14, half-double crochet across until the piece measures 7 - 12", depending on your preferred length. 

The first one was 8"; I thought I would just measure the second one by that one.  But I worked on it while watching Dance Moms (have you seen that?  OMG, those little girls are so limber and wonderful dancers) and mindlessly crocheting, to the tune of 18".  A bit long for a wrister but I suppose it could be an elbower.  Le Sigh...Rip it, Rip it, Rip it good. 

Now on to other news...

Prince Louie IV in 2012

Until next time, keep on hooking.

Terri