Up to the challenge

Do something for yourself.  Challenge yourself.  Your sense of self-worth will thank you.  

I was afraid I was becoming an old biddy.  You know, the crabby old woman in the neighborhood that seems to boss everybody's kids.  The one that has her face in a snarl (and her panties in a wad) all the time.  I blamed it on menopause, but have decided instead it was this mini-pause that I've been going through in my life.

I was 43 years old when the company that I had run for 11 years moved across the state.  It just so happened that at the time they moved I was 7 months pregnant with our lovely daughter, Kaitlin.

The thought of leaving my precious little darling with a babysitter was more than I could bear.  So, I worked a couple part-time jobs over the next few years and finally decided I would stay at home and babysit.  I had two of my own kids still at home, nieces and nephews, and my first grandchild on the way when I started watching kids. 

Kaitlin was about three years old at the time.  In the three years prior to caring for "my kids" I had still had some residual confidence from being president and general manager of a company.  During those first few years of Kaitlin's life I had continued to write and kept trying to get something published.  I also challenged myself to learn hyper text markup language (HTML) so that I could do some work from home for a web page designer that I knew.  There are so many online sources that it was fairly easy to learn.


And, in the course of doing web page design, I learned a little about graphic design.  I had one of the versions of Paint Shop Pro at that time (still have a version of PSP, just a little newer one now).  There are tons and tons of tutorials out there to help you learn mouse-drawn graphics.

Some were used to make graphics for web pages, as the above, but a lot of the graphics were just for fun.  I had some server space available with the Internet provider that we used and started working on a personal web site.

But, then I "paused" ..... for several years!  I took the time to enjoy my family,  It got to the point I really didn't have time to work on any of my exciting new challenges.  And, they were "put on a shelf."

Now, with all of this alone time, I've begun challenging myself again!  I'm trying new things again.  I'm working on Sue again.  Hang tight, my friends!  My arrogance is starting to show again!  I'm starting to think I'm all that and then some again.  And, I believe that I just might be ...... up to the challenge!

Owl-ish Thumbless Infant Mittens

It's been over a year since I've posted anything.  This year has flown by.  What a difference a year makes!

For the past 15 years I've been "raising kids."   It's either been my own kids, grandkids, nieces, nephews or, for a short period of time, I even did some child care in my home.  My youngest child is now 15 years old and the only one of four still left at home.  My remaining grandson not yet in public school has started going to pre-school to prepare him for "big school," as he calls it.

I can now make an appointment without needing to call and make arrangements with someone else.  Whereas, I never had any time alone before, I now have hours at a time in my own company!  

I loved having the opportunity to be a part of the lives of these children that I love so dearly.  But, now, it is time for me to spread my wings once again.  

I published an e-book on Amazon a couple of months ago.  Truthfully, this book was originally written while my youngest was tiny and before I had such a string of kids passing through my house.  This fall I had the time to edit and re-write this to the point that I felt it could be published.   The book is called Restless Angel.   I would appreciate you clicking on the link and at least reading the first few pages that are available online for free and maybe even consider purchasing it!

One thing that hasn't changed is my obsession with knitting and crocheting.

In looking for a hat for a baby gift I found the Owlie Hat Pattern by Teresa Cole from Comfort Wool Blog. While I was making this I decided this new little sweetheart should have a pair of thumbless mittens to go with her hat.

I searched all of my best sources online and couldn't find a pattern like I wanted, so I decided to make one! This is the result.

(For easier printing, download now).

Owl-ish Thumbless Infant Mittens

Materials:

Worsted Weight Yarn

Size 5 double pointed needles

Gauge:

12 rows = 2 inches

9 stitches = 2 inches

Knitting terms:

kfb: knit front and back to increase.

C4B: (Cable 4 Back.) Slip next 2 sts onto a cable needle and hold at back of work, knit next 2 sts from left-hand needle, then knit sts from cable needle.

C4F - (Cable 4 Front or Forward.) Slip next 2 sts onto a cable needle and hold at front of work, knit 2 sts from left-hand needle, then knit sts from cable needle.

Construction:

Cast on 24 stitches and join for knitting in the round.

Rows 1-8: Work in k1p1 rib

Row 9: *k3, kfb* repeat around. (30 stitches)

Rows 10-11: knit

Row 12: k 9 stitches, p2, c4b, c4f, p2, k 9 stitches

Rows 13: k9, p2, k8, p2, k9

Row 14-17: repeat row 13

Row 18: repeat row 12

Row 19: repeat row 13

Row 20: repeat row 12

Row 21: repeat row 13

Row 22: knit across

begin decrease

Row 23: *knit 2, k2tog*; repeat from *
Row 24: Knit 1 row
Row 25: *knit 1, k2tog*; repeat from *.
Row 26: Knit 1 row.
Row 27: k2tog around.

Cut yarn, leaving long tail. With tapestry needle, thread this tail through the remaining stitches and pull up tightly, fasten. Weave in ends.

Make second mitten. Knit an i-cord (or chain with a C crochet hook) 27 inches long and attach a mitten to each end.

**I have placed two embroidered french knots for “eyes.” I have seen beads placed for eyes in different patterns, but I would caution that this could be a choking hazard with an infant.**

Paying It Forward

The other day I decided I needed to start making and selling hat patterns.  I make A LOT of hats and thought this would be a way to make a little extra money.  But, truthfully, I have purchased very few patterns online.  I can usually figure out the patterns myself or I will search online until I find a free pattern that is similar to what I want.

How could I expect someone else to pay their hard-earned money to purchase a pattern from me when I am so frugal (some would even say tight) that I won’t buy patterns myself?  Besides, as many free patterns as I have used, it’s about time I paid it forward! 

A free .pdf download can be found on ravelry.

So, here goes ……….

Just Horsin' Around Hat

 


Materials:
1 (3 oz.) skein Vanna's Colors in Driftwood or any other Bulky weight (5) yarn.
Various small amounts of yarn for decoration
Large-eye blunt needle
Size J crochet hook
Size: 0-6 months, (6-12 months), (1-3 years)

Magic Ring Method:
If you are unfamiliar with the Magic Ring Method of starting a circular crochet project you can always start with ch 2, make 10 hdc in 2^nd chain from hook. There are several tutorials that can be found on the Internet. One of the best I've found is on Planet June's site.

Crown of Hat:
Row 1: Using magic ring method, make 10 hdc in round, join with sl st to first stitch in round. 10 hdc
Row 2: ch 1, 2 hdc in each hdc around, join with sl st to first stitch in round. 20 hdc
Row 3: ch 1, *1 hdc in next hdc, 2 hdc in next hdc*, repeat from * to * around, join with sl st to first stitch in round. 30 hdc.
Row 4: ch1, *1 hdc in each of next 2 hdc, 2 hdc in next hdc*, repeat from * to * around, join with sl st to first stitch in round. 40 hdc.
Row 5: ch1, *1 hdc in each of next 7 (3)(3) hdc, 2 hdc in next hdc*, repeat from * to * around, join with sl st to first stitch in round. 45 (50)(50) hdc. Should measure approx. 17 (18)(18) inches circumference at this point.
Row 6: (For size 1-3 years only) ch1, *1 hdc in each of next 9 hdc, 2 hdc in next hdc*, repeat from * to * around, join with sl st to first stitch in round. 55 dc. Should measure 19-20 inches in circumference.

Sides of Hat:
When you have the desired circumference for your hat work in the following pattern:
Next row: ch 1, 1 hdc in each hdc around, join with sl st to first stitch in round until hat measures 7 (7 ½) (8) inches from center of start. Do not fasten off.

Earflaps (optional): 

Row 1: ch 1, hdc in next 8 hdc, turn.
Row 2: ch 1, sk first hdc (decrease), hdc in next 5 hdc, hdc next two stitches together, turn. 6 hdc
Row 3. ch 1, sk first hdc (decrease), hdc in next 3 hdc, hdc next two stitches together, turn. 4 hdc
Row 4: ch 1, sk first hdc (decrease), hdc in next hdc, hdc next two stitches together, 2 hdc
Ch 1 to lock stitch.
Fasten off.

Note: I normally don't count stitches between my earflaps. I fold my hat at the front and back of the hat and “eye up” where I feel the next earflap should go, leaving more stitches at the front of the hat and fewer at the back.

Skip 9 (11) (12) stitches between the two earflaps at the back of the hat.
2^nd earflap: With right side facing you, attach yarn in the 17^th (19^th) (22nd) stitch and work the second earflap as you did the first one.

Border:
Using two strands of worsted weight yarn (I used a tan and taupe) attach (with a sl st) at the back of the hat. Work a sc around the edge of the hat (including the earflaps, ). Join with a sl st to the first st in the round. Fasten off. Work in ends.

Face of horse:

Face of horse

I used scraps of a dark brown super bulky yarn to make the nose and blade of the face. (You can also use 2 strands of worsted weight yarn worked together.)
Ch 8
Row 1: hdc in 2^nd ch from hook and in next 6 ch, turn. 7 hdc
Row 2 & 3: ch 1, hdc in each hdc across
Row 4: sl st into first 2 st, hdc in next 3 st, turn
Row 5-7: ch 1, hdc in next 3 hdc, turn.

edging of face: sl st in each st and each row around the face, fasten off leaving a long tail to attach to hat.
Using a contrasting color (I used gray) cross stitch “nostrils” on the nose. Position along the lower edge just above the edging and centered on the front of the hat. Slip stitch onto the hat with the long tail.

Eyes

Eyes: (make 2)


With black worsted weight yarn, using magic ring technique. Make 10 hdc in your magic loop. Join with sl st into the top of the first hdc. Fasten off.
With white worsted weight yarn, attach with a sl st to any of the 10 stitches in the circle, sc in next st, 2 sc in next st, 2 hdc in next 2 stitches, 2 sc in next st, sc in next st, sl st in last stitch, fasten off.
Stitch the eyes on, using white yarn on white and black on black. Note that I have added 3 “eyelashes” above the eyes.

Ears

Ears:
(make 2 of each color, main color and contrasting color )
Using a lighter color of worsted weight yarn for the inside of the ear, make two ears as follows:

Ch 7
Row 1: In 2^nd chain from hook, make a hdc. Hdc in each remaining ch across. (6 hdc)
Row 2-3: Ch 1, hdc in each hdc across
Row 4: Ch 1, hdc in first two hdc, make a decrease in this row by hdc two st together, hdc in last two hdc. (5 hdc)
Row 5: Ch 1, decrease (two stitches together) in first 2 st, hdc in hdc, decrease in last two st. (3 hdc)
Row 6: Ch 1, work all 3 remaining stitches together, ch 1, fasten off.

Using the main color of yarn, sc the two colors of ears together, leaving the bottom of the ear open. Place the ears along the top of the hat. I like to slightly spread the two layers as I slip stitch them onto the hat so that they will stand more easily. (If needed you can stuff your ear with a slight amount of batting to help them to keep their shape and stand up.

Mane

Mane
To make the mane I gathered yet more burgundy/rust colored scraps of yarn. Cutting several sections of 10” yarn, I attached them to the crown of the hat using a slip knot method, such as you would attach fringe on a scarf. In using this method I could have more control on the direction that the mane would lay.

Completed hat

Create!

 

I was raised by Depression Era parents.  I know it seems impossible that I have a 13 year old daughter and my parents went through the Great Depression, but it’s true.

My parents were married in 1935, right in the midst of the worst economic times in the history of our country; they were in their early 40’s when I was born.  I was 43 when my teen-ager was born …… seems impossible, but if you do the math it really does work out.

Some of my mother’s favorite sayings were, “A stitch in time saves nine,” “Don’t throw away a crumb that even a bird could eat,” and “A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush.”

My mother actually was one of those ladies that saved aluminum foil, washed plastic bags to be used another day, folded wrapping paper to use again.  She had lived through days of want.  Frugality was a way of life with her.

So, I learned to upcycle and refurbish my entire life.  As a result of all this, I tend to have some hoarding tendencies.  And, there are things that I just can’t part with because I KNOW I can use them for something …… eventually.

Such was the case with one of my favorite shirts.  The material was light-weight and draped so nicely.  The embroidery was delightful, and best of all …. it was even blue!  (Blue is my favorite color.)

While shopping on Saturday I saw a top that I wanted to emulate.  So, when I went looking for some material appropriate for the top I was thrilled that I might be able to up-cycle my favorite old top.

I went to Kaitlin’s closet and found a top that I could cut a pattern from.  I used an old newspaper grocery ad to make my pattern.  I chose where I wanted different elements from my old top to be used in my re-creation.  I tore an old blue jean zipper out of some jeans that I had saved to make patches, placing the zipper on the outside as much for ornamentation as for functionality.

I cut and stitched and tucked and gathered and thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to create.   When it was nearly done I asked my “model” to try it on. 

To say that my darling girl turned up her nose at my creation would be an understatement.   The pleasure of creating was still there, but the rejection stung.   I determined, though, that I wouldn’t allow someone else to steal my joy. 

This definitely isn’t the most beautiful item I’ve ever made, but it still pleases me.  I refuse to allow my daughter’s opinion of it affect my own.

In life, there are far too many times we allow other people’s opinions to steal our joy.  Whether it is a poem, a song, a painting or an up-cycled top, move forward and create!  God gave you specific gifts ….. so you can use them.  Anyone can be a critic with very little effort.  Make the effort ….. create!

Guess Who!

Do you remember, as a kid, sneaking up behind someone, covering their eyes and saying, "guess who"?  For someone to recognize you by your voice, your touch, your scent ..... they would have to know you fairly well.

National Honor Society yearbook photo from 1974.

Everyone wants to be recognized!  That means you are important enough to be remembered.  I've had what I call my "wallflower syndrome" since my Senior year in high school.  Anyone who knows me knows that I have a pretty strong sense of self-worth, but there are cracks in every one's esteem.

My very last game as a cheerleader we were at the district basketball tournament.  As a group, our squad went into the hospitality room.  In talking to the hosting school's cheerleaders I was stunned when none of them "remembered" me from the years I had cheered.  The other two girls in our graduating class were petite and pretty ..... and memorable.   But, I was average height, average weight, average looks ....... I didn't stand out enough to be remembered.  I was, in my eyes, a wallflower.  This happened thirty-eight years ago, but the effect of that one evening sticks with me still today.

There have been other instances where I felt unappreciated that stick out in my mind, as well, but this was the first time that I can remember feeling less than the obviously wonderful, beautiful person that I knew myself to be!

The other day I did something nice.  It happens occasionally ..... not often enough, I have to admit ..... but the persons that I had helped sent a thank you card to me, signed by each one of them.  I was elated!  I was appreciated!  I was recognized!  In this case, I was not overlooked.  I pinned that note up on my bulletin board by my desk.

Upon seeing my "trophy" displayed proudly, the person who had asked me to help this group admitted to me that they had not received a thank you note from this same group.  Not only had she asked me to help, she had given more than I had and definitely physically helped more than I had.  At the time, my response was cursory, but I knew exactly how she felt.  That feeling of not being appreciated has prodded each and every one of us at some point in time.

The other day, in having a discussion with one of my adult children, I realized that I had fallen short on showing just appreciation for this child's actions, attitude and generous spirit.  It is so easy to criticize and I had done that liberally.  But, I had forgotten to show the appreciation; I hadn't recognized the wonderful child he had been and loving man he had become.  I had made him feel like a wallflower!

I pray that God forgives all of the awful sins I have committed in my life, but maybe worse than the things I've done are the things I haven't done.

I am going to try to give encouragement every day of my life.  I want to give the pats on the back that are deserved.  I hope I can show the appreciation that I've missed showing in the past.  I never want to leave another person feeling that I didn't appreciate them enough ...... I don't want anyone else to feel like a wallflower because of my actions.

A New Spin on "Pin"

I crochet and I knit  ..... all the time  .....  everywhere I go  .....  while I am waiting outside in the car when the kids run in to get a soda  .....  during football and basketball games to distract me enough that I don't get obnoxious  .....  during church services  (I've had a few people tell me I should be ashamed --- but I'm not) .....  while I watch TV  .....  no kidding, all the time.

This is therapy for me.  When I get upset or frazzled, if I can sit quietly for 10 or 15 minutes with my yarn, I center myself again.  It is like a long, deep breath, only better, for me!  If I am waiting it fills my time and keeps me from becoming impatient.

And, I have learned that you can knit without actually watching the knitting.  So, I am able to watch my kids play in sports while being slightly distracted by my knitting.  That way I can leave the game without being ashamed of my behavior!  ;)

When my sister introduced me to the website Pinterest I could not have imagined that it would make so many improvements in my life.  My "crafting game" has been taken to another level.  Since joining Pinterest I have learned multiple yarn techniques to enhance my skills.

I've learned invaluable tricks like the Russian join from the Twist Yarn Shop blog.

This little trick of neatly ending a crochet round off of the Dutch blog Grietjekarwietje has forever changed how I finish every crocheted edge.

Pinterest has increased my vocabulary with words like pinning, upcycle, and repurpose.  Those piles and piles of old worn-out blue jeans that I have stored away now have a chance to see the light of day again!

But, more than anything I have found many sources of inspiration.  My mind spins with all of the things I would like to make!

---

From a pin of this cardigan by Yarn Theory on Flickr .....

I was able to follow the path she gave to the pattern .....

 I loved the colors and even used her modifications to the pattern to end up with the cardi above.  This was a birthday present for the daughter of the friend who had pinned the original photo.

---

Search nearly any subject on Pinterest and you will find an abundance of posts, which leads you to boards that you will want to follow and pins that are now organized so that you can find that post again.

Oh, that my life could be as organized as my pinterest boards!  ;)

Season Premieres

My daughter, Kaitlin, and I watched the season premieres of "Person of Interest" and "The Mentalist" tonight.  We had seen the ads for the new show and had watched and rewatched every "Mentalist" from last year.   Last night we set the DVR for all of the new shows we want to try.  We were ready to embrace the new.  There is a feeling of anticipation as we hope to find some exceptional entertainment this year.

As I started making my hats for this coming season, I had that same excitement, that same anticipation.  I've got a pretty good start on the season.  I've made and given several hats already.  It's football season, so I've made several hats in our school colors of gold and black that look similar to a football.  It seems owls are popular this year and I've made several of them, also.  I still have several more to make. 

I like doing hats because they are fast and (most of the time) fairly easy.  I can usually whip out a crocheted hat in a day's time.  You have the gratification of quickly completing a project. 

I started a new Bible Study last week.  We are studying the book of Matthew and using the Serendipity Bible as our study guide.

It is with excitement that I have approached this study.  This is the season premiere of this group.  This is a group of women that I have known for quite some time, but I look forward to becoming better friends, sharing with each of them and learning more about them. 

Life is full of change.  There is constant change.  Nothing stays the same. 

I've read several complaints this week on facebook about them changing the layout once again.  The funny thing is that when they changed the layout to the one before this one, there were the same complaints.  And, they were probably from the same complainers, if you want to know the truth. 

People seem to resist change.  They have a fear of the unknown that makes them dig their heels in and want to keep everything as it is. 

Life would be a lot less stressful if we would just learn to embrace the changes in our lives ..... feel the excitement and not the dread .....

Ecclesiastes 3:1-3 (NIV)

A Time for Everything

 ¹ There is a time for everything,
   and a season for every activity under the heavens: 

 ² a time to be born and a time to die,
   a time to plant and a time to uproot,
 ³ a time to kill and a time to heal,
   a time to tear down and a time to build,