Monday, May 28, 2007

Memorial Day


Today will be a day of rest. I am currently working on a sweater I started a couple of days ago. I was following a pattern.. The yoke turned out well..It has a nice feel and look to it. But the body was just terrible..the look just didn't go with the yoke. So I ripped it out and I'm adding my own body and sleeves to the sweater. When I finish it will be my own creation. Its been awhile since I created my own pattern. It gives a feeling of accomplishment and satisfaction.

I'm looking forward to learning how to make the crocheted guidepost sweater. It will be good to work on something for Knit for Kids. I have never had the pleasure of creating sweaters for them to give to those who need. Perhaps these sweaters can be used for other places too.

In Crocheter's Attic I released another square pattern. Its called the Snapdragon Stitch. No one has mentioned it..I'm guessing they are busy with other projects and the Memorial Day weekend.

I want to wish you all a peaceful day. Prayers go out especially for those who left our country to fight in Iraq. Also for those who have passed that we miss in our daily lives.

Until we meet Again!
Hook's Up!
Leslee
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/crochetersattic/

Thursday, May 24, 2007

Crocheter's Attic Progresses


Welcome Back!

Crocheter's Attic is moving forward. We now have on board with us, International Children's Network. Our ladies will be making blankets, sweaters, hats for 100 orphan's in Peru in November. At some point of time..which is not yet appointed..more likely we haven't been told yet. That Cindy and I will be traveling to Peru to teach the children how to crochet and knit. Yes!..I'm very excited. I'm hoping my medical condition will allow that travel.

The picture is of a little orphan in Peru. His name is Juan.

Currently we are working on an event for newborns. We are making hats, sweaters, booties, blankets, little outfits etc. for poor mom's in the San Diego area. We are also learning to make Guidepost sweaters. We posted a crocheted pattern for us to be able to play around with the pattern. I'm hoping we can downsize it to fit babies as well as an older child.

I introduced the Snapdragon stitch today. Its a square using this stitch. I don't know how many are still working on making squares..that project took a bit of time. Still the end result will not only give enough squares to join to make a ghan but will actually show how much the crocheter has learned..

Until we Meet Again!
Hook's up!
Leslee
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/crochetersattic/

Friday, May 18, 2007

Looking Forward to a Creative Weekend!


Hello!
Sorry this is so late in getting written. I went out to run errands and got back much later then I expected to. So, now I'm sitting here listening to "Allegro"...really nice for writing.

Crocheter's Attic ladies seem really busy lately. I just love looking at their work. Some are working on ripple blankets, some booties, socks, and hats.. One lady even found an adult bib. Great for eating lobsters or for that senior in your home that needs tender loving care. I have a lady who just finished making a little five point star ghan. here is the url for it..

http://www.angelfire.com/va3/heartfeltangels/littlestarafghan.html

today Annie's Attic has a beautiful afghan called Nosegays..Its so nice. I would love to do something like that but alas, I usually have very little time and I don't crochet quickly. It looks like fun to do.. I saved it to work on later..who knows? I might be able to find time for it.

We have new members coming into the group which makes it nice as usually we have crafters who have ideas and talents to share with all.
This blog is short. I apologize. I'm in a lot of pain lately. the steriod shots the doctor gave me didn't work. so I'm trying to keep up with things and rest too..

Until we meet again!
Hook's Up!
Leslee

Thursday, May 17, 2007

My Wish For You


My Wish For You
Author: Unknown

Comfort on difficult days,

Smiles when sadness intrudes,

Rainbows to follow the clouds,

Laughter to kiss your lips,
Sunsets to warm your heart,

Gentle hugs when spirits sag,

Friendships to brighten your being,

Beauty for your eyes to see,

Confidence for when you doubt,

Faith so that you can believe,

Courage to know yourself,

Patience to accept the truth,

And love to complete your life.

A close friend sent this to me. She is like a sister. I feel her sadness and pain. I feel her joy. We share our lives, our feelings and our craft. I also have another friend. She is newer and still close to me. I feel so blessed to have them in my life. We three are together in this life to help each other along this pathway. I usually write about Crocheter's Attic. I love my group of ladies. They are so near and dear to me. I have been witness to some amazing talent, strength and beauty. They are all flowers in life. "Stopping to smell the roses", takes on a whole new meaning when compared to this group of ladies. Thank God he created them and thanking Him further that He brought us together.

Tomorrow, I will post my normal blog.


Until we meet again!

Hook's Up!

Leslee

Wednesday, May 16, 2007

Projects in the works


Another day, and I accomplished finishing up that blue sweater with buttons..so its ready! Now I'm still working on the round ripple blanket.. its getting bigger and I know I will need to look for more yarn that color or a contrasting one to finish it up.

In Crocheter's Attic today we have a new crochet square called, "Parallel Post Stitch." Its really an interesting stitch. It should make a great blanket too. I guess for a baby blanket you could say it has feelies.. My grands love a fleece blanket with blanket binding. It gives the same sort of feelies. My gd Kayla has a store bought blanket. It has a soft fleece side and a soft satin on the other side. This is the blanket she goes places with and the one that goes to bed at night with her. Again the different kinds of materials used to make the blanket create feelies.

So far to date, I have created two sweater sets and a round ripple for our next event in the group. I will finish the other round ripple and try to make a couple of teddy bears to go with them. At that point I will send my donation out. One of my ladies submitted an adult bib pattern she found. It was a wonderful pattern to add to my collection. I wished that I had it when I did my senior event. I'm sure they could have used a few of them there.

I'm thinking of using a Snapdragon stitch for our next square. It looks a bit like a climbing shell stitch and yet it is different. I'm thinking that these different squares might give a nice look to a blanket should all of the squares be used. It can be for personal use or to give to someone who needs something warm to cuddle up with..

Until we meet again!
Hook's Up!
Leslee
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/crochetersattic/

Tuesday, May 15, 2007

Waking up to a Beautiful Spring Day!


hello!

I woke bright and early this morning at 6:30 a.m. Already I had things flying through my brain about what I wanted to accomplish today. Well, first things first..morning meds, breakfast , etc.
Then as I sat at my desk I was thinking about how beautiful it was this morning. The birds were singing. There is something about how morning smells out in nature. Since my desk and computer are right next to the open window I was able to enjoy it. This morning it was still brisk as the sun hadn't had the chance to warm up the air.

I knew that I had an appointment this morning, so I went into my group to read the morning posts. I saw that I'm not the only one who sleeps in...lol. I shared with them that I finished my baby blue sweater set. I also started another round ripple blanket. I kept seeing this beautiful bright blue/green yarn as I pulled out yarn out of my bag when finishing the little blue sweater.
I knew it would alone make a fantastic blanket for a little one. Then add that the ripple blanket makes a pattern of its own..wonderful tactile for a baby!..I couldn't pass it up.. so, its waiting for me to call it quits on the computer for awhile.

This week in Crocheter's Attic I will post another square for our ladies to work on. Most of them are busy with little projects of their own. I love to give them freedom to work on what moves them. After all, when we are creatively moved to create something regardless of the medium in which is available at hand, we create with passion. Personally, I love crayons, oil crayons and believe it or not..clay!..I painted once with it..fantastic medium to use.

I'm hoping to start some new things to share soon. I just needed to get that little blanket out of my system..you know, moved by the spirit..lol ..so for now I will stop and go get busy!

Until we meet again!
Hook's Up!
Leslee

Tuesday, May 08, 2007

Reflection as Mother's Day Approaches


Its a bright sunshiney day here in California!.. Makes a person feel like getting out doors and do a little gardening. For me, I can't physically do that. I can make a garden with my crochet. One day, I was thinking about colors, palettes of colors and designs to be used to create something truly beautiful. We are fortunate that yarn companies right now are creating some beautiful mediums to create that something beautiful in the hand of the crafter.

Now, personally I love to make things for my family and friends. I really like surprising them. I was thinking of the look in the face of those who receive the things we make in Crocheter's Attic.
Its such a warm loving group of women. This past wednesday I had the pleasure of delivering donations for an event I held for the Healthy Mother's Program at Feather River Hospital in Paradise, California. The items we donate are given to young mothers who have very little if anything to take care of their new babies with. I had the co ordinator, the receptionist, the NA, the nutrionists, the wic workers tell me how much they liked and appreciated what we donated.
It always feels really good to take in the deliveries like this.

I have been suffering with what seems tendonitis. It leaves me hurting, frustrated as it also hurts to type. I find I can do some crocheting though..not sure why..although sometimes I can't seem to crochet. I have no idea how this happened.. in saying all this.. my blogging has slowed down to a crawl.. I love to write..even hand writing is a bit painful. It sure was miserable trying to address 119 invitations to mail out for my daughters wedding..

We have had in Crocheter's Attic some interesting patterns go through the group. Lets see, popcorn booties/hat, another round ripple, a cute little sweater pattern, and what is called the World's Easiest Sweater pattern. We did find an author for the last one.. She also had some other patterns listed.. I did not post a new square pattern. I decided to let the ladies catch up a bit.
And we all seemed to be interested in the new things that came our way.

I want to wish everyone a very Happy Mother's Day! Whether two legged, fourlegged or feathery or scaly..you still have taken on a responsibility for another's welfare. May you be blessed for your time, love, tenderness, compassion, kindness and understanding of what another life is experiencing. May you be blessed for not turning your head when another life needed you..

Until we meet again!
Hook's Up!
Leslee
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/crochetersattic/

Sunday, May 06, 2007

Springtime


I love May!

Its the month that Spring really kicks in. There are festivals and parades. Coming this next saturday is "Paradise Chocolate Fest".. What's great is that not only is it chocolate but Mother's Day is the very next day. So it promises to be a fun weekend for everyone!

In Crocheter's Attic this week we are looking at a new sweater pattern that was developed from other patterns. Someone put together this sweater pattern and dubbed it the "World's Easiest Sweater" pattern. I'm curious about this not copy writed pattern. Here is the url if you are curious.. http://www.angelfire.com/va/thevelvetpumpkin/sweater.html
We are also working on various different projects. I'm working on an Aunt Jen's sweater. Its really very easy to do. I'm also working on doilies..a lost art really..most people don't make them as they say they are either too hard or not easy to see.

Just recently I picked up a "Keepsake Crochet" by Coats and Clark. They had four doily patterns and all of them, even though they are slotted for intermediate, are easy to do.
Well, I'm off to get into one of those patterns above..

Until we meet again!
Hook's Up!
Leslee
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/crochetersattic/

Friday, May 04, 2007

Crocheter's Attic, here comes the weekend!


Ahh, Its Friday!


I sometimes love the end of the week..It usually means a rest from what I have been doing during the week. I'm planning on a restful weekend. A time to just reflect and get ready for the new week.


My gd Gabbie is getting baptized this sunday morning! She has grown so quickly. I am hoping to add her to Crocheter's Attic Teens very soon. She is excited about learning and about possibly some of her friends involved online with this new little group.


Today also marks the end of the Baby Sweater I have been posting. I will post in a few minutes the Finishing. I'm personally working on a different sweater pattern.. It seems easy at this point of time. Its called Aunt Jen's sweater? I'm doing it in a varigated Bernat blues. Having finished my ripple ghan I'm planning on making a little teddy bear to go with it..so this should be kinda fun for the mom who receives it for her baby.


Now for the Finishing to the Baby Sweater...


Baby Sweater Finishing


Body Edgings


Rnd 1: With right side facing and smaller size hook, join yarn with sc in hdc at center of Back neck edge (see Joining with Sc at bottom of this post); sc evenly around entire Sweater working an even number of sc; join with slip st to first sc.


Rnd 2: Ch 4, skip next sc, *slip st in next sc, ch 4, skip next sc; repeat from * around; join with slip st to first slip st.


Rnd 3: Ch 6, (slip st in next slip st, ch 6) around; join with slip st to first slip st, finish off.


Weave a one yard length of ribbon through Rnd 2 ch 4 sps along neck edge only.


Sleeve Edging


Rnd 1: With right side facing, smaller size hook, and working in free loops of beginning ch, join yarn with sc in any ch; sc decrease, (sc in next ch, sc decrease) around; join with slip st to first sc: 36 sc.


Rnd 2: (Eyelet rnd), Ch 5 (counts as first dc plus ch 2), skip next 2 sc, *dc in next sc, ch 2, skip next 2 sc; repeat from * around; join with slip st to first dc; 12 ch 2 sps.


Rnd 3: Ch 1, sc in same st, 2 sc in next ch 2 sp, (sc in next dc, 2 sc in next ch 2 sp) around; join with slip st to first sc, finish off.


Weave an 18" length of ribbon through Eyelet rnd; pull ends to gather Sleeve and tie ends in a bow. Repeat for second sleeve.


Joining with Sc


When instructed to join with sc, begin with a slip knot on hook. Insert hook in stitch or space indicated, YO and pull up a loop, YO and draw through both loops on hook.


The sweater is now finished. I hope that you all have enjoyed it as much as I did. Its very delicate and very sweet to do.


Crocheter's Attic has now moved into our new event. Culture of family Life Services. Its still a newborn event to help poor mothers. My round ripple blanket is for this new event. I'm excited to be making new patterns..I love my old ones but its fun and challenging to start new ones..


Until we meet again!

Hook's Up!

Leslee

Wednesday, May 02, 2007

Sunrise brings new things


Good Morning!


With the night having slipped away to a beautiful sunrise I am looking at the projects before me. (I wrote this earlier today and didn't finish it. I'm
hoping to and post this.

Crocheter's Attic will get a square pattern today. They will be working on Velvet and Lace Square Designed by Priscilla HewittWebsite: Priscilla's Crochet . They have been making some squares for a future blanket. All 7" squares. This square will be nice as its different. It will add an interesting look to their square blanket. Some of the squares they have enlarged to be a baby blanket. It will be fun when we put them together..


I am personally working on a project for a friend and my daughter. I want to begin a cute little layette too. And I want to find another project for my donations. My round ripple blanket is finished and then I want to add something different to it. Its fun when something unexpected is add to the donation.


I promised the sleeve part of the sweater pattern today..so, here goes..


Baby Sweater cont.


Sleeve

With larger size hook, ch 55 loosely.


Row 1: Sc in second ch from hook and in each ch across: 54 sc.


Row 2: (Right side) Ch 3, turn; work Cross sts across to last sc, dc in last sc; 13 Cross sts.


Note: Mark last row as right side.


Row 3: Ch 3, turn; work Cross Sts across to last dc, dc in last dc.


Rows 4 and 5: Ch 1, turn; sc in each st across: 54 sc.


Rows 6-20: Repeat Rows 2-5, 3 times; then repeat rows 2-4 once more.


Change to smaller size hook.


Row 21: Ch 1, turn; sc in first 3 sc, sc decrease, (sc in next 5 sc, sc decrease) across. 46sc.
Row 22: Turn; slip st in first 3 sc, ch 2, hdc in next sc and in each sc across to last 2sc, leave remaining sc unworked: 42hdc.
Row 23: (Decrease row) Ch 1, turn; hdc in next hdc and in each hdc across to last 2 hdc, hdc across to last 2 hdc, hdc decrease: 40 hdc.
Row 24: Ch 2, turn; hdc in next hdc and in each hdc across.
Rows 25-35: Repeat Rows 23 and 24 twice; then repeat row 23, 7 times more: 22hdc.
Row 36: Ch 1, turn; hdc in next 9 hdc, hdc decrease, hdc in next 8 hdc, hdc decrease: 19 hdc.
Row 37: Ch 1, turn;( hdc in next 7 hdc, hdc decrease) twice: 16 hdc.
Row 38: Ch 1, turn ; hdc in next 6 hdc, hdc decrease, hdc in next 5 hdc, hdc decrease: 13 hdc.
Row 39: Ch 1, turn; (hdc in next 4 hdc, hdc decrease) twice; finish off : 10 hdc.
Sew underarm seam, beginning at bottom of row 1 and ending at top of row 21.
Centering seam at underarm, sew sleeve in place, easing to fit along raglan edges.
Repeat for second sleeve.
Tomorrow I will post the Finishing which is the body edging and the sleeve edging. I'm looking forward this evening to watch my 5 yr old gs play baseball..Yes, my crochet bag will go with me. I'm hoping the rain doesn't spoil it.
Until we meet again!
Hook's up!
Leslee

Crocheter's Attic projects


Good Evening!


I hope this visit to my blog helps along a peaceful evening. I have enjoyed working on my round ripple blanket tonight. I have a little more of the border and its finished!..I just love to get things done. I think maybe the next project will be either a doily or something for a friend. Not sure what to make for her. She has been so special in my life.


The ladies in Crocheter's Attic have been busy working on multiple things. Some are trying their hands at a regular ripple ghan. What's sweet and loving is that they are trying to help each other learn. A special hug for one who has been spending much time working with another member. These are precious memories in the making. We have some ladies working on a sweater pattern I gave out last week. I did forget to post a new square as I have been suffering tendonitis. I is aggravated by typing..and yes, I'm doing it again...


I was going to finish off the sweater I have posted here for all of you tonight and then realized that besides the left side I still have sleeves to post..so lets see how long this arm lasts ...


Baby Sweater cont.

Left Front


Row 1: With right side facing and smaller size hook, skip first 4sc from Back and join yarn with slip st in next sc; ch 2, hdc in next sc and in each sc across: 28 hdc.


Row 2: (Decrease row): Ch 2, turn; hdc in next hdc and in each hdc across to last 2 hdc, hdc decrease. 27 hdc


Row 3: Ch 2, turn; hdc in next hdc and in each hdc across.


Row 4-8: Repeat Rows 2 and 3 twice, then Repeat Row 2 once more: 24 hdc.


Row 9: (Decrease row): Ch 1, turn; hdc in next hdc and in each hdc across: 23 hdc.


Row 10: (Decrease row): Ch 2, turn; hdc in next hdc and in each hdc across to last 2 hdc, hdc decrease: 22 hdc.


Row 11-16: Repeat Rows 9 and 10, 3 times: 16 hdc.


Rows 17 and 18: Ch 1, turn; hdc in next hdc and in each hdc across to last 2 hdc, hdc decrease: 12 hdc. Finish Off.


All right, I think I need to give my arm and shoulder a rest tonight.. will be back in the morning to share the sleeve with you and then the only thing left is to do the body edging and sleeve edging. This is a very weird pattern but the sweater is adorable. Will also be back with the latest square to be done..


Until we meet again!

Hook's Up!

Leslee

Crocheting blankets


Hello Everyone!

Just getting back to blogging again. We have some new members in Crocheter's Attic. I'm excited as that means more hands to help those in need.

For those who want to continue with the baby sweater pattern I was posting, here is the next part.

Baby Sweater cont.
Back

Row 1: With right side facing and smaller size hook, skip first 4 sc from Right Front and join yarn with slip st in next sc; ch2, hdc in next 55 sc, leave remaining 32 sc unworked: 56 hdc.

Row 2: (Decrease row): Ch 1, turn; hdc in next hdc and in each hdc across to last 2 hdc, hdc decrease: 54 hdc.

Row 3: Ch 2, turn; hdc in next hdc and in each hdc across.

Row 4-15: Repeat Rows 2 and 3 twice; then repeat Row 2, 8 times more: 34 hdc.

Row 16: Ch 1, turn; hdc in next 15 hdc, hdc decrease, hdc in each hdc across to last 2 hdc, hdc decrease: 31 hdc.

Row 17: Ch 1, turn; hdc in next 13 hdc, hdc decrease, hdc in each hdc across to last 2 hdc, hdc decrease; finish off: 25 hdc.

Row 18: Ch 1, turn; hdc in next 12 hdc, hdc decrease, hdc in each hdc across to last 2 hdc, hdc decrease; finish off: 25 hdc.

Tomorrow I will post the left front.. I hope some of you are enjoying this pattern..It is really nice just very different.. I have been working on a round ripple blanket..the pic above is borrowed but is similar to what I'm making..its really pretty. Its in Red Hearts Kitten print. I chose a lavendar to border it..
Well, I am going to scoot for now..

Until we meet again!
Hook's Up!
Leslee
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/crochetersattic/