November Thoughts

Ah,
Hello to all who read my blog. It is already November. The trees are either shedding their leaves or changing color and very soon we will be celebrating another Thanksgiving. Harvest time or the Fall as some call it, has always been a favorite of mine.

Its a time to give thanks for all the many blessings He has bestowed on us. So many things have happened this year.. My youngest grand daughter was born. She's a beautiful child. My second son lost his life in June. A victim of a car coming down on top of him while he inspected it for repair. It seems unreal. I love him so much. Hard to believe he is gone. Life does go on though.

Crafter's in the Attic is still a very small group of crafters who really care about people in need. We have made and donated to many places in the U.S. this year. Our group is also now on Facebook. Just a little fledgling start. I hope others will come to find us there. Still we are small. Small can be good too!

Currently, I just finished my donations for this year. I also finished some Pay It Forward gifts that I sort of forgot amid all the craziness this year. My dearest friend's mother passed just recently. She was 94 years old. I only really got to know her the two weeks I visited my friend, but I sort of fell in love with this lady. She will be missed. I wish I could spend time with my friend right now. I would love to give her a hug and just be there for her..Unfortunately that is not possible. She's in the Upper Pennisula of Michigan and I'm in California.

I learned this year how to knit much better without so many dropped stitches..Yes! I learned to also do a FPDC/BPDC.. it always looked harder then it was..

I hope that in the next new year, to be able to learn to do more things, to experience things I've not thought possible, and to hopefully make a difference in some one's life..

In the next coming blog I will talk about some Slouchy Hats I learned to make and a new blanket pattern.

Until then,
Hook's Up!
hugs, Leslee
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/craftersintheattic/

Meeting and things we made

Hello Again!

Here it is Thursday..its been raining lately..lots of rain..no more snow for us right now..Guess Cindy is going to get it all!! ah well, poor Rita doesn't like rain..wasn't crazy about snow but it was lets say soo much better for her! giggle..

Monday, Karen and Laurie met with me.. Rae had a doctor's appt..Holly is getting ready to begin work this week..so I think she is going to be busy wednesday thru saturday for just awhile. With Christmas coming up..that really pushes getting things done in time.. Lizzie has to work today and wasn't available..After the first of the New Year I'm hoping to get a day and time established to get our volunteers together maybe at our church..Right now God is building a new church for us..the men in the church have been braving cold temps/rain/snow to get this job along its way.. I have two ladies who would love to join us..maybe more that I'm not aware of..

This is a day to look over what we have done and what we want to accomplish..I still have sweaters and a shawl to finish..also a doily..seems like I can't sit still either..lol.. We all seem to be working on gifts or last minute donations..

Last night I had the pleasure of going to the children's choir pageant at our church. They performed "The Christmas Spelling Bee"..it was wonderful!.. I also took in that adorable hat you see little Kendall wearing above. She was born in the 37th week of her mom's pregnancy. I love to make things for little ones..that hat was such a pleasure.. Its also a hat we make when we donate things..this was a gift for a cute little blossum..

Until we meet again!
Hook's up!
Merry Christmas everyone!
Leslee

Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas Everyone!

Just popped in to say wish you all a blessed Christmas!
We have been busy crocheting and knitting..I am working on what is called a "Snowstorm"hat. Its a Lionbrand pattern and so far soo good! It isn't really clear in an area..but then again, a lot of patterns end up being re-written because of that very reason. One of the ladies in our group, Karen, has been helping some of us learn how to knit. I've always done a Stockingnet stitch. I've gotten pretty good at even stitching and also I don't drop as many stitches or not at all.

We have been meeting on mondays. At our last meeting Karen and Rae were the only ones who could make it that day. All three of us worked on that hat..Karen and I used circulars and Rae used straight..well, after they left I continued but later on Karen called and said..that it was way too small for an adult..so I frogged mine..Then tried again on straights..but I lost track of my stitches and purled on a knit row..grr! Before realizing that mistake Karen brought me two sets of circulars 10 1/2 and 11's.. Ok, so I frogged the straight ones and when I went to put it on the circulars..I realized I was doing it wrong on the third row! Again, I frogged it.. So since Karen was out of town for Thanksgiving..I tried once more only on the straights..guess what? I'm on row 27!! yippee! I did the first decrease and I'm working to the next one..success feels good! At this point you are all probably wondering why I kept at it? This hat is not only darling..Its one that we can use both for donation and family..Its warm.. and its..stylin'! lol This monday Karen will come and visit..not sure about the others as we are expecting to have snow hit our area heavily the night before..Rae and Holly live in Magalia which is up the mountain from me. Laurie, Liz and Karen live in Paradise. The chances of seeing Rae and Holly depend on that storm.. This should be an interesting day!

Next month, our Paradise group of ladies will get an opportunity to learn how to loom on straight looms. Have any of you ever noticed that they have little booklets for the round ones..but hardly anything to help you get going on those straight ones? Everything is a bit confusing..At least four of us..maybe five have the large sets of straight looms so the craft shop
just down and across the road from me has a lady who teaches on looms..We will have her have a class to teach us all. Then we are hoping to get going on some scarves, lapghans, and blankets.. I hope to post some pics then for you all to see our progress..Also hoping to get a spot to have more people join our group of volunteers to make a difference in our community. Will update as I get more information. Right now my little kitchen gets really full with six of us..lol

Hook's up!
Leslee

New Things to Share!

Hello!. Long couple of days huh? I swear I really do try to get in here and post but lately I've been pulled in many different directions. I did finish that sweater..want to see? its in the pic above.. I put another pic there that shows how different the sleeve is. I think you will agree its a better sleeve then the boxy looking one....I'm still looking for those illusive buttons.. Now the baby I was making this for, was born way too early. She was born at 32 weeks and was a sweet little bundle weighing 4 lbs 6 oz. Kendall is precious. So I was thinking..oh no! she is gonna swim in it.. I then pulled out my preemie patterns and made this adorable little soft orange dress for her.. I'm thinking of making some matching booties and maybe a hat..problem is I really suck on making bonnets..and that's sort of what I have in mind. I make beanies really well but something goes wrong when I concentrate on a bonnet..go figure huh? If anyone who reads this has a bonnet pattern that is fool proof ..ya know, the ones you could do in your sleep sort. I truly would appreciate it if you would share it with me.

Last night I finished up a beret I was making for my grand daughter Gabbie. She is 16 yrs old and wanted a new hat for picture day this thursday. So on sunday afternoon I started it and finished it last night..its awesome..I so wanted to share it with you but I forgot to take a picture of it..lol .. I guess I'll have to go make another so you can see how quick and easy it worked up. I made most of it while watching Lord of the Rings, the two towers .. I've seen this movie tons of times so taking my eyes off of it could be done..but the only time I really needed to concentrate away from the movie is when I switched rows..just to make sure I did it correctly. Also to note on this beret pattern..its pretty much adult size..two sizes small and medium and it repeats rows a lot. You also need to be able to triple crochet and to crochet two stitches together..those are the hardest part of the pattern if you are someone who hasn't gotten much skill yet.

One more thing..I don't know how many of you are aware of it, but Lionbrand has a wonderful new yarn that they have released. Its called Recycled Cotton. I bet you are thinking oh that's old news! no this one is new..not only new but the colors are really nice. Its a bit pricey so I would look for a sale on it. And they have a cute pattern I want to mention..its sort of an oldie but goodie style pattern, called Brilliant Colors Baby Throw.

http://www.lionbrand.com/cgi-bin/patternView.fcgi?itemKey=1922243667

Well I guess I'll scoot along for now. Until we meet again! Hook's Up! Leslee http://groups.yahoo.com/group/craftersintheattic/

Baby Pink Sweater

A very good morning to you all!!

Right now in the attic we are working on quite a few baby items. Some are working on blankets, some on small items such as sweaters. I'm working on a "Going Home" baby sweater. I decided to transform this one into something a bit different. Instead of going with the regular pattern I made
the sweater change in row 10. It normally calls for a dc row in row 9 but then when its supposed to change to a sc row in 10 I decided to do shells. Making this part of the sweater into shells will make it not only a softer look ,(more feminine) it will also go well with the "Climbing Shells" blanket I just finished. If you look in earlier posts you will see it.

Above is the sweater. The body as you can see is finished.. The sleeves will be different then what the "Going Home" pattern calls for. I found a pattern not long ago that has some really nice shaped sleeves. The bottom part of that sleeve calls for ribbing. The one the sweater pattern calls for that I'm foregoing just does not work for me. Meaning that it doesn't look finished and I do not think right for the sweater nor the wearer. I'm also attaching a look at the sleeve that the "Going Home" sweater calls for. I'm ripping it out and will post probably tomorrow the sleeve I'm choosing to create for my sweater.

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

Judy's Angel Ghan and Pineapple Dress!

Good Afternoon!

Today I wanted to share with you some of the things that our ladies have worked on for our events that we hold each year. Judy, is one of our ladies. She does wonderful amazing things with yarn. I have done some filet crochet in the past but hers is awesome..Pictured today is what is called an Angel Ghan. As you can see a lot of work went into this piece. There is a graph that is associated with the pattern that must be followed. This is also one that I have done myself. I enjoyed working with it. I especially was delighted when the pattern produced such a pretty blanket. Judy has worked on the round blanket we were talking about recently and she has done a beautiful pineapple dress..I'm also attaching a picture of that dress for you to see. Our current event is one that takes all newborn/baby things including things for moms.. Adding these sort of things make the donation so special to those who receive it. Many thanks, Judy! Your work is awesome!!

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

Climbing Shells Blanket Finished

Hello again!

I finally finished my Climbing Shells blanket. I put a simple sc around the border and then finished with a hdc..Its simple and doesn't take away from the beauty of the stitch. If any of you decide you like this pattern. Its for charity use only.. Please email me at: yarnangel52@gmail.com and I will share this with you.

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

Climbing Shells Blanket

Good Morning!!

What an awesome morning it is here where I live. Its promising to be another one of those hot days in which you want to crochet something but don't want anything hot and heavy to work with.

I'm currently working on both the round blanket with square corners and a climbing shells blanket. You saw in the previous post the round blanket..In this one I'm hoping to share my climbing shells blanket. Its in a size for a newborn. And its so pretty in pink that I can't decide if
I will give this one to a woman in the church who is expecting her first born daughter or donate it to one of our group events. I'm thinking of donating this one. I thinking that some young mother is going to be thrilled with it. Regardless, if I choose the woman in the church or an event.

I'm working on the last few rows and then I will be putting on the border. Not sure of which one I will use. I seem to be a free spirit on borders. Much depends on mood and how much more I want to put into the item I'm working on. I tend to be very simple on boys blankets but on girls I get more decorative..I guess that would mean I like frilly things? yes and no..I like them both really.

Above, is the climbing shells blanket. Cindy, I'm sending you a picture..well, two actually of Rita when I was trying to take a picture of the blanket..she was being very silly on my bed..losing her mind..lol.. so those pics are for you and Bert.

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

A Round Blanket with Square Corners

Hello Again!
I bet most of you thought I forgot to blog? Nope! I've been really busy with family, the group, and VBS week at our church. Presently we have 18 preschoolers..60 children in all! What a Blessing..Praise God for this!

I want to tell you all about my round blanket with square corners..first its coming along quite nicely. One of my group members, Karen, came over one day and we sat for a long time chatting, crocheting and playing with my puppy, Rita! Ok, now you know she had to have equal time so we took turns .. I noticed something just before we ended our visit..first..well, I guess I began to notice when she first got here. She was on the same row as I was..so laughing about it..thinking wow, that's really kinda funny, we continued on with the visit..About the end of it, I counted the clusters between the corners only to find that after she counted hers, we were still on the same row! lol I thought that was pretty funny. I've never worked on anything at the same rate as another crafter.. until then..
She also brought me some Amish Bread starter..wishing some of my friends lived nearby because one day this week after I get home from VBS, I will have to bake some bread..would love to share the starter too!

Above is a picture of the blanket so far..as you can see its a pretty yellow with a blue stripe in it so far..I'm thinking of continuing on with the blue for awhile to see how it comes out..I've had so many nice blankets that the group has made. One of my members who crochets like the wind just knocked off three of these..Amazing talents and colors..

I wish you all an awesome week!

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

Round Blanket with Square Corners!

Good Afternoon!

I nearly forgot I was going to jump on over here and tell you all about what is going on in Crafter's in the Attic.
We are all pretty busy with summer vacations, projects for our events and personal fun. One of our members told us about a pattern she found on a the Bernat site. Its called a Baby Sport-Round Blanket to crochet.
Here's the url for it:
http://www.bernat.com/pattern.php?PID=3833

I fell in love with this blanket..first its a bit tricky..Its a round blanket with corners! lol.. I can just see the faces of those who read this blog..it is something like WHAT?? who ever heard of a round anything with corners!..lol... it does have corners..and guess what? This blanket is so easy to do you could actually watch a new tv program or even a new movie while doing it..Its sort of a mindless crochet..most of us who know about this love the idea..It means you can crochet while keeping your mind on something else..so you then have busy hands.. Above is a picture of mine that I started..its in a soft baby yellow..I'm hoping to add a blue round and then border this blanket in white..It will make a great blanket for a baby boy!

I hope you all have fun with this one..we sure are!

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

We are back!

Wow.. has time flown or what?
I must apologize for not posting in a long while. Life has its own way of interrupting well planned intentions.

Crafter's in the Attic has now moved back to yahoo. We were at Nexo because yahoo couldn't seem to keep up with demand and continually went down in the process. Or it wouldn't let some of our members log in saying that they were not members..lol.. that was hard as they were definitely on our members list. So after playing games there we transferred for awhile to a beta site called Nexo..unfortunately Nexo was purchased by Shutterfly and the quality went down. I was afraid that our members might be hasseled to purchase their products..and quite frankly not many people knew we existed. We had changed our name from Crocheter's Attic to Crafter's in the Attic as we wanted to acknowledge our knitters and sewers. Well, now we changed back to yahoo only to find they have improved!! Like who woulda thought that they would huh?

We are a small group of ladies who crochet, knit and sew for charity. We have six events in a year. They are two months long. It helps juggle life, crafting and donations. We have events for cancer, seniors, newborns/preemies, shelters, etc. I felt a long while ago that there are so many people who need help. Not just babies..So here we are ..a small group of 15 ladies. Its cozy and warm here. Currently we are working on things for newborns/moms who need. The event is for Feather River Hospital in Paradise, California. I'm a bit partial to this one as I've several grandchildren born in their birthing place.

I'm working on a ripple ghan for a baby. Its nearly finished which I'm really happy to report as its been on the very warm side here. I noticed I seem to work on blankets during the heat..I'm a bit backwards I guess.. as soon as I figure out how to put pictures at the right places in my blog I will show you..hmm, maybe at the beginning for now..So, above is the picture of the ghan I'm working on. Its in a really nice creme color.

Have a happy crafting day!
Hook's Up!
Leslee
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/craftersintheattic/

Wow, two days in a row!! How awesome is that, managing to come and blog twice in a row isn't the easiest thing to accomplish.

Just wanted to let everyone know that the group is working on making some nice warm things to send to some needy women and children in Michigan. Its so cold there I can't even imagine what they are going through and then the cold too.

I decided to use bright colorful fibers for crafting for this event. Bright and cheery colors tend to warm the spirit. Although its true that some colors do offend..maybe some earth tones too! I once heard that if a classroom is in subtle blues the students do much better. That may be very true. Colors tend to stimulate our senses..but to wear something cheery during gloomy winter months could be just the ticket to help someone.

I got an answer to prayers today. My daughter was given transitional housing closer to me!..My heart is really happy for her..She said I could join her since we will be moving together.. well, that would mean putting all of my stuff in storage and I might be putting my other daughter in a really bad spot financially greater then she already is..sooo, this chickie is staying here while my daughter also looks into different sort of work..she is so social that she would work well with patients/clients who need help..then we can see about looking into housing together.. She also has some appointments for work jobs so we are really happy about this..
Add to that I've wanted some bible study help and she was telling me about a women's group she will be going too..of course, I said..me tooo!

This year has started off well..searching for more about My Lord Jesus and improving living conditions..work conditions and a quiet place to craft to help others..I'm excited..

Remember all..
Hook's Up!
Leslee
http://craftersintheattic.nexo.com/

Happy New Year!

I hope everyone who reads this has started off in this brand new year with hope. The world is such a mess. Its up to all of us to do their part. Sometimes we think ..what can I do? I'm just one person. I have no special talent..I am in no position on the social ladder to make a difference. I'm not a celebrity nor do I have a relative that is. I am not rich. In fact, maybe considered one of the poorest people. Remember, Christ was not rich in this world either. By choice. I've often considered this..would I choose this? well, I must have agreed with my Creator about this..being where I am in my life was choice. I suppose I could aspire to a whole lot but this life in this world is temporary. So, what can I do?

I can choose to love my family. I can choose to help others around me should I see a need. I can give my life in service to my Lord and Savior. I've decided that this is just what I will do. I started a crocheting/knitting group some time ago. That group is called, Crafter's in the Attic. This little group makes things for people in need. We are indeed small. There are only 24 of us. Recently one of ours died. It was sad as we will not speak to her again in this life..but joy because she has gone home and is in peace with Our Lord. I guess what I want to say is this. We give all that we can...most of us are on a fixed income. We share our lives..happiness as well as sad..births and deaths..because all of this is life.. yet, we are rich.

Crafter's in the Attic is starting off this year with an event called, The Caring House. Its a place in Michigan that takes in women and children who have been in an abusive situation. We make things like slippers, scarves, hats, shawls, blankets, etc. Also being sent are little bags of things to be clean and feel decent..like a toothbrush/toothpaste..its amazing how these little things give comfort..if anyone who reads this wishes to join us...here is our url..
http://craftersintheattic.nexo.com/

Please feel free to look it over on our front page..my email address is there for those who are sure they wish to be a part of us..

Happy New Year to all,
Hook's up!
Leslee

My Special Valentine

Here it is Valentine's day and I'm up to my ears in projects not yet finished. Sigh..what a way to start the year.

First, I hope your Valentine's Day was a good one. Thinking about this I realized that my Valentine's are my wonderful children and grandchildren. One of the youngest grands is nearly
six months old..He is happy and healthy and full of energy. So much so, that his paternal grandmother purchased a rainforest jumper for him..Well that silly little guy jumped and laughed and played to his hearts content..the result was the picture here...nice going to grandma!

Next, I found some interesting things online. I must be on the late freight or something cause I just found out that they have yarn with Bamboo and aloe! wow..this boggles the mind..what's next? not sure I want to know..but these unusual yarns are costly. I think for a small ball of yarn 12 dollars is a bit much. Especially since most projects take a lot of yarn.

Well, I'm cutting this one short as I'm trying to get those projects finished..

Until We Meet Again!
Hook's Up!
Leslee
http://craftersintheattic.nexo.com/

Today in the Attic

Today in the attic I was thinking about this quote,"The greatest thing you will ever learn is to love and to be loved in return." Its an amazing thought really. The thought of everyone loving each person and being loved in return is difficult for the human mind as there is always one person who "gets on our nerves". I'm no exception in this thought. Where does the love in return come in? My thought here is its like a pebble thrown into a still pond. Remember there are rippled effects in the pond when the pebble is thrown in? Well the pebble in this case is the work of love from the crafter's hands. It then ripples the love out into the world to the receiver. There is a wonderful commercial right now on t.v. Rarely is the the case. Usually commercials are annoying. What happens in this one is that one person stops another from stepping off a curb and being hit by a passing car. That person in turn does something nice for another person. And that person does something nice for the next and so on. Our works of love translate in this way as well. In this way if I translate the first quote into charity work it becomes something more.

I've seen many who give and want to be recognized for doing so. Is that love? I don't think so. Then I've seen some who really want to remain anonymous for their giving. The only recognition is between them and God. Is this love? YES!! I've pretty much been on the giving anonymously for a long time now. We tag our items in our group. Its so that the receiver knows who the giver was..Now I'm wondering should we? Right now I'm on the fence with all this. I would rather not tag items..there are many still that want to. So what does a group owner do about this? If I tag my item with the name of the group only, I think I can live with this. Its just a simple struggle I am thinking a lot of crafters go through. By tagging with just the group name it says there is a group of crafters who want to help someone in need. Not giving credit to the crafter but the group as a whole. I would love to have other's thoughts on this too.

Ok, so last night I worked on my baby blanket again. I had to frog it once as I added an extra dc where one should not be. If it wasn't throwing off the entire pattern I would have left it as a humble stitch. I am now on the 15th row. Its looking nicer as I go ..Its just a very big piece to work on. I have other projects I'm working on as well. I have a shawl in the works that I shared with you awhile back. I also have a scarf for a man in hdc in the back loops only. This scarf goes with a hat already finished. And I have a vintage scarf for a lady that fits like a hood..and has the scarf attached to go over the shoulders..its really pretty as its in a cornflower blue. This piece needs only to have the fringe on one side of the scarf finished and the piece then will be completely done. Last night I cut some pieces for a quilt for my grand daughter's birthday present. I thought she would love a quilt to cozy up with. Its done in a Mary Englebreit pattern and a multi colored stars on red background print. If I do this right it should turn out really nice!

The picture on this blog is my baby blanket..will post other pics later!

Until we meet again!
Hook's up!
Leslee
http://craftersintheattic.nexo.com/

Yesterday I was working on my newborn blanket. I had to frog it the last time as I didn't choose a color that I had enough yarn for. Sometimes I can get away with it as I can just pick up another skein or two. But not this color. You see, Walmart stopped carrying this color. So I chose another color from Bernat. Its called, "Rock a Bye Baby". Its so pretty. I'm glad I decided to change the color. Then while at Michael's I found more skeins of the first color but it was quite a bit more expensive..still I'm happy with the change. I managed to put 8 rows on it yesterday. I also realized I promised to add my blanket pattern. So here it is:

Leslee's Blanket Pattern

Uses baby yarn of your choice.
hook size F

Gauge: 20 dc and 10 dc rows = 4"

Special Stitches:

Cl ( Cluster stitch): (YO, draw up a loop, yo, draw through 2 loops) 4 times, yo, draw through 5 loops, ch 1 to close.

V-st: (Dc, ch 2, dc) in next ch or st.

Ch 166


Row 1: (RS) Dc in 4th ch from hook (turning ch counts as a dc here and throughout ) and in each ch across; turn - 164 dc

Row 2: Ch 3 (counts as first dc here and throughout ) dc in 2nd dc and each dc across; turn.

Rows 3-8: Rep Row 2.

Row 9: Dc in 2nd st and in each of next 12 ch, *sk 1dc, (cl in next ch, sk 2 ch, V-st in next ch, sk 2ch) 6 times, ch 1, sk 1 ch, dc in each of next 14 ch, rep from * twice, turn.

Row 10: Ch 3, dc in 2nd dc and in each of next 12 dc, *(cl in ch 2 sp of V-st, V-st in closing ch of cl ) 6 times, dc in next 14 dc, rep from * twice, turn.

Rows 11 - 24: Rep Rows 9 and 10 7 times

Rows 25: Ch 3, dc in 2nd dc and in next 12 dc, (dc in 1st dc of V-st, 2 dc in ch 2 sp of V-st, dc in 2nd dc of V-st, dc in closing ch of cl and in top cl) 6 times, dc in each of next 14 dc, rep from * twice, turn. -164 dc.

Rows 26 - 32: Ch 3, dc in 2nd dc and in each st across; turn.

Repeat Rows 9 - 32 twice; fasten off.

Border: With RS facing, join yarn with a sl st in upper right corner.

Rnd 1: Ch 5, *({dc, ch 2} twice, dc) in same st, V-st in every other st to nest corner, rep bet( ), V-st in every other row to next corner, rep from * once, join with a sl st in 3rd ch of beg ch 5.

Rnd 2: Ch 5, dc in same sp, V-st in ch 2 sp of each V-st around, join with sl st in 3rd ch of beg ch 5; fasten off.

Enjoy! If there is a problem in the pattern I've not caught, please let me know. Any questions just leave them on the comments part of this blog.
I also managed to add another full skein of yarn to my triangle shawl I've been working on pretty steadily now. I still have one more skein to work a few rows and then add the border..once all ends are worked in and its finished completely I will wash it and get it ready to send to a lady who has cancer. I chose the colors I did because I wanted her to see it and have it brighten her day.. Again, the yarn is Gemstone by Red Heart.

In the attic, the last few days we have shared some interesting pattern links. One of my favorite sites posted was this one, http://crochetme.com/patterns It has a nice selection of patterns on this one. Also one of our members posted this one, http://www.geocities.com/crochetrat/newbornburialromper.html?200831
Although this last one was for a burial romper for a newborn you can connect the rows instead of leaving them open. There by it can be used as a newborn outfit.

Until we meet again!
Hook's Up!
Leslee
http://craftersintheattic.nexo.com/

Groundhog Day!

Today was Groundhog Day!
Did you remember? I didn't..I was too busy thinking about how I didn't really want more snow. We have a lot already and are getting more. Usually where I live we only get one or two days of snow and not a lot. This year we have had already nearly two weeks of snow..Heavy snow! Did the groundhog see his shadow? YEAH..oh goody! NOT!!!

Well, the most positive thing is that its great crafting weather. And that's what most of us in Crafter's in the Attic love. well, most of us as I have five grandkids in the house. Four of them get housebound and the littlest guy is only five months old..

Today I worked on my shawl. I managed to go get two skeins between the snow storms. Remember its in gemstone by Red Heart.

I also was looking for a Bernat yarn called Baby Softee. Well, I found it but the bad news was that I couldn't find it in the color skein I started in. grr! I had to choose another color and will have to frog the piece I started. To frog..for some newbies to the craft means to rip out all that you have done or up to a place where you went off track in the pattern. A good lesson here is also to make sure you have enough yarn for the project you wish to start.. sigh!

Now don't worry if you mess up..the great news is that even veteran crocheter's do this once in awhile. We aren't perfect. Incidentally, I learned something important a long time ago from some crafters. When you are working on a project and you look back and see an imperfection, don't rip it out. Remember that we aren't perfect and this is a humble stitch. Its as unique as the crafter herself.

Well, I am going to close this for now. I will take more pictures as I am working to show you my baby blanket and how the progress goes. I will post that pattern when I can show you a picture of it being worked on. It is easy.

Until we meet again!
Hook's Up!
Leslee
http://craftersintheattic.nexo.com

New shawl for Cancer patient.

Hello Everyone!

Seems like I have been gone for such a long time here. For those who read my blog for Crafters in the Attic my apology for my absence..Our holiday was a very busy one.

Crafters in the Attic are working on my different projects this year. We are donating to two hospitals for newborn/mom's, the Cancer Treatment Research Center in Texas, Catholic outreach that helps teens and mothers, Pine Rez in S.D., International Children's Network who help Inner City kids and orphans in Peru, and The Caring House in Upper Michigan that is a shelter for abused mom's/kids.

Most of us have our own personal charity's around us so it makes for busy hands. Currently I'm working on a shawl for a lady I know is suffering cancer. The shawl is a triangle shawl. The above picture is the one I'm working on. It takes 4 skeins of yarn to complete it. Even though it looks like its a granny type pattern it provides some warmth. This pattern also works up pretty fast. I was amazed at how quickly it goes and also how much yarn it takes..Its rather deceptive. However its beautiful ... this was my choice of color. I felt it has a warm look to it because of the jewel tone colors in the yarn. The yarn I used was by Red Heart. Its a 4 ply yarn. I am using a J hook on this one.

I'm also working on a baby blanket for my grand daughter that will be born sometime in March. She is an at risk baby as her heart valves are parallel instead of crossed. She will need surgery to fix this problem sometime soon after birth. I will post the pattern for her blanket on my next blog. This pattern can be used for other donations...Its pretty and very easy to do.

I will post to my next blog about using circle looms to make quick and easy hats for donation and family. The hats are warm and work up fast for those who want to make hats for charity.

Until we meet Again!
Hook's Up!
Leslee
http://craftersintheattic.nexo.com/

A Very Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas Everyone!

I'm so looking to celebrating my Lord's birthday! This year is a year of heartfelt gifts as not much money is available. I really think gifts from the heart are best given anytime.

I just saw how cold it is in the midwest. I thought of my dear friend. Then I was thinking of all those inner city kids that truly need a christmas present. One of love and one that will keep them warm. I wish I could give them all what they need. I was thinking one day if I were rich I could reach out and help them. I realized also that my heart is good and wants to give..Maybe a lesson for one who has wealth is to reach out..to have a giving heart. So I will do my best to help those I can..I will try to reach that far..concentrating right now on a homeless couple and those around me. I wish all people would do that. Just think of the love and assistance to those in need that could happen! If you can send to International Children's Network a hat and scarf for Inner City kids ages 5 through 18 yrs.

The attic has been quiet lately. Most of us are scrambling to finish projects, mail out donations, and also get ready for Christmas. My heart is really happy. Sometimes in the past I have been very sad. Not sure why. I am saddened when I hear the media say its wrong now to say, Merry Christmas! They couldn't be farther from the truth. So to all in the stores when I'm greeted with Happy Holidays! I say Merry Christmas! I try to as often as I can to remember to say that to all I meet. Our great country was founded on God. Why not happily say Merry Christmas?! A celebration of His son's birth.

I have a warm home and place to lay my head. I have food and clothing. I have those around me who love me and I them. What greater gift could I receive this Christmas, but His everylasting love. I wish for you all this Christmas, just that!

Since I most likely will not post before the new year, Merry Christmas to you all and a very Blessed and Happy New Year!

Until we meet again!
Hook's Up!
Leslee
yarnangel52@gmail.com

Christmas Approaching!

Hello Everyone!
As we approach the yearly celebration of Our Lord's birthday, I find my thoughts going out to all those who have so little. Of those who have nothing to keep them warm. A simple need in winter and yet it becomes a ritual to find warmth to survive winter.

A dear friend was telling me about how she took a tag from the "Angel Tree". I realized I wanted to do that too. But once I was standing in front of the tree in my nearest Walmart I found my thoughts going out to choosing which one? I knew that I had very little to spend on my own family let alone a child who really wanted something to brighten his/her christmas. God in His wisdom never made me rich with money or I certainly would have chosen every tag. Did I choose?..no, not right away. Why? I realized that I will be making a choice soon, but that I have family that need an angel in their lives right this minute. I'm hoping to first help them..then help a child on that tree. In Crafter's in the Attic we give all year. Isn't that really what its all about? A giving heart to those in need that He brings along our life paths to help? This thought makes me think.. how giving is my heart? I remember as a child my father saying that I wore my feelings on my shoulders and I needed to take them off before I got hurt. I have gotten hurt a lot in this life..but I would certainly wish to live with my feelings right out there then not see or realize someone needed me.

As this year's celebration begins I wish you all a wonderful season of giving. For surely Our Lord gave the most precious gift to us. Now lets emulate that Love.

Until we meet again!
Hook's Up!
Leslee