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/

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/

October News

Finally,
I'm back to blog again. Sometimes my life has me going in several different directions. I'm sure that many of you also experience this. I get frustrated as I really just wish to craft.

I had a wonderful opportunity in September to visit an old online friend. I had an awesome time as she lives on a farm. I saw a wonderful part of our country at the same time. Mother nature changed the leaves. What a radiant picture of color it was! I got quite a bit of crocheting done then. I also knitted my first sock! wow, I almost couldn't believe it. Now that I know I can do that I will be working on the second sock..giggle..well, once things settle down a bit.

I have been moving around trying to find a place of my own since I came home. I will finally be living with my daughter and her family.

Crafters in the Attic has been in a state of change. We will be listing our places for donation and instead of making a place only have what we called an event for one or two months, we will be listing the places and our members can work as they are able and just send to the places we list. I think it will work out better.

I found a nice pattern book from Bernat at Walmart for only 97 cents. It has some crocheted and knitted blankets in it. One of them I'm trying right now is rather lacy. I'm making it in a Bernat soft lavendar. Its going to be really pretty.

I also belong to a group that sent out a new pattern for a man's cap and scarf set. Its great as its just the pattern I've been looking for since July. You see one of my many sons loves this sort of sporty cap. I saw him wearing one in July at my youngest daughter's wedding. So I thought it would be a great gift for Christmas if I could make one in charcoal gray. I'm sure he would love it.Then I would need to figure out what to make or get for his wife. I made her a lovely shawl last Christmas so I'm really not sure what I could create for her. I hope to make some nice things for charity as well as my family.

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

Busy days Crocheting articles of love

Hello!
Wow here we are in September already! Its been a long year. So much has happened and so much will till the end of the year..Summer is nearly gone and Autumn is just about here. I am going to a dear friends home for two weeks. I hope to be able to blog too. I love this picture..wishing she lives in an area that is like this. She is up in what I term the frozen tundra. Up in Michigan on the peninsula..It will be on a farm and near a different type of woods..

I have been busy crocheting lapghans for seniors, ghans for babies, hat/scarfs for inner city kids, and learning a new pattern. Actually its the one in my last post. It is a bit confusing but it creates a very nice sweater.

When you have the time check out Annie's Attic. Today she has a ghan called Wedgewood. I don't particularly like the colors used but I think I would love to do this pattern and just use my color choices.

One of my members in Crafter's in the Attic gave us a url for a site that has patterns galore! You know I don't think that I will ever have enough patterns let alone yarn! lol I also came across something that made me laugh.. its called, "The Proper Care and Feeding of The Crochet Based Economy" This is a small excerpt from it..

"Are these mere syndromes or are they obsessions? Either way, they are the foundation of the crochet-based economy. Without crocheters, this entire economy would fail. Despite what the stock exchange may lead you to believe, much of the Western World is dependent on crocheters for its continued existence. How does this work? Well…..

I shop at thrift stores a lot, so if I run across a bag of hooks, I buy them. Even if I already own every size in the bag. If I find a stack of crochet magazines, I buy them. If I already own them, for about 25 cents each, I can share with my crochet friends. And yarn - well, any and all yarn found at the thrift store or on a good sale anywhere will find a good home with me. Not that all my goodies come from the thrift store..."

http://crochet.craftgossip.com/the-proper-care-and-feeding-of-the-crochet-based-economy/2007/07/09/

The above url will lead you to this article. I'm in no way taking credit for this. I admire the author whomever she might be.. I think it was written well and I'm suggesting each reader go read the entire article..I love the tongue in cheek way this was written. I found it funny because so much of this is true. Happy reading!

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

I Believe its called Procrastination!

I wish you all well on this very hot friday afternoon! Very hot here as its 97 degrees. When the temperature gets above 90 its just really uncomfortable. My daughter said its going to cool down and we are getting rain..yeah, right! ok, so maybe it will who knows?

Now on to crocheting. Have you ever had a lot of projects going at one time and then have others that need to be started. Add to that a site posts a wonderful ghan, and then I'm groaning. I want to start a new project but the others are dragging their feet..wait! that's me dragging..lol
The pattern I'm speaking of is in Annie's Attic today. Its their free pattern. Its called "Midnight Jewel Afghan". Its black and the color comes from a yarn called gemstone..So pretty!

So, ok, I started making a list of things to do today. I added phone calls, emails that needed to be written, laundry that needed to be done, dishes washed, banana bread made, a list of things I need to have ready or done for my flight, and I want to get some reading done. No where on that list was crocheting!..wait..let me check!..nope!.. I think I see a problem..I'm not scheduling it in. I'm moving slowly today so I guess its the heat wearing me out..So far on my list I've done all but the list which I did start but not finish and the banana bread..I even made muffins..those weren't on the list. Nor was this blog...ahhhhhhh!

Ok, maybe I just need to make a list for my crafting and mark it off as I go?..hmm..well, I will certainly give it a try..who knows?it just might work!

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

Managing Crochet During Hot Summer Months!

Good Evening!
My its been pretty hot here where I live. Its 93 right now and tomorrow will be 97. Its hard to want to pick up some of my warmer crochet projects. I have a lapghan that needs finishing. I have one hat/scarf set to make to reach my goal for this month's challenge. I have sewing to do..that's more heat. I was left with what can I keep my hands busy with? The solution was this. During the daytime hours when everything was too hot to handle I would work on my crochet threads. They are much lighter and it will get those doilies I've wanted to make done. Then during the cooler evening hours I will work on those warmer things .

I was really excited yesterday. I found through a member of my Crafter's in the Attic group a url to a pattern I really fell in love with. Its a baby blanket done in baby or sport yarns. Matching hats that are just too cute.. then after looking over the blanket pattern I found a link to some booties. I'm a curious one so I clicked on it and found something called Baby Ugs..oh I just fell out..they are darling. I have a newborn gs just born last week..he is a little guy but could use some growing up.. and I have another gs overdue at the moment. He must be a shy one..lol. I know he will be at least a nine pounder as his little petite mom seems to have big ones like that and the last one born before this little guy was nine pounds four ounces.. I have decided to make a list of yarns I need and I'm taking patterns and yarn with me when I go on vacation. These little guys have to have some Ugs..and we have another little girl due in November..she gets some girlie ones.. oh, I nearly forgot. Check out Bev's Country Cottage for Baby's Hat by Gayle Benoit..she has a link to her Ugs pattern at the bottom of this page that also includes a blanket she made to go with the hat..

I'm also considering looking into some yarns by Coats and Clark. They made some cotton yarn that looks rather tweedy..definitely a nice choice for a hat and scarf..a boy might like it.. They have made some great new yarns lately. Also check out Lionbrand..they have some great new knitting and crocheting patterns that are free. They offer ideas on the yarns to use. Sometimes I change up a different yarn just to see if it will produce something unexpected. Not a mess but a new creation I haven't thought of. To me it like playing with colors and textures..when I was a kid I loved to color..I still do.. but I noticed that I used to play with crayon colors the same way I do yarns..so the sky's the limit next time I hit the store!

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

Crocheting to help

With one new grandson born a week ago today..we are still waiting for the other one. Since this baby watch is dragging itself out I decided to pop back in here and write. For those who read my blog from time to time..I'm sorry I've been away. For those just reading thanks for visiting my place here.

I've steadily been working on lapghans for a senior home. In between I've been working on crocheted baby sweaters, hats for the babies and hats for inner city kids. My group, Crafter's in the Attic, along with Les Bois Arts and International Children's Network, have been working to make hats and scarf get to inner city kids this winter ages 5 through 18 yrs. These are the kids that usually get skipped over and who need things to keep them warm. Now we are also working with ICN to help 100 orphans in Peru. With the earthquakes that have happened in that country recently I'm not sure how our involvement will change. Of this I am sure, they will need our help more now then ever!

I've developed a pattern that is easy for a scarf. I'm using a pattern that I modified to fit a child and for a teen which is basically at that part of life is a small adult. Some are children larger so I was thinking if we just made them in sets as I have challenged my ladies to do, then we would be able to have a broader chance to meet the needs of most.

Leslee's scarf pattern: ch 126 (chains depend on size, keep in mind you want an even number of chains to begin with) Row 1: sc in the second ch and across to the end..ch 3, turn. Row 2: dc in each st across to the end, ch 3, turn. Row 3: *skip one st, dc in next. Go back and dc in skipped st.* Then repeat * to *across to end. dc in last st. Ch 3, turn. Row 4 & 5: repeat row 2. ch 3, turn. Row 6: repeat row 3. ch 3, turn. Row 7: repeat row 2. ch 1, turn. Row 8: sc in each st across, finish off.

Annie's Attic, has the sweetest little project that is free for kids today. It's an earring set that are musical notes or a violin. The wire part is the ear ring part..the rest is crocheted..Its fun!
http://www.anniesattic.com . I have a teen age grand daughter that would probably love these. Too bad my flute playing grandson is a boy!..lol

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

Crafting while on Baby Watch

As I stand on "baby watch" here ..or should I say sit..lol. I'm busy crocheting three climbing shells lapghans for some seniors..Actually one will be for one of my grandson's who has yet to make his appearance.

I also made one hat and embellished with fun fur I found at the dollar store. It looks like a hat a teen girl might like. I'm currently working on a scarf to go with it. That will take care of half my challenge for this month. I still need another hat/scarf to make my goal.

I was hoping to finish the two sweaters that seem to allude me. I think maybe concentration on that goal in need of work..giggle..At least finish them before this monday as both mommy's to be will be induced..Have to have them done. But its not like its cold here or anything. Its been in the 80's. Although up here in the mountains at night it does get a bit nippy.

I'm planning my christmas presents too..oh yeah! I said the word. Its a word most crafters and mom's don't like to hear or think on..but with all these new additions to my family..I have to get busy..I'm thinking some nice footies I just saw from Annies' Attic ..and some fleece blankets for the kids..that's a lot of kids but if I get them made and then add a little something to make the gifts personal they will be welcome..

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

Busy Crafting

Hello!
Oh my! Two days in a row for my blogging! Might become a habit. I love to write. I don't always have time. I love more to crochet which explains why I get more of that done.

Right now I'm sort of on crunch time. I have baby blankets to get ready for my new grandsons who have yet to make their appearance! I also have a lap ghan and two sweaters to finish..Then someone in our group drew our attention to some free patterns that are great. One is Cowboy Booties and the other newborn gowns. After saving the patterns I was trying to decide which to do first..Ok, better light in the morning for sewing and threading that darn needle in my machine..so that can wait..I guess tonight will get my attention in my crocheting.

I also have a challenge I'm working on. The challenge is to make hats/scarf sets for inner city children ages 5 thru 18. I think I mentioned this before. Its the CRS and my meds playing with my memory. Not to mention a bazillion other things I am trying to keep on the back burners..
I haven't started these yet. I set a goal for two sets a month till the end of the year. Hmm..I'm thinking I need to get started..lol

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

I'm back!

Its amazing how time just seems to fly when you are busy!
That's the case here with me. I've been working hard to crochet some baby things for my daughters who are pregnant. Both of them due in August and two days a part. The funny thing here is they are almost like to horses in a race..just when you think one is ahead the other's nose shows she is taking the lead. Let me explain. One of them went to the hospital for pain. Was told she is dilating but not yet ready to stay. Then the other goes to the doctor and she is told she is
experiencing some labor but will need to wait a bit.. This has gone on for three going on four weeks. So, like a good mom/nana, I'm working on receiving blankets, spit up cloths, sweaters, what ever they need really. Both are expecting little boys. So color choice is now easier. Both have very little for their babies so that makes choice easier too.

I'm crocheting lapghans too. I have one red climbing shells ghan done. I have one baby blue and one tan/lighter tan striped one on the hook.. I love this pattern as it works up easy.

Crafter's in the Attic, is now supporting a challenge from now throughout the year. We are setting goals to make hat/scarf sets for inner city children in poverty ages 5 through 18 in this country. We are working in collaboration with International Children's Network to help these children. We also have an event in Nov/Dec of this year to work with them to help keep warm 100 orphans in Peru. They will need blankets, sweaters, hats/scarfs, anything to keep them warm in temps -10. I guess you could say the "Attic" is a busy place. We have going on right now an event to help senior in a place called "Summer Wind". Those seniors are being taught to crochet or knit from one of our members to help children in the U.S. Meanwhile we hear in the "Attic" are making things for them. The ladies there that are crocheting are not aware that we are making things for them...So, it should be a nice surprise!

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

Sunday morning!

Its Sunday! quiet and peaceful.. it seems that everything bows its head before the Lord...except stubborn mankind. Some do..some don't.. As I bow my head before my Lord, I pray for this world, for this country, for all of us who are working..trying to reach out and share His Love with those around us and those we know who need His loving touch in their lives. Thank you Lord, for this talent that you have given me to be able to reach out with Your Love even with a body that is broken and diseased to help others showing me that even for me You have a purpose and plan.. in Jesus name, Amen!

I'm currently working on a blanket for my daughter and her fiance, Chris. I have a lot to do as I'm making Waldo Puzzle squares, here's the url for that kind of square, the author is Chris Simon, I love her work on her squares... but as you can see, I have a lot of work to do to finish this ghan up. The good thing is they are 12" squares. http://www.geocities.com/cdjsimon/waldos_puzzle.html ,
trimming them in white and attaching them. It needs to be queen size..unless I have a crochet blast into hyper speed I can't see me finishing it in time before the wedding.. I guess we will see on that note.. on another note, I am just starting that picot blanket. It should be very sweet. I have some mint green..thinking that will look very nice. Since I fell in love with my new sweater pattern I'm thinking of making more of those too.

In July, Crocheter's Attic will be making guidepost sweaters for Knit for Kids. I'm kinda excited about these. I've never made one before. They look so warm and cozy. We have the Caring house that we donate to around the new year. Its an abuse shelter..many of the kids who go with their mom's aren't always babies..so I'm thinking sweaters from size 2 to 10 are really going to be needed. Its good to help children around that age and size to keep warm.. In November, the orphans in Peru will be our target donation place. It gets -10 there and they have very little to keep warm in.. I'm hoping for a place in Louisiana to get donations to. I'm sure they could use warm things as well once winter hits..

Well, its Sunday and a time for rest..which I intend to do..
Until we meet again!
Hook's Up!
Leslee
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/crochetersattic/

Crocheter's Attic and my new sweater

Hello Everyone!

The summer hasn't yet begun and already I feel like someone rang the bell and the race is on!..lol..
I managed to finish up my new sweater I created.. I'm waiting for my son and dil who took pics for me to send them so I can put them up for you all to see.. The sweater is just darling. I'm sure the baby who wears it will be warm and toasty. To the left is the picture of the sweater I created..It was fun to do and I know will keep some little one warm and toasty.

Crocheter's Attic is going through a time when we aren't focusing on any particular pattern. We have been asking questions about some areas where we get stuck.. Someone asked about a "rabbit hole stitch"..we are all like ..what?..no clue.. That's ok, most of us are curious.It was suggested that it might be the stitch that you crochet around a plastic loop..made sense to me and I have a feeling that would be it. I'm in the process of making a hat to go with my new sweater.. hoping to buy a onsie to go with it.. I realized today that we are now in the vacation mode and when we are in hotter weather. Which means crocheting and knitting slow down and relaxing happens..I remember last summer was a scorcher..it was triple digits for three weeks..I couldn't crochet..it was just too hot..instead I read about 15 books..it wasn't as hot to do that..I got to know our local library quite well..

I'm in the process of crocheting a baby blanket using a Picot Stitch. Its a very simple stitch and should make an interesting blanket. I also want to make something in a soft yellow. I don't usually make things in yellow as it makes a baby who is a bit jaundiced look more so wearing yellow.. when the yarn is calling out make something with me you just have to get busy and use it making something new..I just might use my new pattern and making another sweater..of course a hat will follow..I love making sweater sets but just sort of feel a blanket has to go with it..

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

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

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

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/crochetersattic/

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/

Crocheter's Attic reaches out!

Good Afternoon!

I hope this blog finds all readers well. I was surprised last night with American Idol. Happy to see they didn't vote anyone off.. yet, I have this feeling adding votes from this week till next might not be all that fair to those who are in the contest. Yet this program was near and dear to my heart.
I sat in tears as I saw the children in Africa and their moms. Compassion in me wishes to reach out to them..to help them in their need. I do not possess money to send..not even the dollar they suggested..sigh! And then I saw the children here in the United States. Those in the mining areas of this country. Even more distressed as I saw those who were devastated by hurricane Katrina are still living in poverty..drugs an deplorable conditions continue. Shame on our president for allowing this to continue. I don't know if any of you realize this..Its been two years since Katrina..TWO YEARS..why?..why, are these people still in this condition? its wrong!.. all I can do is crochet things..I have no other resources..my heart cries out in pain. I have always been empathic. This is a part of me that will not change. I can not turn my head and do nothing.
So again we will try to find a way in which we can help these people.

Crocheter's Attic was set up to reach out to people in need. Its not only babies. That seems to be a popular idea in online groups. But we are reaching out to those in need as Katrina victims and those living in poverty..or what they call "below poverty"..geez! now they have to put levels on people lives. If you are in poverty..well, heck! that's poverty period. The people/children in Africa are in dire straits..not just in poverty. Especially when you look at this country. Our poor are just that poor compared to even a middle income. In so saying this..I challenge anyone reading this to stand up!..do something..anything to help someone in this condition.

My tears fell as I listened to Irish singer Josh Groban sing with the African Children's Choir. It was incredible. Yes, I cried. So now begins my quest to help them if I can. I welcome all ideas.

I posted part of a pattern the last time. Now I will post another part.

Baby Sweater, Right Front

Row 1: Ch 2(counts as first hdc, now and throughout)
turn; hdc in next 27 sc, leave remaining 92 sc unworked: 28 hdc.

Row 2: (Decrease row): Ch 1, turn; hdc in next hdc and in each hdc across: 27 hdc.

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

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

To hdc decrease (uses next 2 hdc), *YO, insert hook in next hdc, YO and pull up a loop;
repeat from * once more, YO and draw through all 5 loops on hook(counts as one hdc).

Row 9: (Decrease row): Ch 2, turn; hdc in next hdc and in each hadc across to last 2 hdc, hdc decrease: 23 hdc.

Row 12: (Decrease row): Ch 1,turn; hdc in next hdc and in each hdc across: 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.

I will give the next part the next time I post a new blog. I hope things are going well in this pattern. I'm off to continue to crochet a round ripple blanket that I got on the Angel Crafts site.
Its really fun and works up quickly.

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

Crocheters Looking ahead to a new week..

Now that the weekend is behind me, I have much to do. It was a pleasant weekend with a visit from one of my sons that I don't see very often. My favorite Nascar driver won the race on saturday at a raceway that he has never won in before. It was an exciting finish as well.

I am now looking forward to a new week with a lot to do in our group. Crocheter's Attic has a current event that will close on the last day of this month. I have nearly finished my donations for this newborn event. I have three sweaters, two are done in the "Going Home" pattern, and the last in a darling little pattern with ruffles. I have hats for each sweater. I have a pretty blanket done in my cross stitch pattern. Its forest green and really warm. I also have a mint green sweater set finished. I will add all this to our donations as I am hostess for this newborn event. There are so many newborns and preemies in our country who are born to mother's who don't have anything to put on their new babies.

Crocheter's Attic is set up to reach out to help them. I sincerely wish we could reach out to more. However, we are small and most of the ladies barely make it on their budgets. I'm praying for a way to reach out to help more. I wish we had more hands who are willing to learn if they don't know and willing to help if they do. We also reach out to shelters, seniors, cancer patients, hospice, etc. Any group that we find that we can extend ourselves. I once was one of those poor women. I was really thankful when someone reached to me to help me as a new baby was added to a very large family. Thank God for those we have that put a lot of love into the crafting they do!

Our new event, is for both preemies and newborns. I will pretty much being doing the same thing only on a smaller scale. I'm looking forward to doing the "Strawberry Parfait Ensemble" that I found as a free pattern on Annie's Attic. We also will have a new square pattern going out this week. And I'm hoping to release a new sweater pattern as well. Our ladies take part in an exchange of items on a monthly basis and only to those who sign up. The current exchange was for Spring/Easter. Our next one will be for Mother's Day regardless of whether they are mothers to two legged children or four..our little pets become as children.

The new sweater set may be old to some or new to others. Its one I haven't tried. It actually will be a layette set. Kinda fun to try out something new. For those who read my blog and are looking forward to crocheting something new I will send out the pattern on wednesday in Crocheter's Attic. Something fun to do and with new and exciting yarns and threads its like the sky's the limit on this. Also when you have a chance check out Lionbrand's new organic cotton. Its a bit too expensive for my pocket book but looks great!

Until we meet again!
Hook's Up!
Leslee
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/crochetersattic/
and
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/crochetersatticteens/?yguid=265818116

Crocheter's Attic Crafting with Love

Here we are on a grey saturday ..perfect time to write and to crochet. Getting a nice fire started in the woodstove and a hearty soup for dinner.

I finished up that darling little sweater that someone sent to me in Crocheter's Attic..takes longer as it has ruffles..but well worth it I think.. I used a pom pom maker that I received for a gift awhile back. I was so frustrated trying to get two made for the ties on this sweater. I had a good time with the pom pom maker..from now on I'm using one of those.

Today I will put the sleeves on the last sweater I'm making for donations. Might make some hats as it would make the sweaters more complete. I received a darling ghan that one of our members made from a dishcloth pattern. Its lovely. So much so, that I will use it to make another. How clever she was and talented. Her work was well done, doesn't matter if there was a mistake..(I was told there was one, but I consider them a humble stitch..never looked to see if it was there) It is wonderfully done!

Then I will start something called "Strawberry Parfait Ensemble". It was posted in Annies Attic the day before yesterday. It was one of their free patterns. I would love to post that pattern however it is copywrited. They have from time to time wonderful patterns for crafters to use. Everything I make goes for donation or something for my family. Someone said I should sell my things. I don't craft fast..as a result all of what I do is never sold. No complaints, I really love what I do.

In Crocheter's Attic, we started working last on something called an Eyelet Lace stitch square. It has an interesting look to it. We have been working on different stitches to help our skills improve and grow. Its fun to help each other and to see all the wonderful things that we create. I think we will be doing another stitch next week called Aligned Cobble Stitch. I have not yet looked to see if I can find a tutorial for it. Sometimes I can find it and then sometimes I think the stitch must be a designer stitch and no tutorial is available for that. All of the stitches offered in a square are also being made into blankets.. What I think is nice is that while learning a new stitch that improves skill and allows for the crocheter to be able to tackle more difficult patterns, is that the blanket they work on will keep someone warm.

Well, its time to move on out of here, I have a lot of crafting to do today..

Until we meet again!

Hook's Up!

Leslee

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/crochetersattic/

and

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/crochetersatticteens/?yguid=265818116

Crocheting Bits of Love

Fantastic!
Finally, I am into the New Blogger and connected to my other blog communities.. Yes!

Today I decided to write about some of the things we are doing in Crocheter's Attic. We are currently still working on making things for newborn babies and their mom's for Healthy Mother's Program at Paradise Feather River Hospital. I am so amazed at the beautiful work that has been done and sent to me. The generosity and love is so apparent in the things that have been donated so far..

Some of the ladies are working on squares, some on little diaper shirts, while others are working on making blankets using a new stitch we found called the tiffany stitch ..and others like myself are working on sweaters. One of our members sent me the sweetest little sweater. I found the pattern to be so easy. It has ruffles and little ties with pom poms..Its darling.

Annies Attic has the sweetest little baby ensemble. I think I will work on that for awhile and see how it comes out. The one shown is done in pink. When I buy yarn in the beginning of the month I think I will choose yellow. Its been so long since I have used that color. Mostly because new babies that are a bit jaundiced look even more so in yellow.. However, there are many who aren't effected by this color.

Earlier in my blogging I was talking about going to Peru to help the orphans there learn how to crochet and knit. Well, we are still working with the International Children's Network. I'm excited as it helps us reach out to those who need and we will be able to help them learn a trade that actually can help support them and clothe them.. We have had a very generous offer to advertise our group and our teen group. Its something that we have needed all along.. Maybe from all of our efforts will come a way to help the young in this world change it by their own love and support of those who need.

I guess I should finish this. I have a pom pom to finish and then put sleeves on another sweater. Then I will have the opportunity to work on the Strawberry Parfait Ensemble.

Until we meet again!
Hook's Up!
Leslee
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/crochetersattic/
and
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/crochetersatticteens/?yguid=265818116