Caron Cakes!

The Caron Yarn Company is celebrating

100 years, and have created Caron Cakes for this exciting event!

It is exclusive to Michaels craft stores at the moment. I had to go there to see what the buzz was all about and I'm so glad I did!

The yarn is so beautiful and soft!

It comes in so many pretty colors.

It is a blend of 80 percent acrylic, 20 percent wool.

It is hand wash only, lay flat to dry (which could be a drawback if you want to make a really big project)...

I did purchase some, the color I chose was cherry chip! Such pretty pinks and a brown color that transition so nicely from one color to the next .

I decided to make a double crochet lap blanket for myself for road trips. I always like to keep a Blanket on me in the car , especially when the air conditioning can become a bit chilly on long trips. 

I used just under four of these Caron Cake skeins for this project. *****(Approximately 3 1/2 skeins!)*****

They are $7.99 each at regular price... But there were sales, and you can also use those 40 percent off Michaels coupons! I made a couple of trips and took a friend with me to buy two at a time with two coupons! 

I am very happy with my new blanket,

It came out so pretty! 

It's so nice to have one just for "me" for a change. :)

Here are some pictures to show you just how pretty this new yarn works up!

Such yummy colors indeed!! This will also be the perfect little couch blanket to snuggle up with a cup of tea or cocoa on chilly nights. I'm so glad I made this!

My completed blanket measures 42w x 45 1/2 L (inches!)

***Edited to add directions for this 2 double crochet design blanket I made with Caron Cakes Yarn, as I have received many requests! :) ********

****please use hand written notes at the bottom! I chained 112 to make this lap blanket, along with a size "K" hook

I've not started either of those two cross stitch designs from the previous post... I changed my mind (surprise surprise! Haha!) 

I have chosen a Notforgotton Farm design called "Spring Farm" to stitch.

It just called to me suddenly.

I am stitching it on 32 count vintage country mocha linen with DMC and Victoria Motto Sampler Threads.

I am trying something new for the first time. I am stitching with one strand of thread instead of two.

I am loving it so far!

It is so fine and small looking, it's hard to fully describe how beautiful it truly looks. It seems like the coverage is ok for now, I believe because the linen count is small enough.

Thought you might like to see my embroidery scissor collection! Some ginghers, some of them are scissors that I inherited from my late uncle. He used to tie fly's for fishing. Although not considered embroidery scissors, I think they might be even better, and sharper too!!

My finds at goodwill the other day...

A spotted hen for .25 cents, and two bunny tea light candle holders for just a dollar each! 

Their is a bit of a chill in the air today, and so glad for it!! It has been way too hot here in NC! Looking forward to cooler weather and the Fall.

I baked an apple pie for my dear husband last night...

My daughter wants to try pumpkin Cheerios... So I will be on the hunt for that this week. I will also be baking today for the bake sale at church to help with their fundraiser. Perhaps I will make chocolate chip cookies.

I am now making scarves for our crochet ministry. These scarves go to ill patients in the hospital. It is such a nice feeling to know we are doing something to comfort those in need. Here is my latest scarf..

I made a purple one before this one... They work up pretty quickly using the "V" stitch ...

I am happy that today I am feeling well. I have been very ill lately suffering weekly migraines and have been absolutely suffering for days on end. 

I don't know what each day will

Bring but try to remain positive and know God is with me always.

I know that along with very bad days, I will be blessed with good ones too.

I think today I will get out some of my Fall decorations, as I just cannot wait, and it's my favorite time of year!

I wish you all a blessed day ❤️

Louise xx

New addition at our home!

I am beyond excited! I am now the proud owner of a Singer Featherweight sewing machine! She was born in November of 1946. She is in beautiful shape. She came with attachments, foot pedal, extra bobbins, and carry case. She also has a two year warranty.

She is small and perfect for sewing get togethers on the go!

I named her "Madelyn" after my great Grandmother, although I changed the spelling a little bit :)

Here she is!

Isn't she pretty! I love her!

I have already used her to sew together some small pillows that I have previously cross stitched for a patriotic display....

I know I will be using this machine a lot in the near future too. I have so many ideas for things I want to make.

We celebrated my husbands birthday yesterday. I baked him a vanilla cake.

And we spent some time in our yard. Noticed some pretty flowers have been popping up!

Lots of blackberries around too.....

We went out for a nice dinner then back home for cake. It was a nice day. Missed our military Son once again of course :(

Working on my "Rabbit Folk" by Notforgotten Farm. Such a sweet design.

Have a wonderful Sunday!

Louise ❤️

Crochet and WIP's

Hello again...warmer weather is finally here. Only a couple more weeks before school is out for the summer for our girl.Can't wait to spend the days with her! That's if she doesn't sleep all day...teenagers have a way of doing that! :)
I haven't been too productive lately on the crafting front...
I did start crocheting Blooming Granny Squares though...thinking of making a throw blanket.
I used a pattern from a wonderful book titled The Granny Square Book. Click on the title for the link to Amazon and you can take a look at it.
This was the first design I tried to make and it came out really well!
Here is what I have done so far...

They are lots of fun to make and VERY addicting! I enjoy sitting with my dear husband in the evenings while making them. Love all the colors so far! I am using "I Love This Yarn!" brand from Hobby Lobby, but I also have some other off brands thrown in the mix. Great way to use up scraps :)
Many cross stitch WIP's of course, as always...
Roots and Wings...which I am having lots of trouble with the chart being as it is in color. I made a working copy to write on for the areas that I have finished..I mark them with a line of pen...

A chart titled "Winds of Change" which is very appropriate with having to let go of my dear Son for the Military! (US Navy)...

Also stitched a little more on "Rabbit Folk" by Notforgotten Farm. In memory of our dear sweet bunny Peter Rabbit that we lost last year :(
The fabric was coffee stained I believe, I had won this piece from Notforgotten Farm.

Can't finish up a proper post without giving you updates on our dear Bun Charleston! He is doing well and we found out his favorite treats are celery (especially the leaves!), fresh spinach, raw oats, almonds and apple bits. Such a silly boy! He will not let me pick him up to hold anymore, he is very fiesty! Although he does not bite, he likes to roam the house and he will come over to us for petting :)
Love him to pieces!

Raggedystitches and Blessings!
Louise

Counting the days...

Our Sailor Son will be home for Thanksgiving!! YAY!
I am counting the days....Oh, what to make? What to make?
Of course turkey with all the fixin's, and I will bake apple and pumpkin pie too!
I will have dips and crackers, and all sorts of treats, especially the favorites that our son loves.
I can't wait. It has been too long since we have seen him last. I don't cry as often, but I still do every now and then. I am proud of the man he has become, to go out on his own and serve this country.
In the Nuclear Program of the United States Navy, there are many study hours. It is not an easy undertaking. I admire my Son so much.
I can't imagine seeing him again, to give him a big hug, I just know I will cry!!
I am going to start the Thanksgiving list today, I don't want to miss a thing!

I am trying to keep busy at home with my stitching and crocheting. Working on more scarves at the moment. This is a little piece I have started for myself...

This is a Design by Notforgotten Farm. As most  of you know I love rabbits and miss my Peter Rabbit terribly. I am stitching this in memory of him. The fabric is 30 count coffee stained raw linen, a piece that I had won from Notforgotten Farm. I love the primitive look of this piece so far.
Fall has really set in, and now you can really see almost through the woods in our backyard. It is wonderful to sit out back and have this awesome view!

 I have been enjoying watching all the leaves flutter to the ground, sometimes in masses. Although not trying to think about all the raking that will have to be done! :)
Another finished pin pillow for a dear friend completed...

If you crochet, you must stop in to your local Pharmacy, or Walmart. They have tins filled with candy for the Holiday seasons...I have found that these tins perfectly hold crochet hooks! I love using them...(especially because I lose everything all the time) Ha! But, to keep them in these tins, they will hopefully never get lost again :) I picked up this one the other day...just love the pale yellow color of the tin!

As you can see here, the hooks fits quite nicely...

 I am very excited, I received an email from Debbie of My Big Toe Designs stating that I am a doorprize winner from the Online Needlecraft Show! I couldn't believe I won!! I am not sure yet as to what my prize will be, but I am happily waiting in anticipation, because I know it is going to be wonderful!! :)
I will keep you all updated on that...
I had a reminder this morning that God is always present...
I went to make myself some eggs for breakfast, and when I opened up the carton for eggs, this was printed inside! I have never taken notice of this before, but isn't it wonderful?!!

I purchased these eggs from Aldi. It is a wonderful grocery store that has fine German chocolates and their prices are so much more reasonable than other grocery stores. I shop here weekly.
The last time I visited there, I was at the register and spotted these....

Advent calendars filled with real German chocolates. This has been a tradition in our home since our children were little. At the price of just 99 cents, I couldn't pass these up! Usually I find them with the birth of Christ depicted on the front, but living in the country now, there is not as much as far as variety here. I believe I used to purchase these at Hallmark in the past years.
I am off to prepare my lunch now..some leftover chicken and perhaps a salad or veggies.
Whatever you decide to do today, do it with all your heart :)
Blessings,
Louise