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

Love Never Fails

I am so excited to finally have our anniversary piece finished! This is a very special piece and I have been working on it since February of this year.

This is titled "Love Never Fails" by Barbara Ana Designs. Stitched on 32 count antique Ivory linen with DMC threads. I have changed the design up a bit to make it more personal for us.

In place of the cats, I put bunnies, for my love of rabbits. A pair of scissors and a needle for my love of needlework.

For my husband, an anchor, as he had served in the U.S. Navy. Another anchor for him, because he is just that, the anchor of our family.

The years at the top represent the year we got married and the present year.

In the bottom boxes, our birth years.

Small hearts with first initials for our Son, his wife (our daughter), and our daughter.

Two small crosses represent the babies we did not get to meet here on earth but will one day in heaven!

A compass to remind us that whatever lies ahead of us, our love will always guide us...

I am completely thrilled with this piece! I have plans to frame it in an oak frame and it will be hung in a special place in our home...

Thinking on what to stitch next!

In the meantime.... I have also completed another donated blanket for veterans through our church ministry.

Love the red, white, and blue!

May the recipient feel all the love, prayers, and warmth out into each stitch as I made it for them ❤️

Our crepe myrtle tree has finally blossomed in front of our porch. It is so beautiful to look at, along with watching the hummingbirds, while I sit with my tea and projects.

I have pulled out some charts I would like to start soon...

One is this one, called "Land of the Free" by Willow Hill Samplings

The other design I would love to start is called "Time and Season Sampler" by Moira Blackburn

What to do... What to do..!!!!

Perhaps I shall start both at once! I know, that's possibly a bit too much overwhelming perhaps.. I don't know?

I am just so excited with the possibilities of new starts!

I suppose I have come down with startitis! Heehee :P

Well, besides all this good stuff, there is laundry to do, food to be made, housework to get done... Oh my...

Never seems to be enough hours in the day... Or nights. Why do we need sleep anyways?! There is stitching and crafting to be done!

Happy Saturday all!

Blessings❤️

Louise xx

Friday's Post

Hello all...
Had an unexpected turn of events in the past week. I decided to have a wisdom tooth extracted. It was bothering me so much and thought it be best to have it removed. Now I am thinking twice about my decision as things had gone drastically wrong with the surgery!
All seemed fine when the dentist removed the tooth..but then within a matter of days my face swelled and bruised. The pain was something awful!
I went back to the dentist..he told me I developed a hematoma. Just what I did not want to hear! The needle used in the muscle of my mouth hit a blood vessel and cause a clot to form. I have never felt such pain in my life!
I am using moist warm compresses for over a week now, along with medications..oh, it gets worse....
They had me on antibiotics and then I noticed that I was having trouble swallowing. I developed esophagitis!
This is an inflammation and burning of the throat (damage from the antibiotics). I could barely eat food..I have been living on frozen yogurt, ice pops and soft foods for over a week now.
 I went to an oral surgeon for re-evaluation, and then off to the regular family doctor also.
I am now on more medication for my throat and was told the pain could last for another week more.
Ok, but, I am sorry, I do not want to go another whole week with this mess, I am so done with the pain!
So, I have been feeling pretty rotten.
Amidst all the pain and frustration, there was something positive I could do while healing..someone close to us is having a baby! Well, actually they had the baby today. A precious little girl.
I have decided to make another baby blanket of crochet (granny square style)!
Something to try and keep my mind off of my pain.
Here is the completed blanket in pink and speckled white.

I need to get better quickly, we will be volunteering this weekend at Divine Mercy House. Their big garage sale is tomorrow and we had previously committed ourselves to helping.
At this moment though, I feel like I cannot do it with feeling so miserable. I did commit though, so I plan to keep that commitment for tomorrow.

Have a great weekend!
Louise

Blue and White Chevron :)

Oooh! How I love blue and white together! My daughter loves blue also. I have decided to start crocheting a pretty blue and white chevron blanket for her blue bedroom.
It is quite an easy pattern that you can find HERE from the Royal Sisters Blog. I absolutely adore all her makings on her blog. She is so very talented indeed! You can visit her wonderful blog here The Royal Sisters
It seems as though the crochet bug has really bitten me! There are so many things I want to make. I have tried different patterns, (still having trouble with some)..but even if there is a slight mistake, I make it work as best as I can.
I really like the blue and white colors of this blanket and how they are blending so nicely. I am using some of my favorite yarn from Hobby Lobby. The yarn is called "I Love This Yarn!" in colors of white, Dark Country Blue, Medium Blue, and Soft Blue. I am very pleased with my work on this so far.
Busy hands make for happy hearts!
Will update as I go along..hoping it won't be another UFO. :)

Blessings to you!

Tea Towels

I have been working on some home-made gifts. This is a tea towel that I embroidered in about an hour! Can you believe it..quick and easy gift, and so cute :)
I plan on putting it together with some home-made cookies.
This is a freebie design that I found at Bird Brain Designs

They have a lot of neat things over at their site. Lots of freebie redwork patterns too!

I have also just finished crocheting another baby blanket..all pink and white this time. I used double yarns, white and pink at the same time...the blanket is nice and heavy. Will certainly keep a new baby warm :)

Hubby is busy working on our house..oooh! It is looking so good. I sit here with my cup of gingerbread tea while the white lights sparkle on our Christmas tree. So nice to have our daughter home from school, it truly is a delight! Our son told us that he bought a Christmas gift for his sister. How sweet is that! :)
Even though they are many years apart, the love is still there.
As we prepare for the birth of our Lord, we reflect on how blessed each and everyone of us is, and it is because of him we are blessed indeed!

Raggedystitches

Pink and White

I just completed another baby blanket.
This is a granny stripe blanket with a simple edging.
I enjoyed doing this very much, it worked up pretty fast.

***Edited to add ***- Thank you for the emails,compliments and inquiries! You can find this pattern on Lucy's blog.
This is a wonderful blog with all sorts of goodies there! Her tutorials are amazing as well as all her beautiful projects.
If you would like to make a Granny Stripe blanket like I did..just go to Lucy's blog. Once you get there, look on the left side bar for the item you would like to make! :)
This pattern is called a "Granny Stripe"
here is the link for you! Attic24

Hope you are all having a wonderful night!
Raggedystitches,

Stripes of Crochet

I cannot believe I have started yet another project.
Why is it so exciting to start something, but yet, not exciting enough to keep going on what I have already begun, and finish something else?
OH! The thrill of gathering up the supplies and items needed for a new venture I guess. :P

I have spotted this beautiful pattern for a Granny Stripe Crochet blanket pattern on my dear friend Hazel's blog.
She was crocheting the most beautiful blanket, and I was so intrigued!

I am so glad she posted the blog that she had found the directions on.
I wasn't sure if I could manage it, but I think I have figured out how to make it right.
So far so good.
I am not using any particular pattern of colors, just throwing it together.
I did a chain of 240 stitches to start.
I am using Impeccable Loops and Threads Yarn I found at Michaels Craft Store. It is on sale this week!
I purchased 9 colors..but may go back for more.

So far so good, and I think it is coming along nicely.
Pretty I think!
The pattern can be found on Attic24's Blog


Perhaps you would like to give it a go?

Raggedystitches,
Louise

Crochet

I finished up a pretty new scarf for my beautiful niece for her birthday.
I really enjoyed working on this one.
It is so soft and so warm. :)
I used Red Heart yarn and baby sparkle yarn to make it extra pretty.
I can't wait to see my niece pretty in PINK! :)


Here is a baby blanket that I finished recently...again, I used Red Heart yarn and baby sparkle yarn. Made a big granny square and put a tassle on each corner.
Looking forward to sending it out for a new baby to be! :)




Raggedystitches,

Crochet and a New Year...

I thought I shall post before heading out to work this morning.
I have been busy doing a little bit of crochet. I was trying to teach myself some new stitches (decreasing, etc..)..
well..that wasn't working out too well!! Grrrrrr!

But! I taught myself the treble crochet stitch, and I must say, I am proud of myself for what I have accomplished! I managed to whip up a beautiful scarf in just two days, and plan to start on another one. It is so soft and the colors are so beautiful!
It only took one skein of Red Heart yarn..with a little extra yarn for the pom-poms...I couldn't locate my pom-pom maker (of course!, Ms. Unorganized over here)..so I had to try and make them myself by wrapping yarn around a piece of cardboard. Not as perfect as I wanted them, but they look cute :)I used a 6mm aluminum crochet hook. Loved the way it felt in my hand while working!
I am also working on a small baby blanket..which is a granny square..except I am continuing the square and making it very large..possibly 25 to 30 rounds. (Simple enough!)...I am using Red Heart blue yarn and a baby *sparkle* yarn to make the blanket extra soft and pretty.I like to use a big chunky crochet hook for making the blankets.

Here is a WONDERFUL site I like to go to for all sorts of free crochet patterns.
Click on the link and see what you can find! :)
Crochet Pattern Central

I think perhaps I might be a beginner crocheter my whole life...or maybe a beginner crocheter wanna be advanced crocheter ?? :)

I guess I am just happy that I was able to teach myself something of the sort!

All the best to all of you this upcoming New Year.
May you be filled with all good things and may the Lord bless you abundantly.

Raggedystitches,