Hats Galore!

So, I've been kicking ass on the hats I've had to make. The first two are for a friend and former co-worker who's sister is having a baby. The 3rd is for my friend, and fellow crocheter who is due to have her baby next week. :D  I must say I love the ruffle brimmed beanie, but the yarn in picture 3 is absolutely delectable! This is all for now, I just had to share!! :D :D

We Interrupt My Scheduled Projects for........

NYANCAT SCARF!!!!!

NyanNyanNyan

If you dont understand my excitement, then watch THIS

Hats and Coasters and Dishcloths, Oh My!!

I'm currently working on eight (yes, that's right, EIGHT) hats. I'm also working on some fun flower coasters and dishcloths for a friends wedding. So I'm a busy beaver. Instead of actually working on one of the remaining seven hats, or oodles of coaster/dishcloths, I've been over at Tangled Happy's Blog for the past hour. She has got some AWESOME ideas. If only there were more (crafting) hours in the day....

Anywho, check out one of the hats I just completed.

Pretty cute, right? You can purchase the pattern here: RAKJ Patterns. Just like yarn, I'm addicted to patterns; especially hers. I guess it's better than being a crack addict, right? :)

More pictures of complete projects to follow in the next few days. I gotta savor these last 45 minutes and try to actually accomplish something other than looking at new projects on the interwebs.

Stitching it Up, Summer Style

Summer is finally here, and I now have a bit more craft time. Alex is almost 6 months old, and Scarlett will be three. My, how time flies!!

Currently, I have an order for dishcloths and coasters for a friends wedding, seven baby hats (all different styles from RAKJ Patterns ), as well as a hat for AJ (my tattoo guy!) Busy, busy, I will be! I just started my first baby hat tonight, since they are the only thing I currently have yarn for (amazing, considering the amount I have, right!?) The yarn for AJ's hat and the coasters should be in my hands this week. Good thing, because my second of four sessions is on 8/2, so I need to get his hat done pronto. And the wedding is in September, so I've only got two months to finish those. Not sure how many I truly need to make yet, but those will be fun too!

Words cant express how happy and grateful I am to actually have some projects to work on where I will be making some money. So far, everything has been for gifts, or my kids, other than the dishcloths I did for Relay For Life last year. It gives me hope that people really do appreciate handmade gifts.

Dont worry, I promise to post some pictures next time! For now, enjoy the deliciousness that is James Franco. <3

Hoppy Easter!

I hope everyone had a fabulous Zombie Jesus Day! :D

Since my last post, I have completed QUITE a few projects, as well as having bought QUITE a bit of yarn. (Seriously, I have an addiction...) So, rather than this being a blog, consider this your picture book of what I've done the last few weeks. :D

First up, is the hat I made for Ty. I was pretty pleased with how well it came out. I am NOT pleased, however, that I didn't take any good pictures of it. WTH was I thinking!?

Next is my super crazy, funky scarf that I made using my own original pattern. The yarn is from Darn Good Yarns. Super fabulous. The next picture is also yarn from the same store. I am working on another scarf with that, but it's not done, so no picture for you!!

This stuff is made from fiber off of banana trees. Pretty cool, right?!

Here is some of the yarn I ordered with my birthday monies. I couldn't help myself. :D

This is another scarf I made using my first original Scarlett's Stitches pattern. (This is that Wrapunzel yarn like in the picture above, only a different color)

I also began crocheting daisy doilies for a friends wedding in September. Her colors are white, yellow and green. (The pink one was for my super awesome owl mug at work)

I whipped this little purse out last night for Scarlett's Easter basket. Why should the Easter Bunny be the only one to give gifts? It only took an hour and turned out ADORABLE! It is small (big enough to carry a Nintendo DS) but so cute. I was pleased.

I was also very proud of the Easter Bunny cake I made for dessert. It was super delish. :D

Until next time............

Seriously...I'm in need of a Yarn-Aholics-Anonymous Group

I swore to myself after my last post, "NO MORE YARN!!" until I used up some of what I had. Errrr...Not so much. Here are just a few of the lovely things I've picked up since the last post...

I am most excited for the Wrapunzel yarn! It is so soft and has a ton of different colors and textures. I LOVE it!! These are my new favorite types of yarn. I really have a problem, and think I need therapy. (It's better than doing drugs, right?!)

So, after the yarn spree, I ordered myself a pair of knitting needles from Laurel Hill. This is the site I got my ebony crochet hooks. Love love loooooooove them. Worth every penny, if I do say so myself.

We'll see how the knitting goes. I suck, so I'm not thinking it will go very well. I am a much better crocheter. Not to mention, I am impatient and I get faster results with crocheting. :)

I am also working on a fun hat for Ty, and I am ALMOST done, except I need to buy some plastic canvas for the brim. You dont get a picture of this, because I dont have a good one. Sorry.

Here is the first current project I am working on, since Scarlett's blanket has bored me and is on the backburner:

This is a mesh scarf I found online. It's fun and should be flowy. I'm using Vanna's Choice, so it's not as flowy as I'd like. But the yarn is beautiful and it will be nice when finished. I bought some gold Vanna's Glamour, which I think will work much better the 2nd time around.

This next project is top priority, and the most special I've done so far:

I'm making this lovely throw for my mom for her 50th birthday. I'm hoping I can have it done in time (2 weeks!!). If not, I'll be busting my ass to get it done by Mother's Day. This is Lion Brand Jiffy Yarn, in Lavendar. Beautiful and soft. I'm contemplating making one for my MIL's 50th birthday in November too; except I'm going to do white or off white.

Last, but definitely NOT least, is my BEST purchase since last post:

My super awesome, mega cool Yarn Owl Tattoo!!!!!!! :D

My Name is Angie, and I Have a Yarn Addiction...

I know it's been quite some time since my last post. A lot of things have happened; one of which is that the PACKERS WON THE SUPERBOWL! :)

I've completed a few projects while I've been off. Not as many as I would have liked, but there's not much time to crochet between the plastic food picnics, snuggling with Little Man and laundry. Good lord, the laundry. It is never ending now, and will only get worse as the kids get older. (Lucky me!)

So, here is what's been completed:
 

A pretty little poncho for Scarlett! It was only supposed to be one solid color, but I liked the idea of two springy colors. :) If only I could get her to keep it on....

Next up, is the crochet hook case! Originally it had started out as a blanket for Alex, but I didn't like starting from the corner, so I got sick of it and turned it into this. Cute, if I do say so myself. It is my first "Scarlett's Stitches Original". :)

I have two "in process" pieces to share (I am also working on Jesse's blanket and Christmas stockings):

A Fun Fur scarf and also a blanket for Scarlett. She requested a yellow blanket, so I've got 14 of 49 squares completed.



I like the sunburst pattern. I am going to be doing the border in a fun, light orange color. I haven't decided if I'm going to join the squares with yellow or the orange yet. I have enough squares done for two rows, so I may try to sew them together using one of each, and see what I like better.


Another project I'm going to be working on is a hat for my buddy Tyler. He drew me up the most AMAZING owl tattoo. I cant wait to talk to AJ to make an appointment. It is going to be epic. I will post pictures of the tat and drawing at the same time, just to keep you waiting in anticipation! ;) I have to wait for the yarn to be delivered before I can start Ty's hat. Although, looking at the picture below, it's hard to believe that I actually needed to ORDER yarn, since my stash chest is full. (Did that stop me from getting yarn at Joann's online sale yesterday? Nope....)

Which is why I must say, "Hi..My name is Angie, and I have a yarn addiction."

The Packers Are Going to the Super Bowl!!!

Baby Alex is Here!

Our sweet, little boy finally decided to make his appearance on January 14th at 3:04pm! :) At the last minute, we decided to go with Alexander Jesse, instead of Benjamin Gabriel. It was all my doing, when Jesse asked which name I wanted to use. I haven't gotten any crocheting done since his arrival...I have been too busy snuggling! He was 8lbs, 3oz and 21 inches long. The whole birthing process was MUCH easier this time around. Scarlett doesn't know what to think of her baby brother...She still "doesn't like him!" but we no longer have to bribe her with jelly beans to give him a kiss.

Yesterday, Jesse and I learned just how much more difficult it is to drag two kids out and about all day, than it was with just Scarlett. He's easy to cart around, but she's a maniac that wants to run wild, arms flailing. (You dont realize this until you have a little one you have to protect!) It's already depressing, thinking of having to go back to work in about 9 weeks. I've tried to con Jesse into letting me stay home, but he wont let me. Boooo!

I am sure my posts will be few and far between the next few months. If I get any more projects done, I'll be sure to try to post!

Have a Holly Jolly Christmas

The last few days have been hectic, yet fabulous. Christmas Eve consisted of lots of cleaning, running around and family festivities with my in-laws. They spoiled all three of us. My MIL got me a few awesome crochet hooks. They are great. It took a little while to get used to them, as they are long and dont have grooves for fingers, but they work well. I was going to order a few more, until I saw how much they were. So, I ordered the set that we got her for her birthday. :D See one of my gorgeous Christmas hooks below.

Scarlett, of course, got WAY too much stuff. She did love all her toys and has played with all of them the whole weekend. Here is just one snippet of joy from yesterday's festivities.

Today has consisted of laundry, relaxation and food. I am currently working on the baby cocoon. I haven't had time to work on it for about 2 weeks or so.  I am anxious to finish it so I can start Jesse's Zelda blanket. I finished baby Ben's blanket last week, so we're good to go in that department. I have another appointment on Tuesday, so we'll see if the dilating has progressed.

I hope you all had a very Merry Christmas!

Successful Crocheting Week!

I've gotten quite a bit accomplished this week, both with crocheting and with Christmas gift buying/wrapping. All gifts are purchased and wrapped, aside from one or two small things I need to pick up this week.

I've made three scarves since last Sunday. I posted Felicia's scarf a few days ago. On Thursday I finished a scarf for my OB/GYN. She is an outstanding person, and I wanted to do something nice for her. Unfortunately, I wasn't sure what color(s) to do for her, so I just did purple and pink. I am quite pleased with how it came out.

The second project I started yesterday was a baby cocoon for Ben. I accidentally bought yarn that was lighter than what the pattern called for, so I've had to wing it a bit. The WHOLE thing is single crochet's so it's taking a while. I figured I'd finish all of my Christmas dishcloths (DONE) before I really focused on that.

Today I started a scarf for my cousin. He has a quirky sense of humor, like me, and when I saw the pattern for a bacon scarf, I HAD to make it. I started it this afternoon and had it done by dinner time. I was the most fun scarf I've ever made. I giggled like a 5 year old the whole time. I hope he likes it as much as I do! It came out quite nicely.

I still need to finish Ben's blanket. I will try to focus on that this week. He could be here any day now. Just look at how huge this belly is, compared to where I was two weeks later than this when I was pregnant with Scarlett. I'm gonna tip over here pretty soon!!

I'm not sure how much posting I will be doing between now and New Years, depending on when he decides to come. So, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year's to you all!!

The Process Has Begun...

So, I had another prenatal visit today, and it seems as though things have begun to progress! I started having what Christina called "mini" contractions today. My cervix is forward and I'm starting to dilate. Crazy!!! Looks like baby Ben may be here before New Year's after all. :)

Over the past week I've made two scarves and am almost done with all of my dishcloths for my Christmas gift baskets. The top scarf pictured below is a skinny ruffle scarf that I made for my brother-in-law's girlfriend. It turned out super cute! The second is a skinny scarf I made for myself out of Vanna Yarn in purple and gold. The picture doesn't do it justice. Stupid cell phone lighting! This past Sunday was our last Crochetmania at our house until after Ben arrives.  I think the other girls will be getting together elsewhere.

Other than that, it's been the same old same old. Work, laundry, cooking, dishes and playtime with my lovebug. :)

Ahh, Weekends...

Everyone loves the weekends. It's what we strive for during the work week (along with a paycheck). I'm no different. Not because I dislike my job, because I am actually one of the few people in the world that loves what I do, but because it's fabulous getting to spend two full days with my family. <3

Saturday was not unlike any other. Jesse played football in the morning while Scarlett and I went shopping. Every year, my employer participates in a Christmas gift program for local Children & Youth kids. This year I was feeling particularly spunky and chose TWO mittens instead of one. Scarlett and I chose a few outfits for each child, a coat for each and a few toys as well. I spent a tad bit more than planned (this was confirmed when Jesse goes, "Sweet Jesus, HOW much did you spend?) But....This is what the holidays are all about. We are fortunate enough to be able to give our child(ren) anything they may want or need. Others are not, so if I can help make two kids have an enjoyable Christmas, my job is done. Nothing feels better than being able to do something to help someone in need.

After our little shopping excursion, Scarlett and I stopped to visit Pappy C. for a while. (Grammy had to work, BOO) Scarlett made Pap break out the Hot Wheels for her to play with. Then she wanted bread. Yes, bread. My child is a weirdo and likes bread. So, she had two pieces of bread and an apple during our visit.

When we got home, of course I had to turn our friend BARNEY on tv. I was able to wrap all of the gifts for the kids and get them put in their gift bags to take into work tomorrow. After Jesse got home, we all kind of lazed around on the couch, watching movies while I crocheted. I took this sweet little jem of a picture, which pretty much sums up that afternoon.

Jas came over to visit us for a while Saturday night too. We called and ordered pizza from Rocco's. Their pizza isn't so fabulous, but LORD do their cheesesteaks rock. They always take FOREVER to deliver too. Although, they're the only people who deliver in our rinky dink town, so that was why I sacrificed taste for having to go out in the cold to pick up a pizza from Picarellas. :) Scarlett ended up snuggling with Daddy on the couch, and falling asleep before our dinner could get there. We tried waking her up to eat, but she refused. She slept on the couch while we ate our pizza, then Jesse carried her to bed and that was that.

After we got our showers, we snuggled up on the couch again to finish watching a movie we we paused halfway through. I worked on one of my Christmas dishcloths I started for a few gift baskets I'm going to make. I like how it's coming out. I am doing a new pattern with something called a Grit Stitch. It makes fun little V clusters that sorta look like snakeskin.

Sunday was actually kind of busy, once we finally got up and around. I made us pink pancakes for breakfast, then Jesse thought it would be a good idea to rearrange what we call our "long room". The room is long and narrow and there's not much we've been able to do with it up to this point. Jesse had a good idea to move our dining room table where we had our desks, and vice versa. So, since I obviously couldn't help move the heavy things, I vacuumed, dusted and moved the little things. It looks a LOT better, like we have two separate rooms. Good job, Jesse. :)

Now it's time for Sunday night football and to finish up this dishcloth. Since it's mostly single crochets, it takes a while, not to mention eats up a lot of yarn. I think I'll only be getting two dishcloths out of the 2 balls I bought, rather than the normal 4.

Hope everyone else had a great weekend as well!!

Louder, Lili!

This afternoon, I got home from work and unloaded the dishwasher and played on the interwebs for a bit before Scarlett and Daddy got home. As soon as they come in, she starts yelling, "HI MOMMY, HI MOMMY!! WATCH BARNEY!!" (Barney has become THE tv show as of late, God help us) So, being the good Mom I am, I play the first thing on the DVR and we sit and snuggle while watching Barney. She insisted on having mac n cheese and a hot dog for dinner, along with some cherries. Hey, she ate, so I'm happy.

Once dinner was done, she wanted to watch MORE Barney. (Seriously?!?!) We dont even get halfway through this episode, lost all interest and wanted to read books while I was talking to Mom. Then she wanted to talk to Mom, so I put her on speaker. All she kept saying was, "Hi Gamma, whaddaya doooooooin?" Then Dad got on, and the only thing she'd say was, "Hi Pap! PAP IN THERE!"

At this point it's 7 and bath time. She is devastated that we have to get off the phone and turn off Barney. Jesse gives her a bath while I get everything ready for her. She refuses to let me read to her, "DADDY DO IT!!" Then, when it's actually time to go to sleep, she is devastate because she wants to read Louder, Lili! Again, Mommy is not good enough to read it. The only thing I was allowed to read was Goodnight Moon, and even then, she read half of it.

Now, it's time to work on Ben's blanket and watch Supernatural. And maybe have some pickles. :)  Tomorrow Scarlett and I will be going on a little shopping trip, so hopefully I'll have some good stories and cute pictures to share. I'd like to get some cookie cutters and things to decorate some cookies. I love my Saturdays with my sunshine.

Welcome!

After seeing a few friends start blogs, I thought maybe I would try my hand at it.

Today has been a wonderful day.

My mom scored a new (OLD) pattern for me for snowflake stitches. I had searched far and wide on the internet, and couldn't find it. A lady at work had given me a copy of the pattern she had, but it was very dark and hard to read. It turns out that the pattern mom found is the EXACT same thing. SO excited. It's a little more advanced and will test what mediocre skills I have, but I'm up for the challenge.

Scarlett actually ate ALL her dinner today. You dont have any idea what an accomplishment this is. This child has been giving us the WORST time when it comes to eating lately. I think she's getting some more teeth, so I attribute it to that. Now that we put the Christmas tree up, she's been giving us a little more hassle with bath and bed time. She wants to look at the "pretty lights!" all night. She cracks me up. On our drive home every night, she gets mad at the houses that are dark. She will yell at the window saying, "PUT CHRISTMAS LIGHTS UP!!" at every house that has nothing out/turned on. Ahh, the things that are important to a two and a half year old. If you're someone that doesn't have your lights up, you better get on it, or you'll be hearing from my child.

Now I have some time to work on baby Ben's blanket while I watch Grey's. :) Hopefully I have this done until he gets here, but I cant make any promises. January 13th is approaching rapidly and I dont think I'll make it that far anyway. Time will tell...

 I am also working on a blanket for Jesse. He requested a Link blanket quite a while ago. I finally drew up the pattern for it, bought all of the yarn, and started on the TINY blocks it calls for. This will take me all year. No, really. Once Ben gets here, it probably wont be ready for Jesse till next Christmas. :)

I cant wait to see what adventures are in store for us this weekend.