You say "Witch" Like it's a Bad Thing

Blog Give Away gift number 2 has been given. Amy was the lucky recipient of this adorable witch. The pattern may be found in the September/October issue of Fons' and Porter's Love of Quilting magazine. I'm not allowed to have cute Halloween decorations, so I am glad that it went to a good home.

UFO No More

A few weeks ago while I was thinking of a new project, my husband made the comment thay maybe I should finish a project instead of starting a new one. A challenge for me, given my prove-you-wrong disposition. I had recently been given a quilt top that I had tied and needed binding. I put the binding on and told him that I had finished a project, to which he replied, "Yes, but you didn't start it." Men.

So, last night I pulled out my oldest UFO. I began these slippers at least 15 years ago and they have been sitting in my closet ever since, with only the second slipper needing about 10 rows to be finished. In less than an hour they were finished and I was laughing hysterically. My husband could not understand what was funny. Finally, I tried to explain to him how silly the second slipper looked. I really had no idea what I was doing 15 years ago and my mother had me do the knitting and then she sewed the seams on the slipper. That, coupled with 15 years of my little memory, was my downfall. The second slipper is finished, but looks ridiculous and is not nearly as comfortable as the one my mother stitched. My husband didn't see why it was funny. Really, I suppose it isn't, but sometimes in life isn't it better to just laugh? I thought about undoing it and trying again, but I figured this was more memorable. I will wear them around the house until they wear out and perhaps try again (my knitting knowledge is far superior to what it was 15 years ago). My son thought they were something special, though, so I think I will knit him a pair. Yet another new project for my husband to give me the raised eyebrow over.

Top 10 Patterns for Crochet Sweaters

As I was checking my email this morning, I opened up the newsletter from Interweave. Mostly it was updates from a recent conference and examples of how crochet is so versatile. Then, at the bottom of the email, there it was. An introduction to their new e-book.

Can you tell which sweater(s) caught my eye?? Which ones catch your eye? Oh! I fell in love with pattern 3 immediately. It was love at first sight. Is it possible to create a sweater that smooth with crochet? The answer must be yes, for there it is in the book of crochet patterns. (I also like patterns 2, 7, 8 & 10)

I immediately clicked the link to purchase the book. Then I sat back in excitement, wondering how long it would be until it appeared in my mailbox and I could paw through the pages. I decided to blog about it to share my excitement and returned to the email for the picture, only to notice the words "e-book." E-BOOK?! You mean I can have it NOW?!! I rushed back to Interweave and found that it was true. My book was ready to download and is now saved on my hard drive. Now for the matter of purchasing yarn for my beautiful sweater. . .

Crocheted Dishcloth

*If you are looking for the blessing gown post, it is below this one.*

This is a pattern for some very easy, very quick dishcloths.

Materials: Crochet hook size G
Sugar and Cream yarn (I use a cone, so I don't know an exact yardage. I'm sure one
ball would be enough, probably with leftovers)
Yarn needle

Ch 35.
Row 1: dc in 4th chain from hook and in each ch across. Ch 1.
Row 2: sc in next dc and in each dc across. Ch 3.
Row 3: skip first sc, dc in next sc and in each sc across. Ch 1.
Rows 4-end: Repeat rows 2-3 until dishcloth is square, ending on a Row 3. DO NOT CUT OFF.
Border: ch 1. *sc in same dc and in each dc across. 3 sc in corner dc. Working in sides of rows, 1 sc in each sc and 2 sc in each dc.* Repeat from * to * once. sc in dc (making 3 sc in beginning dc) and sl to beginning ch. Fasten off.

Using the yarn needle, weave ends of yarn in to dishcloth.

Blessing Gown

My latest project has been a blessing gown for my niece, Phoebe. It was definitely a learning experience. I spent more time on the skirt than on the bodice! Does that ever happen?! Here is the completed dress with a few pictures centered on details.
I also made a matching headband using leftover lace, satin, and a rosette. I looked everywhere in town for a white satin headband with nothing on it and couldn't find one. It wasn't hard to make and it was nice to know it would fit her head, since I could use her measurement for it.