~ and the winner is...~

Kari !! Yay!! Congratulations Kari. 

Email me with your mailing address please and I'll have your prize mailed out to you as soon as possible.  :)

dlyrs@juno.com

~ first baby blankie ~

I finished my first baby blankie last night.  I used 2 rolls of yarn from my stash - peach and cream.  It measures 27" point to point.

I've already started on my 2nd blankie - it's another round ripple, but this one will have 18 points.  :)

Here's the link for the pattern I use:

http://www.angelfire.com/tx5/angelcrafts/patterns/roundripple.html 

~ "I'm so blue" square ~

Materials:

- 4-ply worsted weight acrylic yarn
- J hook

Size:  6 1/4"

Notes:

- Ch 2 at beginning of Rnd 1 does not count as a stitch
- I crochet tight so you may need to adjust the size of your hook

Stitches:

- beginning cluster:  ch 2, yo, insert hook in space, yo, pull thru, yo, pull thru 2 loops, yo, insert hook in same space, yo, pull thru, yo, pull thru 2 loops, yo, pull thru last 3 loops.

- cluster:  yo, insert hook in space, yo, pullthru, yo, pull thru 2 loops, yo, insert hook in same space, yo, pull thru, yo, pull thru 2 loops, yo, insert hook in same space, yo, pullthru, yo, pull thru 2 loops, yo, pull thru last 4 loops.

Directions:

Rnd 1:  Ch 3, 12 dc in 3rd ch from hook.  Join with a sl st to 1st dc.  (12 dc)

Rnd 2:  Ch 1, sc in same st, ch 2, *sc in next dc, ch 2.  Repeat from * around.  Join with a sl st to 1st sc.

Rnd 3:  Sl st into ch 2 space, (ch 4, dc) in same space, ch 1.  *(dc, ch 1, dc) in next ch 2 space, ch 1.  Repeat from * around.  Join with a sl st to 3rd ch of beginning ch 4.

Rnd 4:  Sl st into ch 2 space, (beginning cluster, ch 3, cluster) in same space.  *(ch 2, sc in next ch 1 space) 2 times.  Ch 2, (cluster, ch 3, cluster) in next ch 1 space.  Repeat from * 2 more times.  (ch 2, sc in next ch 1 space) 2 times.  Ch 2, join with a sl st to beginning cluster.

Rnd 5:  Sl st into ch 3 space, (beginning cluster, ch 3, cluster) in same space.  *(ch 2, dc in next ch 2 space) 3 times.  Ch 2, (cluster, ch 3, cluster) in next ch 3 space.  Repeat from * 2 more times.  (ch 2, dc in next ch 2 space) 3 times.  Ch 2, join with a sl st to beginning cluster.

Rnd 6:  Sl st into ch 3 space, (beginning cluster, ch 3, cluster) in same space.  *ch 2, (2 dc in next space, dc in next dc) 3 times.  2 dc in next space, ch 2, (cluster, ch 3, cluster) in next ch 3 space.  Repeat from * 2 more times.  (ch 2, 2 dc in next space, dc in next dc) 3 times.  2 dc in next space, ch 2.  Join with a sl st to beginning cluster.

Rnd 7:  Ch 1, sc in same st.  Sc in each dc around with 2 dc in ch 2 spaces and 3 sc in ch 3 spaces.  Join with a sl st to 1st sc.  End off.

***Debi Y's version***

~ superstickies ~

I came across this blog (it's called CrazySocks Crochet) while blog hopping.  She shared a link for superstickies.  I had to try it out.  :)

~ another giveaway ~

I've decided that I will most likely not use this yarn, so I'm having another giveaway. 

This yarn was bought with all the RHSS yarns on my last trip to the thrift store.  It is from Santa Fe Yarns, Santa Fe, New Mexico.  Each skein weighs 4 oz. and is 100% cotton.  The color is called Periwinkle.  The tag says "dry cleaning recommended".  The yarn is worsted weight size.  Made in the U.S.A.

If you would like to be entered in the giveaway - all you have to do is be a follower of my blog and leave a message on this post only.  I will announce the winner on Saturday the 26th, 6:00 p.m. Eastern time.

Good luck.  :)  

~ to Nicole and Anita ~

Your giveaway prizes went out to you in the mail this afternoon.  Hope you enjoy the yarn.  :)

~ dly's Baby Blankies ~

After I saw ~Niki's~ post about a pretty little blanket she crocheted for "God's Tiny Angel's", I thought to myself how nice that was.  So I decided to do something too.  I'm going to crochet little blankies (most likely around 24") and give them locally to Prince George's Hospital.  

I have quite a bit of yarn - I always seem to find great deals at the thrift store - and a little bit of time so I'm going to do it.  

I'm going to have little cards made up and attached to each blankie: 

~dly's baby blankies~ 
~just a little hug~ 

~machine wash & dry~  

I'm getting excited just thinking about it.  Wish me luck.  :)

~ and the winner's are... ~

Nicole and Anita !!  Yay !!

Please email me with your mailing address ladies - I will get your yarn prizes in the mail to you as soon as possible.  My email is: dlyrs@juno.com

Thanks to all the ladies who entered.  :)

~ Oh em gee ~

*****this giveaway is closed*****


(my son hates when I say that) 

***The winner's names will be drawn at 6:00 p.m. Eastern time*** 


I stopped at the thrift store after work and look what I found.  I got all of this for $20.  Yay!  The RHSS skeins are the 8 ounce skeins so they must've been stashed for a little while.  (it's ok - I don't smell any smells and the yarn is clean).

(thanks to aluajala for a much better picture)

I was very happy when I spotted the yarn but it does kind of make me sad when I think about where it came from - some little old lady probably passed away or had to be moved to an old folk's home, so her family got rid of all her stuff.  The circle of (yarn) life. 

I've decided that I would like to share a little - so I'm having a giveaway.  If you are a follower of my blog and you would like to have a chance to win 3 skeins of the RHSS (Red Heart Super Saver) please leave me a comment on this post only.  I will choose 2 winners on Sunday (Feb. 20th).  Good luck.  :)      

~ new crochet book ~

I ordered this book about 2 weeks ago and received it today.  Not too bad considering it came all the way from Japan. 

I ordered it from a seller on Ebay whose seller id is 'bookstoron'.  I've ordered from this seller before and have had no problems whatsoever.  I highly recommend her (or him - I'm not too sure - the name is Hitoshi).  I also received a nice surprise in my order - an origami crane made with pretty paper.  I will collect them to make a mobile.

If you'd like to check out what bookstoron has to offer - here is a link:

http://crafts.shop.ebay.com/Crocheting-Knitting-/3094/i.html?rt=nc&Craft%2520Type=Crochet&_catref=1&_dmpt=US_Crocheting_Knitting_Patterns&_fln=1&_ssn=bookstoron&_ssov=1&_trksid=m194&ssPageName=STRK:MEFSRCHX:SRCH

~ Happy Valentine's Day ~

Happy Valentine's Day to all my crocheting, blogging friends - hope we all get lot's of chocolate.  :)

~ Hobby Lobby's ILTY! (I Love This Yarn!) ~

I found out Wednesday morning from a co-worker that there was a Hobby Lobby just up the road from work.  What?  I didn't know that?  What the heck is wrong with me?  I must be losing it in my old age.  :)  So immediately after work (I work part-time) I got in my pretty little PT Cruiser and cruised on up the road to visit this new craft store.  As soon as I walked in I immediately loved it - it's huge!  So much stuff to look at.  Although I didn't have too much time to spend there exploring (I needed to go to the grocery store and then on to get my grandson J off the bus) I headed for the yarn department.  I expected to see lots of rows of yarn, but there was only 3.  Bummer.  I've read on so many blogs about everyone loving Hobby Lobby's 'I Love This Yarn !' and I wanted to try it out.  I picked up about 6 new colors and I also bought 2 RHSS petal pink.  The ILTY! was $3.99 each and the RHSS was $2.79 each. 

Now the following is my opinion (so please don't fuss with me or blast me on your blog):

I will not be making a habit of buying the ILTY! - yes, it's very soft and the color variegates are pretty, but the price is way too high compared to the RHSS.  There's a $1.20 difference for the same 100% acrylic yarns.  Now I know that alot of crocheters do not like the RHSS, but I do - it is my most preferred yarn.  Some colors of RHSS are known for being rough but it always softens up with a quick run in the dryer.  No washing needed - just the heat from the dryer.  I don't see any reason why I should fork over the extra $1.20.  Maybe when it comes up on sale I will buy a couple skeins just to get different colors but that will be all.

P.S.  The 2 skeins of petal pink RHSS I bought were just as soft as the ILTY!.  Maybe Red Heart is listening.  :)        

~ crochet hooks re-post ~

Hi Nicole - this re-post is for you.  :)

I made my first crochet hook handle in 2002 - I needed more substance to hold in my hand - I was having a problem with having to stop crocheting and stretch out my fingers every once in a while. I thought of tape but I didn't think that that would feel comfortable or look very nice. My next thought was polymer clay. I had a small stash of it leftover from trying to make beads, so I tried it and it worked great.

This is how I create my crochet hook handles:

Step 1: knead the polymer clay to make it more pliable. (by the way, I use Sculpey and Fimo polymer clays)

Step 2: wrap the polymer clay around your crochet hook handle and shape it to your preference. I roll the handle on my dining room table to help smooth it out.

Step 3: bake in a toaster oven at 275* for 15 minutes per 1/4" thickness.

Once you get the gist of creating these handles, you can let your imagination go. My favorite style is swirling 2 or 3 colors together with a glass bead on top. I think they're pretty and they really help out my crocheting hand. :)

***Edited to add a couple of tips:

1.  use only metal crochet hooks.  I tried a plastic hook once and it drooped down.

2.  lay the polymer clay hook on a soft bed of quilt batting.

3.  fashion a little tent out of aluminum foil to cover the hook and quilt batting while baking.

~ Monday is... ~

...do tell what you enjoy.

My joys are simple:   my family ~~ my dogs Tex and Ladybug ~~ and of course, my crochet. 

Please visit Faith at Crochet by the Sea to join in.  :)

~ large ruffley squircle ~

Materials:

- 4-ply worsted weight acrylic:
   = background color
   = ruffle color
- I hook

Size:  approximately 6"

Notes:

- ch 2 at beginning of Rnds 1 - 3 do not count as a stitch.
- I crochet tight so you may want to adjust the size of your hook.

Directions:

Rnd 1:  With background color ch 3, 12 dc in 3rd ch from hook.  Join with a sl st to back loop of 1st dc.  (12 dc)

==work next 3 rounds in back loops==

Rnd 2:  Ch 2, 2 dc in each dc around.  Join as before.

Rnd 3:  Ch 2, 2 dc in same st, dc in next dc.  *2 dc in next dc, dc in next dc.  Repeat from * around.  Join as before.

Rnd 4:  (Ch 3, 2 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) in same st, ch 1, {skip next 2 dc, 3 hdc in next dc, ch 1} 2 times.  Skip next 2 dc.  *(3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) in next dc, ch 1, {skip next 2 dc, 3 hdc in next dc, ch 1} 2 times.  Skip next 2 dc.  Repeat from * 2 more times.  Join with a sl st to top of ch 3.

Rnd 5:  Ch 3, dc in each dc and ch 1 space around with (2 dc, ch 2, 2 dc) in each corner space.  Join as before.

Rnd 6:  Ch 1, sc in each dc around with (sc, ch 2, sc) in each corner space.  Join with a sl st to 1st sc.  End off.

==for ruffles:

Rnds 1 - 3:  Join ruffle color with a sc to any front loop, ch 2.  *sc in next front loop, ch 2.  Repeat from * around.  Join with a sl st to 1st sc.  End off.

==if you want a plain large squircle, just work all rounds in both loops and leave off the ruffles.

***Debi Y's version***

~ granny doily ~

When I saw this diagram pattern from this site - I knew it would be perfect for me to try.  I printed it out, carried it to the couch and proceeded to crochet away.  This pattern was so easy - I love it.  I used a baby yarn with an E hook.  It measures 12" across.