Ripple Along

Reach out your hand if your cup be empty,
If your cup is full may it be again,
Let it be known there is a fountain,
That was not made by the hands of men.

The Grateful Dead

I'm not a Dead Head, but the older I get the more nostalgic I get about some of their music. In any case, that quote from "Ripple" seemed right to go with this ripple afghan. This is going to my dear friend Cindy who will be donating it to the organization where she works. She picked the color and the style, and may I say that the photos don't do justice to the richness of the yarn color.

I'm glad that I can help her with this project. It's going to a good cause.

A Bag of Tater

Pattern Tested! It's nice when other crafters test your pattern for you, but the best test is done by the end user. Tater has given his 2-paws-up to my Birdie's Blanket Bag design.

Poor dear just had a steam bath, and I didn't want him to get chilled. He found his blanket bag quite comfie!

My boys

I take a break from the normal crochet chat to brag about my boys!


Tater's nose is still a bit crusty and raw, but he's adorable!




Bogey will do anything for a cookie!





Scooter is one handsome fellow!


Tate likes to attack the silk plant.


I have three handsome boys, and they're all getting along! It's wonderful!

Chiropractor, Cat and Crochet

Today is turning out to be a very nice day.

I slept in and then went out for my chiropractor appointment. My chiropractor is such a nice man, and with just a few weeks of treatments, he's done wonders in controlling my headaches. My neck and back are a bit sore after he does an adjustment, but it's nothing like the debilitating pain I had with the constant headaches! This is a very good thing.

When I got back home my Tater was in a very snuggly mood! He's still congested and still isn't eating, but he was acting like a cat today! He came when I called him, he rolled around and played, and he spent a good long while cuddling!




I have been getting some crochet done too!

Last night I made a cap for the marine that I've "adopted" for the holidays.



This will be going to him in Iraq along with some snacks, some soup, cocoa, popcorn, chapstick, and misc things to make his holidays away from home a little more comfortable.

I'm also continuing to work on the ripple afghan which is really soft and comfy. It's going to take a while, but it's coming along nicely.

Took a break to play around with some snowflake decorations


and made some progress on my great-niece's blanket.


It will be a nice surprise to me if I manage to finish this blanket before Christmas, but I'm actually really enjoying the graph pattern, and the fact that it's coming out legible, is making me happy!!

And best of all - the day is still young, and tomorrow is another relaxing day of weekend to look forward to!

I take a break from my WIP.....

I promised myself that I wouldn't take on anything new until I finished my WIP. Now I guess I'm a liar. Well, it's for a good cause.

One of the members at Crochetville is making a comfortghan for her Grandaughter who is facing some serious medical issues. The girl is just 14 and going through more than any young girl should have to. What really got to me though, is that despite her own problems, she has tremendous compassion for the other children in the hospital and feels lucky that she got to go home when so many other kids couldn't. She asked her Grandma to help make things for the kids in the hospital for the holidays. I think that is so selfless and generous that I really wanted to make a square for her comfortghan.

The square is pictured above. The center is actually a very bright deep pink with white and sage. I think the colors are cheerful.

Also pictured is the start of my first ripple afghan which my dear friend Cindy will be donating to the clinic where she works.

So....I didn't work on my existing WIP today, but it's almost Thanksgiving, and this felt right. :)

Ripple

It's been a difficult and exhausting week.

A fitting end to this week would be ripple. Cheap Ripple Wine or Expensive Ripple Ice Cream! One is inebriating and cheap, the other fattening and expensive. So, I opted for Ripple Crochet. I started working on the first of two ripple afghans that I'm making for a dear friend to donate to the clinic where she volunteers.

I've never done any ripple crochet before, and I'm really enjoying it! I'm using this pattern and Homespun yarn in red, gray and black. I had to do my first row 3 times as I kept miscounting my stitches, but from the second row on it's been easy. A nice relaxing pattern! It's really simple to keep track of the ripple pattern so it doesn't require too much counting or frogging. It's going to take a while to get these done, but I feel good to have gotten started, and it's going to be soft and comfortable.

So - updates to my week.

I created this on-line memorial for Birdie, and I ordered a stone memorial to mark her grave. I still talk to her every time I walk past "her chain" in the kitchen, and Brian and I say good-night to her before we go to bed. Having her grave in our garden is somewhat comforting even though right now I feel sad every time I look out back.

Gordo has had a name change. After we realized that Gordo means "fat" in Spanish, we were much less endeared to the name. It just seemed mean spirited. He is now named Tater (Tate for short). This has led to many new nicknames including Tater Tot and My Sweet Potato. Let's face it, Tate is absolutely gorgeous, but he does have the coloring, shape and activity level of a potato, so Tate is a more dignified yet fitting name.

Poor Tater has a horrific repertory infection. He's unbelievably congested. Lots of unpleasant fluids in his sinuses and lungs. He's already become well acquainted with our vet. He's been there three times already, and I need to take him for antibiotic shots tonight and tomorrow since he refuses to take them orally. He hasn't eaten at all and isn't drinking water, so the vet gives him the meads with IV fluids. Doc cultured the mucus and as soon as we know what it is, we should be able to get him on the right antibiotic to kick this bug once and for all. I'll feel so relieved when he's all better. We've already fallen in love with him, and I hate to see him suffering! I'm glad he's in a hope where he is loved rather than in the shelter. I used to work at the Humane Society where we adopted him and I know that its a great facility, but he's getting more love, attention and comfort at home.

Thanksgiving is in just a few days. I may start cooking tonight - the soup is better when it sits for a day or two. I just love Thanksgiving. This year will be a small celebration. Just us and my dear friend Ann, but we have so much to be thankful for and it will be a great day. With luck my fuzzy Sweet Tater will be healthy by then!

Birdie's Blanket Bag

Birdie’s Blanket Bag (for cats)

This blanket was made in memory of my cat Birdie.




Birdie was a sweetheart. One of my favorite memories of her involves potato chips. She just LOVED potato chips. If someone would leave a bag out, she would help herself. One day I walked into the room to find a big bag of chips on the table and a cat butt sticking out of it. She walked right in and helped herself. It’s a happy memory, so this design is bag-like to remind me of that day.

She also loved different textures – she loved to rub up against rough textures. For the “deluxe” version of this pattern, I used bulky craft cord (which is somewhat rough) in combination with a softer yarn. The basic version of this pattern can be made with any cat friendly yarn.

Deluxe Version:
2 skeins Bonnie Craft Cord
2 skeins Lion Brand Wool-Ease Thick and Quick (or similar)
1 skein Moda Dea Jai Alai (or fun fur or similar)
Q hook
N hook
H Hook
Large eye yarn needle for assembly

Base Pad:
(Using Craft Cord and the Q Hook)
Chain 22
Sc in each chain across (21 sc) ch 1 turn
Continue with rows of single crochet for a total of 30 rows. Finish off.
This completes the base pad. It will measure approximately 18” W x 21” L

Hood:
(Using Wool-Ease and N Hook)
1) ch 38, hdc in 3rd ch from end and across ( 37 hdc) ch2 turn
2) hdc across (37 hdc) ch 2 turn
3) 2 hdc in first stitch, hdc across, 2hdc in last stitch, ch 2 turn(39 hdc)
4) 2 hdc in first stitch, hdc across, 2hdc in last stitch, ch 2 turn (39 hdc) ch 2 turn
5) 2 hdc in first stitch, hdc across, 2hdc in last stitch, ch 2 turn (41 hdc) ch 2 turn
6) 2 hdc in first stitch, hdc across, 2hdc in last stitch, ch 2 turn (43 hdc) ch 2 turn
7) 2 hdc in first stitch, hdc across, 2hdc in last stitch, ch 2 turn (45 hdc) ch 2 turn
8) 2 hdc in first stitch, hdc across, 2hdc in last stitch, ch 2 turn (47 hdc) ch 2 turn
9) 2 hdc in first stitch, hdc across, 2hdc in last stitch, ch 2 turn (49 hdc) ch 2 turn
10) 2 hdc in first stitch, hdc across, 2hdc in last stitch, ch 2 turn (51 hdc) ch 2 turn
11) 2 hdc in first stitch, hdc across, 2hdc in last stitch, ch 2 turn (53 hdc) ch 2 turn
12) 2 hdc in first stitch, hdc across, 2hdc in last stitch, ch 2 turn (55 hdc) ch 2 turn
13) 2 hdc in first stitch, hdc across, 2hdc in last stitch, ch 2 turn (57 hdc) ch 2 turn
14) 2 hdc in first stitch, hdc across, 2hdc in last stitch, ch 2 turn (59 hdc) ch 2 turn
15-22) hdc across (59 hdc) ch 2 turn
23) hdc across (59 hdc), finish off

edging:
(Using 2 strands of the Jai Alai and an H hook)
Do TWO SC in each stitch along the widest side of the top (118 sc) ch 1 turn
One sc in each stitch across (118 sc) finish off.

Make two pom-poms or tassels with the Jai Alai -
Attach pom poms to the Wool-Ease
chain from one pom-pom 8-12 inches,
Attach to front of pad with a slip stitch
sc along the front of the base pad,
chain another 8-12 inches and attach second pom-pom.

Assembly:
(using matching yarn or twine and large eye needle)
Sew short side of hood to back edge of base pad.
Line up the sides and sew them so the top creates a floppy cave.








P – the cutest sheep in the world – poses in Birdie’s Blanket Bag






Scooter seems to approve






Basic Version

The deluxe version uses premium materials and is quite large (for a Gordo sized kitty). You can make a basic blanket bag with any cat-friendly yarn and in any size. Try to combine textures as cats like to rub against a more rough texture, but also like to nest in softer fabrics. Scooter, loves rolling on and licking plastic bags. It might be fun to make a version with a plastic bag base (or mixed plastic bag and yarn) for a “crunchy” base pad.

Base Pad:
If you use more than one fiber – select the more rough material for the base and an appropriate sized hook. You CAN make this entirely in a basic worsted weight yarn like Red Heart.

1) Chain a length equal to the desired width of your pad.
2) sc in 2nd chain from hook and across. Chain 1 turn.
2) Continue with rows of single crochet until you reach your desired length for the pad. Finish off.

Hood:
The hood should create a semi-circular “cave” over the base. We use a marriage of craft and math to determine its size.

1)using whatever material you choose and an appropriate sized hook, create a chain with length equal to the width of your base pad. Add another two chains
2) HDC is 3rc chain from hook and across. Chain two. Turn.
3) HDC across the row. Chain 2, turn.
3) Now stop and count the number of stitches in this first row. Multiply that number by 1.5. This is the number of stitches you will want in your final row. (If the number of stitches in the first row is the diameter of a circle - stitches * pi = circumference. Half of the circumference should be the length of the last row of the hood. Multiplying by 1.5 is a roughly the right size – if you need to round – always round up.
4) Continue with rows of HDC increasing 2 stitches in each row ( for each row do Two HDC in the first stitch, one HDC across, and Two HDC in the last stitch) until your last row is the number of stitches you calculated in step 3.
5) Now continue with rows of HDC (no more increases) until the hood is the length that you want – should be about 2/3rds the depth of the pad. Finish off.

Hood Trim:
If you choose to trim the hood with novelty yarn like Jai Alai, Fun Fur, etc, use two strands of novelty yarn and an appropriate size hook.

1) Attach the novelty yarn with a chain to the first stitch of your last row, and sc across. Depending on the size of your yarns, you may need to put 2 sc in each stitch. Eyeball it – when it looks right to you, it’s right. Chain 1 turn
2) SC across. Finish off

Base Trim:
You can trim the front of the base pad with matching or contrast color trim, and add pom poms, tassels, or spirals as attached cat toys.

1) Create 2 toys. (for pom-poms or tassels, wrap the yarn around three or four fingers several times. Run a piece of yarn through the loop and tie. Cut the opposite side. Depending on how many times you wrap, you will have a pom pom or a tassel. For a spiral: make a chain at least 4 inches long, Turn and put 2 hdc in each chain stitch. The yarn will start to create a spiral. Continue until the spiral twists 3-5 times and end off.
2) Attach your yarn to one toy, and make a chain 8-12 inches long.
3) Slip stitch to the front corner of your base pad
4) SC across the length of the base pad (do not finish off!)
5) Chain for 8-12 inches
6) Attach the second toy to the end of the chain. Finish off.


Assembly:
(using matching yarn or twine and large eye needle)
Sew short side of hood to back edge of base pad.
Line up the sides and sew them so the top creates a floppy cave.



This is an original copyrighted pattern. Please feel free to use if for personal use and for charity donations. Do not post this pattern on other sites, but feel free to posts links to this page.

Crocheting to feel better.

The hard times in my life have taught me something about myself. I feel things very deeply, and when things get bad, I can be overcome with my emotions. I need to figure out what I can learn from the bad times, and how I can empower myself to make a difference - otherwise I can quickly sink into a bad emotional place.

When my first cat, Pepper, died I was devastated. I went to work, but that's about it. Wouldn't talk to anyone on the phone, and I cried all the time. I swore I would never get another pet - it was too painful. Three weeks later I adopted Bogey and Birdie. They didn't replace Pepper, but they became family. Bogey is my crazy, easy-going, cool cat. Birdie was the sweetest. She had a streak of Diva in her, but she was lovable, and gentle and oh so pretty.

Losing her hurts. I know that bringing Gordo into our family was the right thing to do. He's so scared and freaked out, but he's a gentle loving kittie. He's been hiding since he came home, but last night when I came home from work he sat on my lap all evening. Of course when I woke up this morning I searched and searched - almost bringing myself to a panic. I mean, where can a 25 pound cat hide (I really think he weighs more than 20 pounds). Eventually I found him under the bed - didn't think he could fit.

Anyway. The point of the post is that adopting Gordo helps, but I want to "do" something for my Birdie. I have ordered a memorial stone to put over her grave, but that's buying - not "doing".

It occurred to me that most of the crocheting that I do is for gifts or for charity. I've made chemo caps and comfortghans in the hope of making someone feel a bit better, and now it's time to crochet something to make me feel better.

I decided that I wanted to design a cat blanket. I can make some and donate them to the local shelter, and I can share the pattern in the hopes that maybe other folks will make some for shelters in their area (or for their own furry friends!).

I thought about Birdie. About what she liked, what she did, and who she was, and I came up with the perfect concept!!! A blanket that she would approve of that I could make in her name!

So last night I started crocheting. The first one will be for Gordo - as I crocheted, he seemed to like it (he was on my lap). This will be the deluxe version - the supplies cost a bit and a 25 pound cat needs a really big blanket. Then I'll do a more "everyday" version for normal sized cats and kittens using regular worsted weight yarns - one that can be inexpensively made and sent to shelters.

Wish me luck. It's important to me that this pattern is right! I want it to be something that will make me think of Birdie and smile when I see Gordo, Bogey or Scooter lying on it, and something that might bring comfort to some of the other kitties in the shelter that I couldn't bring home with me.

If all goes well, I'll finish this weekend! If all goes well, our cable will come back on and I'll be able to post photos and the pattern! :)

This will be Gordo's blanket. It will be a tribute to Birdie. It will also be my "comfortghan" - because it is helping me to empower myself to move beyond the hurt. Crochet can be a powerful tool.

On life and death

Today was a really hard day. I think hubby and I were in a daze. Birdie's death was so sudden and so unexpected. Our pets fill a special place in our hearts, and it hurts so much when they're gone.

When we were talking last night, I was crying, and I said that as awful as it is when we lose them, our pets add so much to our lives and it's so worth the pain. Still the pain doesn't go away.

I've learned from experience that when I'm really hurting I need to do something positive. I can empower myself by finding something that I can do that will somehow make a difference. So this afternoon I talked to hubby and told him that we need to think about bringing another cat into our home and into our family. Nothing I can do will bring Birdie back. No other animal can replace her in our family and in our hearts.

We are lucky in that we have the ways and means to help another animal in need. We have enough love to share with another pet. The shelter is full of wonderful dogs and cats that were abandoned or strays, and if we can't bring Birdie back, we CAN make the life of another animal better.

I thought that perhaps this weekend we would go to the shelter and look into adopting another cat. Well, as someone wise once said, there is no time like the present.

So..... Welcome Gordo.



Gordo is 20 pounds of big beautiful teddy bear kitty. He's 7 years old and for some reason was given up by his family. He's layed back, mellow and very snuggly. He's a bit freaked out and is hiding, but Bogey and Scooter seem to be accepting him pretty well, and once he feels comfortable enough to come out, I think he'll fit right in just fine.

I would do anything if I could bring my Birdie back and make her healthy and happy, but I can't. I'm glad that I can offer a good home to Gordo.

Life is short

I'm very sad today. My princess kitty died last night.

I've had Birdie since 1995 and she was always a beautiful, sweet, fun, if somewhat dramatic cat. She was always quiet, but she was the intuitive one that would come lay with you when you most needed it. She had a big pudgy belly that waddled when she walked, and when she had something to say she had the most unique way of vocalizing. When she go the kitty crazies, there was never a cuter crazy cat - racing around the house and rocking in the rocking chairs. She love nothing more than a good butt scratch. She loved potato chips, and was the one who would steal food from your plate if you let her.

I loved my Birdie and I always will. Last night she was playing and acting cute. I left the room for 10 minutes, and when I came back she was gone. The shock of it all has me in a daze. I'm glad that she didn't suffer. Whatever happened happened fast. I wish I had the chance to say goodbye and to be there so she didn't have to die alone.

I held her for a long time, and then my honey and I buried her. We miss her so much, but she brought so much to our lives and to our family, and the pain of losing her is shadowed by all the joy she brought over the years.

I'll miss you so, Birdie! You always were a sweetheart. Rest in peace.

The thrill of completion.

After allowing myself to stress over my hobby, I just finished the two projects that had me worried.

The EA Cares Afghan is done. This was a really rewarding project!!!

I also finished the tea cozy that I made for my mom's birthday next month.

I still have many projects to get done soon, but no more stress.

The more you have, the more you need

It's been just two weeks since AC Moore opened a store near my job - the first in the area!! I have been taking full advantage of the close proximity and have been there several times. It's delightful. They have such a great assortment of yarn and run great sales! Who am I to pass up a bargain?

And then there is just stuff that you see and have to have. The other stores near me rarely have Tunisian hooks or double ended hooks. AC Moore does, so I bought yet another Tunisian hook and my first double ended. They have a great selection of pattern books, and even though my to-do list is rather long, how can I not buy a great book when I have a 40% coupon!

I finished up Holiday shopping for the the kids. Monster toys and models for the boys. Hello Kitty for the girl. All on sale!!!

Yesterday on a whim, I went in looking for an old fashioned knitting stand. I usually crochet in the office, and the desk ends up covered with yarn. If I have a knitting basket, I can keep my WIP in there and tuck it under the desk when I'm not using it. They had a really cute colorful one. I read the wrong tag, and thought it was $16.99. Compared to the prices I've seen in other stores this was a deal. I've seen them on-line for slightly less, but then shipping charges get add on. I took it and my 40% off coupon to the register. Woo Hoo! It rang up at $9.99 - I thought it was on sale, but this was actually the tagged price. With my coupon it was $5.99. Woo Hoo!

I'm supposed to cut back on spending, but crochet things are a necessity, and with my knitting stand my office is so much cleaner!

Ain't hobbies grand?

Busy but fun!

Well, after a bout of crocheting stress about how all the current WIPS were going to get done on time, I've calmed down and am able to enjoy crocheting again!

This weekend I focused on joining the squares for the EA Cares Monsterghan. This is rather big, but it's nice! Now that the joining is done, the edging is going very fast. It will be edged in red, white and blue - the blue is done and I expect the entire thing to be completed within the next few days and ready for mailing. I'm a bit disappointed that it is slightly rippled along the edges, but with so many variations is square pattern, size, and yarn type, I don't think I could have done much better. I so wanted this to be perfect, but then I realize it was made with love, and what is "perfect". The sentiment is what matters more.

In a few days this will be ready to mail to the family, and I can get moving with the tea cozy, baby blankets and rippleghans. :)

Election Day

Exercise your right to vote. While I would love it if everyone voted the way I do, our system is set up to give everyone a voice. Regardless of which candidates you support, get out and vote because we have the power to change the things we don't like in our government.

It should be an interesting night. I know that my hubby will be glued to the TV tonight as the results roll in. I think I will be too (except, of course, I'll also be crocheting!!)

Anyway, my good friend MJ shared this, and I'm passing it along.

While walking down the street one day a US senator is tragically hit by a truck and dies.His soul arrives in heaven and is met by St. Peter at the entrance. "Welcome to heaven," says St. Peter. "Before you settle in, it seems there is a problem. We seldom see a high official around these parts, you see, so we're not sure what to do with you.""No problem, just let me in," says the man."Well, I'd like to, but I have orders from higher up. What we'll do is have you spend one day in hell and one in heaven. Then you can choose where to spend eternity.""Really, I've made up my mind. I want to be in heaven," says the senator. "I'm sorry, but we have our rules."And with that, St. Peter escorts him to the elevator and he goes down, down, down to hell. The doors open and he finds himself in the middle of a green golf course. In the distance is a clubhouse and standing in front of it are all his friends and other politicians who had worked with him.Everyone is very happy and in evening dress. They run to greet him, shake his hand, and reminisce about the good times they had while getting rich at the expense of the people.They play a friendly game of golf and then dine on lobster, caviar and champagne.Also present is the devil, who really is a very friendly guy who has a good time dancing and telling jokes. They are having such a good time that before he realizes it, it is time to go. Everyone gives him a hearty farewell and waves while the elevator rises...The elevator goes up, up, up and the door reopens on heaven where St Peter is waiting for him. "Now it's time to visit heaven."So, 24 hours pass with the senator joining a group of contented souls moving from cloud to cloud, playing the harp and singing. They have a good time and before he realizes it, the 24 hours have gone by and St. Peter returns."Well, then, you've spent a day in hell and another in heaven. Now choose your eternity." The senator reflects for a minute, then he answers: "Well, I would never have said it before, I mean heaven has been delightful, but I think I would be better off in hell." So St. Peter escorts him to the elevator and he goes down, down, down to hell.Now the doors of the elevator open and he's in the middle of a barren land covered with waste and garbage. He sees all his friends, dressed in rags, picking up the trash and putting it in black bags as more trash falls from above. The devil comes over to him and puts his arm around his shoulder. "I don't understand," stammers the senator. "Yesterday I was here and there was a golf course and clubhouse, and we ate lobster and caviar, drank champagne, and danced and had a great time. Now there's just a wasteland full of garbage and my friends look miserable. What happened?"The devil looks at him, smiles and says, "Yesterday we were campaigning... Today you voted".DON'T FORGET TO VOTE TODAY!

It's a Girl!!!

Sugar and spice and everything nice!!!


I may have mentioned that my niece was expecting a baby. Her due date was Monday, but baby decided she wanted to make her grand entrance today!

My niece and her husband chose not to learn the babies sex in advance. Everyone wants a healthy baby, but I think they really wanted a little girl, and they got a beautiful healthy little girl with a head for of dark hair!

Her name is Olivia Liana (and I'm patting myself on the back because I had suggested Olivia, Grandma suggested Liana) a beautiful name. She was 21" long, 6 lbs and 10 oz of baby cuteness!

I couldn't be more excited. Without kids of my own, this niece is as close as I'm getting to be a grandma and I can't wait to meet and spoil this little one!

It's a happy day!!!

Double Hooking!

I have a killer headache. Took prescription pain killers and its not helping.

I didn't want to start joining the EA Cares Afghan when I feel badly, so I picked up my new double ended hook and tried my hand at cro-knitting.

Wowsa! This is sooooooo cool! I've only gotten a few rows done, but I am LOVING this! I see yet another addiction emerging!!!

Embrace Shawl

In my last post I talked about my new "Embrace" shawl. Here are pictures and patterns. It's a very simple pattern and will work as one size fits most. You can easily adjust the length and width of this pattern to make larger or smaller versions.

This pattern has not been tested, so if you find any problems or have any questions, please let me know.


Embrace Shawl

Supplies
TLC Amore ( 3 skeins main color, 1 skein contrast color)
I used Seaglass for my main color and Lagoon Print for contrast
K Hook (5.5mm)
2 buttons for pockets

turning chains do not count as your first hdc throughout

Back

Row 1: Chain 96, hdc in 2nd chain from hook and across to end, ch 2 turn (94 hdc)
Row 2: HDC in each chain across, ch 2 turn (94 hdc)
3-64: repeat row 2, end and finish (94 hdc)

Left Side

Row1: Chain 39, hdc in 2nd chain from hook and across to end, ch 2 turn (37 hdc)
Row 2: hdc across, 2 hdc in last stitch (increase one stitch) ch 2 turn (38 hdc)
Row 3: hdc across, ch 2 turn (38 hdc)
Row 4: hdc across, 2 hdc in last stitch (increase one stitch) ch 2 turn (39 hdc)
Row 5: hdc across, ch 2 turn (39 hdc)
Row 6: hdc across, 2 hdc in last stitch (increase one stitch) ch 2 turn (40 hdc)
Row 7: hdc across, ch 2 turn (40 hdc)
Row 8: hdc across, 2 hdc in last stitch (increase one stitch) ch 2 turn (41 hdc)
Row 9: hdc across, ch 2 turn (41 hdc)
Row 10: hdc across, 2 hdc in last stitch (increase one stitch) ch 2 turn (42 hdc)
Row 11: hdc across, ch 2 turn (42 hdc)
Row 12: hdc across, 2 hdc in last stitch (increase one stitch) ch 2 turn (43 hdc)
Row 13: hdc across, ch 2 turn (43 hdc)
Row 14: hdc across, 2 hdc in last stitch (increase one stitch) ch 2 turn (44 hdc)
Row 15: hdc across, ch 2 turn (44 hdc)
Row 16: hdc across, 2 hdc in last stitch (increase one stitch) ch 2 turn (45 hdc)
Row 17: hdc across, ch 2 turn (45 hdc)
Row 18: hdc across, 2 hdc in last stitch (increase one stitch) ch 2 turn (46 hdc)
Row 19: hdc across, ch 2 turn (46 hdc)
Row 20: hdc across, 2 hdc in last stitch (increase one stitch) ch 2 turn (47 hdc)
Rows 21-64: hdc across, ch 2 turn (47 hdc)

Right Side

Row 1: Chain 39, hdc in 2nd chain from hook and across to end, ch 2 turn (37 hdc)
Row 2: 2 hdc in first stitch, hdc across (increase one stitch) ch 2 turn (38 hdc)
Row 3: hdc across, ch 2 turn (38 hdc)
Row 4: 2 hdc in first stitch, hdc across (increase one stitch) ch 2 turn (39 hdc)
Row 5: hdc across, ch 2 turn (39 hdc)
Row 6: 2 hdc in first stitch, hdc across (increase one stitch) ch 2 turn (40 hdc)
Row 7: hdc across, ch 2 turn (40 hdc)
Row 8: 2 hdc in first stitch, hdc across (increase one stitch) ch 2 turn (41 hdc)
Row 9: hdc across, ch 2 turn (41 hdc)
Row 10: 2 hdc in first stitch, hdc across (increase one stitch) ch 2 turn (42 hdc)
Row 11: hdc across, ch 2 turn (42 hdc)
Row 12: 2 hdc in first stitch, hdc across (increase one stitch) ch 2 turn (43 hdc)
Row 13: hdc across, ch 2 turn (43 hdc)
Row 14: 2 hdc in first stitch, hdc across (increase one stitch) ch 2 turn (44 hdc)
Row 15: hdc across, ch 2 turn (44 hdc)
Row 16: 2 hdc in first stitch, hdc across (increase one stitch) ch 2 turn (45 hdc)
Row 17: hdc across, ch 2 turn (45 hdc)
Row 18: 2 hdc in first stitch, hdc across (increase one stitch) ch 2 turn (46 hdc)
Row 19: hdc across, ch 2 turn (46 hdc)
Row 20: 2 hdc in first stitch, hdc across (increase one stitch) ch 2 turn (47 hdc)
Rows 21-64: hdc across, ch 2 turn, finish off (47 hdc)

Attach contrast color to any stitch:
sc around entire edge (do 3 sc in each corner) to finish edge.

Assembly
Whip stitch front panels to back panel
Lay out flat on a table and line up all corners

Measure down 10 inches from the shoulder and whip stitch the sides together for 2 inches.
This will form a very loose sleeve, but leave the sides open.

Front Ties
Make ties using your contrast color
I created my ties using a spool knitter - I made 12 cords 12" long and sewed them to the front
(you can also create ties by attaching the yarn with a slip stitch and chaining for 12")

Pocket ( make 2)
Row 1: ch 22, sc in 1st st frm hook and across, ch 1 turn (21 sc)
Row 2: 2sc in first stitch, 19 sc, 2 sc in last stitch, c1 1 turn (23 sc)
Row 3: sc across, ch 1, turn (23 sc)
Row 4: 2sc in first stitch, 21 sc, 2 sc in last stitch, c1 1 turn (25 sc)
Rows 5-23: sc across, end main color, turn (25 sc)
Row 24: switch to contrast color, sc across, ch1 turn (25 sc)
Row 25: BLO sc across (back loop only), ch 2 turn (25 sc)
Row 26: 12 hdc, ch 1 (for button hole) , 12 hdc, ch 1 turn (24 hdc & ch1 space)
Row 27: BLO sc across (back loop only), ch 1 (25 sc)
Row 28: sc across - do not end off (25 sc)
Row 29: with wrong side facing, sc down side, across bottom, up side, end off

Position pockets and sew on with yarn or matching thread.
Position buttons under the pocket button holes and sew on.

You're done!

This pattern is copyrighted and provided here for personal and charity use only. This pattern may not be sold or published to other websites or electronic mailing lists, etc. Please feel free to link to this pattern on this site. Thank you.

Very Busy with the Hook!

I've been busy hooking lately and am loving it!!!

Last night I finally finished my Embrace. I blogged about this a long time ago! When my MIL had surgery in September I wanted to make something for her to take to rehab with her. Something that she could wrap up in, and that would be like a long-distance hug. I wanted it to be soft and warm, loose fitting but structured - it should loosely hug the body, but stay put so as not to interfere with wheelchairs, walkers, and IVs. The result was my "Embrace" - a cross between a shawl, vest, and a ruana - secured under the arms to stay put, tied in front to stay closed, warm and comfy, and big pockets - you need pockets when you are using a walker or a cane.

Well, Carole (my MIL) thrilled us all by healing faster than imagined! She never went to the rehab center - she went home after a few days in the hospital, and I'm glad to report that she's doing incredibly well!!! My first attempt at an "Embrace" was way too big, so I modified, reworked and finally finished last night! I'll post pictures and the pattern tonight! It wasn't finished in time for her to use in the hospital, but I figured that a long-distance embrace is always ok!

The current project that I am most excited about, though, is the EA Cares Afghan that I'm involved with. Several people - including some who have never really crocheted much before got together to make squares for an afghan. The afghan will be sent to the family of a fallen marine - a family whose story brought tears to our eyes, and renewed our respect for our troops and their families.

Heaven in a yarn store

A few weeks ago I drove past a strip mall near work and saw a sign that said "AC Moore - Opening Soon". Having heard about AC Moore Stores, and having never been in one, I was rather excited.

By chance, I drove by the location today at lunch and saw a sign that said "Now Open". Of course, like any respectable crafter, I made a change in course and went! Parked right in front and went in. It was a strange feeling! I walked in. Everything was clean and neat. The store even smelled clean and new! Happy employees whee everywhere - maybe 30 or 40 of them, and they all were friendly and cheerful! They all said hello as I walked by.

The store has their grand opening this Sunday, and today is the first day that they opened their doors to customers. Let me say that walking into this AC Moore store was a blog-worthy experience. I felt like skipping though the aisles! I was so excited! Everything was beautiful!

Then....I found the yarn department!!! Oh MY! This department is huge!!! 5 glorious walls of yarn - all lined up nice and neat. Prices clearly marked. More colors available than I could have imagined. Brands that I have never heard of. Heaven. It was heaven! And the assortments of hooks, and pattern books are just amazing!

I am one happy worm!