Cable Hat

Since I'm enjoying making cable blankets now, I wanted to find a pattern for a cable hat to go with them. I found this pattern online, and loved it! Today I tried to make a hat using this pattern and the green yarn I used for the ivory and green cable blanket.

The pattern is a bit tricky, but I think it's beautiful. Unfortunately, the yarn I used is a bit too thick to be practical for a baby hat. I think I got the basics mechanics of this hat down, but the finished product is thick and stiff and, in my opinion, too bulky for a baby. I will certainly try this pattern again, but next time I'll use a baby yarn that will be nice and soft and yield a hat that a baby can actually use.

I did want to share the pattern, though, because I really think its beautiful.

Cable Blanket

Well after a LONG time of not completing many projects, I finished a cable baby blanket. I used my formula, but changed it to include 7 cables instead of 5. My intention was for this to be an ivory blanket, but I ran out of yarn and couldn't find more, so it is half ivory and half dark green. It actually looks better than I expected - I thought the color change would be silly.

This will be donated to Marine Corps Kids, and I'm about to start a few more for some friends that are expecting.

Spring Cleaning

It's time to do the spring cleaning, and for me that includes finishing up the crochet projects that I started and never got around to completing.

I blogged several times about the hexagon blanket that I made for my niece's baby. Now that I know that the baby is a girl, I finished the blanket with a row of pink crab stitch. I like the way it completes the blanket edging quite much. I also made a little baby cap to go with the blanket.

Then I finished this little blue cotton cap. I made the cap, but never got around to finishing the brim. This hat will go to Marine Corps Kids.

I'm still working on the stuffed bunny for my niece, and also on a cable blanket for my friend's expected grandbaby.

It feels good to be hooking again!

My baby girl turns 4

Since my last post about the dog a lot has changed. First of all, we changed her name to Lola. We believe that she was abused by her former owners - perhaps not physically abused, but we think she was not given a lot of love and was yelled out. She's very fearful of men and she gets scared easily. It was suggested that we change her name so that she does not associate it with the way she used to be treated. She's a sweet girl so we thought Lola suited her well.

She is our darling. Tater the cat is not in love with her yet, but they are tolerating each other as well as we could have hoped. Lola ignores Tater and he deals with her. If she gets too close he hisses at her, but we haven't had any altercations.

On Tuesday I took Lola to school. We had a great trainer named Deb. She said that Lola doesn't need training - she's a good dog and well behaved. What she needs is to be more assertive. Lola is very attached to me and very fearful of others. We're working with her to overcome her fears - this involves a lot of hot dog treats with Lola seems to enjoy tremendously!

Today is Lola's fourth birthday! For the occasion I bought her a birthday hat (which she wasn't thrilled with but tolerated for a few photos) and baked her a peanut butter delight cake which she liked very much!

Relay for Life

Pardon me. I don't usually use my blog to promote personal causes, but this one is near and dear to my heart. Almost everyone has been touched by cancer, either through their own personal battle or through someone they love. Too many of my own family members and friends have fought cancer.

This year I am volunteering on the planning committee as well as participating in the American Cancer Society Relay For Life because I want to make a meaningful difference in the fight against cancer.

If you would like to help, there are many ways you can:

1) Look for an event near you and sign up to participate.

2) Sponsor my participation with a donation - every dollar helps and is appreciated!

3) Purchase a luminaria for $10 in honor or memory of a loved one. The luminarias line the track after sunset during our luminaria ceremony.

Thank you so much for your support!!

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