Saturday with the Family

We had a really nice day today. After a morning of sleeping in we headed to our hometown to visit a friend. Then we went shopping! First off was Frys Electronics where I saw this...

CUTE! But I only collect My Melody items with red ears. The way God intended. So...no go.

Then we went to IKEA! I'm on a new eating plan and even though today was my cheat meal day I did not want to spend it at the Ikea cafeteria...so I walked the baby while my guys ate there.

I need a new dining set so I was mostly zoned in on that area. They have some cute ones. My decor of choice is "mid century modern"...clean lines, strong colors, bold shapes. Love it!

I feel in love with Tobias. Its so cute!

But, at $80 a chair, I will pass for now. I miss garage saling in my ghetto minivan. I could fit ANYTHING in there. But, now we have a midsize hatchback and I just cannot fit chairs or furniture in there if I am out with the baby. *sigh* There is always craigslist. Maybe I will get lucky?

 

 

Then, I chose what I wanted for my cheat meal. Pizza Hut. I had chicken alfredo pizza (three slices!) and 2 chocolate dippers. My stomach is still so full!

 

Tonight my focus is turning my new running shirt into a tank top with a DIY tutorial. I am scouring Pinterest looking for it.

 

Here is my shirt....

 

 

I know...its cocky. But, (sadly) it totally suits my personality. Heheh I am leaning toward this tutorial. But, that will have to wait until the morning.

I hope you are all having an amazing weekend. Take good care!! 

Night Owl

I swear I cannot get myself to bed at a decent hour! Am I the only one? The days with the kids are crazy. I homeschool so I have them both. Then in the afternoon there are always errands to run. I try to make Tuesday "errand day". But, something always pops up (i.e. I am out of milk, we need something for dinner, I need a certain kind of yarn to complete an order). When I get back home and my husband arrives from work I then hit the evening craziness. Dinner for us, feeding the pets, baths (usually thats the husband because he is an ANGEL!), jammies, teeth, reading, bed time. And for my oldest bedtime is closer to 10:00 now. So, when I finally get it all done I just love to celebrate by staying up so late that the next day I would be exhausted if I woke up at a decent hour. Seriously...it would be 3AM every night if I had my way.

So, what do I fill my nights with? Brace yourself. Its exciting:

TV...If I have to crochet something then I like some mindless chatter in the background. Lately, I have been on a Desperate Housewives marathon because they have all 8 seasons on Netflix. It makes me laugh but has enough suspense to keep me interested. I thought Susan was my favorite but post AA Bree kinda rocks. I am almost to the end of season 7 now.

Nashville...have you seen it? The show is new, but I dig the country aspect to it. The women wear great makeup and the guys aren't all complete scumbags. Yet. It's still early.

Biggest Loser. Jillians back! The show is useless to me without Jillian. I am a former personal trainer so Biggest Loser is right up my alley. Really, makes me want to workout afterward. It's nice.

And I Workout...after the kids and the husband go to bed I love to do yoga, aerobics...I have about 70 DVDs. It what I hoard. I don't keep them in their boxes so it really doesn't take up too much space. The hardest part is choosing which DVD to do. When I finish this blog here I am going to go do Bryan Kests Power Yoga. If you do yoga you MUST try this. He is awesome. He will ring you out, inspire you and bring you to a happy place everytime! ...and its an old DVD. From the 90s. He wears cutoff jeans, no shirt and has this super long flowing mane of curls. Ahhhh the 90s. And one of the students he is teaching is Seane Corn. She was nearly as ADORABLE and beautiful then as she is now. 

I am also attacking Beachbodys Insanity. I am not a Beachbody Coach. It seems everyone online that mentions doing Insanity is also trying to sell it. I bought mine on Amazon for WAY less money. I haven't been great about doing it yet. Its haaaaard. But, I will get on that.

Here is Shaun T from Insanity in the ONLY pic I could find him in with a shirt on. He is awesome and inspiring. I like him!

 

I also Read! But, I am not focused enough to be able to read while the kids are awake. Maybe when the baby gets older. My Christmas present this year was a Kindle Fire HD. OMG! If you crochet you NEED one. It holds PDFs. I never used to like to buy patterns because I would inevitably lose the file on my computer and if I printed it out it was just a mess. But, now I have all of my patterns on my Kindle. With me. Always. <3 It also lets me use Android apps on it and watch Netflix and Youtube...take pictures. Its amazing. Oh...and I can buy books without feeling like a hoarder. I only allow myself one hoard and thats the workout/yoga DVDs (oh...and some yarn)...

 

 

 

2013 Blog EVERY Day

So...lots of people are doing a photo a day for all of 2013. I'm going to instead challenge myself to blog at least once a day for all of 2013.

There are lots of reasons ...first of all, in order to do something well you have to practice.

One issue with this is that I do alot more than crochet so this blog is probably going to be as scattered as I am. More of a diary...with alot of crochet. Because, I do crochet alot. :) But, I have other issue (er... interests), too!

Yoga
Health
Fitness
Nutrition
Sewing (mostly fast, easy projects)
Parenting Teen and Toddler Boys
Homeschooling
Marriage
Photography and Editing Photos
Gypsys
Boho Decor
Vintage Pyrex
Mid Century Furniture
I'm all over the place! LOL

My goal for this year is to stay off of Facebook so much, pick up the hook more and satisfy my social media sweet-tooth with Instagram.

So, Happy New Year (again). May your year be full of caring, peace, authenticity, kindness, creativity, beauty and accomplishments!

Dory by Lisa Gutierez

 

I made this up last night after my swap package arrived. In my package was two skiens of BEAUTIFUL Red Heart Boutique Unforgetable in Tidal. GORGEOUS colorway. Pretty sheen to it. Worked up nicely and felt like I got alot of of the skeins.

Isn't it pretty!?

So I saw it and knew I had to get right to work finding an awesome pattern to use this yarn in. I found Dory by Lisa Gutierez. A beautiful shawl with scalloped edging. This is my first shawl. I dont consider myself a "shawl" person. It brings to mind Little House on the Prairie or mental pictures of sobbing women wrapped up in them. Kind of a downer and not terribly sexy. I have admired MANY shawls...they are amazing ways to display a gorgeous yarn or stitch. Just not for me.

But, I decided to give it a try.

Here is what came out of it. I spent all last night working on it!

But, this shawl is different. Made with this thin, lightweight yarn, with just a little shine it is more like a scarf...with shape and detailed edging. As a matter of fact I wore it tonight and it was just wrapped around my neck like a scarf.

Here is a link to the patterns website and here is a link to her pattern on ravelry. Enjoy!! If you decide to make one please send me a pic!!

I think my next yarn purchase online (can't find this in my stores) will be Red Heart Boutiques Unforgettable in Dragon Fly. LOOK at this color.

 

It would make some AMAZING fingerless gloves for springtime. Im a pushover when it comes to a royal blue that electric.

 

The rest of my swap package was really awesome, too! Books and journals and tea, oh my!

 

 

 



 



Star Dishcloth

I am SO in love with this pattern. This star dishcloth works up fast and the dishcloths are amazingly functional. Not too thick, so they dry quickly. Also, not too many holes so it doesnt feel flimsy when you use it. Two thumbs up!!!

Thank you for the pattern Janelle!

I survived Christmas Crochet!!!

I am SO excited to report that all of my Christmas orders have been filled and shipped off. I have not slept for a week. It shows.

 

The red headband is for my swap partner. :) I love rhinestone buttons.

 

I wanted to share a few of my favorites from this seasons crocheting.

 

 

So much cuteness! It was a really good season. Thanks to everyone that bought my hats. Happy Holidays. :D

 

 

 





Park Day and Christmas Crochet

Happy Holidays! We are full swing and its just lovely. :)

My husband is home on vacation this week and we are getting lots of very-needed down time.

I closed the shop to Christmas orders last night. I have kept up well but I have 25 hats to make in the next ten days and after that I am going to want to relax with some eggnog, I think. LOL I was going to ship a few a day but it soon sunk in how CRAZY that is. I am making them all...snapping some pictures and shipping them all out together. :) What was I thinking, 20 trips to the post office? *mumbles under breath*

The weather is cooling off here. Still sunny and pretty out, though. Which is nice...I cannot STAND it when it is overcast. In an effort to socialize my tot I am trying out a new moms club this morning. We are going to a park that is new to us and having snack and playtime. I will be working on a Hello Kitty hat while I am there.

Last night I bought Insanity...the workout program from Beachbody. I cannot wait for it to arrive. I got it from Amazon so it will be just two days. I will do some before/after posts. Everyone says its pretty tough. I love a good workout! My only concerns are my knees and ankles. They can get a lil stiff after a tough workout. *fingers crossed*

I hope this finds you all well! (((hugs)))
Mel

Fall Blahs

It is not even winter yet and I have the blahs. I've been feeling a little blah the last few days. Hormones and my husband is on call. So, he is working a ton. I have been eating EVERYTHING in sight. The weather is overcast and drizzling. I went to Target today and they declined my card. I came home to find there was no reason for that to have happened. I guess it was a sign...shop online.

I really need a great workout, a healthy dinner and to spend the rest of the night cuddled up with a ton of yarn. So, that is the plan. I am thinking pasta primevera with shrimp.

As far as the workout goes....I joined a gym back in June but it wasn't open yet. It finally opened last month (five months later!) and I am really not loving it. I am considering joining 24 Hour Fitness. The gym I am at is ok...but no child care and it feels really crowded with equipment. Kind of stiffling. I am hoping that I will be able to find a good deal at 24 Hour Fitness because the little guy would probably LOVE forty-five minutes with other kids a few mornings a week.

Having said that...there are some really awesome things about today.

I got my Avon order!! There is something awesome about coming home and finding boxes of Avon at your door. I got a few treasures for myself. I'll do a haul in a bit!

My little guy is LOVING ABCmouse.com. He is so smart!

...and I "think" my husband is close to getting home and might be able to stay a few hours before he is called out again! *fingers crossed*

Mel

Happy Holidays!

Already?! *collapses into chair*...when did this happen? Well, even though this year has FLOWN by I am still very, very into the holidays this year.

I have always loved the holiday season. But, the last couple of years have been a whirlwind! Marriage, moving twice (the last move was into our first house...hello epic amount of firsts), pregnancy, my first baby became a teen (gads), we began homeschooling, pregnancy and alas...a toddler. So much love. So much luck. But BOY-O-BOY did I spent the last couple of holiday seasons in a hustle.

Things are still wild around here. But, at the moment we have established a rhythm. Enough of a rhythm to settle in and start some traditions. To really "get into" the holidays more than we have the last couple of years. I looooove the holidays. So much glitter, decor, crafting, warm fluffy fun.

My goal for the holidays is one (probably pinterest inspired) craft per day! I am hoping to find a group that will share this with me. Community can really MAKE this time of year, don't you think?

Crocheting in the Etsy shop for the holidays can be overwhelming. But, I will keep it open until I feel overwhelmed. Yesterday, I made a wolf hat for a friend and I want to share how I did that.

Thank you for stopping by. Its a pleasure to see your pretty face!
Melody

Oh! I stopped by the mall today and got the baby his FIRST Santa pic ever. I know its sad...thats just how crazy the holidays were for the last few years! *deep, delighted breath*

 

 

 



And while I was there I grabbed a new lipstick! Kat Von D's Ever lasting Love Lipstick in Outlaw. I am selling Avon now (come here to like my Avon page buy from me!!) Avon has some AWESOME red lipsticks! But, I still cannot stay out of Sephora at this time of year. ALL THOSE PALETTES! I saw it and had to have it. Its the perfect red and has some severe staying power. A mommy needs tough lipstick if she has any hopes of it staying on all day.

Puppy Hat Crochet Pattern

My Izzy wanted a puppy hat...black with brown eyes just like our dogs. I got right to work...

 



I used a J hook for the entire hat. The brand of yarn was worsted weight Vanna. It is very soft. Red Heart Super Saver would probably have been a better choice if you want it to look "cleaner". In the pattern I will be revising something I did "wrong" when I made the hat in the picture. In my opinion anyway. The brown stitching around the ears is so messy. I wish I had trimmed the ears in black and then made a row of brown around the edges...next time! :)

I started with a basic beanie: My toddler has a 20" head. Using a J hook and worsted weight yarn, you are probably getting about 3 stitches per inch. Increase or decrease to your liking. But this pattern will be for a 20" hat.

BEANIE

At the end of each row of the hat, ss and chain 1.

1: HDC 9 times in a magic circle (9). Cinch closed
2: HDC 2 time in each stitch (18)
3: HDC around, increasing every other stitch (27)
4: HDC around, increasing every third stitch (36)
5: HDC around, increasing every fourth stitch (45)
6: HDC around (45)
7: HDC around, increasing every fifth stitch (54)
8-16: HDC around (54)
Fasten off. Attach brown yarn near the Fasten off stitch. Crochet over tails to keep it clean.
HDC around (54)
Fasten off.

NOSE:
DC 12 times in a magic circle. Cinch closed, slip stitch into first DC. Fasten Off. Leave a long tail.
EYES:
(make 2)...HDC 9 times in a magic circle. Cinch closed, slip stitch into first HDC. Fasten off leaving long tails.

EARS:
(make 2)
chain 7,
1: sc in second ch from hook and across (6)
chain 1 and turn
2:sc 2 times in first stitch and 1 sc in each stitch across (7)
chain 1 and turn
3: sc 2 times in first stitch and 1 sc in each stitch across (8)
chain 1 and turn
4: sc 2 times in first stitch and 1 sc in each stitch across (9)
Rows 5-13: chain 1 and turn, sc across (9)
14: ch1, turn, skip a stitch and sc across, skip last stitch (7)
15: ch1, turn, skip a stitch and sc across, skip last stitch (5)
16: ch1, turn, skip a stitch and sc across, skip last stitch (3)

begin sc around the edges of the ear.
Fasten off and leave a long tail.

attach the brown yarn and sc around the edge (not the flat top of the ear, that part will be attaching to the beanie), Fasten off. Work in the brown tail

ASSEMBLY:
Sew on the nose, eyes and ears wherever you like them using the long tails that you left after fastening off. Enjoy!!

Crocheted Toddler Slippers!

For my wild toddler that requested some green slippers (soon to be aligator slippers) I improvised. :)

I am really pleased with them...but the final test was Izzy. And he LOVES them.

 

And yesterday we took Pickles for a walk in her brand new jacket. Leopard suits her.

Crochet Swap

I have been VERY quiet lately. I have barely been crocheting at all. I play Final Fantasy 14 online and it is shutting down for several months starting tomorrow. So, I have been spending WAY too much time on there in preparation. But, that is done for now. I am really relieved to step away from the keyboard and grab a hook!

So many ideas.

But FIRST...I took part in a swap and just LOVE my gift package. Look!

Its totally cute! A little light up necklace, a knitted headband...love!

I sent her this:

 

She is a gnome fan. So I crocheted a little gnome pouch for her.

 

 

Here is a close up of the gnome pouch. I used a pretty little button with irredescent crystals to clasp it closed. It is camera/cell phone sized.

I used THIS PATTERN as inspiration. But after row 9 (starting from the bottom) I stopped following the pattern. I didnt really want the lines across the face and I wanted teh beard to sit differenly.

Swaps are amazing fun!

Yo Gabba Gabba Hat! Crocheted a Girly Plex

I made this to match a the jacked that my friends daughter is wearing this winter. :) She loves Plex from Yo Gabba Gabba. I added earflaps and ties to keep it securely fastened in the cold wind.  I love the little bows!

I started with all of these pieces...

Then did a little assembly...

Sew on the details with some yarn and a yarn needle (I prefer the metal ones!)...

And there you have it!!

I really enjoyed making this hat this morning. Very fun and quick!