African Flower Laptop Case (Construction)

The African Flower Laptop Case (Construction) PDF is now available for free download.

Here is the link: download now

This is for the construction of the bag only, the motif is not my design

Be sure to also visit Heidi Bears blog for a tutorial on the "African Flower Hexagon Motif"

African Flower Crochet Laptop Case

A few days ago, I found this gorgeous motif and just had to try it out. Saturday afternoon, James and I trekked into Kennesaw and picked up my choices of yarn - hot pink, lime green, bright yellow, and orange. The entire bag is made of 17 hexagons, each measuring about 5" across the flats. Hopefully, I will be able to post the "production" photos soon as the seaming is rather difficult to figure out. The clasps are Velcro dots.

My cotton stock has also been replenished. I have a few cones coming from my mom in Maine, and have 3 full balls of leftover cotton from the bag. I will also purchase some holiday colored ombre cotton to get started on my Christmas gifts.

September 11

Today is the 9 year anniversary of the terrible tragedy of September 11, 2001. I still remember exactly where I was sitting and what I was doing in my small classroom in northern Maine- hundreds of miles away from the World Trade Centers and Pentagon. The nation was quiet as everyone watched the first tower burning. We thought, "What a horrible accident" then all went still as the second tower was hit. Fear filled our veins -- it tore at our hearts. Even though I was only 11 years old, I remember feeling afraid. I asked myself, "How could people do something this horrible to other people?"

As I grew older and began to understand politics, motives, and world religion. I felt grieved as I realized the terrorists committed this act out of religious devotion. Questions such as, "Why would someone follow a religion which promotes and encourages shedding innocent blood?" then arose.

In my sophomore year of high school, I was required in my Honors English II class to read a biography. In the library I looked through all the usual choices - actors, musicians, presidents - then I saw a modest sized book tucked in among the others. "Let's Roll -- a biography of Todd Beamer." I'd never heard this name before, but was intrigued by the cover and blurb on the back.

After approving Todd Beamer's biography with my teacher, I dove into the text. It was so moving. Todd was a very active member in his church and was involved in the youth ministry. He had a family -- a wife, two boys, and a little girl who was born after the tragedy. On the morning of September 11, 2001 he boarded US Flight 93 oblivious (as all were) to the peril ahead. Todd and other passengers worked together to overcome the terrorists who commandeered their plane. Before the crash, Todd is recorded speaking with a 911 representative. He is said to have recited Psalm 23 with her and then said, "Let's Roll" before the passengers began their heroic actions to act against the terrorists. T

heir actions potentially saved hundreds and possibly thousands of lives!

On this anniversary, I ask myself a new question, "Are we to bring ourselves as Americans down a level and physically lash out against those who caused us so much hurt and anger"? In my humble opinion, the answer is absolutely not. We are not showing a good example by burning the Koran or discriminating against middle-eastern people. It is not our "mission" to hurt these people because they hurt us. We call ourselves "Christians," but are we truly living up to that name - or - are we justifying our "religious" choices with the Christian name?

After the attacks people across the United States came together to pray and grieve. Even though the person standing next to you was a stranger or a different race, there was a feeling of

connection - a desire to help pick someone up out of the dust and lend a helping hand.

Memorials sprung up across the nation, songs were sung, prayers were prayed, and tears were shed. Lets come back to this mindset of togetherness. We should use the foundation our country was built upon to show the world that we are proud to be Americans and we care about each other; regardless of our difference in race or values.

I say "Let's Roll". Let's come together as a nation; not to lower ourselves to a state of violence and anger, but to discover a Christ likeness and rekindle bonds between different peoples, values, and countries.

Out of the Rubble Comes New Life

Yesterday I was pretty bummed about my lack of cotton yarn to keep me sane between large projects. While waiting for my baking to cool - at 1AM again, I had an amazing epiphany. I only had small remnants of Red & Green Cotton, but not enough to make a full project… until now. Out of my cheerlessness over my lack of cotton came this absolutely adorable Yarn Eating Apple. Hooraaay!! To make this apple I used Peaches & Creme 100% Cotton for the apple (brick red) and leaf (light green) and Red Heart Super Saver for the stem (buff) because it dries faster. Used up all of my red and some of my green remnant.

Stay away Snow White -- this apple looks good enough to eat!

I'm still looking forward to the weekend when I can get out to the stores to purchase more cotton (I've already created a huuuuggggeeee queue of projects I want to work once I can build up my stash).

(Yes the Apple is on my Dell laptop. One can dream of a magnificent Apple computer!)

Here is the pattern titled, "Snow White, Beware". Click the image below to purchase.

For more patterns check out the sidebar -->

Scrub Me

Here is my latest pattern available for a Ravelry purchase. It costs $2.00. Each project only takes about 45 minutes to work up and uses very little yarn. I managed to make three cloths out of one ball of Peaches & Creme cotton.





Click this link to be directed to PayPal to purchase the pattern:



For more patterns, please check the sidebar --->

Taco Dip

Since I have been home during the days this week, I have been creating lots of new dinner dishes for James and myself. Tuesday I tried my old-favorite creation, "Pizza-roni". James was a pretty big fan!! Today, (Wednesday) I planned to make tacos, however when I went through our cupboards searching for shells, I found none -- only nacho chips! Sooooo, I improvised and came up with a delicious Taco Dip!

In the process of making the dip, I happened to check the nutrition facts on the taco seasoning packet. There are 560mg of sodium per serving 24% of recommended intake. WOW! But wait -- there are ***6*** servings per PACKAGE!! Next time, I'll be sure to purchase the "low-sodium" version.

Taco Dip Recipe

1lb Hamburger

1 Package of Seasoning (low sodium)

1/2 Package Lettuce

1/2 Package Baby Spinach

1 Cup Sour Cream (I only did half of the pan and used about 1/2 cup)

1 Cup Mozzarella Cheese

El Paso Taco Sauce (to taste)

1/2 Green Pepper

2 Roma Tomatos

1 Bag of Favorite Nacho Chips

1. Cook hamburger until brown and mix in seasoning according to package.

2. Layer in a pan -- hamburger, 1/2 of cheese, sour cream, taco sauce, lettuce, spinach, green pepper, tomato, and 1/2 of cheese. Drizzle with taco sauce.

3. Place in oven at 300F for 5-10 minutes until cheese on top begins to melt.

4. Gather around the dinner table and enjoy!

I made mine in a standard cake pan, there was enough to feed 3-4 people!! We're having left overs for lunch tomorrow!

The Story Behind Knitting Love

Knitting Love is an idea I came up with in January 2010. It stems from my compassion for mission work, giving, helping and serving others.

Psalm 139:13 in the New Living Translation says;

"You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body and knit me together in my mother's womb."

Also in the NLT, Colossians 1:15-17 states;

"He (Jesus) is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For by him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things were created by him and for him. He is before all things, and in him (in Jesus) all things hold together."

God loves us so much that He knit us together before we were born. He loves us intimately and knows everything about us. "All things were created by him and for him." We were created for God: for Jesus, and thusly are called to be His servants and do His work until death take us, or He returns.

Star Blanket

It is finished, the custom star blanket for Maddy is FINISHED!! Put the final touches on it at about 1:00 AM this morning!! :) The blanket is super cute and soft. It measures about 38" from point to "V" and about 46" around!! :)

The project took me a lot longer than expected due to our two week early move, but I'm glad it's finished and is going to be sent off soon!! I hope Maddy likes it!

New Items on Etsy for Sale

Check out my Etsy site for lots of new items including the unique Mermaid Scarf. There are many cute dishcloths, bath poufs, and face scrubbies!! Enjoy!

Cornrow Dishcloth -- New Ravelry Pattern

Check out the side panel ----> for more original patterns!

Hey everyone!! This is my new pattern posted on Ravelry! I call it "The Cornrow Dishcloth" The Cornrow Dishcloth pattern is very easy and is useful for fine tuning knitting and purling skills. It can be completed using any color yarn and looks great in both solid and ombre.

This is my first pattern. After some careful thought, my husband and I came up with the name “Cornrow Dishcloth”. The unique stitching in this cloth creates a look mimicking cornrows. During our honeymoon trip to Jamaica I got cornrows, thusly spurring the idea for this unique cloth.

The cloth has a garter stitch border to help keep it from curling with a nice scrunched center to really scrub your dishes. It can be made in any size by manipulating the number of stitches in the “Cast On” row.

I do not mind if you make this pattern and sell it, but PLEASE do not mass produce your product. Also please do not sell this pattern or re-produce to post on other media. If you wish to link, please refer back to the “Ravelry” page.

Rummaging

Today whilst unpacking and then organizing at the new apartment, I stumbled upon some projects long forgotten. Back in January on a Georgia "snow day" -- (I'm originally from Maine and the 1/4" snow accumulation here made me laugh, as did the 2 days off from work/school!!) I made a few baby hats. I then made a few smaller hats which fit wonderfully on baby dolls.

This item is available on my Etsy for $4.00.

http://www.etsy.com/listing/50002558/baby-doll-hats?ref=v1_other_2

Soon after this discovery, I found a flower pouch I made and really had no use for. I was about to toss it into my "frogged" pile, but then realized that my iPod Nano Video fit perfectly inside it. Hooraaaaay, for rummaging!!

This item is available on my Etsy for 3.00.

http://www.etsy.com/listing/50054378/flower-ipod-case

As always, I am happy to create custom orders for you! Just leave me a message!

Moving...

We are officially settled in our new apartment. Last Friday we packed up the moving truck and made the 1.5 hour drive south to our new place. Yes, ladies and gentleman -- I helped move a washer, dryer (from upstair) and a couch. It was hard work, and I could barely move the next day... but we are so glad to be here. My knitting/crocheting has been put on hold for a bit, but I've still managed a few small projects (mostly completed while commuting).

However, on my trip to Maine I was able to complete many more squares for my Granny Square Afghan, 2 fish motifs, a double thick potholder, and three granny square potholders. I also got a start on a custom order for a Starghan.

During the next few weeks (other than sorting through boxes for the apartment) I hope to get more done on the Starghan and work on some pot holders and dishcloths for the new apartment. I also have a Mermaid Scarf about 25% completed. Lots of projects to finish before I start anything new.

Airplane Crochet

On my recent trip up to Maine from Georgia, I crocheted at least fifteen 5"x5" blocks for my granny square afghan. Only 25 left in the blue and another 40 in the purple (plus the edging and seaming...) Lots more work, but it's keeping me busy on the plane. I was psyched when I discovered you could bring crochet projects on airplanes!! Pictures soon!

Auburn University Sun Hat

Here's my latest project!! A sun hat for an Auburn University baby. Made of 100% cotton in Navy and Sunburst Orange, this hat will shield the baby's face from the harmful sun rays. Sized to fit a 6-9 month old (head circumference 16").

I'm pretty excited about this project, it's super adorable and went up in less than 2 hours!! :)

Available on my Etsy site for $8.00.

End of the School Year

It came -- the end of my tenure at Northside. Our original class had 9 and over the year we lost a few, but gained many more. The year finished with a class role of 16!! Each and every one is special and has touched my heart in a way I will never forget. I am so very sad to have to leave my little ones, so I can return to University in July. The children have grown immensely over this school year, and I am so very proud of them and cannot wait to see what they will do in the future!

Even though this has been an extremely busy week, I still have managed to bust out a few knitting/crochet projects (and a few others on the side).

On Monday, the chaos began. I began to design certificates for the 27 little graduates!! Each child received a personalized certificate with their own special graphic. This is also when I decided to make a slideshow complied of many of the pictures the other teachers and I took over this school year. Tuesday, was the night of the dance recital. On this night, I also realized I had a dilemma. My husband and I had too many eggs at our house. What did we do to remedy this, you may ask? Bake three large pizza sized M&M cookie cakes, complete with a luscious butter creme frosting!! Wednesday was the "due date" for the certificates and the last bit of time I had to work on the slideshow. Late Wednesday night, I finally put the finishing touches on the slideshow, the songs "One Small Voice" and "Fingerprints" really gave it the extra emotional boost. On Thursday morning, everything was in order and it was time to set up for the ceremony. The ceremony was beautiful and the kids were ready for their summer adventures. Friday was less busy, but just as stressful and emotional as this was my last day as the afternoon teacher in Classroom L. Once again, I am so very sad to be leaving my little ones, but am also super excited to see where they will go and what they will do when they grow up!

Ok, so now for my projects (unrelated to daycare).

During this crazy chaotic week, I finished an Auburn University potholder (C), a stuffed fish toy (K), a few flower hair bows (C), and about 90% of an apple shaped potholder (C). It surely has been a busy week, but I squeezed out the time to work on a few small projects. I think working with yarn relaxes me :)

Mothers Day Surprise Gift

On my last post, I mentioned a project which was a surprise for my mom. She has finally received it in the mail, so I can now post pictures -- its a Boston Terrier dishcloth! I found the pattern on Ravelry, "Boston Terrier Portrait Dishcloth, by Evelyn A. Clark". It was a fast and easy knit, I very much enjoyed this project.

More good news, Hunny (the Boston Terrier I made the get well star blanket for) ended up not needing surgery! The bulge on her foot disappeared, just a few days before she was scheduled to have it removed -- Hooray!! ;)

Boston Terrier Galore

Wow, the last few weeks have flown by. I haven't done loads of crochet or knit work, but I have managed to complete a few small projects (all Boston Terrier themed).

The first is "Hunny's After Surgery Blanket". My Boston Terrier, Hunny is going in for surgery on May 10th to remove a possibly malignant growth from between the pads on her paw. She is very active and playful, and this will set her back for a few weeks. The blanket will hopefully help to relax her while she recovers. The pattern is from "Beth's Little Star Afghan".

The second project is Hunny's "No-No Bootie". The idea came from the "no-no's" they put on babies arms after surgery to prevent them from pulling out their IV's, stitches; etc. Hunny will have stitches on her paw, and my mom was worried about her pulling them out. This little bootie just slips up over her paw and is held with a draw string. The excess stings tuck into the inside, hopefully preventing Hunny to chew on her stitches. It will also serve as some extra padding as she will probably try to walk on her sore paw.

The third and fouth projects will have to remain secrets until after Mother's Day.

Free Pattern -- Crochet Tawashi Dishtowel with Cotton Flower Scrubbies

Tawashi is the name of the traditional Japanese scrubbing brush used to wash off dirt. The background on this piece is made with acrylic yarn to give extra scrubbing power for tough stuck on food, while the flower scrubbers are made of cotton for your more delicate dishes.

Crochet Tawashi Dishtowel

with Cotton Flower Scrubbies

Check out the side panel ----> for more original patterns!

Tools:

- Size 7 US crochet hook (4.50mm)

- 2.5 oz ball of 100% cotton yarn for flowers - I used Peaches & Creme - Lemon Lime (I did not use nearly all of this)

- 1 to 1-1/2 oz ball of acrylic yarn - I used some Red Heart Super Saver in White, I had left from another project.

Skills:

- Chain

- Slip Stitch

- Single Crochet

- Half-Double Crochet

- Double Crochet

- Treble Crochet

- Weaving in Ends

For Flowers (make 5):

With cotton yarn, Chain 6 join to beginning chain with a slip stitch.

Round 1: Chain 1, 12 single crochet into circle, join with a slip stitch.

Round 2: In same stitch, **Chain 1, Half-Double Crochet, Double Crochet, Treble Crochet, Double Crochet, Half- Double Crochet, Chain 1, Slip Stitch. In next chain, single crochet**. In following chain, slip stitch. Repeat from ** around, end with a slip stitch into the bottom of the "petal" of the first chain.

Weave in Ends

For Background:

Chain 33

Row 1: Half-Double Crochet into 3rd chain from hook and each chain across. Chain 1, turn.

Row 2: Single Crochet into 2nd chain from hook and each chain across. Chain 3, turn.

Row 3: Double Crochet into 4th chain from hook and each chain across. Chain 1, turn.

Row 4: Repeat Row 2

Repeat these four rows until piece is square, ending with Row 1. Weave in ends.

Finishing:

Pin the cotton flowers to desired place on background. With background yarn, sew around center of flowers, tie off and weave in ends.

Happy Crocheting. (Is that a word?)

Download a PDF version here: download now

(Note: I have only been doing crochet for a few months and this is the first pattern I have written. Please feel free to correct me if I have misled you. Also feel free to send/post pictures of your completed project. I am also on Ravelry and Etsy -- look me up sometime)

Laminin Cloth Pattern for Sale on Ravelry

Check out the side panel ----> for more original patterns!

Here is the Laminin Cloth pattern download link.

In my original pattern the Cross “t” was thinner than shown in the picture. The display picture has been photo-shopped to represent this, however the posted pattern download link will represent this new design.

Laminin is the cell-adhesion molecule. It shows that even though God is so big he still cares about us enough to be “intimately acquainted with each one and is literally holding us together,” (Louie Giglio).

Colossians 1:15-17 says: “He is the visible image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For by him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers, rulers or authorities; all things were created by Him and for Him. He is before all things and in Him all things hold together.”

Psalm 139:13-14 says: “For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mothers womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.”

Click on the link below to go to my Ravelry store to purchase the pattern!

We Have A Winner - LAMININ

Congratulations to Amelia Fox!

She guessed "Laminin" and was correct!

Laminin is the cell-adhesion molecule. It shows that even though God is so big he still cares about us enough to be "intimately acquainted with each one and is literally holding us together," (Louie Giglio).

Colossians 1:15-17 says: "He is the visible image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For by him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers, rulers or authorities; all things were created by Him and for Him. He is before all things and in Him all things hold together."

Psalm 139:13-14 says: "For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mothers womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well."

What a wonderful Easter message!!!

See more on Laminin here:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_e4zgJXPpI4

Happy Easter

There have been many close guesses, but still none that are quite right. Here is one last picture:

At this point in the picture, design is approximately 75% complete.

Hint #1: Psalm 139:13-14

Hint #2: Colossians 1:15-17

Keep Guessing!!

Keep Guessing

The first picture was little tough. Here is another with more of the design. It is about 65% completed. Remember, if you guess the design, you will receive it free. Keep guessing :)

Super Secret Special Project

Here is the first released picture of the "Super Secret Special Project". The first person who is able to correctly identify the picture will receive a free "Super Secret Special Project".

Leave a comment here or on Facebook and I will tally all the guesses and award the winner!

Happy Guessing!

Ravelry Account

In order to try and somehow promote my knitting and crochet shop, I have joined Ravelry. I'm not quite used to the database yet, but I'm sure I will pick it up quickly. Hopefully I will be able to keep each site up to date. I'm working on a few new projects, and also have a few "old" projects to complete. I'm swamped with pictures of completed projects which need to be posted. Someday life will slow down and I'll be able to catch up.

The link is:

http://www.ravelry.com/people/amjblondie27

Etsy Update

It has been a while since I have posted any new items to my Etsy. I have been so busy making gift items for friends and family, I have become waaaaay behind on my shop.

Here is the first of a few more hand made items to come...

-- Crochet Hand Towel and Washcloths (Set of Three)

The crochet items are among my first completed projects. (I have only known how to crochet for about 2 months.) The bathroom set actually turned out quite well, and I have managed to keep my tension nicely. Soon I will post my knitted sound and texture baby blocks to Etsy. They are quite unique because of their "crunchy and jingly" fillings. I am really excited about this set.

Starting Out

I have always had some interest in knitting, and pleaded with my nanny to show me when I was eight years old. She did, but I couldn't quite grasp the concept and my creations were riddled with holes and of varying widths. After many failed attempts to complete a decent project, I put my knitting away and decided it was not for me.

However, in my first year of college, I was challenged by a friend to knit him a scarf for a Christmas gift. I complied and once again sought the direction of my nanny. She 're-taught' me the basics and I was off. During that two and a half week break in 2008, I had successfully completed three scarves, two of which had cables. I was hooked on knitting.

During the second semester, I made many more scarves, dishcloths, potholders, and even a dog sweater. My 'addiction' has continued and two years later I am still knitting, and have even taught myself crochet. Both of my grandmothers have always been quite clever with yarn, and I guess I have acquired their talent.

Recently, I have started to create my own patterns and have received lots of praise from family and friends for my work. I hope to keep up with this blog and my projects so more people may enjoy the wonders of knitting.