OPAM January 2010 Finish

Hurray! I have my first finishes! I have been knitting these scarves for my mother and grandmother :) I'm a novice knitter, and these were pretty easy, from a patter I found at here at Ravelry.I'm excited to give them as gifts!

One Project A Month Finishes for 2009

We are starting a new OPAM for the year 2010! You can read more about how to join and rules etc.here or by clicking on the One Project A Month picture on the left hand side of my blog. I'm excited to get started!

Just for the record:
Jan.: car trash can

Feb.: peasant blouse

Mar.: DD's quillow

Apr.: pink peasant top

May: doll for Craft Hope

Jun.: bandana tops

Jul.: fall star quilt

Aug.: curtains

Sep.: embellished dish towel

Oct.: recycled denim skirt

Nov. and Dec.: oops, I missed these!

Being more GREEN!

I used to use fabric napkins exclusively and then when I had kids I got away from that somewhat. Well, I am going back to using fabric napkins in an effort to be more "green". AND I just like the pretty fabrics and the feel of them as well. I think that using "art" or pretty things in everyday life makes people happy, or it should; so that is my other reasoning.

I do have to wonder what the impact of using more water and detergent makes on the environment and if the switch is really worth it from that standpoint. Myabe I need to switch to an organic biodegradable detergent at the same time. I also know that the trees used in paper production are replanted when they are harvested so they aren't truly being deforested in every sense. They still are able to clean and purify air and cool the area by their shade. They provide habitat for animals, but have an impact on the fauna in the area when they are cut down and reseeded. I need to do more research. There seem to be so many factors. What do you think?

One Word

Ali Edwards picks a single word to inspire her throughout the year. I selected a word for last year and found it was very inspirational. I have picked a word for 2010!

We went to the beach several times over the last week, so I wanted to share a couple of photos I took :)

Fire damages Titusville church – Florida Today

Fire damages Titusville church – Florida Today

This is our church and it is a sad situation. Please pray for us and for those who perpetrated the act.

Santa's Festive Honeypot Swap

Thanks Julie!

I received the most gorgeous ornament from Julie in the swap through Snickerdoodle Dreams! You can see her stitching is just beautiful! I adore it :) It came all wrapped in a pretty package and with a wonderful card too! Merry Christmas!

Holly Jolly Blog Bingo

Here is a fun little Bingo game being played over at In Stitches go there and join in on the fun! There are great prizes!

Free Crochet Christmas Stocking Ornament Pattern

I wrote this pattern down after I wrote my Busy with Yarn post. I have a complete inability to make the same thing over and over, but I am working on more ornaments with slight variations, I thought there might be someone else out there who would like the pattern :)


MATERIALS: Size H hook, single strand 4 ply or 2 or 3 strands baby yarn.
Made in rounds.
Row 1: Ch 12, sc in 2nd st from hook, sc in next 9 sts, 3 sc in end (toe) st, continue along the other side of the chain, sc in next 10 sts, 3 sc in end (heel) st. Do not join.
Row 2: Sc in each sc, 3 sc at end of each row.
Rows 3, 4, 5: Sc in each sc, do not inc.
Rows 6, 7, 8: Sc in each sc, dec 3 sts at toe, sc in sc to heel.
Row 9: Repeat Row 8, at heel, join with sl st, ch 1.
Rows 10-16: Sc in each sc around.
Row 17: Sc in each sc around. Join with sl st.
Row 18: Change colors for “stocking cuff”. Chain 1 and make 2 Sc in first sc and then 1 sc in each sc around. Join with sl st.
Row 19-23: Chain 2 and make 2 Hdc in first sc/hdc and then 1 hdc in each sc/hdc around. Join each round with sl st.
Row 24: Sc in each hdc around.
Join with sl st and break off. Weave ends into work. Turn cuff down over stocking and add a small piece of yarn in a bow to the top back for hanging.

If you find any errors, please let me know so that I can fix them!
Thanks for reading and have a Happy Thanksgiving (in the United States)!

Free Crochet Webkinz/Stuffie Sweater Pattern

Here is a pattern for the crochet version of my easy stuffie sweater that makes a quick and easy gift :) Thank you for reading :) If you find any problems with the pattern, please let me know so that I can correct it, thanks! I'm working on the stocking ornament pattern too :)

Super Easy Crochet Webkinz/ Stuffie Sweater

Supplies:

Worsted weight yarn (two strands- can be the same or contrasting colors)

Size N and G  hook

Instructions:

With size N hook, chain 18 for a lil’ kinz and 22 for a regular size webkinz.

You may want to leave a 6-8 inch tail for stitching at the end.

Row 1: Sc in second chain from hook. Sc in each sc to end.

Rows 2-7 Sc in each sc.

Row 8: (for regular size webkinz, add 4 rows here): Sc in each sc.

Optional: you may add a few rows here to make it longer

Row 9- 13: At beginning of row, skip one sc (or any decrease) and then sc in each sc to last two, skip another sc (or any decrease) before last sc.

Row 14: Sc in each sc.

Row 15: Chain 14 with the size G hook and break off yarn, leaving a tail for finishing.

Finishing:

Sew sides together (first 8 rows).

For a different look, you may easily change the stitch pattern to all sc, ch, sc and have a lacier look, or use any pattern stitch.

Benefit for Malaria

My 10 year old daughter made a painting to raise money to purchase mosquito nets for families in Africa after learning about the devastating effects of Malaria and how easily it can be prevented. 100% of the proceeds will go to a charity that purchases mosquito nets for families in need.

You can purchase the original or a print at my ETSY shop.

Welcome SITStas!

Hello all my fellow SITStas! I am so excited to have you all over for a visit!

Around here, I like things to be pretty and practical. I believe there is joy in using beauty and art in everyday life and that everyone has creativity of some sort (yes, that means YOU!) I mostly write about my family and all sorts of crafty projects I have going. I like to quilt, knit, crochet, scrapbook, and I'll try just about any crafty thing at least once! I like to make art and craft for good causes and I'd love to get in touch with others who do too! It seems I am always finding a new project :)

I grew up 11 miles down a dusty road from a tiny country town in Colorado. I became a "jane of all trades, master of none" while in the Navy, college, graduate school, and being a high school teacher in the public school system. I am now blessed to be a stay at home mom and wife to a pastor in central Florida. I am in my first year of homeschooling our two elementary age kids (gratuitous photos follow!) Welcome!

Here are a few links to some of my favorite posts:

More About Me

One of My Projects (a quilt)

A Knitting Pattern I Wrote (super easy knit stuffie/webkinz sweater)

 

Busy with Yarn

I have been busy making a few little things for a few friends :) Here are a couple of my latest projects... a baby bib and booties and a pattern I made up for a Christmas tree ornament. Oh, and a really interesting insect we found on the wall of the house...