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Tuesday, November 18, 2008

Fantasy Castle with Characters

This pattern would be easy enough to adapt for boys or girls.

**Disclaimer- This pattern has only been tested by me. If you find inconsistencies in the pattern, please let me know! Also, I had some issues with Blogger putting this pattern on, so if it is missing info..email me.***

**If you are worried about assembly, a Word Document picture tutorial for assembly is available if you email me.**


Fantasy Castle with Characters
by Elizabeth Mareno 2008


Skill level: Intermediate


Materials:Castle Yarn: 6 0z Heather Grey (used red heart super saver)
approx 4 oz Delft Blue or color of choice for building (used red heart super saver)
Small bit of black
Fiberfill
Large eye needle for assembly
Safety pin or stitch marker
G hook
N hook
1- regular sheet of plastic canvas, color doesn't matter.



Character Yarn: Small amounts of Off-White or other skin color, White, Watermelon (pink), Limelight (green), Black, Lavender (orchid), Yellow/Gold (Lemon), Light blue (or other eye color), Red for lips, Rust brown for saddle and princes hair. (All character yarn was Caron Simply Soft and Simply Soft Brites)
Small bits of novelty yarn for embellishments.
Fiberfill
Large eye needle for assembly
F hook





CASTLE PATTERN:
***Do not join rounds unless specified***



Castle Bottom: with grey and G hook, ch 2
(RS) 1- 6sc in 2nd ch from hook, do not join. (6)
2- 2sc in each sc around. mark the first sc of each row to help keep track(12)
3- (sc in 1sc, 2sc in next) around, (18)
4- (sc in 2sc, 2sc in next) around, (24)
5- (sc in 3sc, 2sc in next) around, (30)
6- (sc in 4sc, 2sc in next) around (36)
7- (sc in 5sc, 2sc in next) around (42)
8- (sc in 6sc, 2sc in next) around (48)
9- (sc in 7sc, 2sc in next) around (54)
10- (sc in 8sc, 2sc in next) around (60)
**At this point, cut a piece of plastic canvas to fit in the bottom of the base. Set aside.**
11- BLO (back loops only), sc around, JOIN with sl st to 1st sc. (60)
(WS)12- ch1, turn, in both loops sc in 1sc, (trc, sc in 3) 14 times, trc, sc in last 2sc (15trc) join. (be sure to push trc to RS of work, these will create bobbles)
13- ch1, turn, sc in each trc and sc around, join, (60)
14- ch1, turn, sc in 3sc, (trc, sc in 3) 14 times, trc in last sc, join. (trc bobbles should be staggered at this point in the pattern)
15- Rep row 13
16- Rep row 14
17- Rep row 13
18- Rep row 14
(RS)19- Rep row 13 (should be 4 rows of trc bobbles now)
20- do not turn, ch1, sc around, join. (60)
21- BLO, (sc in 8, dec) around, join (54)
22- Both loops, (sc in 7, dec) around, join (48)
23- (sc in 6, dec) around, join (42)
24- (sc in 5, dec) around, join (36)
25- (sc in 4, dec) around, join (30)
26- (sc in 3, dec) around, join (24) Put plastic canvas base in place and STUFF.
27- (sc in 2, dec) around, join (18)
28- (sc in 1, dec) around, join (12)
29- (sc dec) around, join (6)
CUT, Leave a long end for sewing, weave through last 6 sc and pull tight. Weave in ends.




BODY: with blue or body color, join to open rounds of row 21 with sc.
(RS)1- sc in each loop. join(60)
2- ch1, sc in 52 sc (52)
3-12- ch1, turn, sc in each sc.
13- ch1, turn, 2sc in 1st sc (increase made), sc in 50, increase in last sc.(54) do not join.
14-16- Repeat row 13 ending with 60sc on RS row.
17- do not turn, begin working in rounds again. sc in 1st sc of row 16(mark st) and each sc (60)18-24- sc in each sc around, moving marker to the first sc of the row as you go.
25- sc in 59, switch to grey, drop body color, sc in last sc, don't cut body color, crochet it in behind work.
26- with grey, sc in 3, switch to body color, drop grey, don't cut it, sc in 56, switch to grey(carry it over behind work), sc in last sc.
27-Repeat row 26
28- with grey, sc in 3, switch to body color, sc in 55, 2sc in next sc, switch to grey, sc dec over last sc and 1st of next row.
29-with grey, dec over 2sc, switch to body color, 2sc in next sc, sc in 56, do not swith to grey, cut grey.
30- with body color, sc in each sc, join and cut leaving an end to weave in.

**slip stitch a trim around door and window with grey


**Cut two pieces of plastic canvas about 10 squares wide and the length of the body. Whipstitch yarn all the way around the edges of the plastic canvas, then sew them into place on the sides of the building. The purpose of the yarn around the edges is to keep little hands from getting scraped by the plastic, and the toys from being snagged. The purpose of the plastic canvas is to add stability so that it stands on its own.





TOP: with grey, working from bottom to top. ch2
(WS) 1-10- Repeat bottom. (60) use stitch marker
11-12- FLO (front loop only) sc in each.
13-15- both loops, sc in each around.
16- (sc in 8, dec) around (54)
17 and all odd rows- sc around
18- (sc in 7, dec) around. (48)
20- (sc in 6, dec) around. (42)
22- (sc in 5, dec) around. (36)
24- (sc in 4, dec) around. (30) start stuffing
26- (sc in 3, dec) around. (24)
28- (sc in 2, dec) around. (18)
30- (sc in 1, dec) around. (12)
32- (sc dec) around. (6)
34- (sc dec) three times (3)
Cut, sew closed, weave ends.
**Sl st top to body using open loops on row 11. Leave row 12 open loops open.


ROOF TRIM: Using grey and loops on 12, join with sl st to any open loops with top point facing you.
1- ch1, sc in each loop, join with 1st sc. (60)
2- ch3, (2dc, ch1, 3dc) in join, [sk 2sc, sc in next, sk 2sc, (3dc, ch1, 3dc) in next sc] around to last 5 sc, sc 2sc, sc in next, sk 2 sc, join with sl st to top ch of ch3, finish off and weave in ends.



DOOR: with grey, make 2 pieces. ch13
1- sc in 2nd ch from hook and each ch. (12)
2-12- ch1, turn, sc in each.
13- ch1, turn, sc dec, sc in 8, dec (10)
14-16- repeat decrease pattern of row 13 until you have 4sc. do not cut at the end of row 16
17- going around the outer edge, 2sc in top corner, sc in each row end down side, 3sc in bottom corner, sc in each ch across the bottom, 3sc in next bottom corner, sc in row ends to next top corner, 2sc in top corner, sc in each sc across, join with 1st sc. (53)


**Cut a piece of plastic canvas to fit in between door pieces. Then assemble wrong sides together with plastic canvas in between working a whipstitch all the way around.
**DRAW BRIDGE RINGS: ch3, join, 10sc in center hole,join, finish off and sew on to the curved part of the door.
**DRAW BRIDGE CHAIN: with grey and black and N hook, ch60. String through the holes, the building, and back through the other hole. Make large knots to keep the string from pulling out of the rings.


STRAP: with body color
1- ch8, sc in 2nd ch from hook and each across. (7)
2-50- ch1, turn, sc in each sc.
Cut, Leave long end for assembly.
Sew strap to side. You are done with the castle.







PRINCESS: Using F hook and off white or other skin color, ch2
1- 6sc in 2nd ch from hook (6)
2- 2sc in each (12)
3- (sc in 1, 2sc in next) around (18)
4-8- sc in each.
9- sc dec around. (9) Stuff
10- (sc in 1, sc dec) around (6)
11- sc in each
12-2sc in each (12)
13- Change to dress color, (sc in 1, 2sc in next) around (18)
14-18sc in each.
19- BLO, sc in each
20-21- both loops, sc in each.
22- (sc in 1, sc dec) around (12) Stuff
23- (dec) around. (6) sl st to join, finish off, weave end tightening up bottom.

SKIRT: with dress color, in open loops of round 19 of body, join with sl st.
1- ch4, 2trc in sm sp, 3 trc in each loop around, join. (54)
2- ch4, trc in each, join.
3- ch4, trc in sm sp, 2 trc in each sp, join. (108)
4- ch1, sc in 1st st, (ch3, sk 1st, sc in next st)around, join. Finish off.


LEGS: make 2, don't stuff.
with black ch2
1- 6 sc in 2nd ch. (6)
2- 2sc in each. (12)
3- sc in 4, sc dec twice, sc in 4, (10)
4- sc in 4, sc dec, sc in 4 (9) change to skin tone.
5-13- sc in each.
Finish off. sew to bottom

ARMS: make 2, don't stuff.
with skin tone, ch2
1- 6sc in 2nd ch. (6)
2-3- sc in each. Change to dress color
4-10- sc in each.
Finish off, sew to body at row 12. Embellish dress with novelty yarn.



HAIR: with hair color
**join at row 2 around post of sc to side of face with a sl st. ch9, 3sc in 2nd ch from hook and each ch to the last ch, sc in last ch. (first curl)
**sl st around the next post and repeat curl.
**sl st around the next two posts and repeat curl pattern. (2 curls, space, 2 curls) you may need to go one extra space and curl to make it even. then sl st across front of head to make 'bangs'.




HAT: with dress color, ch2
1- 4sc in 2nd ch from hook. (4)
2- sc in each
3- 2sc in each. (8)
4- sc in each
5- (sc in 1, 2sc in next) around (12)
6- sc in each
7- (sc in 2, 2sc in next) around (16)
8- sc in each
9-12- sc in each.
Cut, leave a long end for sewing to head. Stuff lightly and whipstitch around the bald spot on the princess head.


**Embroider face.


PRINCE:
Repeat body as for princess, using shirt color and changing to pants color @ row 19. Eliminate the skirt.
Repeat legs and arms as for princess, using pants and shirt colors.
BELT: with gold/yellow, ch18, sew on around row 19.
HAIR: Embroider on using long stitch from front to back.
CROWN: ch14, join with sl st to make a ring, sl st in 4 ch, sc in next, hdc in next, dc in next, hdc in next, sc in next, sl st in 4, join, cut and sew on top of hair.
Embroider face on like princess.
Embellish the top of his shirt with faux fur trim or something brown and manly looking.







STEED: starting at the nose with white, ch2.
1- 5sc in 2nd ch from hook. (5)
2- 2sc in each (10)
3-5- sc in each
6- (sc in 1, 2sc in next) 3 times, sc in 4 (13)
7-10- sc in each
11- (sc in 1, dec) 4 times, sc in last (9) Stuff
12- (dec) 4 times, sc in last (5)
Cut and sew closed, set aside.
Embroider eyes and nostrils with black.

NECK: with white, ch9, join to make a circle, don't twist it.
1- ch1, sc in each ch, join (9)
2-7- ch1, sc in each sc, join
Cut, sew to head with eyes on top @ rows 10-12.

EARS: with white, ch3
1- sc in 2nd ch from hook and next (2)
2- ch1, turn, sc in 1st sc, 2 sc in next. (3)
Cut and sew to head with a slight curve.

BODY: with white ch2
1- 6sc in 2nd ch from hook. (6)
2- 2sc in each. (12)
3- (sc in 1, 2sc in next) around (18)
4- (sc in 2, 2sc in next) around (24)
5-17- sc in each
18- (sc in 2, dec) around (18)
19- (sc in 1, dec) around (12) STUFF
20- (dec) around (6)
Cut, leave long end, Weave ends pulling closed like the prince and princess.

**Sew head and neck to body on begin side of body, leave the closing end for the tail.

LEGS: Do not stuff, make 4
with black, ch2
1- 6sc in 2nd ch (6)
2-3- sc in each, change to white at end of row 3
4-10- sc in each
11- 2sc in each,
Cut and sew on to the body at the 'shoulder' areas of the body. It's ok if the fluted pieces of the legs overlap a little. The horse will stand on its own.

MANE & TAIL: Cut 4" pcs and latch hook them around sc posts on the neck. Put as much or as little as you like. Cut 4-5/6" pcs for the tail and fold over and latch hook to the butt.
Embroider bridle on with brown yarn, leaving long pieces on both sides of the mouth for reins.

SADDLE: with brown, ch4
1- sc in 2nd ch and next 2 (3)
2- ch1, turn, 2sc in 1st sc, sc in next, 2sc in last (5)
3- ch1, turn, 2sc in 1st sc, sc in next 3, 2sc in last (7)
4-6- ch1, turn, sc in each
(WS)7- ch1, turn, sc in 1, trc in next (push to RS, saddle horn), sc in rem sc.
8-10- ch1, turn, sc in each
11- ch1, turn, dec, sc in 3, dec (5)
12- ch1, turn, dec, scin 1, dec (3)
13- ch1, turn, sc in 3 (3)
Cut off, leave a long end for sewing to horses body.
STIRRUPS: before sewing to the body, attach w/ a sl st to the middle sc on one 3sc end, ch10, sl st in 6th ch from hook and next 3. Finish off and weave ends. Repeat for second side.
**Sew the saddle on, making sure the saddle horn lines up with the middle of the horses neck.

DRAGON: with green, ch2
1- 6sc in 2nd ch from hook, (6)
2- 2sc in each (12)
3- (sc in 1, 2sc in next) around (18)
4- (sc in 2, 2sc in next) around (24)
5- (sc in 3, 2sc in next) around (30)
6-11- sc in each around
12- (sc in 3, dec) around (24)
13- sc in each
14- (sc in 2, dec) around (18)
15-18 sc in each.
19- (sc in 1, dec) around (12) Stuff firmly
20- (dec) around (6)
Cut, leaving long end. Sew end closed.

DRAGONHEAD: with green, ch2
1-2- Repeat as for body
3-7- sc in each
8- sc in 4, 2sc in next, sc in 2, 2sc in next, sc in 4 (14)
9- sc in each
10- sc in 4, 2sc in 2sc, sc in 2, 2sc in 2sc, sc in 4 (18)
11- scin 8, dec, scin 8 (17)
12- sc in 4, dec, sc in 5, dec, sc in 4 (15)
13- ch1, turn, sc in 12, leave 3 undone. (12)
14- ch1, turn, sc in 4, dec twice, sc in 4 (10)
15- ch 1, turn, sc in 3, dec twice, sc in 3 (8)
16- ch1, turn, sc in 2, dec twice, sc in 2 (6)
17-ch1, turn, dec 3 times (3)
18- ch1, turn, work on row ends and rem sc, sc 16 sc around, do not join, begin working in rounds again, mark 1st sc of last row.
19-22- sc in each.
Cut, leave a long end for sewing to body. Stuff firmly.

MOUTH: with green, ch4
1- sc in 2nd ch and next 2 (3)
2- ch1, turn, sc dec, sc in last (2)
3- ch1, turn, sc dec. sc around row ends and open sc, 3 sc in corners.
Cut, leave a long end for assembly.

TONGUE: with red, ch3
1- sc in 2nd ch and next (2)
2-4- ch1, turn, sc in each
5- ch3, sl st in sm sp, sl st in next sp, ch3, sl st in sm sp, Finish off.
CUt, and sew on to the 3sc end of mouth without the red showing through on the bottom of the jaw.

EARS: make 2 with green, ch4
1- sc in 2nd ch and next 2 (3)
2- ch1, turn, sc
3- ch1, turn, sc dec, sc (2)
4- ch1, turn, sc dec (1)
Edge with sc in each row end and 3sc in each corner. Sew to head with wide part to the bottom and curve ear slightly.

**SEW HEAD TO BODY**

TAIL: with green, ch2
1-4sc in 2nd ch (4)
2- sc in each (make sure that the tail is right side out before continuing)
3- sc in each
4- (sc in 1, 2sc in next ) twice (6)
5 and all odd rows- sc
6- (sc in 1, 2sc in next) 3 times (9)
8- (sc in 1, 2sc in next) 4 times, sc in last (13)
10- (sc in 1, 2sc in next) 6 times, sc in last (19)
12- (sc in 1, 2sc in next) 9 times, sc in last (28)
13- sc in each.
Cut, leave end for sewing. Stuff lightly and sew to butt. Finish stuffing firmly before sewing completely closed.



BOTTOM FEET: with green, make 2, ch2
1- 6sc in 2nd ch (6)
2- 2 scin each (12)
3- BLO, sc in 4, (sl st in next, ch3, sl st in sm sp) 4 times, sc in 4 (8sc, 4 toes)
4- both loops, sc in 4, from behind sc in same 4 loops as toes, sc in 4 (12)
5-6- sc in each, join.
Cut, stuff and sew to bottom.



TOP FEET: with green, make 2, ch2
1- Repeat row 1 of bottom feet
2-BLO, sc in 1, (sl st in next, ch3, sl st in sm sp) 3 times, sc in 2. (3sc, 3toes)
3- in both loops, sc in 1, from behind sc in same 3 loops as toes, sc in 2 (6 sc)
4-5- sc in each.
Cut, don't stuff, sew on.

BACK SPIKE: with green, ch26
1- sc in 2nd ch from hook and each (25)
2- ch1, turn, (sc in 1, ch3, sc in next, ch4) repeat, join.
Cut, sew on to back starting between ears and ending at the tip of the tail.



WINGS: Make 2
1- ch3, 2dc in 1st ch. (3) This is the tip
2- ch3, turn, dc in sm sp and next 2dc (4)
3- ch3, turn, sc in 2nd ch from hook and next ch and dc across (6)
4- ch1, turn, sc in each. Outline around with sc , put 3 sc in tip.
Cut, leave long end, sew onto back shoulders equally spaced from spine and tail.

Monday, November 17, 2008

Coming Tomorrow!!!

New for you! The pattern for the Princess Castle with Characters!!

Yay! It only took me a year to get ready to post it!!

More FO's

Finally, the pictures of the finished Palin Socks for my mom. These were completed VERY late on November 3rd. So I was able to give them to my mom to wear to the polls for her 61st birthday. She loved them. :)

Here is my mom's sexy display. Ya gotta love mom's. :)


Close-up of stitches. First pair of lace socks. Not sure I'll make them again any time soon.

Some FO's.

First up. Slippers. Made them for charity, then found out I made the wrong 'kind' of slipper for this particular charity...so I donated them to my husband, who has never gotten a pair of slippers from me..*shock*

You can get this pattern here.

Next up, some more ballband dishcloths. The blue one I made with 1/2 cotton yarn and 1/2 acrylic yarn. The purpose behind that was to create sort of a 'scrubbie' dishcloth. I like the abrasiveness of acrylic for scrubbies. The pink one was the ultimate 'use up your leftovers' dishcloth. I ran out of yarn 4 times making this one...hence the multicolors.

This pattern is in the first Mason-Dixon Knitting book, which is a reeeeaaallly good book that you have to buy OR at the Elmore-Pisgah website for free, since they are the ones that invented it. :) You pick.


Since finishing these items, I have also finished knitting: two pairs of mittens, a neck warmer, a hat, working on another hat, 2 bibs (Baby Bibs O Love, MDK book), 1 burp cloth (same book), working on another burp cloth..hoping to make another bib and burp cloth after that before Friday this week. I have finished crocheting: A princess castle with characters. Yay!

Wednesday, October 22, 2008

I Have A Pet Peeve....

....and it's name is hypocrisy.

I have a cute little yarn shop in the downtown of my city. Next door to me is an alternative religion store that I and my family have nicknamed "The Ching-Ching Store". There are days that we can hear them 'drumming' for peace through the walls (brick walls). The people that work there have all manor of eco-friendly, men-hating, i'm a goddess, leaf-licking, tree-hugging bumper stickers on their cars. They have psychic readings and meditation and healing stones and organic pork (raised on the owners farm, which I have heard people commenting, as they pass my store's open door in the summer, on how they can't believe they sell meat in that store. *gasp*), etc. They, also, have the audacity to have a sign on their doors that reads: "Limited hours due to the Bush/Cheney depression". No lie.

So we share a 'yard' in the back of our stores. Here's where the hypocrisy begins. The people that own the store rent the upstairs apartment. There is a dumpster in the back yard used by both the store and the apartment. However, it gets very full and their garbage falls out and wafts over to my yard. Empty cigarette packs, empty sport drink bottles, cardboard box pieces, various other pieces of garbage, etc. You get the idea. It never gets picked up unless I pick it up. They, also, never cut their small swatch of grass all summer. Not that that is environmentally bad...it just looks so sloppy. The fence around their A/C unit is all a shambles...they just do not take care of anything.

How are they so enlightened? How are they so environmentally friendly when their yard looks like this? Remember, I get to share the mess, since part of this is my yard too. I'm honestly waiting to see if they pick it up. If not, I'll have to clean it, as usual.


Total hypocrisy. It's trendy to be enviro-conscious. But, when it comes down to brass tacks and the rubber meets the road. How many of them really are?

I don't label myself. I just live it. I, even in my ultra-conservative/non-liberal/non-bandwagon jumping/live for only ONE God instead of many lifestyle, know how to pick up trash.

It's called stewardship.

Tuesday, October 21, 2008

Homeschool Group Fieldtrip: Cranberry Bogs

Welcome to our homeschool group's fieldtrip. We did this about two weeks ago, but I'm a slacker and I'm late getting the pictures up.

Here we have a long shot from where we were parked. We walked the road over to where they were harvesting the cranberries. The open water is bogs that have been harvested already. The fields themselves look green/brown like the ones off in a distance in the picture. When the cranberries are ready to be harvested they flood the bog and a machine is run through the plants to pick the berries off the vine. Any that are not good will sink. Only the good cranberries float to the top for harvesting.


There is a very strong suction hose in the water with the cranberries. The men working continually push the cranberries towards the suction hose. They are then pushed up a conveyer belt through a machine that seperates the bog water and the cranberries. The cranberries are then loaded into a truck that will carry them back to the plant. This truck was almost done and another one was ready to take its place. At the time that we were there, they were harvesting about 9-10 trucks this size out of each bog.


Here we have Teo and his little possy: Trent, Anthony and Bryce. They are 3 of the youngest boys out of 8. Their family also has 1 daughter, she's the oldest. Notice the bogs waiting to be harvested in the back ground??


Here we have Stef with her friend Amy (she's the fourth oldest of 8 kids).


Here is another shot of the same bog being harvested from the last pictures. The men are dragging and pushing the cranberries towards the suction hose that you see to the left. The line going through the cranberries is the floatation part of the 'boom'. Which is what they place in the water to gather all the cranberries to the harvesting end of the bog. The water was about 40 degrees that morning, according to the guys.


The trucks then drive the cranberries to this holding tank and dump them in. Literally. They were very cautious about kids standing up on the edge, because if they fell in, they would drown. This holding tank is 12 feet deep and the cranberries are all floating on the top. The pressure and weight of the cranberries would hold someone under. But, OMGosh...that's like 6 feet deep in cranberries!


Then they travel from the holding tank to this conveyer system (which is REALLY LOUD) and pressure washed and seperated. Then they are conveyed once again into the back end of a semi-truck and away they go. They are driven that day to a factory several hours away. And these guys make about 2 runs a day like that. Crazy.


The particular cranberries that are harvested at this farm all go to the Ocean Spray company. These are all going to be made into craisins. :)

Cool huh?

Fruit Pizza

OK. Talk about being a "Pokey Jones"! I promised you this recipe back in March!! So sorry.


Pictures first, then recipe.





Fruit Pizza


1-1/2 cup butter
3 cups flour
2/3 cup sugar

Mix, put in a jelly roll pan. Bake @ 350 degrees until brown. Let cool.

2-8 oz cream cheese (softened)
2 tsp vanilla
1 cup sugar

Blend and spread on cooled crust.

Arrange any combination of fruits: apples, strawberries, grapes, mandarin oranges, bananas, etc. on top of cream cheese mixture.

4 Tbsp cornstarch
1 cup sugar
2 cups pineapple juice
2 tsp lemon juice

Cook until thickened. Pour over fruit. Cover all fruit.


I. Heart. Fruit. Pizza. Passionately.

Corn Tortilla Recipe

Here's the corn tortilla recipe I promised awhile ago. It and I are finally in the same place at the same time.

Corn Tortilla's

1-1/2 C AP Flour
3/4 C Cornmeal (Fine or Coarse depending on the 'grit' you want)
1/2 tsp Salt
1 egg
2-1/4 C Very Cold Water

Beat till smooth.
Heat griddle @ 350 degrees
Ladle out 3 Tbsp of batter onto griddle and quickly spread out to about 6".
Turn when the edges are dry, not brown.
Place on a paper towel to cool.

**My experience with these was the the middle looked too gooey to turn, but the edges were dry. Don't pay attention to the middles, they will cook after you flip them. Some of them I overcooked, some of them were just right. They will feel a little stiff coming off of the griddle, but they will soften up and become pliable while cooling.

I made vegetarian refried beans mixed with black beans on the stovetop. I mashed the black beans down a little so that they weren't whole. Then I served with cheese, lettuce, black olives, and sour cream. Hubby likes onions and nobody likes tomatoes in our house...but you can serve with regular taco meat too. This is what we ate for tacos when I was a kid. It's super cheap to make and goes a looooong way!

Friday, October 10, 2008

Palin Yarn Updates...

Remember this post?

Well, here is the first pair of socks from the Alaska Rose yarn in honor of Sarah Palin from Castle Fibers. These belong to my grandmother. Doesn't she have cute feet??

She ooohed and aaahhhed about how soft and comfy they were.


Here's the wierd part. Even after making that entire pair....I still have this much yarn left in the first skein!!! I can get another sock out of that!!


So I started this pair for my mom. I've never made lace before, but it's not much different from cotton dishcloths with lacy patterns. It's really quite simple. Also I didn't have any size 2 straight needles, so my dpn's are pulling double duty. This picture shows the first 9 rows of lace.

Yeah, 9rows of pattern gave me approximately one inch of fabric. This is going to be a slow sock.


tah for now!
biz

Wednesday, October 08, 2008

MMmmm.....

Hello, Beautiful.

Spinach & Artichoke Mini Bread Bowls from Schwans.


Lightly seasoned bread bowl. Artichoke and Spinach mixed with Mozzarella, Provolone, Parmesan, and Romano cheeses......

....You know you want to be a vegetarian.

Friday, October 03, 2008

A Really Wierd Song by My Kids



I say Gracia (pronounced Grassy-Ass) to the trees
I fall to the ground, so brown (like a clown)
And we disintegrate
And the tree warns us not to eat the yellow snow
But we never get a chance
Because we disintegrate
So save the owls (No!)
Save the squirrels (No!)
Just save the disintegrated leaves
(So they can try the yellow snow)



Yup. This is what I get to listen to on my way to work.

More Fingerless Gloves

Here we have the emergency pair of fingerless gloves that Stefani just had to have for the Homecoming game next week. Our school colors, in case you haven't figured it out, are orange and black.

The fingertips got a little long. But, she's going to be out in the cold, so that will be ok. This is the first time that I've made these with WW acrylic yarn and everything turned out a bit bigger than the wool does. I used bamboo dpn's on this and I didn't care for the way the acrylic stuck to the bamboo needles. If I do these in acrylic again, I'm using my metal dpn's.

Thursday, September 25, 2008

Some Completed Work and Some Stash...

To start with I finished Teo's slippers. They are the "Yo Mama's Fat Booties" pattern. Love, love, love this pattern. Easy peasy and really warm. I am going to have to make some for all of us this winter. It's supposed to be bitter cold and frankly I can't afford to turn the heat up as high as we would need it to stay super comfortable...so slippers it is. These are made from a wool/cotton combo called Bloom. Which despite looking high and low for it on the web...I have no idea where you can get it from. Apparently the company JoJoLand does not carry it anymore.


These were a necessity for T right now cuz....well, he was cold a week or two ago and the only slippers he could find were his sisters pink/glitter slippers that I had made her a few years ago.
And after watching him buzz around the house in those for a day...I decided he needed his own.
Notice the lovely 'construction zone' floor in my living room? Sexy, eh?


Now, to yummy yarnage. Here we have two skeins of loveliness. I purchased them while visiting Bayfield in August. And yes, I just took the pictures of them this morning. And yes, I have been THAT busy that I haven't had time to do anything with them yet. So I just take them out, sigh, pet them and put them back in their bag, about every other day.

1) Trekking, Hand dyed sock yarn. 100g/459yds. 75% Superwash wool and 25% Nylon. Colorway: Feuerland....which translates to me as gorgeous, earthy reds and browns. This skein is for me and me alone. I will be wearing a soft, warm, sexy pair of hand dyed socks.....someday.


2) Berroco Sox sock yarn. 100g/440yds. 75% Superwash Wool and 25% Nylon. Colorway: 1433 apparently. LOL. Which means it is mostly deep grays and browns with touches of deep gold, black and cream. This is for Tony. This is to replace the pair of Cashmere/Wool socks I made him last year and shrunk in the wash (they now fit my feet) this year. :) I know these aren't Cashmere...but I actually think they will make better dress socks than the last pair. And yes, that is me trying to make myself feel better for ruining his socks in the wash.


And the two of those together cost me the total of a meal out for my entire family. I'll say no more.

TTFN!
biz

Tuesday, September 23, 2008

Sweet and Simple Shawl Pattern

Sweet and Simple Shawl Pattern

by Elizabeth Mareno

You can purchase an ad-free version on ETSY or my website for $2.00



MATERIALS:
12.25 oz/ 350 g/ 1109.5 yds/ 1305 m
#2 Fine or #3 Light yarn
Black and White sample used 3-1/2 balls of Knitting Fever Chromatic- #2 Fine Weight with a G hook.
G hook

NOTES:
The beginning chain establishes the width of the shawl from neck to waist. That makes this shawl very adjustable both in width and length.
The material amounts listed will give you a shawl 24” W x 60” L.
If you want it longer than 60” and wider than 24”, I suggest you buy an extra ball or two of yarn.
Your beginning chain is any multiple of 3 + 2.

Gauge: 5 diamonds x 3 repeats = 4” x 2”
Gauge Pattern: (yarn used Patons Astra #3 Light w/G hook)
R1- ch26, sc in 2nd ch from hook, (ch3, sk 2 ch, sc in next ch) repeat across. (9sc)
R2- ch4 (counts as dc + ch1), turn, (sc in ch3 sp, ch1, dc in next sc, ch1) repeat across. (9dc)
R3- ch1, turn, sc in 1st dc, (ch3, sc in next dc) repeat across putting your last sc in the 3rd chain from R2’s ch4. (9sc)
Repeat R’s 2 & 3 until you have completed 3 repeats, ending with R2.




PATTERN:
Row 1: ch 92, sc in 2nd ch from hook, (ch3, sk 2 ch, sc in next ch) repeat across. (31 sc)
Row 2: ch4 (counts as dc + ch1), turn, (sc in ch3 sp, ch1, dc in next sc, ch1) repeat across. (31 dc, 30 sc)
Row 3: ch1, turn, sc in 1st dc, (ch3, sc in next dc) repeat across, make sure to put your last sc in the 3rd ch of Row 2’s ch4. (31 sc)
Repeat Rows 2 and 3 until you reach your desired length, ending on Row 2.
Finish off this end by placing a sc in each ch and st across. Cut your yarn.
Reattach in the first sc of your starting row. Put one sc in each sc, 2sc in each ch space.


Crochet Terms:
ch- chain
sc- single crochet (UK dc- double crochet)
dc- double crochet (UK trc- treble crochet)
sk- skip




© Bizzy Crochet and Design 2008

Monday, September 22, 2008

I FOUND IT!!!!!!!


Oh Blessed Day!! I found my design notebook after only 9 months of desperate searching, angry and irritated denial and finally sad acceptance that I may never find it again. Yay. So in honor of that I'm posting a few new, free patterns today!

Oh Joy of Joys!!!!

Tuesday, September 16, 2008

Eat Like A Vegetarian...

...sing it with me now....

Although, my title doesn't seem to roll off the tongue quite as easily as 'walk like an egyptian'. BTW. Why did we do that STUPID dance back in the 80's? and Why did we think the Bangles were so cool? She has such a whiny voice! Did you know that they are still touring?

But I digress, back to the subject at hand. Yes, I have decided to convert my eating ways to that of a vegetarian. Although, I will admit, I am not a 100% vegetarian. I do consume chicken and other fowl, as well as, eggs and milk products. How anyone survives on a vegan diet is beyond me. I may understand it later as I've been at this longer, but for now it's a mystery.

Why be vegetarian? For me it has nothing to do with the ethical treatment of animals...although, as a lover of what God has created, I think it's my job to treat animals ethically and it bothers me greatly when they are not. But, I also believe that animals were put here for people (not to be abused, mind you). I have done alot of reading on the Christian Vegetarian Association website and I agree with the majority of it, but I am not an 'animals come before people' type person.

My decision was based on this: beef and pork make me sick. I mean physically ill. I have been noticing lately that I have not been feeling well after red meat and pork consumption (and as of last Friday night, popcorn too). I mean like a rock in my gutt. And painful. So taking my cue from that I began discussing with my family about vegetarianism. As soon as I mentioned it's health benefits my family jumped on it. Tony and Stefani were on board right away. As of last week we very abruptly became vegetarians. We had to clean out the freezer, but that wasn't hard. I stopped eating meat immediately and felt, oh so much, better for it. Not to mention I have dropped 3-4 lbs. We will see how much exactly at tonights weigh in. Stefani wants to lose weight cuz she has gotten really heavy over the last 9 months. I think this is making a difference in her too. She was complaining yesterday of having to continually haul up a pair of pants that were previously too tight on her and now are getting loose. Last time she weighed herself she'd dropped 2 lbs. It may not seem like alot, but when you struggle to lose even 1 lb...2lbs is a big deal!

We had 'tacos' last night. I made my own corn tortillas...a recipe I will post later cuz they are virtually fat free and pretty tasty. We used fat free refried beans and I mashed black beans in with it, then just topped with cheese and sour cream. They were really good and really filling. That is one thing I've noticed is that the food is so much more filling. I can barely eat a whole plate of food anymore. Stefani went out to eat with her grandparents and later when I talked with her, I found out she made really good/smart food choices...other than the fact that her sub was a 12" and not a 6". Nobody needs 12" of sandwich. IMHO.

And like today...I was hungry, but not hungry enough to walk next door and get greasy food from the greasy food place (the thought actually turned my stomach). So I had some yogurt and an apple with peanut butter...which, BTW, has just become my new favorite snack (the apple and pb). Oh yummage! The perfect comfort food. It's my first time having it..I always thought it would be gross...oh no..it's brilliant.

And then last night at the football game everyone was talking about going to McD's or Hardee's after and getting their uber huge burger...I literally had the most disgusting image of a grease-laden, slimy, nasty, stinky burger in my head. I've never thought like that before. I could always see some redeeming quality in going to a fast food restaurant. I worked at Hardee's in high school and I can literally still smell the stink of the fat/grease vats that they had....omg...horrendous. And that is what those burgers smell like to me. I just cannot eat there anymore. If nothing else, it'll save us money.

So anyway. Just had to share some thoughts. As I get or come up with new recipes, I'll share 'em. Oh just have to share this beautiful website. I got lost reading it for like 2 or 3 hours one day...(see I got so lost, I don't know how long I read it!)....Vegan Visitor. Beautiful recipes and she's very witty. I can't wait to try cooking some of the things she has posted!

Happy eating everyone!

biz

Wednesday, September 10, 2008

Potholder Pattern

Hotpads/Potholders
(I would say these are by me, but I got the pattern from my grandma eons ago)

With Chunky or Bulky yarn & size I/J hook
ch 26
1- sc in 2nd ch from hook and each ch across (25), work down the opposite side of ch (do not increase in the corner) put a sc in each ch across. do not join (50 total sc)

Then continue to work in each sc around until the square begins to fold in on itself forming a 'hot pad'. (It will look like a bag or pouch by now).This will be about 10 rows for the chunky/bulky yarn. On one end I chain 6 to form a loop to hang it with. This is completely optional. Then when the edges meet together nicely without puckering or pulling...I simply whipstitch the edge together and Voila! you have a potholder!



Potholder/Hotpad with WW yarn & G/H hook.

Ch 36
1- sc in 2nd ch from hook and each ch across (35), working on the opposite side of the ch (do not increase in the corner) sc in each ch. do not join. (70 total sc).

Then repeat as for the Bulky/chunky pattern. Do the same for the loop and assembly.

It really is the easiest pattern. Just remember the edges need to fold in towards each other. If you are sewing it together in a big square...it's not wrong...it's just not this pattern. :)


Thursday, June 26, 2008

Fingerless Mitts

I have been on a fingerless mitts kick lately. These are pictures of only 3 of the pairs that I've made. I have been using this pattern:

Size 6 DPN's
CO 40 st. Divide them 12,12,16 on your needles.
K2,P2 for 40 rows
BO 6 st- finish row
CO 6 st- finish row
K2,P2 for a total of 60 rows(women's), 63 rows (men's)
BO

Super, dee-duper easy. And they take about 50g of WW wool. First two pics are Patons Merino Wool and the last pic is mercerized cotton.




Thank you Dooger and Tony for being my hand models!

Log Cabin Blanket for Dad- WIP

Obviously these are progress pictures.

This is from the Mason-Dixon Knitting book. However, I'm using stash yarn. I am only using wool for this blanket. So far I have Patons Merino wool and some Handspun Llama in there. Oh wait, also a yarn called Melody. That's the lighter green in the second picture. I wanted to show you my progress....but I had just cast on another row..grr..



Tuesday, June 10, 2008

Weather Resistant Clothespin Bag

How can a clothespin bag this cute be weather resistant?


Because it's made out of highly durable nylon Mason Line! Here's what Wikipedia had to say about nylon:
Characteristics
Variation of luster: nylon has the ability to be very lustrous, semilustrous or dull.
Durability: its high tenacity fibers are used for seatbelts, tire cords, ballistic cloth and other uses.
High elongation
Excellent abrasion resistance
Highly resilient (nylon fabrics are heat-set)
Paved the way for easy-care garments
High resistance to:
insects, fungi and animals
molds, mildew, rot
many chemicals
Used in carpets and nylon stockings
Melts instead of burning
Used in many military applications

(I italicized my favorite part!)

Here's the pattern: **This hasn't been tested, let me know of any problems!!**

Materials: Multipurpose Mason Line-twisted nylon. Uses about 10feet of line.
(pattern uses white and high visibility yellow)
G hook, stitch marker

ch31 with white
R1- sc in 2nd ch and each to last ch, 3sc in last ch, sc in rem loops of original ch to last ch, 2 sc in last ch. (62) do not join
R2- 2sc in 1st sc (mark 1st sc as new row), sc in 28, 2sc in next 3 sc, sc in 28, 2sc in 2, do not join.(68sc)
**Continue to move stitch marker up with each row**
R3-5- sc in each sc, cut white at end of row 5, join yellow
R6-22- sc in each, cut yellow at end of row 22, join white
R23-27- sc in each, cut white at end of row 27, join yellow
R28- sc in each
R29- sc in 10sc, sl st in 20sc, sc in 38sc
R30- sc in 10sc, ch1, turn
R31- sc in 48sc, ch1, turn,
R32-36- Repeat row 31. At end of row 36, ch19 and join with first sc of row.
R37- ch1, sc in join and next 4sc, sc dec, sc in 1, sc dec, sc in 29, sc dec, sc in 1, sc dec, sc in last 5sc and each ch across, sl st to 1st sc.
R38- ch1, sc in join and next 3sc, sc dec, sc in 1, sc dec, sc in 27, sc dec, sc in 1, sc dec, sc in 23, join
R39- ch1, sc in join, sc dec twice, sc in 1, sc dec twice, sc in 21, sc dec twice, sc in 1, sc dec twice, sc in 20, join
R40- ch1, sc in join, sc dec, sc in 1, sc dec, sc in 21, sc dec, sc in 1, sc dec, sc in 20, join
R41- ch1, sc dec, sc in 1, sc dec, sc in 19, sc dec, sc in 1, sc dec, sc in 19, join
R42- ch1, sc dec 3 times, sc in 14, sc dec 4 times, sc in 14, sc dec, join
R43- sk join, sc dec 3 times, sc in 6, sc dec 6 times, sc in 6, sc dec 3 times (incl sk 1st sc)
R44- sl st in each st, cut and finish.

You can put an edging around the opening if you want...but you don't have to, this doesn't stretch like cotton.

Here's a shot of the hanger I used. It's an 18" doll hanger. You can find them here if nowhere else. Otherwise, just be creative and mutate a normal hanger to fit!


Here is what the Mason Line looks like.


If I re-do this I will use straight white. While the yellow has a neat look to it, the dye used to make it yellow make the nylon very sticky-ish. It is hard to work with and makes your hands and arms tired. The white is silky soft and crochets up quite nicely. :)

Crafting Memories: Section 5 of the Memories Blanket CAL

     Crafting Memories: Section 5 of the Memories Blanket CAL Oh my gosh!! It's the last week of the Memories CAL already!! I can't ...