I decided to ask Mina to design my Jack-o-lantern this year. Her Mommy sent this video:
I interpreted her drawing thusly:
A Taco Corral
I have often struggled with earbuds; I want to take them with me, but they get so tangled up in my purse that I don’t bother — and then I wish I had them. I tried putting them into one of my little crocheted bags, but that wasn’t any better.
While waiting in San Francisco International Airport for my flight home last week I wanted something to read. I didn’t want to empty the battery on my phone, so I bought a magazine (Real Simple, September issue). I don’t do this very often because magazines are really designed to sell you something, and I don’t want to buy. Anyway, there in the pages (p. 56) I saw:
My first thought was, “That looks like it would work as good as the twist tie I am currently using and it looks a lot nicer.” My second thought was, of course, “I could crochet one.” So I did:
Using 100% mercerized cotton and a 2.5mm crochet hook I started with an adjustable ring and single crocheted in a continuous circle for about 2.75 inches (diameter). At the end of the ninth row I made a 3-chain gap to be used for the button hole. I finished row 10 with a crab stitch. Going to my button box I found a pretty matching button — and there you have it.
Now, I will tell you soon how well it works.
Lalaloopsy Fashions
Here are the first two outfits, a crocheted dress with crinoline under-skirt and a short/shirt set:
August 6 New outfits: pajamas, sweater and socks, bloomers and shoes:
A new top to go with the bloomers
I have blue shorts/pants in the works yet; hope to get them done before I head to California on August 14.
Introducing: Pickles B.T.L.
Mina has discovered the joy of dressing and undressing her dolls and no longer needs a lot of help from her Mom. Trina asked if I could make some clothes for her buddies. I do enjoy making doll clothes, but I really want to have a model when I do it. I want to know the finished item will fit properly.
As well, today there was a birthday party for my great-nieces, and I needed to get a gift. Because Mina loves her Lalaloopsie buddies so much I thought maybe the twins would also like them.
The Target store just opened across the expressway from my house so I went over at opening, 8:00 o’clock this morning. They had a few Lalaloopsies, but nothing I really liked. I decided to bite the bullet and go to Fairway Road to ToysRUs. They weren’t open that early. But Walmart was. As a practice I avoid Walmart (dislike of some of their business practices) but today I went. I found what I was looking for:
Why Pickles B.T.L.? Because she has rollerskates, just like my favourite little girl:
And for Maya and Makayla I found soft dolls (I can’t quite understand the love of these hard plastic, heavy-headed dolls myself) Ember Flicker Flame and Mittens Fluff’nStuff.
So now I can begin making doll clothes. I have crocheted a shrug and shoes which will be mailed to California on Monday. I am working on a dress. So more posts will be coming.
Almost Easter
Wow, time flies, doesn’t it? Here we are in the last week of March. Hoping that snow disappears and doesn’t come back. Looking forward to Easter.
At the end of the week I fly to San Francisco to spend ten days with my kids in Santa Clara. I am so looking forward to the sunshine and warmth!
I’ve also been busy. Last year I made two little owls that I mailed to Mina for Easter.
This year I came across a very cute bag on the Red Heart website and just had to download the free pattern and make it. Here is my version (I opted to leave the wings off).
Yarn used: from my stash – mostly Caron Simply Soft, in a blue/aqua/pink variegate, purple and pink. Crochet hook size 6mm for double-strand bag body and strap and 4mm for the rest.
As well, I came across a bunny pattern on the Drops Design website — I love making toy animals; I have a big box full of them yet from when Simon and Trina were little. I had to make this one too:
Yarn used: again, from my stash – Patons Grace (beige & purple), Schchenmayr Catania (pink & black), hook size 2mm.
These items will go in my suitcase to be given to the wee girl on Easter morning.