~ an octogon motif ~

Materials:
- 4-ply worsted weight acrylic yarn
- J hook

Size:  6 1/2" side to side

Note:  ch 2 at beginning of Rnds 1 & 2 does not count as a stitch

Directions:
Rnd 1:  Ch 4, join with a sl st to 1st ch to make a ring.  Ch 2, 16 dc in ring.  Join with a sl st to 1st dc.  (16 dc)

Rnd 2:  Ch 2, 2 dc in each dc around.  Join as before.  (32 dc)

Rnd 3:  Ch 4, dc in same dc.  Ch 1, skip next dc, dc in next dc, ch 1, skip next dc.  *(dc, ch 1, dc) in next dc, ch 1, skip next dc, dc in next dc, ch 1, skip next dc.  Repeat from * around.  Join with a sl st to 3rd ch of beginning ch 4.

Rnd 4:  Sl st into ch-1 corner space, (ch 4, dc) in same space, ch 1, skip next dc, dc in ch-1 space, dc in next dc, dc in next ch-1 space, ch 1, skip next dc.  *(dc, ch 1, dc) in next ch-1 corner space, ch 1, skip next dc, dc in next ch-1 space, dc in next dc, dc in next ch-1 space, ch 1, skip next dc.  Repeat from * around.  Join as before.

Rnd 5:  Sl st into ch-1 corner space, (ch 4, dc) in same space, ch 1, skip next dc, dc in ch-1 space, dc in next 3 dc, dc in ch-1 space, ch 1, skip next dc.  *(dc, ch 1, dc) in next ch-1 corner space, ch 1, skip next dc, dc in next ch-1 space, dc in next 3 dc, dc in next ch-1 space, ch 1, skip next dc.  Repeat from * around.  Join as before.

Rnd 6:  Ch 1, sc in same st, sc in each dc and ch-1 space around with (sc, ch 1, sc) in each ch-1 corner space.  Join with a sl st to 1st sc.  End off.

***Debi Y's pattern***

~ an octogon motif & Two on Tuesday ~

I was trying to think of a different baby blankie to crochet and an octogon shape came to mind.  I wanted to crochet just one large octogon, but it wouldn't work.  The larger it got, the more wavey it got.  So I stopped and took out all the wavey rounds and this is what's left.  It measures 6 1/2" side to side.

~~~~~

Two things that make me happy:

* tending to my houseplants

* being in my craft room
  
Thanks for stopping by and have a great crochet day.  :)

~ plastic canvas coaster graph ~

Here are a few links to help learn how to work plastic canvas:

http://www.craftdesigns4you.com/learntostitchpc.htm

http://www.aokcorral.com/projects/pcinstructions.htm

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bqv0TUaoZjM   (this is part 1)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NreCvg-XzhY&feature=related   (this is part 2)

http://www.freepatterns.com/stitch_guide/content.html?type_id=S&cat_id=5

~~~~~

Materials needed:
- 27 holes x 27 holes square of 7-count clear plastic canvas
- 4-ply worsted weight acrylic yarn
- large eye yarn needle
- 5/8" button (if desired)

Directions:
1.  Using the large scotch stitch for the brown square and the slanted gobelin stitch for the corner to corner stripes, follow the graph and stitch the coaster.

2.  Whipstitch the edges with brown.

3.  Sew on button at bottom left corner if desired.

***Debi Y's version***





~ a coaster and baby blankie 18b ~

I finished up this plastic canvas mug coaster this morning.  It measures 4" square and the colors match my dining room.  I love the little pink button with the dots (if I remember correctly, I bought it from Walmart).  I used to work with plastic canvas a long time ago - I might have to get back into it and work some small projects - it's very quick and easy to do. 

~~~~~

This is another baby blankie that I finished last night.  Actually, the crocheting part was finished 2 nights ago - I finished weaving in the ends last night - took me the whole evening.  Again I say, what a pain in the rear. 

It measures 22 1/2" x 28" and I crocheted it with Loops & Threads Impeccable in white and grey.  The pink is a discontinued Red Heart Sparkling.  The pattern is basically the same as the Purl Bee's, except I used double crochets instead of single crochets.  Here is the link to her pattern:

 http://www.purlbee.com/granny-stripe-blanket/

Thanks for dropping by and have a great crochet day.  :) 

~ so funny ~

My husband and I came home from being out and about.  He headed for the big computer, I headed for my laptop, and my son was already on his laptop.  We also have another old computer that my husband had to start up to retrieve some of his bookmarks.  I looked around and said "Jeez - this is ridiculous.  What in the world did we do before we had computers?"  My son Bobby looked at me and said "push hoops around with a stick."  He's so funny.  :) 

~ a hexircle ~

~~ A 'hexircle' - the 'squircle v-3's' matching cousin.  :)

Materials:
- 4-ply ww acrylic yarn (I used Loops & Threads Impeccable)
- J hook

Size: 5 1/2" side to side

Notes:
- ch 2 at beginning of Rnds 1 and 2 do not count as a stitch
- I crochet tight, so you may want to adjust the size of your crochet hook

Directions:
Rnd 1: Ch 3, 12 dc in 3rd ch from hook. Join with a sl st to 1st dc. (12 dc)

Rnd 2: Ch 2, 2 dc in each dc around. Join as before. (24 dc)

Rnd 3: Ch 1, sc in same st, ch 2. *sc in next dc, ch 2. Repeat from * around. Join with a sl st to 1st sc.

Rnd 4:  Sl st into ch-2 space, (ch 3, dc, ch 2, 2 dc) in same space, ch 1, skip next ch-2 space, 2 sc in next ch-2 space, ch 1, skip next ch-2 space.  *(2 dc, ch 2, 2 dc) in next ch-2 space, ch 1, skip next ch-2 space, 2 sc in next ch-2 space, ch 1, skip next ch-2 space.  Repeat from * 4 more times.  Join with a sl st to top of beginning ch 3.

Rnd 5:  Ch 3, dc in each dc, sc and ch-1 space around with (dc, ch 1, dc) in each corner ch-2 space.  Join as before.

Rnd 6:  Ch 1, sc in each dc around with (sc, ch 1, sc) in each corner ch-2 space.  Join with a sl st to 1st sc.  End off.

***Debi Y's pattern***

~ yarn, coffee and a no name hexagon ~

Yesterday morning my Mom had another Dr. appointment.  She was having a stress test done and I had alot of time to kill (the test took 3 1/2 hours).  Since I didn't want to go too far - I went across the street to the Bowie Towne Center.  I went into the AC Moore again and picked up some more yarn.

I also needed some coffee and the only place I could find was Starbucks.  Worst coffee ever.  It was so strong I could of made 3 cups out of it and when I dumped it out after deciding that I just couldn't drink anymore, it had coffee grounds in it.  Gross.  What a complete waste of money.  Give me McDonalds coffee anyday (or Tim Hortons if I'm in Canada) and I'll be happy.

I did have some time to crochet too.  Since quite a few people seem to like the 'squircle v-3' - I wanted to crochet a matching hexagon.  The only problem being that I can't call it a 'squircle' since it's not a circle in a square.  It's a circle in a hexagon.  Maybe 'hexircle'.  Anybody got any name ideas for me?

Thanks for dropping by - I wish you all a great day.  :)
    

~ Two on Tuesday ~

Two things that make me happy:

*  comments from my blogging friends

*  Pinterest love (from others) - http://pinterest.com/source/hooksandyarns.blogspot.com/

~ Squircle v-3 ~

~ version 3 ~

Materials:
- 4-ply ww acrylic yarn
   - small amount for circle
   - small amount soft white
- J hook

Size: 5"

Notes:
- ch 2 at beginning of Rnds 1 and 2 do not count as a stitch
- I crochet tight, so you may want to adjust the size of your crochet hook

Directions:
Rnd 1: With circle color ch 3, 12 dc in 3rd ch from hook. Join with a sl st to 1st dc. (12 dc)

Rnd 2: Ch 2, 2 dc in each dc around. Join as before. (24 dc)

Rnd 3: Ch 1, sc in same st, ch 2. *sc in next dc, ch 2. Repeat from * around. Join with a sl st to 1st sc.  End off.

Rnd 4:  Join soft white with a sl st into any ch-2 space, (ch 3, 2 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) in same space.  Ch 1, skip next 2 ch-2 spaces, 3 sc in next ch-2 space, ch 1, skip next 2 ch-2 spaces.  *(3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) in next ch-2 space, ch 1, skip next 2 ch-2 spaces, 3 sc in next ch-2 space, ch 1, skip next 2 ch-2 spaces.  Repeat from * 2 more times.  Join with a sl st to top of beginning ch 3. 

Rnd 5:  Ch 3, dc in each dc, sc and ch-1 space around with (2 dc, ch 2, 2 dc) in each corner ch-2 space.  Join as before.

Rnd 6:  Ch 1, sc in each dc around with (sc, ch 2, sc) in each corner ch-2 space.  Join with a sl st to 1st sc.  End off.

***The link for the joining rounds is over on the right sidebar - it says 'joining grannies'.

***Debi Y's version***

~ yarn, a crochet hook & baby blankie #17b ~

My Mom had a Dr. appointment yesterday, and after we waited for about half an hour they finally called her name.  When the nurse took her to the back I took that opportunity to run across the street to AC Moore.  I bought three 1 pound bags of mill-ends yarn - light blue, light grey and pink - and a size I crochet hook.  I got back just in time - 5 minutes after sitting down in the waiting room, Mom came out.  Perfect timing.

~~~~~
I made this hook handle when I got back home.  It's a swirled up red and white sparkle made with Fimo clay.  The beautiful doily was a giveaway gift from Lia of 'Lia's handwerk blog'. 

~~~~~
Finished up baby blankie 17b last night.  I crocheted it with various brands of worsted weight for the loopy flowers and Loops & Threads Impeccable for the background.  It measures 22" x 26".  Three more blankies to go and then it'll be time for another delivery.  This blanket was inspired by the 'daisy chain pillow' pattern from  'Color In A Simple Life'  :)

~ Two on Tuesday ~

Two things that make me happy:

*  a heart shaped box of candy from my hubby

*  wishing everyone a very happy Valentine's day   :)

~ Versatile Blogger award - part 2 ~

Cynthia and Carol from 'TwoLuLa' and Wink from 'A creative being' has very kindly passed on 'The Versatile Blogger' award to my blog.  I am always very happy and flattered to receive one.   Thank you very much ladies.  :)

Since I played along last Monday when Melissa from 'Lazy Daisy Crochet' awarded my blog this award, I'm finding it kind of hard to think of 7 more things about me and 15 more bloggers to pass this on to, so I'll only do a few.  So here goes:

1.  I've sold 5 'another Valentine's table mat' patterns (Yay!!) and got ripped off for 1 'Rustic heart plant doily' pattern (sucks!!)

2.  90% of my cooking and baking comes from boxes and cans.

3.  within the last couple of years, I have become allergic to mosquito's.

4.  I STILL want a chiwauwau.

And now I'd like to pass this award on to the following bloggers.  Remember, it's ok if you don't accept awards - I just want to let you know that I enjoy your blog.

1.  'A Tale From Toadstool House'

2.  Karen from 'colour in a simple life'

3.  Saskia from 'Crafty Valley'

4.  Esther from 'Happy in Red'

5.  Angelique from 'made with love'

6.  Marion from 'Marions bunte Handarbeitswelt'

7.  Caroline from 'The Kansas Hooker' 

Thanks for stopping by ladies.  :)  

~ granny square from Tara ~

Received my granny square from Tara of 'little things' yesterday along with some chocolatey treats.  I ate some of the 'coffee crisp' bar after dinner - it was good.  At first I thought it would taste like coffee but it didn't - I guess they call it coffee crisp so you can eat it with your coffee - how perfect is that?  Coffee and chocolate - 2 of my favorite things.  Thank you very much Tara.  :)

~ a square, a flower, 'Spring Meadows' and T on T ~

I received another granny square in the mail yesterday for my granny square swap.  It's from Sarah of 'Crochet by Sarah'.  Love the bright colors.  And as you can see, she also sent me a cute little Valentine's heart - Thanks Sarah!  :)

~~~~~

Sharon of 'Sharon's Eclectic Retreat' has posted her pattern for a little flower to embellish her crocheted slippers.  It's very cute and I can imagine lots of other things to embellish with it - barrettes, headbands, small purse, the corners of a baby blanket, and so on.
 

~~~~~

Finished weaving in the ends on baby blankie #16b last night - what a pain in the rear.  I crocheted this blankie with Loops 'n Threads Impeccable yarn - the colors are white,  kelly green, soft fern, - and a blue I already had in my stash.  It measures 25" x 29".

~ Spring Meadows ~



**Note:  to make any size rectangle - chain a multiple of 4 and then increase the number of the 3 dc groups along the side.**

Directions:

--there are pictures at the bottom of this pattern to start you off with the 1st rnd.

Rnd 1:  With white, ch 20, (2 dc, ch 2, 3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) in 4th ch from hook.  *ch 1, skip next 3 chs, 3 dc in next ch.  Repeat from * 2 more times.  Ch 1, skip next 3 chs, (3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) in last ch.  *ch 1, skip next 3 chs, 3 dc in next ch.  Repeat from * 2 more times.  Ch 1, join with a sl st to top of beginning ch 3.

Rnd 2:  Sl st over to ch-2 space.  (ch 3, 2 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) in same space.  Ch 1, (3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) in next corner ch-2 space.  Ch 1, 3 dc in next ch-1 space across.  {ch 1, (3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) in next corner ch-2 space} 2 times..  Ch 1, 3 dc in next ch-1 space across.  Ch 1, join as before.

Rnd 3:  Sl st over to ch-2 space.  (ch 3, 2 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) in same space.  Ch 1, 3 dc in next ch-1 space.  Ch 1, (3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) in next corner ch-2 space.  (ch 1, 3 dc) in next ch-1 space across.  Ch 1, (3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) in next corner ch-2 space.  Ch 1, 3 dc in next ch-1 space.  Ch 1, (3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) in next corner ch-2 space.  (ch 1, 3 dc) in next ch-1 space across.  Ch 1, join as before.  End off.

Row 4:  Join blue with a sl st to any corner space, (ch 3, 2 dc) in same space.  (ch 1, 3 dc) in each ch-1 space across.  Ch 1, (3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) in corner ch-2 space.  (ch 1, 3 dc) in each ch-1 space across.  Ch 1, 3 dc in next corner ch-2 space.  Ch 4 (which counts as a ch 1 and a dc), turn.

Row 5:  3 dc in next ch-1 space.  (ch 1, 3 dc) in each ch-1 space across.  Ch 1, (3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) in corner ch-2 space.  (ch 1, 3 dc) in each ch-1 space across.  Ch 1, dc in top of ch 3.  Turn.

Row 6:  Sl st into ch-1 space, (ch 3, 2 dc) in same space.  (ch 1, 3 dc) in each ch-1 space across.  Ch 1, (3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) in corner ch-2 space.  (ch 1, 3 dc) in each ch-1 space across.  Ch 4, turn.

Rows 7 - 44:  Repeat Rows 5 - 6 consecutively, changing colors when desired.

I only used 1 rnd of sc as a border - you can use any border of your choice.

***Debi Y's pattern***

~~~~~

Two things that make me happy:

*  starting a fresh new project

*  bright sunny days 

~ Versatile Blogger award ~

Good morning everyone - I'm smiling again.  Melissa from 'Lazy Daisy Crochet' has very kindly awarded my blog the 'Versatile Blogger' award.  What a great way to start my day.  :)

Now I must tell you 7 things about myself and then pass this award on to 15 bloggers - so here goes:

1.  besides my dogs Tex and Ladybug, I also have 2 gerbils - their names are Mugsy and Rocky.

2.  when I started menopause a few years ago, I would tease my son by telling him that I was going to grow a handlebar mustache (he hated that)  :)

3.  my husbands family lives in Ontario, Canada, so we spend alot of our vacations there. 

4.  after 30+ years, my husband still makes me laugh.

5.  during my short stint in the Army, I was assigned to 'Burial detail' for a couple of weeks.  I was part of the 21 gun salute (which is 7 soldiers firing 3 times).  And yes, I cried (quietly) every time.

6.  I cannot drive on major highways - I get very, very nervous - and a very, very nervous driver is not a good driver.

7.  I hate window shopping.  If I'm going to the stores - I'm going to buy something. 

Ok - now on to the 15 blogger friends that I would like to pass this award on to.  If you do not participate in awards - that's ok - I just wanted you to know that I enjoy your blog. 

1.  Kat from 'Hookin' It With Mr. Lick Lick'

2.  Sharon from 'Sharon's Eclectic Retreat'

3.  Heather from 'The Good Life'

4.  Charlotte from 'Charlotte's Web' 

5.  Pearlin J from 'Knottyville'

6.  Ruth from 'The Butterfly Bush Diaries'

7.  Shelly from 'Family, Books and Crochet...Oh My!'

8.  Vikki from 'By HOOKS 4U'

9.  Holly Louise from 'Crafty Holly Louise'

10.  Rob from 'Men Crochet 2'

11.  K from 'Aurora Blythe'

12.  Emma from 'The Log Cabin'

13.  Eileen from 'Crochet Attic'

14.  Madeleine from 'Yarn Madness'

15.  Barbara from 'Made in K-town'

and here's 1 more for good measure -

16.  Neicee from 'INSOMNIAC with a hook'

Have a great day everyone - and thanks for stopping by.  :)

~ it never ceases to amaze me ~

I am constantly amazed by the kindness of crocheters.  I see it on other blogs and of course, I see it here on my blog.  The comments that everyone leaves me gives me a smile each time I read one - and when someone crochets one of my pattern ideas and then shows it off on her blog - it makes my day.  And I'm gonna tell you - I was over the moon when I sold my 1st pattern. 

Today, I received in the mail a very nice surprise.  My friend Dana handcrafted a wood photo frame for me.  Dana painted the frame a pretty purple and then curley-q's were stenciled on - she then added rhinestones with the finishing touch being pretty flowers.  It will be perfect in my craft room with a picture of my grandsons.  

The card was also handcrafted.  She made it with beautiful butterfly card stock - she added ric-rac and a 3-D butterfly mounted on a round of matching card stock with little gold beads.

My day today was a good day - a really good day.  Thank you so much Dana.  And thank you to everyone who visits my little part of the world.  :)         

~ a yarn basket ~

Finished this basket up last night.  It took me a few days to crochet it because I had to take breaks - crocheting with 4 strands of yarn is hard on these old hands.  Thanks for stopping by.  :)

Materials:

- 4-ply worsted weight acrylic (I used Red Heart Super Saver - don't use the 'Soft' yarns)

   - 3 1/2 oz. each of 4 colors

- P crochet hook

- sheet of plastic canvas

- 53" of 1/4" ribbon

Size:  6" deep 13" across

Directions:

Rnd 1:  Holding all 4 strands together, ch 4, 2 dc in 4th ch from hook, ch 2.  (3 dc, ch 2) in same ch 3 more times.  Join with a sl st to top of ch 3.

Rnds 2 - 5:  Ch 3, dc in each dc around with (2 dc, ch 2, 2 dc) in corner ch-2 spaces.  Join as before.  At end of Rnd 5, join with a sl st to back loop of beginning ch 3.

Rnd 6:  Working this Rnd in back loops only, ch 1, sc in same st.  Sc in each dc around with 2 sc in each corner ch-2 space.  Join with a sl st to 1st sc.

Rnd 7:  Ch 1, hdc in same st.  Hdc in each sc around.  Join with a sl st to 1st hdc.

Rnd 8:  Ch 1, sc in same st.  Sc in each hdc around.  Join with a sl st to 1st sc.

Rnds 9 - 12:  Repeat Rnds 7 - 8 consecutively.

Rnd 13:  Ch 1, hdc in same st.  Hdc in next 22 sc.  Ch 5, skip next 5 sc, hdc in next 37 sc.  Ch 5, skip next 5 sc, hdc in next 14 sc.  Join with a sl st to 1st hdc.

Rnd 14:  Ch 1, sc in same st.  Sc in each hdc around with 5 sc in each ch-5 space.  Join with a sl st to 1st sc.

Rnd 15:  Ch 1, sc in same st.  Reverse sc in each sc around.  Join with a sl st to 1st reverse sc.  End off.

Cut plastic canvas to fit inside bottom of basket.

Weave ribbon thru hdc stitches of Rnd 11.  Tie into a bow.

***Debi Y's version***

 

~ new squares from Renee ~

Yesterday I received granny squares from Renee of 'Renee's Crochet' for my granny square swap.  They're pretty matching squares of green, blue and yellow.  Thank you very much Renee.

I might play around today with all the squares that have been sent to me and see how many more I would need.  At first I was thinking I would like to make a very large blanket, but now I'm leaning more to a medium sized blanket.  I'll let ya'll know.  :)     

~ SIBOL's 'Think Pink' blanket auction ~

SIBOL is auctioning a very pretty 'Think Pink' blanket on Ebay.uk.  Here's the link to the SIBOL blog where you can read all about it:

http://sunshineinternationalblanketsoflove.blogspot.com/2012/01/your-chance-to-win-sibol-blanket-spread.html

and here's the link to the Ebay.uk auction:

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/150749071523?ssPageName=STRK:MESELX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1555.l2649