The Shtick I Do

Crafting around the holidays is a very hectic time; at the time of this writing, there are only 25 days left for me to get my stuff together .... and it's NOT together! Can you say "panic"? I'm holding things together so far, I have a few crosses that need starching (or glue-ing I should say since I use glue) and a couple caps to make for me to be finished.  One thing I did get completed is a scarf & hat set that I've fallen in love with and to put the cherry on top - my youngest daughter made the graph pattern for the scarf! How cool is that?!? Thank you Maeghan, I would still be trying to come up with something different if you hadn't helped me.  Here's a few images of the the cap and scarf. I kinda had a hard time with this set. I purchased the I Love This Yarn Neon from Hobby Lobby, it was the last skein they had. I kn e w that in order to make this set in only two colors I would need one or two more skeins. So I ordered ...

How was your Thanksgiving? Did you eat yourself sick and then go back for seconds? Or did you stuff the turkey then your face then your buggy? I couldn't believe it when I saw the ads this year for Black Friday (which is the fastest growing anti -holiday in America). Did you know that some crazy people, yes I went there, were lined up NINE days ahead of time for deals on TV's (not to mention the store would only have 8 of said TV)? Oh, and did you ever wonder if those crazy people take into account the money they lose in pay from real jobs, buying extra food for the camping trip, possibly new tents and sleeping bags? I can see it now ....  Man #1: "Hey Bob! How was your vacation?" Bob: "Oh, it was great! I was first in line at Blah Blah store to save 25%!" Man #1: "You don't say? Wow, I only saved 20% when I bought that TV in September." I say Boycott Black Friday and save yourself a lot of hassle. I might make shirts next year. ANY...

Let me start by sharing some news! This blog has had over 3,000 hits! I'm completely floored by that number. A big thanks and a bigger hug to all who have been dropping in to see my craziness! Please feel free to follow this blog by entering your e-mail address in the " Get Updates! " box to the right! +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Recently, I've been stressing over Christmas gifts; you know getting them finished and all that. Well around here the nights have been getting colder and the days are getting a definite crisp chill. I try to make a scarf for myself every year, with the scarf from the previous year being sent to Salvation Army, Goodwill, Homeless shelters, etc. This year, I've fallen behind. I sent all my other scarves away already! Let me tell you, I've been missing their warm embrace around my neck. One reason is, you guessed it, the Christmas gifts. Another reason is that I just couldn't come up with so...

I saw this on Pinterest and HAD to share with anyone that gets confused or forgets what those images on the yarn labels actually mean. So when I use this yarn, I need to be sure to let the recipient know:  (in order of the instruction images) Machine Wash in COLD water DO NOT Bleach LAY FLAT to dry DO NOT Iron DO NOT use a Dryer And for myself: FINE weight yarn (2) and ... Using a 3.5 mm Hook (US size E/4), crochet a square of 24 single crochet 26 rows long I will have a 4x4 inch swatch. This is useful and necessary information for you and the receiver of any of your lovingly crafted items. Remember this: giving washing and care instructions with every gift <or> order will make sure your creation stays in the best possible condition. Since I mentioned Pinterest , you can follow me here ! I'd be happy to have you join me in the crafters' version of fantasy football (that's how my husband describes it!).  You can also sign up via e-mail to rec...

Were you impacted by Hurricane Sandy ? The Eastern seaboard, especially the New England states, were devastated. Power outages in some of the coldest temperatures we've seen this year. Here in my area we were lucky. We got, depending on your elevation, between 18 and 29 inches of snow in just over two days. And yes, some people were without power and heat, somewhere in the neighborhood of 200,000 homes. That's not nearly what New England saw but it was enough. My family was extremely blessed during this crisis. We only lost TV, Telephone and Internet for four and a half days. Our power and heat continued to work! I became reacquainted with my DVD collection and since there was no school for those four days my children became reacquainted with one another (no fights! Yay!).  And that's why there was no post last week. Just in case you're wondering. On to happier thoughts! I finished five Christmas presents and thought up several more projects for myself in case ...