The Shtick I Do!

This design was posted in a few groups on Facebook (and at This , this  and  this  site that I could find) and I happened to like the image that my brain designed from the posted diagram.  [Image removed due to possible issues pertaining to copyright, but you can easily visit these sites to see the original diagram. A Google image search will pull more than 200 results.] As you can see from the guide in the lower right corner, it's in Japanese (or something like that) and there's some notation for coloring with the inverted triangles. I didn't make any color changes when I was working on it and I happen to like the way mine came out. =D Now follow along CLOSELY with the pattern I'm about to write out for you. It sounds more complicated than it actually is, but if you don't pay attention, you could get lost. Materials : Any yarn or thread with corresponding recommended hook size scissors yarn needle for weaving in the ends Stitches Used ...

I went on a Facebook and Pinterest search this morning and guess what? I could NOT find what I was looking for! Not surprising considering all the information that streams through those two social media sites but still . . . it's a bit irritating. Does anyone remember the Sears Catalog? Okay, if you do, you know what I mean when I say "it was like trying to find something a second time in the Sears Catalog" . Those of you that don't have a clue? Well, it's okay, we still love you. Anyway, back to the point of the post. Someone posted a pic of some really cute key chains made with soda tabs. I've made those before and the pic reminded of that. So that's what you've got today!  Crochet Soda Tab Key Chain Pattern Materials : 2 clean, smooth soda tabs with two holes each size E/4 3.50MM crochet hook #10 crochet thread or Friendship Bracelet thread 4 jump rings needle nose jewelry pliers (or your fingers will work)  key ring E-...

Continuing with my non-crochet themed blog posts . . . North Market !   I lovelovelovelovelovelove this place ! I'm not sure what it is that draws me to it. The atmosphere is one of community and open friendliness. The people smile at you, even the other consumers. The shops are not loaded down with items stamped "Made in Indonesia" or some other place I would have a hard time pinning on a map (there are a few however but it's nothing like shopping at WalMart - that's totally NOT politically correct but the truth rarely is). Image from Google Image Search and it belongs to the person it belongs to! Image from Google Image Search and it belongs to the person it belongs to! Local farmers set up booths outside the entrance selling everything from heirloom tomatoes and sugar snap peas to hanging baskets of peonies and locally cultivated honey. There was even someone there this past weekend with their all natural line of dog foods. From June th...

Our trip to Columbus this past weekend was so invigorating and relaxing and exciting and full of surprises! Okay, technically we didn't stay in Columbus. It was about a 35 to 40 minute drive into the city and that got us straight to the parking lot at North Market (located at 59 Spruce St). More on that later.  Here's a few pictures of the food we had and where you can get it, too! Cheddar cheese and bacon covered crispy hand cut potato chips at Hide-A Way Lodge Restaurant and Micro-Brewery The Lodge Burger, also from Hide-A-Way Hills Lodge Fruit and Cream Waffle from Taste of Belgium at the North Market. Yummy blackberries! A trip to North Market is not complete without visiting  Jeni's Splendid Ice-cream ! These flavors are Cultured Key Lime Pie Frozen Yogurt and Cantaloupe and Sun Tea Sorbet. Both are for a limited time only! These three are from The Columbus Brewing Company . The top is their brewed on s...

I hope today finds everyone healthy and happy. I'm excited for tomorrow to get here, not that I'm wishing my time away because I have so much to do, but hubby and I are escaping tomorrow and going on a long over due couples weekend! We even rented a cabin this time instead of staying in a hotel. Today's project is a cute Flower Motif bookmark. The motifs are joined as you go so there's no need to go back and sew them together, although you could certainly do that if you're so inclined. The bookmark was made with a 7" to 8" long book in mind. It also lies flat and has an optional tail and tassel for some added whimsy. Gather your supplies and let's get started! Materials : #10 crochet thread in your choice of color size  4/2.00 MM crochet hook (it's small) scissors needle for weaving in the ends Stitches used : (American terms - converter ) Magic Circle starting technique (optional) Slip Stitch (sl st) Chain (ch) Single Cr...

Not the food Spam. Comment Spam. It's cluttering my in-box with so much residue. Time to make it go away. I've added "Word Verification" to the blog. So if you're someone that comments on posts I apologize for this slight bit of inconvenience. But if you have a blog of your own, I'm sure you're wondering why I haven't done this sooner. Actually, I'm wondering that myself . . .  To borrow the words of one of the best loved TV shows of all time: That is all. Peace and blessings, ~~Karen~~ (10 points to the person that can name that show WITHOUT Google help!)  

Keeping in step with the project theme of last week, I've made another beaded bracelet. This time however, it involves crochet. Gather your supplies and make a few of these! Materials : Assorted Beads (make sure the hole is big enough for your choice of thread) size E/4 - 3.5MM hook Crochet thread, yarn or Friendship thread scissors yarn needle bracelet closure Stitches used : (American Terms) Chain (ch) Single Crochet (sc) Slip Stitch (sl st) Step One : String your beads onto your yarn. Using as few or as many as you like. I opt to put extra on my thread because if there are extra when you're finished it's no big deal. Step Two : Chain a number that will loosely go across your wrist + 1. The "+1" is our turning chain and it's needed to make sure we don't use up the length as we work on the bracelet. Step Three : SC in second ch from hook and in each stitch across. Ch 1 and turn. Begin Beading Step Four : SC in fi...