Well 'ello, 'arry Potter!...

Jan gave me a gift last time we were together. It's a Harry Potter crochet kit! This one includes the patterns and materials to make my very own Harry Potter!

According to the back of the box (I haven't opened it yet), also included are instructions and materials for Ron, Hermione, Hagrid, Dumbledore, Snape, McGonagall, Voldemort, Ginny, Dobby the house elf, The Sorting Hat, Hedwig, Norbert the Dragon, and student robes/scarves.

I admit I'm only slightly disappointed that the crochet hook doesn't resemble a wand, but I'm sure these will be fun when I get to them.

There's a 30% off sticker on the front of the box from Target, so my keen deductive mind is going to conclude that's where Jan found this gift (in case any of my crochet friends want a set for themselves).

I think it might be fun to work on these when Handsome and I have another Potter marathon when I'm recuperating from my knee replacement this fall. Of course, not right away, as the meds might make for some deformed characters. (ya think?)

Nevertheless, I's a fun gift from one Potter fan to another, and it will be fun to work with yarn again. Thanks, sis!

Making Popcorn Again...

My Crocheted Popcorn

 

Remember when I started this last winter? Of course, I didn't make more over the summer (lol), but I'm enjoying making more in the evenings now.

If you're interested in creating your own crocheted popcorn garlands, you can go back and read my previous posts HERE, and HERE. The first post includes a link to a YouTube video (in case you're a visual learner).

Don't Add Butter!

 

Doesn't it look like real popcorn? I could imagine sitting in the evening with a popcorn scented candle burning while you crochet. (No. I don't have one. lol) Oh! If you're loving my crochet hook, it's from Furls Crochet HERE. They have gorgeous hooks, and they feel great in your hand.

Crocheted Popcorn Garland Pattern

If you like to have your own typed pattern, here's the file. Just click on it to make it larger, and you can save it from this post, too. Once saved, you can print it out on your computer for a hard copy. Have fun!

Looky!!!...

Brynwood Needleworks - Cotton and Wood Bead Popcorn Garland

It's been overcast and cloudy over the farmhouse for almost two weeks. Because I really love daylight photography, it's been a bit of an inconvenience getting good shots. The light is too "flat" to make for nice images, so I decided to try something a little more "artsy".

 

I pulled out the crocheted popcorn pieces and my 16mm wooden beads and set about stringing my first garland. I decided that I not only wanted strength, but also wanted the garland to have some stability, so I threaded my large needle with a single strand of dental floss and then paired it with the white yarn to feed my elements. I want to get the most out of my wooden beads, to I'm stringing one bead for every two popcorn pieces. I had enough pieces done to string about six feet of garland!

I know that my photo only gives a tease of what the garland looks like, but as soon as I get some good light, I'll do a little photo shoot of the garland as it might be used. I admit, I really love how it looks! I'm out of popcorn "morsels" now, so I'm going to have to make more to continue. I'll be getting right after it!

Cleaning and More...

Brynwood Needleworks - Pussy Willow Glasses Case

 

My studio has been looking like a sty for weeks. No, I'm not going to share "before" photos. lol I've been slowly tossing paper, purging things I don't need or want anymore, and organizing projects and kits. I got a lot accomplished, and my play spaces are looking so much better.

 

As I storted through my projects, I came across a needlepoint glasses case that was sooooo close to being finished. I'm not sure why I stopped working on it. I do know that it's been unfinished since I had my shop - and that was decades ago.

 

The case is from Alice Peterson's Stitch & Zip line. The pattern is a pussy willow, and all I had left to do is the small section shown as white canvas in this picture. Now, it's finished. I'll line the back of it with felt, and it will be ready to use. Cool, right? My first finish of 2021! 

By the way, Stitch & Zip kits are still available, but not this design. If you want to explore the line, HERE's the link. Have fun!

 

Brynwood Needleworks - Wooden Beads For My Garlands

The crocheted popcorn garland pattern called for 8 mm beads. I ordered some, but when they arrived, I felt they were too small. I went online looking for something 15-16 mm, and was having a problem locating anything. Then, I came across an Ebay listing for five packages (100 beads total), so I ordered them. They arrived over the weekend, and they're perfect.

 

I'll be playing with them during the week, using dental floss for the strong stringing thread. I'll be alternating popcorn and beads. After I've got this batch strung, I'll take pictures to show you. Tag will see you tomorrow.

Something For Me...

Brynwood Needleworks - Furls Crochet Hooks

 

From time to time, everyone should get something nice for themselves. I saw these in an online ad over the Christmas holiday, and after doing a little research, decided to purchase a few.

 

They're not inexpensive, but they have more expensive options than the few I purchased. I've been using them for a week now, and I love the way they look and feel!

 

Brynwood Needleworks - Furls Crochet Hook

I've been using the size G+ for making my crochet popcorn. This is the size I need to match what I was using in the regular Boye hook, and it's definitely more comfortable to use than the skinny metal one.

Brynwood Needleworks - Crochet Size Marking

Each hook is clearly marked on the end so you can identify the size. I chose the three sizes I use most when crocheting, and I'm happy with what I've received. There are a lot more colors available from the company, too.

These are manufactured in the United States by Furls. If you're interested in learning more, click HERE to explore their site. Oh, and one more thing. I've been in no way compensated by Furls for my post today. (I wish I were!)

Making Popcorn...

Brynwood Needleworks - Crochet Popcorn!

 

You aren't going to believe what I was doing this weekend! Well, okay. I guess the pictures might be giving it away - or if you follow me on Facebook, you'll already know I'm kind of addicted to this. I'm crocheting popcorn!!

Brynwood Needleworks - Crochet Popcorn Detail

 

I happened upon this while grazing around in the crafting groups, so I went on the hunt for instructions. I found a pattern, and a video tutorial. While I have no issues reading knitting patterns, I admit I've been a visual learner from the start, where crochet is concerned. If you're like me, HERE is the link to the video tutorial I used. 

I've already ordered 8mm red, wood beads that I'll be using as spacers to create next year's crochet popcorn garlands.

 

Brynwood Needleworks - Holding Crochet Popcorn

I'm holding a couple in my hand so you can get an idea of their size. I used worsted weight cotton yarn called Sugar 'n Cream in white. I purchased worsted weight wool, but I didn't feel that they held their shape as well, so I went back to the Sugar 'n Cream.

I think the best thing about this project (aside from the fact that they really do look like popcorn) is that it's something I can pickup up any time, and I can work on it from now until next year to add something really wonderful to our Christmas tree when I'm finished.

If you're a crochet afficionado, I hope you'll give it a try and let me know what you think. I can't wait to get the beads, and have enough popcorn to start making my first garland! You know I'll show you when I get to that stage!

I got a few other things done over the weekend, but this week Handsome and I will be preparing the last of our gifts. I'm going to be baking, and Handsome is making his last minute purchases and preparations, too. Are you ready yet, or do you still have more to do?

 

Linens, Laces and Vintage Needlework...

Brynwood Needleworks - Linens for new project totes

These are linens and trims I pulled for my next project totes. I've chosen soft, hand-dyed pieces that you'll surely love as much as I do. I'll be making and listing them in my Etsy shop very soon.

Brynwood Needleworks - Vintage Laces

Last Sunday, Handsome and I spent the afternoon with our friend, Ellen. She's been sorting through her things, and set aside a bag of goodies just for me!

Brynwood Needleworks - Vintage Crocheted Doilies (roses and grapes)

All of these lovely laces, crocheted doilies and linens were handmade by her or her own mother. They're true treasures from her hands to mine. Look at those gorgeous crocheted roses and grapes!

I mentioned that I really want to learn how to make the roses when we were together at Paneras last week. I had no idea that ladies were making grapes, too!!

Brynwood Needleworks - Vintage Table Linens With Needlework

Ellen's mother created all the wonderful vintage table linens she shared with me. There are crocheted lace edgings, cross stitch and embroidered pieces, and even cutwork accents.

Brynwood Needleworks - Vintage Table Linens With Needlework

She lovingly stitched flowers and baskets - full gardens to adorn their family table. These were all loving touches she created to adorn her home for her family.

Brynwood Needleworks - Vintage Linens With Needlework and Crocheted Lace Edging

I can well-imagine all the time it took for her to create these pieces. Look at the intricate crocheted lace. That alone would have occupied many hours.

Brynwood Needleworks - Vintage Table Linen with Crocheted Edge

This piece was especially intriguing to me. I think that the pink was originally made into its own table cover, and when the larger fabric deteriorated, she cut away the corners and made a new tablecloth, adding the crocheted edge.

Brynwood Needleworks - Vintage Table Linen Repair

Ellen and her mother grew up in a time that repaired damaged things rather than tossed them away. When this tablecloth developed a hole, she repaired it with more loving stitches so she could continue to use it...and now it has come to me. I will care for all these pieces as Ellen has, and I'll find a way to use them, as well. 

As I sorted through these treasures yesterday, I found myself thinking about Mom Grace. It was inevitable. She taught me needlework and set me on this lifelong love affair. She taught me to appreciate the craft, and to continue to improve my own skills.

I look at these pieces and I'm so grateful that Ellen gifted them to me...and that Mom taught me to value all handwork. I hope that when the time comes, I'll find someone who shares my love of these pieces and become their new caretaker.

Beds For Baby Birds...

I came across this on Facebook today and thought it was something I'd

like to do. I'm basically a Nature Girl and have a soft spot for strays and

orphans. I love making baby hats, and these are the same thing - upside-down!

This drive is hosted by WildCare, located in San Francisco, CA. Here is a

link to their homepage. They offer a link to patterns (here), as well as a link to 

the forms that have to be filled out to contribute nests (or cash) to their rescue.

WildCare image

 In addition to contributing to WildCare, I'm also looking into local rescues

to see if they would be interested in receiving knitted and crocheted nests, too.

Next Tuesday, I'll be asking the Paneras girls if they would like to make nests for

local orphaned baby birds. I haven't knitted anything seriously since I learned

 that I have arthritis in my thumbs, however, I'm willing to endure to do this.

WildCare image

I can just imagine the little dears tucked into warm beds as they are fed and rehabbed until they can be returned as healthy birds back into the wild. The instructions provide different sized nests, but all need to be made from  cotton, acrylic or washable wool so they can be cleaned as needed.  If you'd like to contribute a nest (or two or three), please let me know via a comment on this post. I'm going to prepare a few "birdy" mug mats and will
host a drawing between the participants. If you have a blog, please share your link and I will open a new participants page so that my readers can also visit your blogs. They need 1200 nests this year. I'm hoping that we might be able to donate 50 toward their goal. Deadline to sign up will be May 10, 2014, with the deadline for me to receive the nests as May 30th. I'd like to ship all the completed nests on  June 1st. I hope you'll consider participating to help WildCare meet their goal.

This is the first Saturday there won't be a Coffee Club.  I'm going to put on my old clothes and finish my redecorating project today. I want to make sure that this Sunday really is a day of rest! I hope all of you have something fun planned this weekend, too. I'll be back on Monday with lots of pictures!

Memory Lane Monday - Saving The Best For Last...

Darrel and Grace's wedding photo. circa mid-1940s

This is going to be my last Memory Lane Monday, and believe me, I've save the best for last. I've often written about Grace, but it only seemed appropriate that I should tell you a little more about the one person who has had the greatest effect on the woman I have become.

1974

When I try to explain my relationship to Grace, I've often called her my "almost mother-in-law". I met her son a month after I graduated from high school in 1973. She and Dad had two sons and two daughters...Deb, Damon, Dion and Deirdre...a "Donna" fit right in!

There was even a period of time when I lived with them. It started on a snowy Wisconsin night when her son had come to pick me up from my parents' house. The weather got worse, and Grace called my parents to let them know that I could stay with them that evening so they wouldn't have to worry about my safety. My father told her (and me) that if I didn't come home that night, I didn't have to come home at all. (There was an insult to Grace in there, too, but I won't repeat it.) After she hung up the phone, Grace turned and looked at me. She gave me a hug and said that I could stay with them as long as I needed to. Our safety was more important than the fifteen mile drive back out into the country. I lived there for six weeks until I found a a nice apartment with two of my girlfriends.

Her son and I dated for many years, and we were engaged to marry. I spent a lot of time with his mother through those years and I learned a lot from her. Although I've always loved and respected her, I knew that marrying her son wasn't the right decision for me, and she respected and supported my decision.

When I opened my needlework shop, Grace came and worked for me. In the ensuing years, Grace became "Mom", and she (and Dad) always referred to me as their third daughter. (Although her son and I have been friends all these years, I'm quite sure he thinks of me as an "ex". lol) Sadly, Dad passed a few years ago after a brief stint in a nursing home and Mom has been living on her own since.

A Thursday Night Trio 2009

When we still lived in Wisconsin, every Thursday night was our night together for dinner. We would take turns planning the meal, but Mom, Deb (her elder daugher) and I would always gather at Mom's house. When he was still alive, Dad even enjoyed our dinner nights. We still continue this tradition whenever I'm back to visit.

Over the past forty years, Mom taught me to do embroidery, crochet and knitting. I hadn't knit anything in years when our first grandchild was born, so I went to Mom and we sat down together so that she could show me how to cast on, complete the knitting stitches and read patterns. Thanks to her mentoring, I've created many beautiful and unique sweaters and hats for our three grandchildren.

If it weren't for Mom, I never would have learned to make a crocheted granny square. I couldn't (and still can't) read crochet patterns, so she had me stand behind her chair to watch her make one. I wrote the directions as I watched her and that's how I know how to make a granny to this day.

Mom and Deb

Grace is aptly named. Her name means "favor or blessing", and I know that she's been a true blessing in my life. She taught me about patience, forgiveness and unconditional love. She knows everything about me and has always been one of my greatest cheerleaders. She's laughed with me, and we've shared many tears...happy and sad. This woman knows my heart even better than my own mother or father.

Mom with her granddaughter, Katy. Fall 2011.

In the beginning of 2012, Mom had health problems that made it impossible for her to live in her own home any longer. You might remember that I drove to Wisconsin in March. We were worried and I couldn't wait to see her.

I stayed in her home while she was in the hospital, and then her three daughters went out together to interview care facilities for her. Before I went home to Florida, I saw the place that would become her new home. It was a bittersweet visit.

Mom's settled and comfortable now in her new apartment and she has people there to care for her as she needs it. She has her sewing machine and spends hours sewing or crocheting. The kids frequently "spring" her from her digs to make sure she doesn't feel too cooped up. I'm looking forward to our next visit when I can take her out, too.

web image

I'm so glad that she's doing well and she's being cared for. No one deserves happiness more than Mom. She's lived an unselfish and loving life and I'm blessed that God made sure that she and I were written into each others books. My story is so much richer because she's in it. I love you, Mom.

Thank you for joining me for my last Memory Lane Monday. 

I'll be planning something new for 2013, but this is the closing 

chapter for our monthly strolls. I'm so happy you joined me!

If you have a memory to share, please link up with me below.

I'll be over to visit and leave a comment on your story, too.

When I last spoke with Mom, she asked me to do a favor for her. Apparently, after all those years of making granny squares, it seems she's forgotten how to start one. (She can't remember how to chain 5, join, triple crochet, two double crochets into the circle, repeat three more times.) She asked me to get some Red Heart yarn (4-ply) in any color and crochet a box of "centers" for her.  She uses a "K" hook. I'd love it if any of you would like to help. Just let me know and you can send them to me. I'll put them all together in a box to send out to her in the next few weeks. Thanks!

UPDATE: Mom passed away on November 25, 2014. You can click here to read my blog post written the day after. Although she has left earth, I know she will watch over me until God decides we should be together again. Until then, Mom...

A Start and A Finish...

 I rode my first two (grueling) miles on my new bicycle yesterday.

It felt good and I'm not hurting, so that's a good thing.

When I got back into the studio, I managed to make 

a special order for an Etsy client, too!

 She contacted me about creating a Kindle case for her

using a Palmer bird and vintage laces.

 I put some of the same crocheted lace on the back, too.

I'm really happy with the way it turned out.

At the end of the day, I felt really accomplished.

A "start" and a "finish"!

Now, to just keep my momentum...

Just Like The Good Ol' Days...

Our garage looks like a shop this weekend. I'm selling a considerable amount of my knitting and crochet supplies to create more elbow room in my studio. It feels like the old days when I had my needlework shop, Stitches in Wisconsin. Perhaps not as polished as my shop used to be, but definitely as well-stocked!

I have cotton yarn, wools and many high quality blends, along with sock yarns and a few bulky weights, too.

I have crates, boxes and plastic containers full of books. Knitting and crochet patterns and lots of techniques within their covers. I'm moving out about 150 books. (Don't ask how this happens. I'm sick, I tell you! I have no idea!)

Lots and lots of books. If you're looking for a specific knitting or crochet book or leaflet, send me an email. I just might have it, and I'm happy to send out anything that you might want for actual shipping costs.

There are also sewing patterns that I've pulled to share for a song (25¢ each!) and Amy Butler patterns and fabrics.

I'm "open for business" again today, and I've been asked to do this again next weekend, which I will.  In addition, I'll be listing up many of the items on eBay to make the items I have after the sale is over available online.

I'm looking forward to getting back into the studio. You know, my fingers ache when I'm not working on something! I need to get back to my Farmer's Wife blocks! What are you doing this weekend?