Wednesday, February 20, 2013

Thankful Giveaway Results

 




 
 
Congratulations, Grammy Braxton!  Your name was pulled from my bowl in our highly technological way of doing things here in the Hearth Room!
 
I left you a comment, so please get in touch with me soon so you can play with some new yarn.
 
Again, thanks to my followers and all who read.  I look forward to doing some more giveaways in the near future!
 
And, Homeschool Jewelry Mom, yes I will be happy to share how I did my bobble-scallop border really soon!  Thanks for asking.  I need to make a quick trip to see those very special grandfolk, but when I get back, I will take care of that!
 
I hope you all had a nice Valentine's Day.  It's not such a huge big deal to me, really.  But, you know we like to decorate and act silly around here for any reason.  So of course it's all about cards, candy and flowers, especially for the kids.  Even Axle got into the fun. 
 
Happy Day to you!
See you soon!
xoxo
 


 
 
 
 
 


Tuesday, February 12, 2013

Simple Ripple Border

 







 
Oh, that lovely Ripple that I worked on for over a year... 
 
If you've been visiting the Hearth Room for any length of time, you are probably already familiar with this old friend of mine.  We've had our issues, I'll admit.  Loved the yarn, hated the long redundant rows of the pattern.  Pulled out a gazillion rows because I didn't like the way the colors looked together.  Thought about scrapping the whole idea!  But since I had decided to challenge myself with this blanket making-endeavor offered over on Attic 24, I had to persevere.  I'm sure glad I was in love with the feel of that yarn!
 
In the end, I have a very heavy, quite generous, extremely colorful, 7 feet by 5 1/2 feet long blanket. 
 
It has actually been done for a few months now, but I could be bothered to snip ends and 'finish' it with all the excitement of the holidays ahead, so it was being used by Sweet P. in it's very straggly state for quite a while.  I also had started a pretty, red, knitted border for the Ripple back in the summer, but once I started finishing the blanket and put this edging with it, the edging looked way too nice along the crazy striped sides of this project.  I worked up a few borders to try and they all looked almost too 'nice' .  This Ripple was determined to make a statement all on it's own! 
 
I finally decided it just needed a small shock of red all around and I made a Bobble-Scallop border that I think gives it just enough interest and definition without making it any more busy. 
What do you think? 
 
And can you believe that this big blankie project that tested my patience and bored me (almost) into surrender has actually driven me to NEED to make more blankets!? 
 
I had to put this down and take many breaks from it while I completed lots of other hooky goodies, but in the end I soooo love this Ripple blankie, that I realize I need to make more for other rooms.  Not Ripples exclusively...  Maybe granny squares and flowers, but definitely more blankets of the hooky persuasion.  Yes...  I will check the stash and the drawers full of patterns and search for that next project to fill my basket. 
 
Of course, I do need to finish the other blanket that fills my other basket seen above...  That's the Random Stripe that I'm hooking along with Little Woolie.  It's much smaller, but really fun with all the bright colors and stitches thrown in.  It's a hooked up bunch of Happy for sure!
 
I happen to have a few other things on the hooks right now, too.  So another case of too much yarn, too little time, but it'll all work out! 
 
What are you making?
 
For my current 10 Followers, don't forget my little give-away here!  I could just draw one of your names without having you enter, but I realize that not everyone who likes to look at crochet actually wants to do it, lol.  So come on, sign up!
 
Happy Day!
xoxo
 
p.s.  That is Woody up there who was so excited to think I had given him the blanket when I was really trying to measure it.  He was also quite discouraged when asked to move so I could fold it up.  Yep, he's all dressed for Valentine's Day!  Such a good Puppers.
 
 
 
 
 


Friday, February 1, 2013

Pretty Hooky

 









 
Happy February to you!  I can't believe the last month just flew by like it did.  Wow.  I guess time flies when you're having fun, right?
 
Here is a look at some of my most recent fun and a couple of things I want to share with you. 
 
First of all, I love to admire photos on other yarn-y blogs showing beautiful arrangements of knitting needles and crochet hooks standing in jars and crocks.  I look forward to a time when I can have some sitting about just like that.  But for now, and frankly ever since I can remember, I have kept my crochet hooks stored neatly in what is actually a paintbrush case.  This one is by One Stroke and I picked it up at a Michael's store years ago, probably because I had a coupon!  Anyway, it has been such a nice way to keep my hooks tucked away safely from little hands. And the hooks are lined up neatly in order of size (usually).  This case is well traveled and has been very durable.  I have seen some newer paintbrush cases that roll up and tie and also some that are hard-sided and zip closed.  I know there are loads of gorgeous ways to store our precious needles and hooks in the yarn departments, but I just thought I'd throw the idea out there in case you happen to be on a clearance aisle and stumble upon some painting supplies....  You know!   
 
Secondly, there are so many pretty crochet hooks out there these days and I thought I'd show you these.  A most wonderful Christmas gift I received this year, these are Harmony crochet hooks from Knit Picks.  They are just so stinkin' pretty you can't help but be happy just looking at them! 
 
So these pretty little hooks and my basket of yarn have been busy.  As the last picture shows, my son caught me pondering colors and making plans.  That's a daily thing here.  I'm thinking we need another blanket.  I'm making it up as I go, but am also allowing myself time to work on some other fun things, too! 
 
And, lastly, I have been blogging for almost 2 years now and have not done a give-away!  Aghast! 
 
So this one is just for my faithful 10 followers:  If you are already a follower and would like a Harmony hook and a few skeins of my favorite yarn, just leave a comment on this post by February 18th to be entered into my give-away!  I will be drawing one of your names out of a hat on February 19th!
 
I will be planning another fun give-away open to new followers soon!
 
I hope you're all doing well and are enjoying life where you are!
 
xoxo
 
 






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