Crochet Blue Bird of Happiness

I crocheted a Blue Bird of Happiness for a sweet gal.  

A pair of trendy dish towels from Target provided the color scheme for some birdie crochet.

It was fun to try some new patterns.  This fellow and the owl came from Ravelry.  It is a great source for inspiration and patterns, but I warn you it is highly addictive.

I should show Mom this fellow.  She had an owl collection when we were kids that she shudders to think about now.

Did you notice the extra bits of embroidery?  Fun, fun, fun!  What have YOU been making?

Crocheted Trim Means I Really Love this Kid

Crocheted trim on blankets is one of those projects that need to be labeled "looks simple, but takes forever".  

I know of five different ways to attach crocheted trim to a fabric project, and I tried two new ones on these receiving blankets.  The paisley one used an embroidered chain stitch foundation, and the cat one used a crochet chain stitch foundation.  I think to really figure out which I like better it would be best to test them on thinner fabric like a cotton pillowcase or napkin.  The nice plush flannel made it a lot more work.  The next time I do a thicker fabric I am going to sew the crocheted trim on after it is made, which is one of the five techniques I mentioned.

It was worth the effort though!  

Ever Blooming Crocheted Tulips

"Dear D" was in the mood for crocheted tulips, so I made her some.

Red is her color, and the turquoise makes me think of her collection of vintage quilts.  It sure would be nice to see photos of her latest acquisition, hint, hint.

I am going to toy with making a crochet tulip blossom pattern that is not so long when I am done with my latest baby girl project.  If it works out I will let you know.

Crocheted Spring Banner with Butterflies

Grandma G crocheted these butterflies by the dozens for magnets to sell at craft shows.  I figured out the pattern from one of hers.

This is the first crocheted banner I have made where the pieces are actually pennant shaped.  I learned a lot.

Next time I will make sure to not be impatient, and block the flags, so the sides do not go concave.  I will also weave a thread through the length of it to prevent stretching.  

I am really pleased with using crochet thread instead of yarn like folks, including myself, usually use.  It has a much more delicate appearance.

Happy Spring Everyone!

Tiny Crochet Shamrock for Saint Patrick's Day Luck

Happy Saint Patrick's Day!

To celebrate I crocheted the tiniest shamrock ever.  I found a whole basket of vintage crochet and tatting thread, that is super fine for making handkerchief trim.  It also had hairpin lace pins, pattern books, and fun bits and bobs.

St. Paddy's Day is not complete without at least one crocheted shamrock!

Now all I have to do is find an Irish Crochet Shamrock pattern.  Does anybody out there have one?

Fountain Fun

My heart garland is finally up!  It was not for Valentine's Day, but for the Christmas Tree.  It has been waiting patiently to be starched.  

We have been too busy running around having fun for me to sit and starch it.

The Dallas area is full of fountains.  Dallas even has a fountain park.  I have decided to find all of them!  

This one is at a shopping center.  When you purchase a book at Half Price Books you can read it in the lovely little park area the fountain is in.

These little guys are in the zoo.  They deserve a better photograph to show the water squirting out of the top trunk.

The quality of my photos is down, because I am borrowing one while ours is broken.  At least I have one to borrow!

Today it is raining, so the whole sky is a fountain.  You folks stay warm and dry!

New Dahlia Doily Pattern

Good Morning!

Here is my new doily pattern, "Dahlia". It is about nine inches across.  Designing different sizes sounded like fun, but I went and started on something else before I even drew the chart for this one.  

A dear friend gave me a basket full of colorful crochet thread  before we left Wisconsin.  It is so much fun!  I am so busy bopping around here in Texas, that I am doing a lot less handwork.  These little projects still fit in my purse for five minutes here and there though.  You never know what will  be in my Daisy Bag.

The leaves on the packet of Basil Seeds is actually printed with a turquoise tinge in them making it look even more festive.  The lettuce seeds are started, and the Basil ones will be planted this week.  We are going to have an herb garden in pots.  Yummy!  

What are you crocheting and growing?

Happy Valentine's Day!

Happy Valentine's Day!  

After sending valentines off to family and friends I took some time to send one to myself.  Why not?

Lots of folks liked the crochet hearts I did before.  This time I used some to make a garland of tumbling hearts.

It is spiffy for our busy counter area, otherwise known as "command central".  Yep, that is why the coffee carafe is there.  You never know what will be on that planner, and a gal needs to be prepared.

Yesterday I wrapped up a valentine for Little Miss.  Hubby helped pick out this fabulous scarf and sweet owl necklace.  I used a ziploc baggie with decorations inside both sides, because it needed to be sturdy and quiet hiding in the bottom of her messenger bag to find at school.

The suspense is KILLING   ME!

YOU ALL have a fabulous Valentine's Day!  

I love you all as much as Tilda loves this strawberry.

(Yes, now you all know why I have a vinyl cover on the table over my fabric tablecloths.  Scrub, scrub, scrub.)