Christmas Wreath Reminder

If you're looking for a little extra something for your Christmas gift tags or maybe a quick ornament gift, try this pattern.

It works really well with a little school picture glued to the back with the precious face peeking through!

Christmas Projects

There has been a LOT of crocheting going on around here. A mini 'girls weekend' provided tons of crochet time.

...except there weren't 400 of us. Source

Where's the proof, you ask? Well, here's the thing. Recently someone told me that so-and-so told them that I have a knitting blog...

ahem...

Let's get one thing straight here:

I. Don't. Knit.

Source

I happen to like my eyes staying right where God placed them, so this seems like a safe plan for me.  (We'll ignore the Broomstick Lace for now since I still fear for my throat every time I have to lean forward while working on it...)

Once it was clarified that I crochet and couldn't actually help answer her knitting question, I had to wonder how these people knew about this blog and if they'd ever seen it.

Contrary to popular belief, there can be a certain amount of anonymity to the blogosphere. A few close friends and a family member or two know about my blog, but there are very few people in my life that know or care about this 'lil ol' place.' I kind of like it that way. I can interact with tons of talented people and not be embarrassed by my limited abilities because nobody in blog-land cares, right!?!

Which begs the question: what about you? How many of your friends and family know about or read your blog on a regular basis?

Tangent over. Back on track.

What does any of this have to do with proof of my crochet projects?

Well, it has all made me wonder how many other people know about this blog without me realizing it. Therefore, with many Christmas gifts just finished up, I can't actually post them until I'm sure the gifts are received and the surprises won't be spoiled.

So, I'm sorry that it's been so quiet around here. All in good time, I suppose.

I did recently finish a project for myself. It will be posted soon. Speaking of knitting needles...

Good Mom or Bad Mom

I came across this on a blog I follow:

Source

Wouldn't you know... I saw this while I was literally in the middle of washing my kitchen floor. So that will teach me to walk away for a moment or at least to not rely on the internet to tell me whether or not I'm a good mom. Well, I guess I'll just use this as an excuse to leave my oven a mess...

Felted Purse

Paula had sent me some great yarn a while back, and I finally found the perfect pattern for one of the colors. The label promised that it was good felting yarn. Out came my book of purse patterns, and here's what I made.

Hook: Size K

Yarn: Lion Brand Landscapes, Color: Spring Desert
Washed and dried: 3-4 times

Final product:

It looks brighter because it's a much sunnier day today, and I used a different camera. Other than that, I like the results!

My first attempt at felting is stamped a success.

Veterans Day US

There are several of my readers that have served in the military. There are many spouses of readers that have served, and I have a brother-in-law that served in the Army.

Thank you for your service to our country! We appreciate your sacrifices and dedication.

Special Order Headbands

A couple months ago, Kitty Cats and Airplanes did a 'Headband Week' for links of headband projects. I linked a few of mine, and Amie featured them at the end of the week! She really liked them and had wanted to get some the previous winter, but she never did. So I offered to make one for her.

Once Amie decided on colors, I found just the right yarn in my stash, whipped something together, and packaged them up for her.

...then I realized I forgot to take any pictures.

Thankfully Amie looks super cute in these headbands and took some great pictures! So here's a glimpse, photos courtesy of Amie at Kitty Cats and Airplanes. Take a look at her post to see some other great items she's received recently!

--Gray yarn with yellow cabbage rose.

--Slightly sparkly silver/gray yarn, white and yellow flowers, and a touch of bling.

Even though I have some headbands for sale in a local boutique, I think I'll be putting some more for sale in our ArtFire Shop again soon. If anyone wants to order specific colors for Christmas gifts, feel free to make a special request!

Handmade Holidays

I'm linking up our ArtFire shop, PF Creations, to Sarahndipities' collection of online shops for handmade gifts.

Check out her blog to find lots of great gift ideas for Christmas!

Queen Anne's Lace Scarf

This was a quick and easy little project that finished up an almost-full skein that was leftover from a blanket. I love how it turned out!

It's a soft pink color in I Love This Yarn. I found the pattern here. The yarn was just structured enough to not hide the pretty pattern, but it's soft enough to not give you the 'itchy neck' issues.

Hubby wonders if it's too short to give as a Christmas gift. Should I consider adding a couple motifs to each end in a contrasting color to lengthen it? Or should I just leave it alone and let it be more decorative than practical (as far as wrapping it around the neck)? I welcome your input!

I have a niece!

My new baby niece was born last night!!! Yay!!

I would love to show you a picture of the blanket and headband that I made for her, but somehow hubby or I took the pictures and erased them before they made it to the computer. =(

We'll have to see if the new mama can take a quick pic with the beautiful baby sometime!

On that note, her blanket was made with the very special Great Great Grandma Ginny stitch. I'll be posting about that once I have some pictures.