Yarn to the Max

African Flower pillow

2010-07-21T15:12:00.003-04:00

I finished this African Flower pillow.

The tutorial for this hexagon is available HERE

Canada Day 2010

2010-07-01T17:09:00.006-04:00

Hi All.

Have a great Canada Day to my countrymen and a great Independence Day to my friends in the USA!

I know I've been remiss in posting but hopefully I will put my drought behind me and have much to say and post in the future.

Today Canada Day Rob and I went to the Canadian War Museum in Ottawa.

We saw many things but Crochet and Knitting are uppermost in my interests. Imagine my surprise when we saw one of the actual scarves that Queen Victoria crocheted as awards to soldiers in the South African war.

There was also a Camouflage exibit...there was a dress from Project Runway...I'm not sure what season as I don't watch the show. The dress was the one that won that weeks challenge. It was made with a camouflage fabric. Very chic. The pink camo pumps where also a highlight for me. Although I couldn't wear such a shoe I loved it!

I've been crocheting...I'll post some of what I've made in another post.

Good Morning

2009-11-19T10:22:00.004-05:00

Good Morning.
I haven't posted anything new in awhile and I haven't been crocheting for the last while either. I haven't been in the mood for it...sort of in a slump...
First off are a couple of Halloween items I made.
The ghosts are a tested item made by Alisha of Fuzzy Feet Boutique her Etsy site is HERE
The Pumpkin sweater for Crystal is something I thought she really needed ;)
I always use the same pattern and embellish differently. That pattern is HERE

The snowman is also an Alisha design that I tested.

The bear ice cream cones are from a Thai pattern that I sort of copied as I can't read Thai...They turned out pretty good for sort of guessing as I went.

Vampire time!

2009-09-13T16:25:00.007-04:00

I was a tester on this cute guy...His cape is purple but doesn't show up very well in the picture.
Click on the picture and a large size picture will open...I think you can see the color better that way.
The pattern is available at FuzzyFeetBoutique
I've been told a Frankenstein is in the making...after I get to test it I'll add the picture here.

Newest Doll

2009-09-03T15:03:00.004-04:00

As you may have noticed, I have a soft spot for making dolls.

This is a pattern of a gorgeous doll that I stumbled upon...and am I ever glad I did.

The pattern for her and many items of clothing are free @

http://www.byhookbyhand.blogspot.com/

There is also a Flickr site that has many of the designers finished dolls and clothing.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/29184580@N04/sets/72157621188943546/

This is my first attempt at this adorable doll.

I changed her hair a bit...I wasn't happy with it.

July 1st & 4th doll

2009-07-21T11:58:00.002-04:00

I made this interchangeable doll for a design challenge. The challenge was to make an item for either Canada Day or Independence Day. I made one doll that is for both!

As promised...

2009-07-12T20:50:00.005-04:00

I said I would post pictures of all of my newest items I've made.

There are quite a few so I hope you don't get bored looking at them :P

First is a Linguine Doll...pattern is free on Craftster.

I was a tester for this French Bulldog...so cute!
Pattern is for sale at Fuzzy Feet Boutique on Etsy.

This is also a Fuzzy Feet Boutique horse that I tested.

This I tested and is a Tater with cheese and butter topping. From Fuzzy Feet Boutique

The next 2 are Elf Babies. I tested them for Fuzzy Feet Boutique.

Panda Bear with Bamboo...I tested for Fuzzy Feet Boutique.

This is a Penguin that I tested for Stormyz also from Etsy.

This is the Starling Handbag. It's a free pattern and there is also a Flickr group site HERE

This pattern was of a USA Independence day kitty. I made it my Canada Day kitty.

The free pattern can be found HERE

Thanks for looking.

As you can see I'm very lucky to be a tester for Alisha from
Fuzzy Feet Boutique and for Diane from Stormyz

HI

2009-07-07T13:51:00.005-04:00

Hi All

Since I last blogged my beloved Max whom I named this blog for has gone to heaven.
I miss him dearly.

I have been crocheting quite a bit...I've been a tester for many items.
I'll post pictures of what I've been up to in another message at a later time.

Monkeys and other toys

2009-05-08T18:04:00.003-04:00

I was testing more cute amis and toys for designer Alisha from Fuzzy Feet Boutique on Etsy.
All of the patterns can be found HERE

Squirrel... is so cute with that bushy tail

Chihuahua ami...Crystal likes her!

Monkey...she has a great bum LOL.
I think she looks like a japanese monkey

The bigger Sock Monkey was also one of Alisha's patterns, I only changed the colors and made it look like a red heel sock monkey. It just goes to show that a great pattern can look different with color changes.
The small Sock Monkey I just improvised.

Look what I made!!!

2009-04-17T18:02:00.007-04:00

This is a doll in the likeness of Frida Kahlo...incase you are not familiar with her she was a famous Mexican painter who painted many self portraits.

Hmmm I can see now that I exaggerated the eyebrows too much...I may have to fix that :(

I still love her :)

I was a tester on this elephant pattern...so cute.

The pattern can be found at FUZZY FEET BOUTIQUE

Happy Easter!

2009-04-10T12:17:00.007-04:00

It's Good Friday today and I thought I'd drop by and add a few new items that I've finished.

This bunny is called ReJoyce and I tested it for a 14 year old girl. How nice that she has taken an interest in Crochet and designing. I don't know if the pattern will be available or where if she decides to post it.

This was a free pattern on the Annie's Attic site. It's also in the Annie's Big Book of Holiday Crochet.

Mickey Mouse is a classic toy and one of my favorites.

The pattern was to be done in thread.

I don't like to use thread for my toys or characters so I used good ole Red Heart and a E hook.

It turned out just perfect...If I say so myself! LOL

This little piggy stayed home...or however the rhyme goes!

This is a free pattern designed by KristieMN

The link to this pattern is HERE

This cute froggie couple is called Finnegan and Filomena Froggies with Lily Pad.

I was lucky to be one of the testers of such a cute pattern.

The pattern is for sale HERE

This is Barry Bee...I made him for Mason as "The Bee Movie" is his new favorite.

There is no pattern because I made him without one and didn't write down any of what I did.

It's been such a long time...

2009-03-05T10:37:00.005-05:00

I haven't stopped crocheting...I had only stopped blogging (for now)

This is some of what I've done since my last post.
**Click on pictures to expand them**

I tested this bunny for StormyzCrochet
http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=90685

This doll was just something I did because I liked her.

These Barbie dresses were some patterns I had now for awhile. Most are Annie's Attic patterns from magazines etc...
I wanted to do something in thread and not a doily. Not that I don't like doilies. I just wanted smaller projects that can be finished quickly.
(I know...the lilac pineapple dress needs a slip or underwear. True if she was human but she's only plastic)

This Bunny set is called Carlisle Carrot & Lola Lettuce. I tested them for Fuzzy Feet Boutique.
http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=10863

Christmas projects

2008-11-18T12:46:00.008-05:00

I tested these Santa and Elf toys...they are just too cute.

The Gingerbread babes below are also from the same designer.

Lucky me to have fallen into her good graces and I'm asked to test for her.

My very favorite items to crochet or knit are definately holiday items that I can use as decorations...I do mean any holidays.

These dudes will fit in perfectly!

The Santa and Elf pattern is already available and when the testing for the gingerbread babes is finished they will also be available HERE

This tote bag I made as part of a CrochetAlong at my Happy Hookers group.

The pattern is free and on CAP's site there are a few free tote bag patterns and variations.

If interested the pattern is HERE just scroll down to the 2nd from the top.

This tote is the 2nd one I made for my sisters Mall Walking group's Christmas Raffle.

I'll be giving it to her tomorrow.

I used Farm Boy plastic bags for the purse and a Bowring bag for the Polka Dot Bow.
There is no pattern available, I just made it up as I went.

Witches Hug Scarf

2008-10-18T16:06:00.003-04:00

I've been testing again. This is a cute scarf that is perfect for this time of year.

Not only because it's Halloween inspired but it's getting cooler out there.

I'm not sure where or when the pattern may be available.

I finished more Halloween items

2008-09-19T18:33:00.003-04:00

I've been on a Halloween roll lately.
I made this huge spider...yikes I don't like spiders.
it's a free pattern HERE

The halloween cat I made by copying a picture that I saw and LOVED!! I wrote down a pattern but I'm not sure of the copyrights etc...

The black cat is from a magazine and it's called "Boo Kitty"

Finally the 4 halloween items I've made this year together.

Mr. Pumpkin Head and more...

2008-09-02T15:35:00.003-04:00

Here is Mr. Pumpkin Head...how funny is he!!

I used a pattern that was supposed to be done with size10 thread.

When I made one of the face pieces it was not much bigger than the size of a quarter.

I then decided to use yarn. I don't think I could crochet such tiny stitches. I may try it another time but not now (probably not later either, LOL)

His finished size is aprox. 21"

This kitty is one I tested for Stormy...the pattern is available for sale on her ETSY site now that the testing is finished.

I made the plastic bag tote for my sister. Her mall walking group wanted me to make 2 for thier Christmas raffle. I was able to use up some grey Walmart bags and some white Loblaws bags.

I'll start on bag #2 soon. It's a great recycling project that's for sure.

I want to use some red Zellers bags and some yellow Giant Tiger bags and make myself a tote like the Spanish Flag....I think it'll be fantastic but I have to go shop at Zellers quite a bit more to get enough bags for that project.

Bye for now!!

Wow August already.......

2008-08-04T05:34:00.007-04:00

Good morning all...it's early monday morning and I couldn't sleep....figures it's a holiday monday and I can't sleep in. Tomorrow when I have to go to work I'll be cursing the alarm!!

I've finished the doll that I had been working on and I'm really happy with her.

She is much prettier real than in that photo.

The Smurf was a very quick project...he was finished in 2 days.

You can see that he's small, seen here with Crystal.

No links to patterns today, they were not from free patterns this time.

Happy July

2008-07-11T14:07:00.003-04:00

Hi everyone. I hope everyone had a lovely Canada Day or Independence Day.

I tested this crab pattern for Stormy

I'm sure the pattern will be available soon.

I'm making a flamingo now but I've run out of the color and I'm not finished it yet! YIKES I don't remember where I bought the yarn or what make it was!! That'll teach me to use scrap yarn I have instead of new yarn balls.

I would say this is were my crochet expertise is supposed to kick in right??? We'll see I'm going out later to see if I can find a match or something I can use instead......fingers crossed all will turn out.

Summer in Ottawa means rain........

2008-06-29T10:51:00.004-04:00

After such a long winter it seems that summer in Ottawa is going to be more like a long spring...it's been raining almost every day since the snow went away!! OK I may be exaggerating but as I say it seems that way. I've been on holiday for the last 2 weeks and I think except for maybe one day we had rain for at least part of every day.

I'm back to work tomorrow and then Canada Day!! I'm already looking forward to having a day off! LOL Needless to say I'm ready to stop working if by chance I win a large amount of money from a lottery. I can dream can't I??

So here are my latest crochet items I've been working on.

The Teddy Go Round blanket is a free pattern HERE

This turtle ringtoss toy is for Mason to play with here at our house.

It's not a free pattern. It's from Crochet World magazine December 2002

I'm back!

2008-06-18T21:32:00.005-04:00

I've been busy since my last post...I have made quite a few items both in knit and crochet.

The Walrus is an ami I tested for Stormy and soon to be available on her etsy site.

The boobie pillow was for my dad for Father's Day...it's a free pattern HERE
The ninja is crochet and a free pattern as well HERE

This elephant is a free knitting pattern available HERE

It's a cute one.

This monkey wasn't a free pattern. A friend was kind enough to give me the pattern.

I'm Knitting again...

2008-04-28T14:02:00.005-04:00

I've been knitting again and it's been great...my already long to-do list I had of Crochet items has now doubled with the amount of knitting projects I've added. Oh well, I'm really enjoying it. I've also found that my arm doesn't hurt as much while knitting as when I crochet.

These are the latest knitted items I've made...This dishcloth set is a gift for a bridal shower.
As you can see the set laid out and then with the hang tag I made saying Handmade and with the washing instructions.
It's such a pretty set and the patterns are all free.

HERE for the towel and HERE for the dishcloth. The scrubby is also a free pattern and can be found HERE

These guys are called Korknisse...the pattern a translation of the original Norwegian one can be found HERE They look like little gnomes. I think they're so cute.

The coffee sling is called just that "Slingshot"

It really works well for that take out coffee...it's easy to hang it on your wrist or hang it from your hand as you walk or shop, etc...

This is also a free pattern HERE

I want to make a couple more. I want to make sure I have one at hand whenever I buy a coffee. I LOVE this sling!!!

More Halloween items...

2008-03-20T08:55:00.003-04:00

I don't know why but I've been making more Halloween/Day of the Dead items...I've also been knitting more lately.

The skeleton is knit, the Ghost dog is crochet and from the movie A Nightmare before Christmas...it's Zero the Ghost dog.

I followed a pattern but I changed a few things such as adding ears and making the front longer...therefore I won't post the link.

March 2008

2008-03-12T08:17:00.005-04:00

It's March 2008 and it's the snowiest winter that I can remember.

This is my backyard were my dogs go pee between walks....the back fence is 6'tall

I've been knitting lately and I made this flamingo dishcloth from a free pattern HERE

She has many free dishcloth patterns on her blog.

The Leprechaun is an Alan Dart pattern. His patterns are not free. This one is from the March 2008 Simply Knitting magazine....a UK publication.
I love the way it turned out. He's so cute!

I'm on a roll!!!

2008-02-27T15:15:00.005-05:00

I just finished another project I was testing for Diane of STORMYZ CROCHET

I'm sure once the testing is finished it will be on her site for sale.

This one is more time appropriate for the time of year...unlike the Halloween witch I just finished on Sunday.

Now I have to think of what I want to make next...hmmmmmm

Halloween comes early here!!

2008-02-24T12:29:00.004-05:00

I know it's too early for Halloween but I couldn't resist making this doll into a witch. It's the Gwendolyn Doll by Gourmet Crochet. The pattern is for sale HERE

Since I love decorating for Halloween it was the obvious choice to make her in these colors!

Here kitty kitty and more...

2008-02-21T14:21:00.004-05:00

I made this little kitty that is a small version on the Japanese Amenikos.

The pattern is free and can be found HERE

I also made this magnetic Katamari...the pattern is also a free one and can be found HERE

Oh Canada...Mountie

2008-02-16T08:00:00.004-05:00

This is my latest...an RCMP officer.

I've had this one on my to-do list for awhile and finally got around to making him.

This is Max and Crystal, they love getting cozy together when it's cold out...they've had plenty of cuddle time lately!!

With all of the cold and snow we've had here in Ottawa and continue to have all I want to do it cuddle with them too!!!

Meet Stewie...my version of him anyway!!

2008-02-02T22:58:00.000-05:00

This is the Stewie Griffin doll I've been working on...I used a knitting pattern and converted it to crochet. I know his head is supposed to be more of a football shape but this is what I came up with after ripping it out 3 times...

Stewie is 11" tall. The original knit version is 6" tall and can be found HERE for anyone that is interested in making thier own.

It's been awhile...

2008-01-30T15:26:00.000-05:00

I wanted to post the last items I've finished this past month.

First of all it's a Mime or Pierrot Clown...The pattern is from an old Annies Attic magazine.

He's 26" tall. I changed the outfit by making mine in 2 pieces where the pattern had it in 1 piece...I haven't put a face on it yet because I don't like the pattern face...I'll come up with something...I hope.

The frog I tested for Stormy's Crochet

That's all 4 done now!!

2007-12-19T21:02:00.001-05:00

I finished the 4th one just tonight...here they are in all of thier glory!! LOL

I'm so glad that I can now wrap them up and they are ready for Christmas.

I hope DD loves them as much as I do!

Turtle 2 is finished...

2007-12-11T05:13:00.000-05:00

This is Raphael...only 2 more to go!!

Leonardo looks happier already doesn't he??

Ninja Turtle and Garden Gnome

2007-11-25T07:57:00.000-05:00

This is a Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle...it's the first of the 4 I'm working on...I'll be giving the set to my Step Daughter at Christmas....she thinks they are "the best"

The pattern is free HERE

This is another of my FO's...I've been home while my kitchen is having a re-do...I've been crocheting quite a bit!!
The gnome pattern is for sale on ETSY

Small Dog

2007-11-22T13:02:00.000-05:00

I'm going from one extreme to another...

Here's a tiny dog I made!

It's a free pattern available HERE

Crystal likes it!

Big Cat

2007-11-18T19:31:00.000-05:00

I added another Ameniko to my collection...this one is Huge!!

I love the way he turned out. I used bablefish for the transtation and it was pretty literal so a little imagination is needed too!

Well here is my finished Cool Cat!!

Sorry I had posted the pattern to the Large kitty but removed it as I don't want or need any hassles from anyone...I added the link incase anyone wanted to figure it out for themselves.

http://www5a.biglobe.ne.jp/~mite/gurumineko/4/amizu1_3.html

November already...

2007-11-04T08:33:00.000-05:00

Hi everyone...not much going on here...I've joined RAVELRY and have been trying to learn the ins and outs of it.
Since my last post I've finished a Tapestry Lobster and Shell beachbag and a Tapestry laptop bag or cozy...

I made the leaf doily that is under the cornucopia as well.

Later!!

Fall and Halloween

2007-10-22T15:34:00.000-04:00

These are just my latest Halloween patterns I made...
The candy corn I tested, the halloween baskets and the cornucopia I did as a CAL on one of my groups...

Happy Thanksgiving Day in Canada

2007-10-08T09:28:00.000-04:00

Happy Thanksgiving Canada!!!

Tapestry Crochet anyone???

2007-09-15T18:24:00.000-04:00

This was my first attempt at Tapestry Crochet...the pattern called for cotton thread but I used worsted weight yarn.
Now I want to try something else in Tapestry...maybe with beads.
Carol Ventura has a great site to get us all hooked on this fascinating type of Crochet http://www.tapestrycrochet.com/
You can watch Carol on video speaking about and showing different items that she has designed and made. There are also many free patterns to get you started.

Getting ready for Halloween and Fall

2007-09-06T14:59:00.001-04:00

These are the latest items I've made...the scarecrow is from
a "1982 Annies Pattern Club" magazine.

The ghost is from an Annies Attic book called "Holiday Door Hangers"
I find the hole in the top of the ghosts head to be too small for any of my doorknobs...that's too bad because the book has all of the holidays in it and I would've liked to try a turkey for Thanksgiving or a Santa for Christmas... I may anyway and hang them from a wreath hook or a large suction cup!
I'll post a picture if I do make the others...they are awfully cute!!

This is a Bare Bottomed Baby from a pattern of the same name...the pattern is from the "1989 Nov/Dec Crochet World" magazine.

I only made the boy, the pattern also has a girl baby.

Crochet and some Knitting too!!

2007-07-31T13:07:00.000-04:00

I've picked up my knitting needles again to test these 2 dishcloth patterns.

The beige one is called Southwest and the fuschia is called Flurry.

They are to be submitted to a Knit Dishcloth Calendar. I was very pleased with the outcome of both and hope the designer will call on me again when she needs more patterns tested.

The chicken is just because Rob (DH) has a thing for chickens and therefore I did this one. The pattern was from an old magazine.

It's looking like the Planet of the Apes here!!

2007-07-17T19:48:00.000-04:00

I made another sock monkey....this time it's a tote bag.
I was testing this one for Andrea again and the pattern is for sale at her Etsy site HERE

I made a friend for Pinky too.
The ladybug is a pincushion.

2007-07-08T19:18:00.000-04:00

Hello again....I have just finished testing this crochet sock monkey tea cozy. The 2 together is of the new crochet cozy and the knit cozy I tested for Andrea in May. Her etsy site is HERE and will have the crochet pattern for sale soon.

The square is one I made for an exchange.
I mailed it out on friday.
The pattern is one I hadn't seen before and since it was to be a 12" square I had to add a few extra rows of dc to get the size right. That pattern can be found HERE. It's a pretty one and a great way to use up scaps.

Happy Canada Day!!!!

2007-07-01T20:33:00.000-04:00

So it's Canada Day 2007 and all is well in my world!

That is a wonderful thing.

I just finished this new outfit for Pinky! I keep thinking of amusing things to dress her in and this was my newest design.

I've also made a Magic Ball purse. I still have to sew a lining into it but this is what it looks like so far.

Have a great July4th to all of my American friends!

Canada Day 2007 is almost here!!!

2007-06-28T18:42:00.000-04:00

These are my newest creations for Pinky...She's ready for the summer and for the Canada Day celebration!! I'm wondering what to make next...I like the idea of a ladybug sweater!! That's pretty summery too.
You'll have to wait for the next installment to see if I come up with something.

Crystal looks as if she's smiling but that was right after coming in from a very short walk.
It was soooooo hot on Wednesday that we couldn't stay out for more than a few minutes. She is so cute...Max wouldn't sit for a picture, he ran off as soon as he saw me flash at Crystal! He's so cute too, I just love my babies.

Bye for now!

Stash Busting a bit more...

2007-06-07T19:17:00.000-04:00

I haven't been crocheting much lately...Now that the Dancing with the Stars and the Hockey are finished for the season I may be able to get back too it a bit more!

These squares that Crystal is sitting with are 2 of the Charity Squares that I'm sending to Krystal from http://krochetkrystal.blogspot.com/ If you want the free pattern you have to write her and she will send you the pattern, all she asks is that you send her at least a square for her charity blankets that she puts together.

This shopping bag is from Crochet Me. Here's the link to the pattern. http://www.crochetme.com/reduction-tote-bag

I did as in the pattern, I used recycled thread that I bought at a thrift store and so it only cost me about $3 total to make. I haven't actually used the bag for shopping yet but I'm sure I will soon enough as I don't want to use plastic bags for my groceries anymore.

I'm thinking of making a summer outfit for Pinky (my plastic lawn flamingo) but I don't know what I want to make for her yet! Maybe a bathing suit or maybe a halter top and hat...Any suggestions???

More using of stash...

2007-05-14T09:23:00.000-04:00

Saving of cash...
These are more stash busting animals I made. A camel and a giraffe.
They are from the same magazine as the alligator.

It can be seen here behind the camel and giraffe.
They turned out great and as you can see they are pretty big or should I say tall!

This is the magazine the animal patterns have come from...I got the magazine at a flea market a few years ago.

Gator, stash buster...

2007-05-09T18:23:00.000-04:00

This is the alligator I made trying to use up some of my stash....Since I joined the "Save Cash, Use Your Stash" group I will be making all sorts of things. I want to try to use as much of my stash as possible. With this gator I used up about $7 worth...not bad, it's a start!

He's 31" long and the pattern is from an old 1983 Christmas Knit & Crochet magazine.

Even more FO's

2007-05-04T18:55:00.000-04:00

I've been testing again...the blue monkey is called Silly Monkey and I tested it for Melissa who has a site with the pattern for sale HERE
I did it in blue for a darling boy.

The teapot cozy is a knit pattern that I tested for Andrea who has the pattern for sale at her etsy site HERE

The stuffed Boston Terrier is what I came up with for the CAL at Crochetville.
I made a cat first and now the dog from the same CAL pattern the link is HERE The dog's name is Bear in honor of my darling Bear that is no longer with us.

More Kitties and a Gnome

2007-04-21T15:49:00.000-04:00

Here are the latest items that I've been working on....
The Gnome is a pattern from one of the members of Happy Hookers. Thanks Ann for such a cute pattern. I really enjoyed making him!!

This Pink Camoflage kitty is another Amineko that I have named Eggroll...don't ask. It's a companion kitty for Ginger that now has a Marilyn Monroe white halter dress. I made the dress without a pattern and I think it turned out pretty well.

The little kitty is what I came up with for a CAL on Crochetville. The LINK is here. It's a UFO that we were all to come up with something different and since I had kitties on the brain I made mine to match Eggroll. I haven't named it yet.

My first Ameniko

2007-04-07T14:29:00.000-04:00

Here is my first....I'm sure there will be others...Ameniko (means Crochet Cat) the translated to english pattern can be found HERE the japanese pattern with pictures can be found HERE
I made her orange like a ginger cat and so her name is now Ginger...I love that she is poseable...just too cute!!

The cat and the monkey were both part of a crochet-along at Crochetville, but there is also an Ameniko-along at Craftster where I'll post a picture of Ginger and therefore become part of that CAL.
I know I want to make another kitty I will have to go through my stash and find another color I like as well as the orange....I think that was a perfect kitty color!

Here Ginger is posing with the monkey that is yet to be named...

So for now I'm off once again!!
Meow ^_^

New stuff that I made...

2007-04-02T19:14:00.000-04:00

So this is the monkey I made for a Crochet Along at Crochetville....I have been eyeing the pattern for a while now and the CAL was the perfect opportunity to make it.
The pattern is a free one http://quesera.ojaru.jp/osaru-pattern.html
I hope I've inspired others to make one too.

Oooops I just noticed I forgot to make a tail for him....I'll get right on that....how did I forget that??? Oh my!

The doily is the one I was testing for Kathy White from Crochetville....I love the way it turned out, and the colors are perfect in my livingroom...I love the burgundy!!

The bunny hat is a baby size hat that I made for Mason (step-grandson) He'll be wearing it at Easter and will be too cute for sure...I'll have to take many pictures of him wearing it.
The hat was also a pattern I was testing.

Here comes Rascal Rabbit...

2007-03-15T21:13:00.000-04:00

I just finished this Rabbit named Rascal.
It's an item that I was testing, it's still in the testing phase so there is no pattern available yet....He sure is a cute bunny and just in time for the upcoming Easter decorating that I'll be doing this sunday.
Sunday will be the day all of the St. Patty's decorations will be put away for another year and Easter 2007 decorating starts!

I finished the doily that I was testing and will post a picture of it as soon as it's dry and stretched into shape...It really needs to be blocked to show it's detail and beauty.

I will be starting a baby hat next....it's so cute and it has an Easter theme too...I'm looking forward to starting and finishing it...I know of a little guy it'll look too adorable on!

Burger anyone??

2007-03-04T17:41:00.000-05:00

I just finished testing this Burger Coaster pattern....it's so cute, I just love it. It's designed to recycle 4 old cd's and the cd spindle. It's really ingenius isn't it??

It kind of makes you hungry for a burger...LOL!!

I'm also testing a doily but I'm not quite finished it yet. I'll post the picture as soon as I am.

Bye for now!!

A good Sunday to you all

2007-02-25T12:52:00.000-05:00

St.Patty's is soon approaching and so I made a couple of new things to celebrate the day!!
I've had my eye on the hat pattern for a while.

Pinky got a new outfit as a leprechaun, beard and all...LOL....Easter is next!!

No I'm not Irish but think the shamrocks and leprechauns are just too cute not to decorate for the day...I'll be getting a new shamrock plant too, I get one almost every year and am lucky if they are still alive come the following year. I need a green thumb to go with the season but mine seems to be black as far as keeping some plants alive...I really want a purple shamrock (oxalis) this year but they are really hard to find. This is what they look like...I love it.

Hopefully by the next installment I'll have a picture of a purple oxalis that I bought, until then Bye!!

I have more FO's to share

2007-02-11T13:12:00.000-05:00

These are the newest additions to my crochet FO's and the stamps are just because I'm thrilled with them!!

I added the ribbon to the heart purse and am using it as a decoration...I like it much better that way.

I finished the Retro Mosaic Tote Bag yesterday that was part of a Crochet Along...it's huge. I didn't realize it until I was putting it together just how big it really was.

I had ordered some Beatles Stamps from the Royal Mail in the UK....they arrived friday and I'm really pleased with the assortment I got. Hopefully they will increase in price, they may be needed to fund my retirement!

The flamingo is my idea of dressing up a plastic goose....since I can't find a plastic goose anywhere here in Ottawa I decided to dress up my flamingo that I call Pinky
She's out in the garden all summer and now I will be dressing her up for all occasions...lucky her!!LOL
The 2 here are the January/Winter one and the February/Valentine one.
I got the idea from the Annies Attic book of Goose & Gander Fashions. Since there are no Flamingo fashions I make them us as I go by looking at the goose patterns.
March should be fun I'm thinking of a leprechaun.

Until the next installment Ciao!!

Happy Groundhog Day!!!

2007-02-02T16:40:00.000-05:00

Don't you just love this groundhog...LOL
I think he's great.

Here's a couple more items I've made in the last little while....the doily is not from a free pattern so I don't have a link for you. It's from a House of White Britches leaflet. I pressed it lightly so that I could take a picture of it, but I have to press and starch it much better before I actually put it out on display.

The little purse is from http://www.crochetnmore.com/heartpurse.htm and I made it as a purse/tote challenge on one of my crochet groups. The object of the challenge is that a purse or tote is picked as the challenge. The first person to make the purse and post a picture of the finished item gets to pick the next challenge for the group. When this purse was posted I got right to it and finished it in 2 evenings.

A couple more FO's

2007-01-29T16:51:00.000-05:00

I finished a couple more items from my groups Crochet Alongs. The links are posted below with the pictures. I have 2 mystery patterns on the go and until the weeks are posted I can't continue so they will be done in another week or 2. They are both thread items.
I'm still working on the Retro Bag. That doesn't have to be done until April so I will work on the other things in between.
It's almost February and Valentines Day is coming quick. I have made another heart doily but I still have to iron and starch it and weave in the loose ends. I'll post it when I'm done with that!!
I didn't do much Crochet during December but is seems that I'm making up for it now...OK, off I go to get something done.

http://www.fortunecity.com/littleitaly/pisa/22/patterns/thread/aprilflower.html

http://pandacrochet.8m.com/bean/dropsq.htm

A new CAL

2007-01-21T18:38:00.000-05:00

I've joined the first Crochet Along on my Happy Hookers group. The pattern we are making is this Retro Mosaic Tote Bag and have until April 15th to finish...

So far I have finished one of the sides and one of the edge pieces. The picture doesn't show the colors as nice as they really are...I'll post more as I get it done...

My first post of the New Year

2007-01-20T09:20:00.001-05:00

Hi and Happy New Year 2007...how quickly the years are passing.

Max got a new ball for Christmas...he still doesn't let it out of his sight

Crystal got a hoodie outfit, she is so cute wearing it!

I didn't crocheting much through the holidays but I have just finished these 2 items and thought I'd post the pictures...

The doily is for a Crochet Exchange, I'll be mailing it out to my exchange partner next week. The pattern is a free one here http://www.crochetmemories.com/archive/february5.html

This square is from a Crochet Along that one of my Crochet groups is doing....we will have made 12 different squares by the end of the year. The pattern for this square is free http://www.heartmadeblessings.org/patterns/4-Crosses.asp

I'll try to post a little more this year...until the next time!
Bye

Merry Christmas

2006-12-18T16:19:00.000-05:00

I hope everyone has a very Merry Christmas.

I'm still at it...

2006-11-27T16:44:00.000-05:00

I took these pictures yesterday so I thought I'd share them here....

I still haven't sent my CGOA masters course out.....oh boy I'm running out of time!!!! aggghhhh. That's what I get for thinking it was going to be a snap.

It has to be gone by Dec 1st or I'm in trouble. I have all of the crocheted pieces done labeled and in the binders, I only have to answer the 21 questions and to me they seem to be trick questions......I understand how to make everything asked of me but how do I explain it and make it sound the way I think they want me to say it. That is my problem now. I'm not sure how they want it written out. After all they are the "Guild"

I have all of the questions answered.....it's just have I explained myself properly or not...will I lose points for my answers. Oh my I hear they are quite anal about marking these courses.

Wish me luck!!

Wow it's been so long...

2006-11-14T10:38:00.000-05:00

I haven't posted in so long....I haven't made anything new since my last entry.
I have been working on my CGOA (Crochet Guild of America) basic stitches masters program.
I almost have it finished and soon will be mailing it off to be graded, hopefully I'll have a certificate showing that I've passed the program and am a Crochet Master....LOL
Guarateed I'll be posting a picture of the certificate if I get one....I may even frame it!!
I thought the program would be a breeze and so I put it off for a few months....now I'm down to the wire were I have to submit it and you guessed it...I have to work at it and nothing else.
That's it for this post....I have to get back to work.

The pictures of my furbabies are just because I love to look at them so I thought you may too!

Newest update...

2006-10-03T16:48:00.000-04:00

Hi again....I just wanted to update with new pictures.
This is the blanket I made for the baby shower that I mentioned in the last post, with the booties.

I added a satin edging to the blanket and a personalized hang tag for both the booties and the blanket.

This is another of Kristie's toys that I tested. I'm also working on the anothers in the set....a pig and after that I'll do the cat or tiger I haven't decided which yet. It's a really cute set she designed this time and her next set will have a frog an elephant and a cow. You can buy her pattern for the Piggy back pals here at Kristie's etsy site.

Finally a new entry...

2006-09-10T18:07:00.000-04:00

Hi, I just wanted you to see my newest FO's....the booties are for my step-daughter's baby boy that is due in the next 4-5 weeks. I'm also working on a blanket for the baby....next weekend is the baby shower and that's when I'll give them to her!
I love the way they turned out and I'm sure she'll love them since she wears runners like these all the time.

This is a Myster Pattern that was offered on my MSN group Happy Hookers (a crochet paradise).
She's a goddess as you can see. I still have to make the seasonal decorations that are draped over her. Once all of the baby things are done I'll get busy and get the fall and winter ones done...no rush for the spring and summer now!!

Finally these are the latest of the dolls that I tested for Kristie, she is making so many cute patterns...I love them all!!
Thanks Kristie for letting me be one of your regular testers.

More FO's.......

2006-08-15T13:52:00.000-04:00

Hi, I made these motif butterflies as a gift for my mother's birthday. I was happy with the way they turned out and she loved the gift...I'm so glad I really didn't know what to give her, she loves butterflies and has some under glass so I thought I would give her crochet butterflies under glass.

The Angel doll was another one I was testing for Kristie.

It's me again!!

2006-07-22T10:29:00.000-04:00

Oh my, I haven't posted in far too long...so this is what I've been up to.

I've been testing a set of Halloween toys and a thread purse

I just finished the purse this morning. I like the way it turned out and so I'll send a picture to the designer, hopefully she'll like it too....

My baby dogs are just as beautiful as always....I know I'm biased what can I say!!!

Lazy Days animals I tested

2006-05-30T13:06:00.000-04:00

Look at all of the animals I tested.......the patterns are for sale at Kristie's etsy site

My babies and a gift for my neice

2006-05-17T14:30:00.000-04:00

Here are my babies, I just took Max's picture today and couldn't resist because he's just too damn cute....Crystal is damn cute too, she was sitting on my lap when I took that picture of her, aah they are beauties....

This is a pillow I made for my neice, her birthday is tomorrow, I didn't know what to make for a 10 yr old girl so I thought something for her room, I think it turned out great. I hope she likes it!!

More patterns I've tested...

2006-05-06T23:03:00.000-04:00

Here are a couple of sets I tested for a designer. She plans on selling the patterns, so therefore once again the patterns are not mine to share....sorry!!

The first set is called "under the sea" for obvious reasons.

The second set is "computer bugs".

They were fun to make and turned out pretty cute if I do say so myself!

Crystal has a monkey on her back!!

2006-04-23T21:23:00.000-04:00

I'm so happy with the new sweater I made for Crystal. I used the same sweater pattern as I used before and I added the monkey from the new "Stitch N Bitch book or another monkey face I like is here

Now I have to make a bigger version for a sweater for Max....since he only needs a sweater for cold and winter I have time to figure that out for him!

I hope you had a Happy Easter!!

2006-04-17T14:35:00.000-04:00

These are my newest finished items....The Crinoline Lady is from crochet memories

The bag is from http://www.crafts-beautiful.com/projects/?view=view&ID=198
The pattern is from the UK and so where is says dc = sc and the trc = dc.
I also used worsted weight cotton and an F / 3.75 mm hook...my bag came out just about 2" bigger than the pattern.

Look how beautiful my furbabies are!!!!!!!

2006-04-13T18:37:00.000-04:00

That's pretty much all I had to say......Crystal is wearing the sweater I made using this pattern

It's already April......wow time flies

2006-04-02T10:52:00.000-04:00

Good morning! It's April and the weather has finally got milder. Yeah!!!!

As you can see Max & Crystal are just fine, Max is camera shy and always turns away but Crystal is a ham and is asking for her close-up...

I made this dishcloth as part of a Mile-a-minute crochet along. I never tried MAM before and so I sort of played it by ear....I didn't want to make an afghan as I have many now and nowhere to put more!

Easter Pillows

2006-03-24T22:06:00.000-05:00

I just finished these Easter Pillows, the pattern is from http://stormyzpatterns.blogspot.com/

These are the newest pictures of Max & Crystal.

More finished projects

2006-03-21T14:28:00.000-05:00

Here are my latest 2 items
The strawberry is the Mystery Pattern on Happy Hookers, my MSN crochet group, it's a PJ bag. The pattern changes every 3 to 4 weeks.

The purse is the Chic on the Halfshell a free pattern offered by the Crochet Dude.

I love being a tester

2006-03-11T10:58:00.000-05:00

Here is another item I just finished testing....I must be on a burgundy kick because I made the purse in burgundy cotton...I LOVE this pattern and no you can't have it! I believe it will be available for sale shortly. Anna the designer and owner of Lullabies & Lace will soon have her site open for business and many wonderful patterns and things will be available.

Shown in the second picture of course is the beautiful doily and polar bear that I also tested!

I finished another one

2006-03-04T11:27:00.000-05:00

Here is a polar bear that I was testing. It turned out so cute and because I love the doily I made so much I just had to put it in the picture!!

Yeah, I finished it!!!

2006-03-01T11:00:00.000-05:00

First of all here is Max, he sat on the computer chair for a few hours sleeping on and off, I couldn't resist showing you how cute he is!

This is the doily that I've been working on for the last 2 1/2 weeks. I couldn't find the turquoise color that it was designed to be, therefore the name Treasured Turquoise. I made it in burgundy and I like the color combo with the white and green leaves. I was testing it as I stated in my last post, there is even a link if you are interested in seeing the original one. http://www.crochetville.org/forum/showthread.php?t=22210 here it is again.

Here is my post on Crochetville http://www.crochetville.org/forum/showthread.php?p=314272#post314272 showing off my finished one.

Hi again

2006-02-23T18:11:00.000-05:00

Hi everyone, here are my babies. Max is letting Crystal get close to him every once in a while now, I'm so glad because I want them to love each other!!

I've been busy with testing a doily for a designer from Crochetville. I'm not finished yet because I'm not really good at thread crochet and especially such an intricate one, here is the link to the post of the doily, you can see what it's supposed to look like when finished.
http://www.crochetville.org/forum/showthread.php?t=22210
I really wanted to test this one because it's my birthstone color, even though I'm not making mine turquoise, I'm doing mine in a different color because I couldn't find the turquoise thread here. I'll probably find it after I've finished but by then it will be too late! I will definately post the picture when I'm finished and I hope I can do it justice.
Ciao for now, I'm off to get crocheting

Max and new sister

2006-02-14T16:38:00.000-05:00

Happy Valentines Day!! It's been awhile since I've updated.

Well now I have something to show, Max now has a little sister. I got a chihuahua on Friday. She's 2 1/2 yrs old and her name is Crystal. I was a little afraid of how Max would take to her but ignoring her was not what I expected. I prefer that to what I though he might do.

Today I was able to snap a picture with them not too far from each other and so that's what I've posted here. They are so cute....I'm allowed to say that about them, a mothers perogative!

Have you missed seeing Max!!

2006-02-04T21:14:00.000-05:00

Max loves his new toy, and beleive it or not he hasn't killed the squeeky out of it, that is so rare he usually kills it right away, but we found a toy that he loves and didn't feel the need to kill.
He even falls asleep with it in his mouth, he doesn't let go of it very often.

I also finished my Pound Puppy I was making, he's the large size one he's 18" long, that's almost the size of Max! That's another FO off of my WIP list....Yeah!!

Love Bug

2006-02-03T17:41:00.000-05:00

This is my finished Love Bug from Annies Attic free pattern of the day Wed. Feb.1st.
I ran out of pink and so he doesn't have hands yet, I'll buy more of the same color and add them later on!
I didn't use the sparkly jewels, I sewed red heart buttons on instead. I also used a black button on a white button for the eyes. I think he turned out cute! bzzzzzz bzzzzzz

It's Groundhog Day!

2006-02-01T19:10:00.000-05:00

It's feburuary 2nd and the anniversary of when my family came to live in Canada from Spain. We arrived on a snowy cold day and have lived in the same part of Ontario for 45 years now.

I'm quite happy living here and very proud to be a Canadian.

Yikes I've been Tagged...

2006-02-01T14:05:00.000-05:00

I've been tagged......by Sally.

Four Jobs You've Had in Your Life:
babysitter
waitress
postal clerk
letter-carrier

FourMovies I've watched Over and Over:
Total Recall
Out of Africa
Grey Owl
Gone with the Wind

Four Places You Have Lived:
Madrid, Spain
Vars, Ontario
Gloucester, Ontario
Ottawa, Ontario

Four Places You Have Been on Vacation:
Cuba 2x
Acapulco 2x
Dominican Republic
Spain

Four Websites You Visit Daily:
HappyHookers
many blogs
Annies Attic Pattern a day
Crochetville Forum

Four of Your Favorite Foods:
chocolate
pancakes
Paella
Mexican

Four Places You Would Rather Be Right Now:
Australia
Paris at a cafe
Spain
California

Four Bloggers You are Tagging:
Sorry but if I have to tag anyone it'll be
Naida

WIP turns into FO

2006-01-24T14:59:00.000-05:00

This was a TP cover that I was testing for a designer.
I made her dress long enough to cover 2 toilet rolls. Now I can take an item off my WIP list.
http://naidascrochet.com/salepatterns/dolls.html
Naida has the pattern for sale at this link

That doesn't mean my list is any shorter, I've started a large 18" pound puppy! Yes the toy dogs from the 80's, this one of course is done it crochet....I was lucky enough to get a pattern and have been working on it for a few days now. I have the body done and need to finish the head .

Since I'm alternating between new and unfinished projects I'm right on track...TP doll (WIP is FO) pound puppy (new WIP)

Max is as beautiful as ever, here's proof

This is my Beta (Siamese fighting fish) his name is Urs, like the hunk from Il Divo

It's Snowing today!!

2006-01-21T11:23:00.000-05:00

Ottawa is being covered in a blanket of snow today!!
We'll have 15cm by this afternoon, that's close to 6 inches.

This is a picture of a tree in my backyard, it's really pretty!!

On the Crochet front I'm going to list my WIPs: =Swirl Sweater CAL - don't like the way it's turning out
=Soap Pony - have to finish the mane and face detail
=TP cover doll - testing and haven't started
=Butterfly filet square - half done
=Chicken potholder - don't like the way it's turning out
=Boston Terrier - I'm trying to design this one...I have the head done, can't figure out how I want the body

My plan is to alternate between a new project and a WIP...I think that way I won't hate the previous projects, I'll be happy to finish one to get onto a new one.
So I'm going to make a new one first....LOL, I knew I could talk myself into making something new.....hee hee hee

It's freezing here today......brrrr

2006-01-16T18:19:00.000-05:00

Wow I survived another freezing day.....brrrr, a -30 windchill doesn't feel good on the face.
When I got home and saw Max's little face I melted and got warm almost instantly.....well maybe not instantly but close!
Today's picture of Max is him trying to get a cookie out of his Kong, of course I put the cookie in there for him, he loves it and it keeps him busy for hours.

I finished the Mystery Pattern that HappyHookers was offering, I couldn't for the life of me figure it out but Sally, group manager, had to give us a few pictures and the rest of the pattern or I don't think any of us could've finished this one! Here is the picture of my finished project and it's really a nice one!
It's a miser bag. It's finished size is 4 1/2" x 4 1/2" for the bag and 7 1/2" from the bottom to the top of the clip. I think I'll use mine to hold my credit cards that way I won't be able to get them out very fast at all.

Cute Max

2006-01-10T14:04:00.000-05:00

I thought it was time for a new picture of Max.....well here it is, he didn't want to sit still so it's just a wee bit blurred.......oh what can I say he's still a little angel!!

As for my crocheting, I finished the first part of the Happy Hookers Mystery Pattern...that's it just above.......I love the mystery patterns Sally (group manager) puts on for the group. They're always fun!
I'm going to pick up the swirl sweater again and see about putting the sleeves in, I hope I like the way it looks finished. If and when I finish it I will certainly post a picture, so far it doesn't really look like the pattern.......hmmm, Oh well it'll be a one of a kind after all...LOL
I also have a couple of items I'm testing for fellow Crochetvillers, I just don't have enough time in a day....Bye for now I have to get at it!!

New Burger

2006-01-09T15:45:00.000-05:00

This is the same little burger that is a coaster set. The huge burger is a potholder set. After I did the big one I decided to change the color of the cheese in the small one. I think they are adorable........The pattern is free from The Crochet File Box, there isn't a picture but I think mine is a good testiment that it works very well!!http://web.archive.org/web/20011225...pot_holders.htm

The tomato slice even has seed sections, I don't know if my picture does it justice. I was thinking of making a lettuce or onion slice but this is exactly as the pattern is written!

Another day, another picture of Max

2006-01-04T20:55:00.000-05:00

Like I said you will be sick of seeing Max. He is so sweet I can't resist posting his picture.

My swirl sweater is coming along really nicely. I have another section done and am working on side 3. After I finish the 4th side I put the sleeves in..........I'm kind of nervous, I don't know if it'll fit the pattern doesn't have measurements or size by inches, I'm kind of flying by the seat of my pants.....and that can be very uncomfortable. I'll post a picture as soon as I'm done the 4 sides, before I start on the sleeves.

Max and crochet musings...

2006-01-03T21:34:00.000-05:00

Here is Max in all his glory....he loves his new ball he got for Christmas and he makes sure he has it close by at all times.

Christmas day he didn't want to eat because it meant letting go of the ball...Oh my he's so funny.

This is my newest crochet creation, it's a hamburger and it's a coaster set, how cute is that. Hmmm looks good enough to eat!

As for the swirl sweater I'm making...this is what I have as of this morning...I hope it turns out alright and that it fits after all of the work I put into it.

I already frogged it once and this is my second attempt at this part of it. I kind of like the color combo...my fingers are crossed as to what it will be when finished.

Yikes I don't really like to make wearables, they are so scary, like I said in my last post, what if it doesn't fit or it doesn't suit my body shape.

It's the New Year!!

2006-01-02T12:17:00.000-05:00

Well it's 2006 now and I've started a new year of crocheting. I have joined a CAL on Crochetville. It's to make the Swirl sweater from Crochet Me http://www.crochetme.com/swirl
So far I've finished the swirl part of the sweater. I'm not sure if it's big enough but I'm not afraid of frogging so I'll continue and see how it goes! Wish me luck, I don't make wearables because I am afraid of making something, spending hours on it and then it doesn't fit, or it doesn't suit me.....what a dissapointment. Oh well I'm going to make the sweater and hope all goes well.

I sure wish I knew how to add the CAL button to this blog...I'm such a nerd

Welcome to my new Blog

2005-12-31T17:53:00.000-05:00

Hi everyone, this is my new Blog and my first post!
It's New Years Eve and I've decided to start the new year with a page to show off my hobbies and my dog.
I love Crochet, I've just discoverd felting and am in love with it....OMG I just love the way wool changes when felted....I also love my dog and I plan to make everyone sick with pictures of both my loves.

This is Max, he's an 8 yr old Jack Russell and my baby, he doesn't like having his picture taken....but that doesn't stop me from taking them.