On Friday my 6-year-old flew on a plane from Utah to Washington all by himself to visit his dad. It has been a huge thing for me to have him suddenly gone from my every day life. Although he will return in just a few shorts weeks, already I feel a void from his absence. Change bothers me, as I am sure it does most of us at some point or another in life. Why do we resist change? Is it the unknown? The pain we must encounter occasionally when change occurs? The loss we may feel at times? I have felt for quite some time now that I needed to write a post about change. Life is full of changes. In fact, the only one thing that we can count on in life is change. It is inevitable. It is happening constantly in our lives, in our bodies, and in our minds. We are forever growing and transforming into something new all the time. So why is change so hard for us to grasp at times?
Lately it seems my life has completely changed into something far different than I ever imagined. Sometimes it seems that I can't get ahead, and other times it seems like everything is as it should be. I feel a great deal of ambivalence about which direction I should take my life. All of a sudden I am bothered by things, I find myself feeling very emotional about situations that I am not involved in, and I feel like life is so precious that I could lose my loved ones at any moment. I don't like those feelings of uncertainty. I don't really like the unknown. Although life is full of unknowns, so I am trying desperately to embrace my life as it is right now and not worry so much about the uncontrollable future.
Don't get me wrong, I am not an unhappy person. I love my life, and the people in it. I feel a great deal of strength from my family, friends, coworkers, and even strangers. I know life is changing for the better, it is just a matter of learning how to make sense of the changes, and how to build myself up to be the best person I can.
I feel badly that I put my religion on the back burner for so long. It wasn't intentional, it's just that work and life seemed to take precedence over it. I love my religion, and I know that it is the true church, so I am trying with all I have to become active again. I really want all the blessings that are promised to us in the scriptures. For those of you who are curious, I belong to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Go here for more information about what we believe. During the April 2011 General Conference, there was a talk that really struck me. It was by Elder Paul V. Johnson. His talk was all about trials and how they strengthen us. He said, "Trials are not just to test us. They are vitally important to the process of putting on the divine nature." He calls our trials vitally important. In the scriptures, some of the darkest most painful trials are immediately followed by the grandest of blessings. I wholeheartedly believe this. Although it doesn't make our trials at the time any easier to bear, it at least gives us strength to keep going.
Sometimes our most distressing trials can change us forever in the grandest of ways. Ways we can not even fathom at that time of our life. It can be days, weeks, months, or even years before the trial of our faith is over. But if we persevere, our blessing will have the most magnificent of rewards.
At times our journey will be painful. But the only way to see the view from the top is to make the climb. I am consistently amazed how Heavenly Father’s plan for me is far better than the plan I had for myself. Life’s little detours, though sometimes painful, have always led me to higher ground. It is so much easier to see the big picture from higher up. From up high, we can see how what seemed like winding trails lined with burrs and thistles, were really the most direct path to our ultimate destination. We realize that our muscles are toughened from the vigorous climb, and our hearts strengthened in endurance. Most of all, I do not believe we could appreciate the beauty of the view should we not have struggled to arrive there. I am certain that the things we prize most are the ones we worked hardest for.
THERE IS A BIG DIFFERENCE IN WHAT WE LONG FOR, WHAT WE SETTLE FOR, AND WHAT WE ARE MEANT FOR. I believe that I am destined to do great things in life, and I will settle for nothing less than all the great things I deserve in life, regardless of any trials and setbacks I will undoubtedly encounter on this journey.
A fun place to get inspiration
Monday, July 4, 2011
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
A Bluebird for my Drew Bird
This is a cute little hat that I made for my nephew Drew's newborn pics. I love love love how cute he looks in it. Pattern to follow soon :)
Friday, June 17, 2011
Crochet Flower Patterns
I'm so sorry for the lack of posting on this blog. To the person I told a month ago to watch for a post about my crochet flowers, I apologize that it took me much longer than I had anticipated. It has been a very difficult month for me, and I have been having some health issues that leave me with zero energy by the time I get off work each day. I have several baby posts and patterns I want to get up. Most of them are finished, I just need to upload my pictures and take the time to write out the steps. I also have a few more crochet baby hat patterns. So let's get started on the flowers shall we? I am hoping that this variety of flower patterns will help you find the perfect flower to add to your project.
First off, the #1 yarn I use it Lily Sugar and Cream or Peaches and Creme 100% cotton yarn. I love the texture, the colors it comes in, and the thickness of it. All of these patterns will still work with almost any type of yarn, you just might get a different size/look/feel depending on what you use. I also generally use an I hook for most of my flower patterns.
Small 5 Petal Flower
Chain 4, join with a slip stitch in the first chain to form a ring.
Round 1: Ch 1, make 10 sc in ring, join with a slip stitch in first sc.
Round 2: Chain 3, sl st in next 2 sc. Repeat this around.
Round 3: Ch 1, (sc, hdc, dc, hdc, sc) in all chain 3 spaces. Join with a sl st in first sc. Fasten off.
Daisy
Round 1: Chain 3. 6 sc in first chain. Sl st in first sc made. Fasten off.
Round 2: With color 2, sc in any space. Chain 3, yo twice, insert hook into same space and draw up a loop. Draw through two loops twice (two loops still on hook) yo twice and insert hook into same space again, draw through two loops twice. Yo and draw through all three loops. Chain 4, sl st in same space. 1 petal made. *Sl st in next space, Chain 4, yo twice, insert hook into same space and draw up a loop. Draw through two loops twice (two loops still on hook) yo twice and insert hook into same space again, draw through two loops twice. Yo and draw through all three loops. Chain 4, sl st in same space.* Repeat from * to * in each remaining loop. 6 petals total. Join with sl st in 1st sc made. Fasten off and weave in ends.
Layered Flower
Round 1: Chain 3. Join with a sl st in first chain to form a ring. Chain 5 (counts as first dc and chain 2) dc into ring and chain 2. Do this 5 more times and join with a sl st in the 3 ch of beginning ch 5. You should have a total of 6 ch 2 spaces.
Round 2: Sl st, hdc, 2 dc, hdc, sl st in first ch-2 space, repeat in each ch-2 space around, join with a sl st in beginning sl st. You should now have 6 petals. Fasten off.
Round 3: This is where it gets tricky. With a new color, sc around the dc post made in round 1. This is also known as a back post sc. To do this, insert hook into the back of flower (so your hook is now poking out the front of your flower) and go around the post to the back. Ch 3. Repeat this step 5 more times. Join with a sl st in first sc made. You should now have 6 loops on the back of your work.
Round 4: Sl st, hdc, 5 dc, hdc, sl st in each ch-3 loop. Join with a sl st in first sl st. Fasten off.
Round 5: With first color used, Back Post SC around the dc crocheted around in round 3. Ch 5. Repeat around to beginning, join with a sl st in first sc.
Round 6: Sl st, hdc, 7 dc, hdc, sl st in each ch-5 loop. Join with a sl st in beginning sl st. Fasten off. Weave in all loose ends.
Rounded edge Flower
Round 1: Chain 5. Sl St in beginning of 1st chain to form a ring. Ch 1.
Round 2: 3 hdc in ring, chain 5 and sc in top of last hdc. Repeat this around a total of 6 times. Sl st in top of 1st hdc made. Fasten off.
Round 3: In contrasting color, join with a sc in the center hdc in between any of the ch-5 loops. Work 10 dc in the ch-5 loop. Sc in the middle hdc, 10 sc in each ch-5 loop. Repeat all the way around to the beginning. Sl st in top of 1st sc made. Fasten off. Weave in loose ends.
Itty Bitty Flower
**Note: I used a size G hook for this flower to make it smaller.
Round 1: Ch 2. 10 sc in 2nd ch from hook. Fasten off.
Round 2: With contrasting color, join in any space with a sl st in any sc. In next sc, *(hdc, dc, hdc). Sl st in next crochet.* Repeat from * to * around, do final sl st in the top of 1st sl st made.
Layered Flower 2
Round 1: Ch 4. Sl st in beginning ch to form a ring. Ch 2 (counts as 1st dc) 11 more dc in ring. Join with sl st in top of ch 2
Round 2: Ch 5 ( counts as dc and ch 3). Skip next dc. *Dc in next dc and Ch 3. Skip next dc* Repeat from * to * around. Join with a sl st in 3rd ch of beginning ch 5. You should have a total of 6 ch-3 spaces.
Round 3: (Sc, hdc, 3 dc, hdc, sc) in next ch-3 sp. Repeat in each ch-3 space around. Join with a sl st in the top of first sc. Fasten off.
Round 4: With contrasting color, join with a sl st in any of the skipped dc from round 2. Ch 3. *sl st in next skipped dc, ch 3* Repeat from * to * around. Join with a sl st in first sl st made.
Round 5: (sc, hdc, 2 dc, hdc, dc) in each of the ch-3 spaces around. Join with a sl st in the first sc. Fasten off and weave in all ends.
Sweet Rose
Round 1: Ch 55. 5 dc in 3rd ch from hook. *Sk 1 stitch, sc in next stitch, sk 1 stitch, 4 dc in next stitch.* Repeat from * to * until you have 4 stitches left on ch. Sk 1 stitch, sc in next stitch, skip next stitch, and sc in last stitch. Fasten off, leaving a long tail (about 6 inches.) Do not weave in.
The end that you did the 5 dc on will be the center of the flower. Start rolling the flower like a rose until you get to the end. With a yarn needle, use the tail to secure the bottom of the flower by stitching on the bottom of the flower.
***UPDATE: This post contains the extra crochet flower patterns that I have been wanting to add. Hope you enjoy them. Any comments or questions are welcomed. Thanks for reading this blog :)
I have a few more patterns that I will add to this post soon, but I hope this is enough to help out for now :)
First off, the #1 yarn I use it Lily Sugar and Cream or Peaches and Creme 100% cotton yarn. I love the texture, the colors it comes in, and the thickness of it. All of these patterns will still work with almost any type of yarn, you just might get a different size/look/feel depending on what you use. I also generally use an I hook for most of my flower patterns.
Small 5 Petal Flower
Chain 4, join with a slip stitch in the first chain to form a ring.
Round 1: Ch 1, make 10 sc in ring, join with a slip stitch in first sc.
Round 2: Chain 3, sl st in next 2 sc. Repeat this around.
Round 3: Ch 1, (sc, hdc, dc, hdc, sc) in all chain 3 spaces. Join with a sl st in first sc. Fasten off.
Daisy
Round 1: Chain 3. 6 sc in first chain. Sl st in first sc made. Fasten off.
Round 2: With color 2, sc in any space. Chain 3, yo twice, insert hook into same space and draw up a loop. Draw through two loops twice (two loops still on hook) yo twice and insert hook into same space again, draw through two loops twice. Yo and draw through all three loops. Chain 4, sl st in same space. 1 petal made. *Sl st in next space, Chain 4, yo twice, insert hook into same space and draw up a loop. Draw through two loops twice (two loops still on hook) yo twice and insert hook into same space again, draw through two loops twice. Yo and draw through all three loops. Chain 4, sl st in same space.* Repeat from * to * in each remaining loop. 6 petals total. Join with sl st in 1st sc made. Fasten off and weave in ends.
Layered Flower
Round 1: Chain 3. Join with a sl st in first chain to form a ring. Chain 5 (counts as first dc and chain 2) dc into ring and chain 2. Do this 5 more times and join with a sl st in the 3 ch of beginning ch 5. You should have a total of 6 ch 2 spaces.
Round 2: Sl st, hdc, 2 dc, hdc, sl st in first ch-2 space, repeat in each ch-2 space around, join with a sl st in beginning sl st. You should now have 6 petals. Fasten off.
Round 3: This is where it gets tricky. With a new color, sc around the dc post made in round 1. This is also known as a back post sc. To do this, insert hook into the back of flower (so your hook is now poking out the front of your flower) and go around the post to the back. Ch 3. Repeat this step 5 more times. Join with a sl st in first sc made. You should now have 6 loops on the back of your work.
Round 4: Sl st, hdc, 5 dc, hdc, sl st in each ch-3 loop. Join with a sl st in first sl st. Fasten off.
Round 5: With first color used, Back Post SC around the dc crocheted around in round 3. Ch 5. Repeat around to beginning, join with a sl st in first sc.
Round 6: Sl st, hdc, 7 dc, hdc, sl st in each ch-5 loop. Join with a sl st in beginning sl st. Fasten off. Weave in all loose ends.
Rounded edge Flower
Round 1: Chain 5. Sl St in beginning of 1st chain to form a ring. Ch 1.
Round 2: 3 hdc in ring, chain 5 and sc in top of last hdc. Repeat this around a total of 6 times. Sl st in top of 1st hdc made. Fasten off.
Round 3: In contrasting color, join with a sc in the center hdc in between any of the ch-5 loops. Work 10 dc in the ch-5 loop. Sc in the middle hdc, 10 sc in each ch-5 loop. Repeat all the way around to the beginning. Sl st in top of 1st sc made. Fasten off. Weave in loose ends.
Itty Bitty Flower
**Note: I used a size G hook for this flower to make it smaller.
Round 1: Ch 2. 10 sc in 2nd ch from hook. Fasten off.
Round 2: With contrasting color, join in any space with a sl st in any sc. In next sc, *(hdc, dc, hdc). Sl st in next crochet.* Repeat from * to * around, do final sl st in the top of 1st sl st made.
Layered Flower 2
Round 1: Ch 4. Sl st in beginning ch to form a ring. Ch 2 (counts as 1st dc) 11 more dc in ring. Join with sl st in top of ch 2
Round 2: Ch 5 ( counts as dc and ch 3). Skip next dc. *Dc in next dc and Ch 3. Skip next dc* Repeat from * to * around. Join with a sl st in 3rd ch of beginning ch 5. You should have a total of 6 ch-3 spaces.
Round 3: (Sc, hdc, 3 dc, hdc, sc) in next ch-3 sp. Repeat in each ch-3 space around. Join with a sl st in the top of first sc. Fasten off.
Round 4: With contrasting color, join with a sl st in any of the skipped dc from round 2. Ch 3. *sl st in next skipped dc, ch 3* Repeat from * to * around. Join with a sl st in first sl st made.
Round 5: (sc, hdc, 2 dc, hdc, dc) in each of the ch-3 spaces around. Join with a sl st in the first sc. Fasten off and weave in all ends.
Sweet Rose
Round 1: Ch 55. 5 dc in 3rd ch from hook. *Sk 1 stitch, sc in next stitch, sk 1 stitch, 4 dc in next stitch.* Repeat from * to * until you have 4 stitches left on ch. Sk 1 stitch, sc in next stitch, skip next stitch, and sc in last stitch. Fasten off, leaving a long tail (about 6 inches.) Do not weave in.
The end that you did the 5 dc on will be the center of the flower. Start rolling the flower like a rose until you get to the end. With a yarn needle, use the tail to secure the bottom of the flower by stitching on the bottom of the flower.
***UPDATE: This post contains the extra crochet flower patterns that I have been wanting to add. Hope you enjoy them. Any comments or questions are welcomed. Thanks for reading this blog :)
So Sorry
I had one heck of a day and didn't get the promised tutorials posted. I did get them all written up though I just need to add pictures to them. Sorry for the wait. Also, if you notice the links at the top of my page, they are not finished. So I will be working on that tomorrow too. :)
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
I'm back
Oh man I have been so sick. Life just has not been friends with me these past few months. Aside from having some medical challenges, I have also been working quite a bit. But I am on the mend, and I have lots to share with you. Check back tomorrow afternoon for some super fun baby tutorials and a few big kid ones too :) Here is what I have planned for tomorrow. First up, the long awaited post with different crochet flower patterns. Also, how to make a simple baby skirt, binkie holders, jean bean bags, baby headband out of tights/nylons, a carseat tent/blanket, and a unique way to make awesome burp cloths.
Sunday, April 3, 2011
Newborn Bracelets
Supplies Needed
Clear stretch cord (I use .5mm)
Beads
Super Glue
Step One: Take your stretch cord and cut off a piece that is approximately 10 inches. This will be more than enough, and will give you some extra room to work with. Tie a knot at the end of the stretch cord. Double or triple the knot if your beads are a little big and slip off. Also you can tie a tiny bead to the end and just cut it off when you are finished.
Step Two: Gather your beads and string them onto the stretch cord. For a 0-3 month size, you want it to be 4.25". My pattern left it just barely 4".
So I added that tiny little flower by my thumb and an extra pearl bead and it ended up being the perfect size.
Clear stretch cord (I use .5mm)
Beads
Super Glue
Step One: Take your stretch cord and cut off a piece that is approximately 10 inches. This will be more than enough, and will give you some extra room to work with. Tie a knot at the end of the stretch cord. Double or triple the knot if your beads are a little big and slip off. Also you can tie a tiny bead to the end and just cut it off when you are finished.
Step Two: Gather your beads and string them onto the stretch cord. For a 0-3 month size, you want it to be 4.25". My pattern left it just barely 4".
Step 3: When you are finished, take the two ends of your stretch cord and tie it in a square knot. Take one piece of cord and thread it under the bead that is directly to the right of the knot. You will now have two pieces of stretch cord with a bead right in the middle of it like this:
Step 4: Slide the bead between your pieces of stretch cord over just a little bit so that you can see the knot. Put a little drop of super glue on the knot, being very careful not to get any on you or the rest of the bracelet. Slide your bead in the middle directly over the knot. This makes it so the knot is hidden and that it will not come undone.
Trim the excess pieces of stretch cord off the ends and enjoy your beautiful bracelet.
Saturday, April 2, 2011
Capri Crochet Hat Pattern
***PATTERN UPDATE: NEW SIZES
Supplies Needed
Lily Sugar N Creme Yarn, or other 4-ply cotton yarn (One 2.5 oz ball will be more than plenty.)
Size H (5mm) and I (5.5mm) crochet hooks
Size: This hat will fit a baby approximately 0-3 months.
0-3 Months (up to 14" head circumference) Row 1: With Color A, and size I hook, Chain 3. Make 6 sc in 3rd chain from hook (the first ch you made). Do not join and do not turn. This will be worked in a continuous spiral. I use yarn to mark each row with.
Row 2: 2 sc in each sc of previous round (12 sc)
Row 3: (2 sc in next stitch, 1 sc in next stitch) 6 times, (18 sc)
Row 4: (2 sc in next stitch, 1 sc in next 2 stitches) 6 times (24 sc)
Row 5: (2 sc in next stitch, 1 sc in next 3 stitches) 6 times (30 sc)
Row 6: (2 sc in next stitch, 1 sc in next 4 stitches) 6 times (36 sc)
Row 7: (2 sc in next stitch, 1 sc in next 5 stitches) 6 tmes (42 sc)
Row 8: (Chain 2. Skip 2 stitches, sc in 3rd stitch) repeat all the way around until you reach the beginning. Slip stitch in first sc.
Row 9: Sc in chain space, chain 2 (counts as first dc) 2 dc in same chain space, Ch 1, *3 dc in next chain sp, ch1, repeat from * to beginning, sl st in top of chain 2.
Rows 10-13: slip stitch over to chain 1 sp, sc in chain space, chain 2 (counts as first dc) 2 dc in same chain space. *Ch 1, 3 dc in next chain sp, repeat from * to beginning, sl st in top of chain 2.
Row 14: sc in the tops of each dc and 1 sc in each ch sp (56 sc) Fasten off and weave in ends.
Rows 15-19: With size H hook, and in color B, Sc in each sc around to form brim. Weave in ends.
6-12 Months (Up to 18" head circumference)
Row 1: With Color A, and size I hook, Chain 3. Make 6 sc in 3rd chain from hook (the first ch you made). Do not join and do not turn. This will be worked in a continuous spiral. I use yarn to mark each row with.
Row 2: 2 sc in each sc of previous round (12 sc)
Row 3: (2 sc in next stitch, 1 sc in next stitch) 6 times, (18 sc)
Row 4: (2 sc in next stitch, 1 sc in next 2 stitches) 6 times (24 sc)
Row 5: (2 sc in next stitch, 1 sc in next 3 stitches) 6 times (30 sc)
Row 6: (2 sc in next stitch, 1 sc in next 4 stitches) 6 times (36 sc)
Row 7: (2 sc in next stitch, 1 sc in next 5 stitches) 6 tmes (42 sc)
Row 8: (2 sc in next stitch, 1 sc in next 6 stitches) 6 times (48 sc)
Row 9: (2 sc in next stitch, 1 sc in next 15 stitches) 3 times (51 sc)
Row 10: (Chain 2. Skip 2 stitches, sc in 3rd stitch) repeat all the way around until you reach the beginning. Slip stitch in first sc.
Row 11: Sc in chain space, chain 2 (counts as first dc) 2 dc in same chain space, Ch 1, *3 dc in next chain sp, ch1, repeat from * to beginning, sl st in top of chain 2.
Rows 12-16: slip stitch over to chain 1 sp, sc in chain space, chain 2 (counts as first dc) 2 dc in same chain space. *Ch 1, 3 dc in next chain sp, repeat from * to beginning, sl st in top of chain 2.
Row 17: sc in the tops of each dc and 1 sc in each ch sp (68 sc) Fasten off and weave in ends.
Rows 18-22: With color 2, Sc in each sc around to form brim. Weave in ends.
Add cute crochet flower and your done. Hope these instructions make sense. Feel free to ask me any questions I would be happy to help you. If you make a hat from this pattern I would love to see it. Please follow my blog :)
More sizes to be coming soon.
Row 1: With Color A, and size I hook, Chain 3. Make 6 sc in 3rd chain from hook (the first ch you made). Do not join and do not turn. This will be worked in a continuous spiral. I use yarn to mark each row with.
Row 2: 2 sc in each sc of previous round (12 sc)
Row 3: (2 sc in next stitch, 1 sc in next stitch) 6 times, (18 sc)
Row 4: (2 sc in next stitch, 1 sc in next 2 stitches) 6 times (24 sc)
Row 5: (2 sc in next stitch, 1 sc in next 3 stitches) 6 times (30 sc)
Row 6: (2 sc in next stitch, 1 sc in next 4 stitches) 6 times (36 sc)
Row 7: (2 sc in next stitch, 1 sc in next 5 stitches) 6 times (42 sc)
Row 8: (2 sc in next stitch, 1 sc in next 6 stitches) 6 times (48 sc)
Row 9: (2 sc in next stitch, 1 sc in next 7 stitches) 6 times (54 sc)
Row 10: (2 sc in next stitch, 1 sc in next 8 stitches) 6 times (60 sc)
Row 11: Chain 2. Skip 2 stitches, sc in 3rd stitch) repeat all the way around until you reach the beginning. Slip stitch in first sc.
Row 12: Sc in chain space, chain 2 (counts as first dc) 2 dc in same chain space, Ch 1, *3 dc in next chain sp, ch1, repeat from * to beginning, sl st in top of chain 2.
Row 13-19: slip stitch over to chain 1 sp, sc in chain space, chain 2 (counts as first dc) 2 dc in same chain space. *Ch 1, 3 dc in next chain sp, repeat from * to beginning, sl st in top of chain 2.
Row 20: Sc in the tops of each dc and 1 sc in each ch sp (68 sc) Fasten off and weave in ends.
Rows 21-25: With color B, Sc in each sc around to form brim. Weave in ends.
Friday, April 1, 2011
Diaper Covers
I have an obsession with yellow and gray. I think the color combo is so cute! So I knew that one thing I really wanted to make was a cute little diaper cover. I got the pattern from MADE, she has some great tutorials on her website. Here is the link to her diaper cover pattern.
 |
| How cute are those going to look on a teeny baby's bum? |
Thursday, March 10, 2011
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)