It's a New Year . . . Thank You Lord

This has been an interesting year:

1. We owned a house for the first 10 months but didn't live in it.
2. Gene had a 10 hour surgery for a cancerous "ulcer" in January and spent a month at Roswell Cancer Institute.
3. I had a D&C which "discovered" 2 polyps. Since once was a precursor to a cancerous polyp I opted for a complete hysterectomy in June.
4. A month after the hysterectomy, in July, I had emergency Gall Bladder surgery.
5. Finally, in September, both of us were released from our three surgeons.
6. October 24 the movers came to pack us; October 25 they loaded us up; October 26 we loaded the fur-children up for our trip to Indiana and on October 27 the movers unloaded our old house into our new house.

No wonder Gene and I are worn out . . . we've had a relatively busy year. I know some people have had a lot more "activity" in their year but this was enough for us.

So, New Years Eve in our new house brought PURE excitement. Can't you tell from Marcus and Matthew? Guess the idea of welcoming in the New Year wore them out.

Gene and I ate cold boiled shrimp and Club Crackers with cocktail sauce, while playing a "rousing" game of Monopoly until 10:00 pm. Then tried to find one of the "New Years" shows on TV. Basically, we thought all of them sucked, but we ended up with Carson Daily and Mel B . . . best of the worst for us.

After Christmas Brunch, our nephew's wife sent everyone home with a loaf pan of her egg casserole. I didn't want to return it empty so yesterday I dried some Hawaiian Bread out, then soaked it in custard and, this morning, made a Bread Pudding for her family and one for Gene and I.

The one on the left did get a little dark but the "gift" on the right looks real good :)

What I do is, as soon as it is cool, I slice it in the pan, take it out and let it throughly  cool then place in plastic freezer bags so, any day we want French Toast, I fry the slices in a pan and they are the BEST FRENCH TOAST EVER ! ! ! ! Can you tell how much I like this stuff.

I finished my last doily for the year, starched it and let it dry. Took it off the blocking board yesterday. So I'm counting it as the 1st doily for 2017. It is called Scalloped Doily. The pattern can be found here.

Hope your New Year is all you expected it to be.

Something New

Something new on the hook.  I'm participating in the Sunshine Lace Doily - Mystery CAL at Crochet Memories.

It started last week but I just started today. Guess I finally found something that would h old my attention.

I've been trying to finish  4th of July Hat and top/dress for the 1 year old across the street . . . just doesn't interest me.

So I'm using the thread (Bernat Handicrafter Crochet Thread) and a size 7 steel hook. Now, when I finish, I'll have something for each patriotic holiday that comes around.

A Doily for 7 West

10 " (+/-) Diameter

7 West was the floor where my husband spent 3 week after his cancer surgery. They had the nicest nurses, aides and assorted staff members that we have ever met. They made us feel like family.  (I kidded them that Gene was that relative who came for Thanksgiving and never left.)

This doily was designed with them in mind. I hope you enjoy it.



MATERIALS
#10 Cotton Crochet Thread
     Color A - South Maid "Cream"
     Color B - Ant Lydia "Natural"
     Color C - Aunt Lydia
                    "Antique White"

Crochet Hook - B/1-2.25 MM
Scissors
Tapestry/Yarn Needle

Starch, or your preference of something that will stiffen the doily. (I prefer liquid starch.)

Straight Pins
Blocking Board  - Thick/heavy cardboard will work as well


ABBREVIATIONS and STITCHES - US terms
ch - chain
dc - double crochet
hdc - half double crochet
MC - Magic Circle http://furbabiesmomma.blogspot.com/2011/10/how-ro-make-magic-circle.html

Rnd(s) - round(s)
sc - single crochet
sk - kip
sl st(s) - slip stitch(es)
sp(s) - space(s)
tr - treble/triple crochet


PATTERN
Rnd 1: Using Color A and a MC, ch 3, place 1 more dc into the circle, sl st to top of beginning ch 3 to join. (12 dc)

Rnd 2: Sl st to sp between ch 3 and dc, ch 3, dc in same st, 2 dc in next dc and each dc around, sl st to top of Ch 3 to join, Fasten off Color A, join Color B.







Rnd 3: Using Color B, ch 7, *sk 1, sc in next st, ch 7,* repeat from * to * around, sl st into beginning sc to join.

Rnd 4: Sl st to 3^rd ch, sc in ch, ch 4, dc in same ch, ch 3, *2 dc in next ch, ch 3,* repeat from * to * around, sl st to beginning sc to join. Fasten off Color B.




Rnd 5: Join Color C, in any ch 1, ch 3, 2 dc in same ch, ch 4,

*2 dc in next ch 1, ch 4,* repeat from * to * around, sl st to beginning ch 3 to join.

Rnd 6: Sl st to 1^st dc, ch 4, tr in same st, dc in next st, (dc, 2 hdc, sc, 2 hdc, dc) in ch 4, dc in next st, *3 tr in next st, dc in next st, (dc, 2 hdc, sc, 2 hdc, dc) in ch 4, dc in next st,* repeat from * to * around, tr in st with ch 4 and tr, sl st to ch 4 to join. Fasten off Color C.




Rnd 7: Join Color A in any middle tr, ch 1, sc in same st, ch 2, sc in same st, ch 5, *sc in middle tr, ch 2, sc in same st, ch 5, * repeat from * to * around, sl st to beginning ch 1 to join.

Rnd 8: Sl st to ch, ch 1, *18 sc in ch, ch 2, * repeat from * to * around, sl st in beginning ch 1 to join.






Rnd 9: Sl st to 4^th sc, ch 1, sc in same ch, *ch7, sk 7, sc in next st, * repeat from * to *

around, sl st to beginning sc to join.

 Rnd 10: Sl st to 4^th ch, ch 1, sc in same ch, ch 7, *sc in next ch, ch 7, * repeat from * to *, sl st to beginning sc to join.


Rnd 11:Sl st to 4^th ch, ch 9, sl st in 4^th ch from hook, ch 5, *sc in next ch, ch 9, sl st in 4^th ch from hook, ch 5, * repeat from * to * around, sl st in beginning sc to join, fasten off, weave in ends.


Finishing: Soak in starch, pin to block and allow to dry.

This pattern has not been tested. 

If you find any errors, please leave me a comment so I can fix it.

Doily for Maureen - 18" in Diameter

To make this pattern you will need these material and supplies:
Monaco Crochet Thread #8
- #10 Crochet Thread could also be used for a slightly smaller doily
Steel Hook - #5/1.90 mm
Scissors
Yarn/Tapestry needle

Optional
Starch - I prefer Liquid Starch but Spray Starch and a steam iron are fine
Blocking Board and Pins


The BEST things about this pattern:
1. Any size thread or yarn can be used to make this pattern.
2. Written in American English terms.
3. Very easy to memorize each Rnd of sts.
4. If you need help, my email address is on the bottom of each pattern page.


This pattern is very special to me. It is the 4th pattern I have made since my husband started his journey through cancer surgery (Adenocarcinoma in the Duodenum) and recovery.

The pattern was named for a Physicians Assistant we met with on a weekly basis once my husband was released from the hospital. She was so caring of both of us and extremely gentle with everything she had to do to him, which, at times, was etremely painful.

Now, about this doily itself.
1. The pattern, as shown, was made with *3 Monaco thread in Gray and Baby Pink. It was could also be made with crochet thread #10 where you would have a doily slightly smaller than the 18" diameter shown..
2. I prefer to use liquid starch when blocking my doilies. It gives them a crisp, finished look.

                          

This Pattern is on sale, 

for $3.99, in the following shoppes:

Etsy

Craftsy

Ravelry

100% of this pattern price supports no-kill pet shelters. 

The "fur~babies and I THANK YOU for your purchase.   

PLEASE REMEMBER... This listing is for a CROCHET PATTERN.. . not the finished item.

You may sell items made from this pattern.
http://furbabiesmomma.blogspot.com/ (c) 2016 Paula Gaumer Tooke
Per copyright law, do not redistribute (with or without charge) in any form. (Redistributing to others includes by photocopies, scanning, emailing, putting on a CD, posting in Internet forum messages, putting on another web site and any other manner of distribution.) You may sell items made from this pattern. 

It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year

This was a LONG week.

No  idea why, but it was.

I think I had more jammy days this week

than I have since before I met Gene.

No photos available.

It was NOT a pretty sight :)

But, speaking of a pretty sight

I've been able to look at these

two pots of hyacinths this week.

All of you who know hyacinths

know how WONDERFUL they smell

and these two did not disappoint.

I don't know if you can tell

but they are beside our stairs.

So first thing in the morning,

as we are coming down the stairs

their wonderful aroma lets us know that spring IS here.

Even though our weather forecast

call for snow between 5:00 pm tonight

and 5:00 pm Sunday :)

And, yes, my fingers have been busy.

I call this my 2nd Doily for Roswell.

Might change the name,

not sure.

Last night I finished the pink and gray.

I wasn't sure how much I would like it.

I had envisioned the pink going out to the edge,

but it, sort of, faded out.

So I frogged a couple of rows and went back to the gray.

Glad I did.

Projects I don't think I have posted

I have a folder named COMPLETED PROJECTS 2016.

Crochet Angel

My plan is to keep track of everything I make this year

place it in this folder

including name and thread/yarn info

(when I can find it).

Caprice Doily

Once I have the info in the folder

I want to  add the projects to my sidebar.

Doily #9 from, 99 Little Doilies

Wonder how long I will be able to keep this up?

LOLOL

Snowflake Doily
Aunt Lydia's
FACEBOOK CAL
Aunt Lydia #10 Cotton Thread
White
Antique White
Neutral

Scrolling Marquee

I had forgotten ALL about scrolling pictures on my sidebars. 

That is, until today.

Quite a few years ago I followed a blog by Louise Franks.

She had ALL KINDS of hints for the

burgeoning (is that the word I want?) blogger.

Alas, Louise switched to a more modern format

for building a blog

and she hasn't posted on that blog for a year or two.

Using Google, I googled her.

Come to find out she has a new website.

A combination of a Hypnotherapy site

and

Blog Design.

However, there was a contact me link

so I contacted her.

Hope she understands what I'm talking about.

Had this computer not crashed

I would still have her directions/program.

Oh Well . . . 

I finally figured out that I was looking for

"How to Make A Scrolling Marquee."

I played with a couple 

and came up with something I liked

(See top of left sidebar and below.)

What do you think?

I wish I could slow it down

AND

I wish I could add a caption for each.

But,

At least I can keep track 

of my projects

and update when needed.

BUT, it can be stopped with a mouse over
so that is good.

So I don't lose the information I found, 

I decided to add it here for safe keeping.

<center><marquee direction="up" onmouseover="this.stop()" width="150" scrollamount="4" onmouseout="this.start()" height="250"/>

<img src="Copy Image Address" alt="Name of Project" height="125" width="125" />

<img src="Copy Image Address" alt="Name of Project" height="125" width="125" />

<img src="Copy Image Address" alt="Name of Project" height="125" width="125" />

<img src="Copy Image Address" alt="Name of Project" height="125" width="125" />

<img src="Copy Image Address" alt="Name of Project" height="125" width="125" />

<img src="Copy Image Address" alt="Name of Project" height="125" width="125" />

<img src="Copy Image Address" alt="Name of Project" height="125" width="125" />

</marquee> 

Here is what will need to be done 

to get this gadget to work:

1. Go to Layout.
2. Click on Add Gadget.
3. Find this and click on it - Configure HTML/Java Script
4. Add the code listed above . . . only substitute your picture info for the bold/underlined sections.
5. Directions can be - Up, Down, Left or Right
6. Height and width can be anything between below 250. A nice small one would be 125. (I used 180. It seemed to look best.)
7. Then find the photos on your blog, right click and highlight Copy Internet Address.
8. Add this where it says Copy Image Address
9. If your project has a name, add it here Name of Project      . (I added the name so I could find the names easier when I looked at the code)

GOOD LUCK ! ! ! ! !

3 Squares Heart Doily and Diamond Point Doily

My name is Paula and I am a Doily-aholic.

I'll bet Grandma is smiling down on me

and Mom is laughing.

Doily #92 from the book
"99 Little Doilies"
by Patricia Kristofferson
It was done in Bernat Cotton Thread #5
not sure of the color name or the hook size,

Diamond Point Doily CAL
Crochet Memories Blog
Aunt Lydia's #10 Crochet Thread
Antique White and Natural
#7 hook

I LOVE the two colors in the bottom doily.

There is a very subtle change

from one color to the next

but the subtlety draws my eye to it.

I have another small doily from 

99 Little Doilies 

starched and ready to place in storage,

Did you know that a plastic wreath storage container

works PERFECT for storing doilies.

Hum,

wonder how soon I will have it filled ?

DO you have any doilies that are your favorites?

Let me know if you do.

I LOVE to see patterns that others have made.

Hum . . . 

wonder what a Mandala would look 

made from Aunt Lydia's #10 thread

in white, antique white and natural

and any other color close to them.

Bet it would be beautiful.

Baroque Inspiration

Baroque Inspiration

Denise (Augostine) Owens

Aunt Lydia's #10 Crochet Thread

#7 hook

The pattern page is,

to me,

unreadable.

I copied and pasted it to an MS Office page.

It pasted as black on the white page

so it was readable.

I was the the "frog pond" a lot

before I got half way through.

I don't know why I had such a hard time reading the pattern

but I did.

I looked for a straight on photo,

like the one I posted,

hoping it would help be figure out what I was to do on each Rnd

but there were none out there.

Well, there is now

an I hope it will be a help

to future crocheters

of this pattern.

Holly and Berries Doily

I have been on a crochet thread run.

I on't know why, but thread is feeling so good

but making Christmas hats,

I just can't seem to get them done.

There are two things I REALLY like about this pattern:

1. the pattern is very easy to memorize.

2. the berries are not flat, almost 3-D.

Here is the latest thread pattern,

available in both my 

Craftsy Shop 

and

 Etsy Shop 

for $3.99.

You may sell items made from this pattern.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

100% of the purchase price for the pattern goes to no-kill animal shelters in Western New York or my home state of Indiana. 

The "Fur~Babies" and I thank you for your purchase.

® 2015 Paula Gaumer Tooke

Per copyright law, do not redistribute (with or without charge) in any form. 

(Redistributing to others includes by photocopies, scanning, emailing, putting on a CD, posting in Internet forum messages, putting on another web site and any other manner of distribution.)