Monday, May 28, 2012

Thank You

I know that for many of us, Memorial Day means a three day weekend, cook outs, hanging out with friends, and relaxing.  It does for me too.  But do you know why this day was set aside as a holiday?

It began after the Civil War as a day to honor the Union soldiers who gave their lives in the war and was originally called decoration day.  Family members would "decorate" the graves in remembrance, thus the original name, Decoration Day.  Over time it became a day to remember all fallen soldiers in all wars.  Before 1968 it had been celebrated on May 30th.  (Our government moved 4 holidays to Mondays so that we could enjoy 3 day weekends.)

So today, as we grill our burgers, enjoy time with our families, don't forget to remember those who gave their lives so that we may be free to do so.


Until next time,

Friday, May 18, 2012

Off the Hook and on the needle

Still working on Princess A's afghan.  It's slow going but at least it isn't buried in the bottom of the basket anymore!

I also have a burial gown on my needles.  It breaks my heart making it, it's so small.  It is by request of God's Tiny Angels which has a hospital requesting gowns for the small babies that are called to heaven (2-3 lbs).  I found several patterns on Ravelry and chose to make this one first since it is unisex.

Off the needles is this cute little bolero I made for Princess A with some Simply Soft yarn.

I modified the Ribbed Lace Bolero by Kelly Maher.  You can check out my notes at find the pattern here.  

And here is my off the hook project:
(I know, I know!  Sorry for the overexposure!)

Another cocoon for God's Tiny Angels, only this one is Christmas-y.  The white is done in chenille and the red is actually more of a maroon color, it's an acrylic.  

The cocoon is also a sneak peak of what's to come in July.  I am planning an WHOLE month of Christmas projects, a different one every day, to share with you.  Maybe if we get started early we won't be weaving in ends on Christmas Eve.  Anything in particular you would like to see?  Leave me a comment and let me know! 


Until next time,

Saturday, May 12, 2012

Ravelry finds

I was wandering through Ravelry and found SO many cute patterns that I just had to share some of them with you too!  Hope you like them!
This cutie is called the Pop-bottle piggy bank and is designed by Erica Bradley.  LOVE IT!

These are the Mary Jane Skimmers designed by Megan Denham and are available on her site Tampa Bay Crochet in sizes newborn to 12 months.  Too cute!

The Framed Hearts designed by Frankie Brown.  I think these are gorgeous!

Although not available in "big" gal sizes, I still think this is beautiful!  It is the Athena Tunic designed by Anna Templer.

 Princess A has been requesting a crown since the cheap-o plastic one she has hurts her head.  This is the Toddler Princess Crown designed by Leanne Growden.  There are three different design options with this pattern.

And the best thing about all of these?  They are FREE!  I so love the generosity of pattern designers!

Until next time,

Friday, May 4, 2012

Pretzel Bites

I am a soft pretzel addict!  (Which could be because I am a carb addict but that's a different post altogether!)  I can't resist their warm, salty, chewy call and you can often find a BIG box of frozen soft pretzels in my freezer for those emergencies in which even chocolate can't handle.  At least until now!

I have tried many recipes for soft pretzels over the years.  Some were okay, others were horrible but not seemed to be both relatively easy to make and yet still taste and feel like a real soft pretzel.  At least not until now.

To be honest, I don't remember how I came across Haniela's recipe.  I just remember pinning it on Pinterest with the intent to try it one day.  This week I did and I wish I had made them sooner!  They were perfect!  And they are definitely easy to make if I, the gal who can't EVER seem to get a yeast dough to rise, was able to manage making them!  I made a batch to take to my ladies group and ALL of them were gone afterwards!  I even had some who thought they were store bought! 

(Sorry about the photo quality, this was taken with my cell)

Wanna know how to make your own?  Visit Haniela's site for the full recipe.  My next batch I think I will use slightly less baking soda, but there will be many batches of this made in the future!

Until next time,