Love what you love

So we are back to the school routine this week and I must say it feels great to be able to get some housework accomplished. When Bud and Bug are home on breaks I feel like my house gets turned upside down!!!  I did however find the time to bust out my favorite old tea set and get that all cleaned up and on display once again!!! Oh how I've missed you!!! I started collecting this tea set when I was just 13 years old.  I asked the hubby yesterday if I qualify for senior discounts!! No matter what anyone says crocheting and tea sets do not make me an old lady, or does it?  Who cares I love what I love and that's what matters! 

The pattern is simple

But look how pretty they are!!!

Now I remember why I absolutely adore this set!

The bottom line is love what you love and what makes you happy! Until we meet again - Melinda

Free Dishcloth Crochet Pattern

So my Mom asked me to make her girlfriend some crocheted dish cloths for her birthday. So I decided it was time I tried my hand at creating a pattern.  What could be simpler than a dish cloth pattern right? Well after several attempts on different stitches etc. I have my first pattern.

Crunchy Stitch Dish Cloth

Materials: 

Peaches and Cream 100% 4 ply cotton yarn

Size I/9-5.50 mm hook 

Tapestry Needle

Note: Work Pattern Loosely

Ch 30

Row 1- Sl st in 2nd chain from hook * hdc in next ch, sl st in next stitch; repeat from * across ending with a slip stitch in last ch, turn

Row 2- Ch 2 * skip first stitch * sl stitch (will be the hdc of the row below), hdc in next stitch; repeat from* across ending with a hdc in last stitch, turn

Row 3- *Sl st in first stitch (will be hadc of the row below), hdc in next stitch; repeat from * across to turning ch, sl st in turning chain

Repeat rows 2 & 3 to desired length

DO NOT FASTEN OFF

Edging- 

Rnd 1-  Ch 1, 3 sc in each corner, sc in each stitch around, join with sl stitch to ch 1 at the beginning of round

Rnd 2- Ch 1, 3 sc in center sc of corner from previous round, sc in each stitch around

Fasten off and weave in all loose ends with a tapestry needle

If you have any questions about this pattern please don't hesitate to ask. I apologize in advance for any mistakes please be understanding as this is my first written pattern. 

Thank You and Until We Meet Again- Melinda

Fabulous colors....

So we have officially begun the boys mid-winter recess and I am pleased to say I have started some projects and completed some! I always feel great when something comes together and ends up looking great.  My Mom and I had a craft day and tried our hand at some deco mesh wreaths. I must say they are a lot easier than expected and the colors are fab!!!  

 I have started a granny stripe afghan that I have been wanting to try for some time now.  It's a very easy pattern and I must say I wasn't too sure about the color combo at first but it has grown on me!!! Thinking this will be a long project, but after two years of crocheting things for everybody else I am finally making myself something!!! I must say I am feeling a bit guilty about choosing a project for myself that will take up so much time.  

It has been cold and snowy.....

But, I must admit as much as I want Spring to be here there is beauty in winter!

Hope you all are enjoying mid-winter recess. I know I am!! 
Until next time -Melinda

Oh baby, baby....

So this week I have decided I want to crochet a baby dress. I went looking online for a free pattern that wasn't too advanced but still cute and frilly. I found this great free pattern at www.lisavanklaveren.com. It is called the Baby Pineapple Party Dress and it is adorable! I am crocheting it in Red Heart's Anne Geddes Baby in the color jam. I absolutely love the color!!! I started working on it and was amazed at how quickly it's coming together. I am thinking my niece will look ADORABLE in it! 
                             

   

                     

               

    

I will make sure I post a picture of it when it is completed. I am hoping to make a white sweater and matching diaper cover for it so she can wear it for Easter.

Tried to take Bug to Pre-k today but there was a bad accident en route so we turned around and came home and I got to working on a heart scarf for Bud's teacher for Valentine's Day! I worked up samples in two colors and haven't decided what one I like the best, guess I'll make them both up and decide at that point! Thankfully it is an easy pattern that just whizzes by!!!  Kinda procrastinated on that one! Feeling kinda blah lately and I think it's because i want spring to be here now! I want the green grass, flowers and SUNSHINE!!!

Until we meet again! 

Melinda

Seeing red

So with Valentine's Day just around the corner my home has been a buzz with all things heart shaped and red.  Okay maybe a few hues of pink too!  
                                

                              

                               

For some reason this year I have really gotten into Valentine's Day! The colors and of course the heart shape have really inspired me! I have made up a few heart shaped doilies for the boys teachers and even started working on their homemade Valentine's. I just can't bring myself to buy store bought ones! Call me silly but I just can't do it! It might go hand in hand with me not being able to buy those tacky cartoon image t-shirts either! 
                                
                               

Still haven't decide on what valentine's to make for bug yet, but I'm sure they will be spectacular! So it seems it's time to start that ever dreaded grocery list and meal plan for the week. Until we meet again  <3 Melinda

And so it begins....

So I have been contemplating starting this blog for awhile now! I am a stay at home mom of two boys(well maybe three since sometimes husbands act like kids too!) I love to crochet, paint, sketch,sew,bake,cook,hunt and most of all take care of my family! Here are some things I have worked on in the past:
                                

I am hoping to keep you all updated as frequently as possible and I hope to share my passions and inspirations with you and maybe you will feel inspired too!

Until next time -Melinda-