Afghans, Blankets, Throws

Colder weather is a great time to work on afghans, blankets, throws. As the afghan grows is begins to cover you and keep you warm. They are great on winter evenings. If you have people who love hand made gifts, they will cuddle in the afghans and wrap themselves in the love and the prayers that are put into the afghan that was made for them. My girls love afghans, blankets and throws. They are on their beds year round. They cuddle with them and wrap up in them. They drag them with them. If we go on a trip, sometimes they will even bring the blankets with them. Even if the blanket is something made by another and not yarny, they love it and carry it with them. They take a long time to make, as you cannot take them with you when you are wondering about. They become too big to carry and work on. You don't want people walking on them when you are working on them and you tend to only work on them when you are at home and don't have to stop mid row, especially when it is a knit. Circular needles are used and you really need long circulars. Crochet afghans can be stopped mid row and so are easier to work on. Crochet gets a bad rap as being too holey, but in actuality, any craft can be lacy or holey, even knitting, but all are beautiful and warm.

1. The Navajo Afghan
2. An Update on a Classic Amish Pattern
3. The Rain Dance Afghan - free ravelry pattern
4. Apache Tears Afghan - Gorgeous!
5. Cotton Field Throw
6. A Classic Native American Blanket
7. Live the Simple Life With This Quick Pattern
8. Medley of Stitches Blanket
9. Amethyst Stained Glass Afghan
10. Easygoing Crochet Blanket
11. Garnet Waffle-ghan
12. The Arrowhead Afghan
13. Aquamarine Butterfly Lace Afghan
14. Staying Home Blanket - For when the comforts of home are calling
15. The Farmer's Wife Throw
16. Church on Sunday Square
17. Calming Crochet Baby Blanket
18. Emerald Crochet Throw
19. Square Dance
20. The Jitterbug
21. Bunny Hop
22. The Twist
23. Line Dance 
24. Polka lots of other freebies on this site. 
25. Foxtrot - Perfect for baby!
26. Moonwalk
27. The Charleston - This one's beautiful!
28. The Loco-Motion
29. The Robot
30. Scandinavian Snowflake Blanket 
31. Contemporary Plaid Afghan
32. Swedish Countryside Afghan 
33. Baja Orange
34. Fired Brick - An unexpeted holiday addition!
35. Wild Mushroom
36. Maple Leaf
37. Fields of Gold
38. Perfect Plum - What ravishing ripples
39. Corn Silk
40. Toasted Pumpkin
41. Cherry Chip
42. Forest Hills
43. Blush Rose - So trendy right now
44. Nantucket Gray
45. Natural Wood
46. Prussian Blue
47. Dijon Mustard
48. Two-Color Reversible Shells Afghan
49. Two-Tone Granny Square
50. Two-Color Rippling Waves Baby Blanket
51. Vintage Two-Tone Afghan
52. This Reversible Afghan Is Double the Fun!
53. Two-Tone Blue Hues Block Afghan 

Mitts, Gloves and Fingerless

As the cold starts to move in, it is a good thing to have mittens, gloves and fingerless mitts or gloves. I love these patterns and save them because my hands are always cold and my kids are the same way. Having something that we can wear to keep our hands warm are wonderful.

1. Whichaway Mitts
2. Streamlined Mitts -Advanced Knitters Only!
3. Navajo Arm Warmers
4. Cable Fingerless Gloves -Breathtaking! these are on purlbee and my settings won't let me go to this site. 
5. True Love Fingerless Mitts
6. Cozy Autumn Fingerless Gloves -Versatile!
7. Easy Crochet Mittens Free Pattern
8. Basic Crocheted Mittens
9. Crocheted Mittens
10. Men's Afghan Stitch Gloves
11. Retro Crocheted Mittens
12. Blocky Brick Warmers
13. Happy Hands Mittens for Kids
14. Downton Abbey Arm Warmers
15. Candy Striped Texting Gloves
16. Madly In Love Mitts
17. Pacific Sunset Mitts
18. Lightning Fast Fingerless Mitts
19. Daddy's Simply Easy Mittens
20. Mommy's Marvelous Mittens
21. One Skein Mittens 
22. Maplewood Mittens 
23. Lacy Vine Fingerless Gloves 
24. Garter Stitch Chunky Mitts 

Mandalas

Mandalas are becoming more popular. They are used to make some pretty creative toys or afghans or hats. They are stunning, pretty and a challenge.

1. Stunning Seafoam Mandala
2. Dream On Crochet Mandala
3. M A G I C A L Mandala LOVE!
4. Butterfly Peacock Mandala
5. Magic Spike Mandala Square
6. Mini Magic Mandala Square
7. Angel Heart Mandala Stunning
8. Autumn Fiesta Carnivale Mandala 

Christmas Gifts for Girls

Christmas is not my favorite holiday, because of the expectation to go shopping and spending lots of money on things that people really don't want or need. So the go to gift ends up being money, because people just don't want to get to know people or they know that the gift is unwanted, unwelcome, unloved. I do on the other hand love my girls and I explained to them that I would rather buy them what they want or need at the time, rather than say, oh, just wait for Christmas or your birthday. They also love hand made gifts (Yep, I raised them right). They like simple gifts....art supplies, yarn and needles, and books! Lots and lots of books. They love to read. They like to pick out their own clothing and they are grateful for gifts they are given, holding onto them for years and years. There are some others who are like these wonderful girls and they love their hand made gifts, too. One day, I might be a grandmother and there will be little ones going through yarns and patterns and asking for things, so I will continue to save these wonderful patterns.

1. Pretty Ruffle Dress for Girls
2. Caterpillar Cuddle Buddy So cute!
3. Two-Hour Toddler Flower Beanie
4. Amazing Animal Mittens Must-make
5. Eloise's Favorite Stylish Sweater
6. Rainbow Fish Game Something for you to play together
7. Abby's Dolly & Me Poncho
8. Frozen Snowman Hat Love this!
9. Clever Sock Monkey Blanket
10. 27 Crochet Dolls She'll A D O R E - lots of links for things to make for a little girl....dolls, clothing for dolls. 
11. Pretty Little Purse 
12. Crochet Prince and Princess 
13. Amigurumi Mama Santa 
14. Crochet Reindeer Pouch 
15. Crochet Snowman Ear Muff Hat and Cocoon 

Weekend Before Halloween

Wow, this month has flown by. Between things for the kids and birthdays, time has flown! The Lebanon Library has started homeschool classes and the girls have loved them. As October closes, November begins and we have more birthdays. Nicole and I collaborate and decide what to do together, it means we get to do a little more for her birthday, paired with mine. The older girls noticed and they have started the same thing. It makes it more fun. We will be having a good meal for the dads on the 12th to celebrate my dad (his birthday is coming) and we are also celebrating Veteran's Day. The meal has already been chosen and my dad is excited for the meal, it is his favorites. I even said that if the weather cooperates I will grill part of the meal, the rest will be prepared in advance and just be reheated in crock pots (mashed potatoes, sauer kraut, pumpkin pie - not reheated).

I am still looking at the patterns in my emails and saving the links that I want to use some day. I have a lot of emails in my google and still over 1400 in my yahoo, but today, I worked on those and that decreased from over 1500 to over 1400. That works for me. I have seen memes that talk about a person having so many that they would never be able to finish them all. I know exactly what they are talking about. A friend and I have also been talking about being SABLE with our yarn, too. SABLE - Stash Acquisition Beyond Life Expectancy. I said, as long as my youngest is enjoying knitting, I won't have to worry about that. She will inherit my stash, as right now she is raiding it and I have absolutely no problem with that.

As I am working on this, I have been using my libraries (yep, libraries) and I downloaded MP3 or Overdrive books and have been listening to the books that I want to read, but I just don't have the time to knit/crochet/read and empty the emails to do. I have friends who have actually recommended listening to books on tape (MP3, Overdrive) while doing other things. I do have a hearing impairment and sometimes when things get too loud (I have kids, that happens a lot) I can't hear the words and I usually just give up and go back to my books or watching tv with the captions (while knitting/crocheting/cross stitching, etc).

Today is such a gorgeous fall day and I really do need to get out for awhile. I will accomplish that after lunch and then come home to cook some supper for the family. I may take my dog along, since she enjoys walking in parks and this way I can explore the parks some more. I love that we have so many with hiking trails nearby.

I know I mentioned a few posts ago, about Caron Cakes. The Crochet Crowd has links for patterns of things to make using the Caron Cakes. Enjoy!

Afghans:
Sand Dollar Afghan
Green Friendly Afghan
Irish Lace Afghan
Dublin Country Throw
Lace Cable Afghan
Painted Desert Sunset Afghan
Picturesque Windows Afghan
Comfy Heritage Quilt Throw
Striped Stash Buster Throw
Large Ripple Afghan
Scrap Yarn Afghan
Golden Years Crochet Blanket
Sherbet Surprise Afghan
Cinnamon Twist Afghan

Amigurumi/Toys:
Whimsical Castle
Apple Place Holder

Bags:
Sunny Days Market Bag
1 Skein Farmer's Bag

Christmas/Winter:
Christmas Stocking
Christmas Afghans....Characters

Cowls/Scarves:
Rio Scarf - this looks like an crocodile stitch, very pretty.
Peacock Scarf
Jubilee
Angel Shawl
Nostalgia Brioche Cowl
Cozy Blue Scarf
Spring Cowgirl - super cute and fun.
Off to Canada Scarf
Irish Mesh Cowl
Irish Shepherd Scarf
Cabled Hooded Scarf - This is very pretty and fun.
Seed Stitch Infinity Scarf
Circle Scarf
Color Change Scarf
Three to One Cowl
Lace Triangle Scarf
Marnie's Scarf
Caribbean Dreams Scarf
Scarf Squared....with Skull Cap

Cozies:
Daisy Teapot Cozy

Easter:
Easter Egg Covers - perfect cover for those plastic eggs, I don't know how many haven't sealed and we had to tape over the years.
Tumbling Bunnies

Hat/Headband:
Most Comfortable Headband
Winter Warrior Hat
Fallen Leaves Slouch Hat
Colorwork Knit Beanie
Five Pillars Hat
Stepping Stones Beanie
Chic Cabled Beret
Scrap Buster Hats - this has sizes ranging from newborn to adult....fun
Nell Hat
Earflap Hat

Kitchen:
Kitchen Kolor Trivets - I have made this many times. I even got to the point that I was able to make them without the pattern.
Wiggle Trivet - this is super cute and I really want to make a few. I need trivets for the meals I serve at Christmas and Easter.
Sunny Skies Dishcloth
Leafy Dishcloth - this one is fun and would be good for autumn
Swiffer Cover
Flower Dishcloth
Blooming Flower Dishcloth
Flower Coasters
Lotus Bloom Dishcloth
Apple Dishcloth
Candy Corn Dishcloth
Dutch Skies Pot Holder
Snowman Coaster
Tunisian Crochet Flower Dishcloth

Ornaments:
Star of David Ornament
Poinsettia
Twinkle Tree Ornament

Shawls:
Vintage Lace Popcorn Shawl
Easy Dreamy Shawl
Beloved Shawl
Tristan Eyelet Lace Shawl
Natural Leaf Wrap
Waltzing Fan Shawl
Triangle Shawl

Slippers/Socks:
Rainbow Sherbet Socks - I save all kinds of socks because I do enjoy making socks.
Best Sock Pattern

Birthdays, Halloween and Fall

On the 15th of October, we remember my husband's uncle. 2 years ago, he passed away and we were all shocked. On the 16th of October, we would have been celebrating his anniversary, to my husband's aunt. Also, we celebrate many birthdays on the 16th of friends and family. The rest of the month flies with parties and birthdays. Then we get into November and the birthdays continue.

To celebrate my husband, we had a cookout for him, inviting his dad, brother, and my father. All of them love home cooked meals, but seem to not get them as much as they did when the moms were alive. Last month, we took a lot of food, already cooked, down to my fil's house for his birthday. He loved it. The girls and I had been taking the dads out for lunch every couple of weeks, but trying to bring home cooked meals 50 miles, is just ridiculous. When I know that my fil and bil are coming, I make sure I have a ton of food sitting out, because they will eat as soon as they walk in the door. They ate until they were full and then my fil thanked me for the meal and then they left. He is very much a homebody and likes to stay closer to home. My dad likes the home cooked meals and mentioned to me that he and my brother eat out a lot, mostly to avoid dishes. I think, in the future, we will have to start having meals with the dads once a month, where we invite them up for a full meal, made from scratch.

Halloween is coming and my girls have been having fun decorating the house and the yard. We get something every now and then and the put it out with the other things we have.

We had 2 full days of rain and the cold has finally shown up. It is a great time to make afghans. I need to sit and finish an afghan and get it out the door. It should have gone out last year, but last year was just a really bad time. Also, it is all white and as the afghan grows it does not travel well. It is not something I can work on and haul around. It becomes an item that can only be worked on at home and I don't spend that much time at home. I like getting out of the house and doing things. I am working on a lot of smaller items that are easy to transport and I have to finish my husband's scarf. I know that he will wear it all over the place. He likes hand knits. He is a great man and I am very lucky to have him, so are our girls.

Afghans/Squares:
Watercolor Granny
Irish Wave Baby Blanket
Tropighana Crochet Blanket
Treasure Island Throw
Happy to Help Afghan
Crazy Ripple Blanket
35 Squares
Magical Mist Crochet Throw
Crochet Crazy Quilt
August Moon Baby Blanket
I Love Color Afghan
Celtic Weave Blanket
Bernat Star Afghan
Fall Romance Throw
Turquoise Mosaic Throw
Spooky Cute Crochet Throw
Cherry Wine Afghan
Floral Motif Afghan
Rainbow Tunisian Crochet Baby Blanket
Brighton Blanket
Magnolia Afghan

Amigurumi/Toys:
Let The Eat Cake - cake for those who can't have it.
Tiny Pencils
Tiny Lalylala
Crochet Olive Octopus Puzzle
Girl Gang Dolls - animal dolls
Squirrel Key Chain

Bags:
Chinese Waves
Entrelac Messenger Bag
Lifeline Pocket Purse
Purple Purse

Christmas:
Links for Christmas
Christmas Pudding Dishcloth

Cowls/Scarves:
Pattern Island Lace Scarf
Haula Cowl
Shiplap Cowl
Crochet Bandito Cowl
Monster Tooth Scarf
Ombre Cowl
Linen Stitch Colorblock Wrap
Vanilla Scarf
To Infinity and Beyond - can be done in autumnal colors.
Rio Scarf
Black and White Color Block Infinity Scarf
Jefferson Scarf
Cozy Ribbed Cowl
Phoebe Smocked Cowl
Jeanette Cowl
Falling Water Cowl
Paradiso Cowl

Hats:
Gryffindor Hat
Diagonal Shell Slouch Beanie
Shiplap Slouch
Turquoise Mandala Slouch Hat
Frog Hat - Cute for little boys
Cable Crush Winter Hat
Burgandy Breeze Cable Hat
School Yard Hat
Toddler Girls Cat Ear Hat
Mayuri's Crochet Beanie


Just for Fun:
Croshades....the Yarn Bombing Accessory! No explanation here, just fun.
Crochet Bible Cover or Case - this is a great way to carry your Bible with you.
Project Maple Leaf - Diva Dan of The Crochet Crowd is working on an ambitious project for Canada's 150th birthday. He asked viewers/readers of The Crochet Crowd to help him make Maple Leaves for his project. If you can help, go to the link and make a few and send them on to Diva Dan.
Crochet Flowers Wedding Bouquet
Fall Maple Leaves

Shawls/Wraps:
Asymmetrical Shawl
Oversized Shawl - made with mitred squares.
Shawl Knitted Sideways
Scalloped V Stitch Shawl
Spring Blooms Crochet Shawl
Silver Semi Circular Shawl
Falling Leaves Shawl - Lace....very pretty.
Wrap and Go Shawl
Across the Galaxy Shawl
Summer Morning Shawl
Silver Semi Circle Shawl - very pretty. I really want to try and make this.
Love Triangle Shawl

Socks/Slippers:
Mock Cable Socks
Toe Up Gingko Socks
Knitting Basket Weave Socks

Tops/Sweaters:
Summer Mesh Top
Spring Morning Baby Cardigan

Christmas Gifts and Decorations to Make

Before my mother passed, I loved to make gifts for my family. I loved my family and wanted to share the love I felt for them by making things that they could enjoy. I made dishcloths, I made afghans, hats, scarves, etc. After my mom passed, I learned that she had shoved the things I made into a box and backs of drawers and they were never used. My youngest sister wrote how much she hated what I made and how useless it was and that she wished I would make things she liked and/or wanted. My heart broke and I stopped making things. This year, my wonderful nephew, requested socks. We picked out the yarn (and yeah, I started them and I work on them when I can) and I looked at all the things that I had started and not finished. I began working on the WIPs (works in progress) and decided I needed to finish. I also sorted things into portable and non-portable. Socks are both, but I don't work on them where they can be harmed or lose stitches (small, tiny stitches). In my email, there are tons of links for Christmas decorations and presents and courtesy of my wonderful nephew, I was reminded that there are people who like the homemade gifts and I need to make just for them. I will continue to save these links, because my children love the things I make and they love getting things all year long and they love to decorate for Holidays....Christmas included. So I will make for those I love and give only to those who know the effort and love that go into things that I make, for the rest, I will ignore them or give them money (aka gift cards) since that is what matters to them, not love.

Folksy Tiny Tree Christmas Ornament Lightning-Fast Cowl  Snow Man Gift Card Cozy  Ravishing Ruby Pillow - Dutch with Translation The Perfect Gift for the Hostess - free Ravelry download  By the Fireplace Cowl  Unexpected Santa Claus Dishtowel   Candy Cane Knit Cowl - for children. It is a great idea instead of scarves.  Vintage Knit Christmas Stocking   Basic Baby Gilet - a vest for a baby girl Holiday Squares Blanket

Christmas Morning Pine Tree Afghan - original in Finnish, lower is English Easy Stocking Stuffer Lace Scrunchie  Partridge in a Pear Tree Ornaments   Grandma's Favorite Holiday Afghan  BONUS! Holly Jolly Holiday Decor Tiny Treasures Stocking - cute little item for putting lipsticks, lip balms, etc for girls.  Full of Joy Pillow   15 Easy Festive Projects - Halloween comes up...may have to check it afterwards.  Quick 'n Easy Christmas Decoration  Yarnie Ornament   Whimsical Tabletop Tree  Christmas Stockings....I love the idea of making the girls their own stockings.  Folkways Christmas Stocking  Colorful Keepsake Stocking  Christmas Colors Stocking  Jolly Fireplace Stocking   Large Christmas Stocking  Fantastic Fair Isle Stocking   Chilly Snowman Stocking  Satin Bow Stocking   Polar Bear Stocking

Knit Crochet for the Home

In my emails, is a list for things to make for the home....It has different home styles.

1. Rustic Home - Dublin Afghan
2. Cozy Home - Floor Pillow Pouf
3. Modern Home - Shag Rug
4. Quirky Home - Sugar High Donut Pouf 
5. Hippie Home - Woven Tassel Pillow
6. Colorful Home - Linen Stitch Scrap Rug

Enjoy these. 

Knits for Readers

Still cleaning out the emails and there is one that has knits for people who love to read and since that fits my household (at least the girls and I), I will save these for the girls.

1. The Hobbit
2. Harry Potter
3. The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy
4. The Shining
5. Interview With the Vampire
6. The Hunger Games
7. Twilight
8. Fifty Shades of Grey