Pocket Beanie

I have done a lot of crocheting lately. I recently finished up a load of tiny little baby beanies for charity. I have also been filling special orders from my Etsy Shop and making things for my friends.

Well, last night, I made something for myself. I found some really cheap yarn at a dollar store. I knew I didn't want to use such yarn on the items I sell, but I really liked it, so I made hat for the winter. Best thing about it is it only cost me a dollar.

I'm not big into wearing crochet things or hats. I mean, I love hats and have many of them hanging around. I just do not think I look good in them. Also, It never really gets that cold here in North Carolina.


I think this multi colored, mixed yarn made a lovely beanie. It is really soft and colorful but I wanted to add something to it. I see a lot of bows and flowers on beanies so I wanted to do something a little different. I added my own little special touch by adding a pocket and an antique wooden button.

The colors will go with a lot of different sweaters and cant wait for it to get cold enough so I can wear it. .....Well, Ok no, I do not want it to get that cold. I love the warmer months and really cant wait for summer to come back. But if the weather brings it, I'm ready!

Ive shared this at:
lifewiththecrustcutoff
thecraftyblogstalker

Prayer Cloth

While looking around on the Internet the other day, I came across this really cute crocheted prayer cloth. I just had to make one.

 
This was my first one and I think its adorable.
You can find the free pattern HERE.

Prayer cloths are not to be sold, only given.

A prayer cloth is used by an individual or group of people that are praying for an ailing or sick friend, or family member. The prayer cloth is usually prayed upon by the individual or group, and then given to or wrapped around the sick friend or family member.

I remember a church giving one to my Mother-in-law when she was sick. I thought it was so precious. It meant a lot to her.

Now keep in mind, a prayer cloth does not heal. It is only a token of prayers said for the person its given to. Prayers, believing, and faith in God bring healing.


So that from his body were brought unto the sick, handkerchiefs or
aprons, and the diseases departed from them, and the evil spirits went out of
them.
Act 19:12.
  
 
Ive shared this at:

Key Sweater

Yes you heard it right. A "Key Sweater". Why not? Keys get cold too. Ha.

Ok, so I was a little bored. I wanted to attempt something different. I looked over at my keys and noticed how beat up and ugly my car key looks and thought I'd make a cover for it.

 
See! Just ugly. But I mean, It is like 8 years old.
 
I started out with a tiny little crochet hook and a white piece of scrap yarn. I know white is not a good choice for something constantly handled but its all I had in reach at the time.
 
Pattern (sort of)
Chain 2 (or make magic circle)
5 sc in 2nd ch from hook (or 5sc in circle)(5)
2sc in each sc around (10)
now just sc in rounds until you reach desired length.
 
 
Slip the sweater on the key and continue sc in round and decrease to taper.
Each key is different so you will have to adjust to fit. Then finish off. 
NOTE: You might want ot make sure it fits in your ignition switch before you finish off.
 
You don't even have to tapper it. You can just make it a slip on.
 
 
Here is my finished key sweater. I embroidered my initial on it before I tapered it on the key.
 
If I did this again, I would make a bigger, better hole to fit on the key ring. This one is just slipped in a stitch hole and its sort of tight around the ring. I'm hoping the hole will loosen up some. I'm pretty sure this sweater will probably be brown by the end of the week.
 
I just love that warm, fuzzy feeling.
 
 
Ive shared this at:
 
 

This Place

This Place

There are no sounds of sirens of emergency vehicles
There are no sounds of cars
I can hear birds gathering
I can hear sounds of the waves
and children laughing


This place

I can be alone in my thoughts
and pray as if I'm sitting beside God.
I feel whispers of hopes and dreams.
I am at peace here
and marvel at the beauty of it all.
 
 
This Place

I keep positive thoughts
I think about the good things
and let go of the negative people and things in my life.

 
This place

I hear no disrespectful words
no complaining co-workers
no whining customers
I do not hear a phone ringing
or keyboards clicking.
  
 
This place

I can relax
There are no talks of politics
no TV
no internet
or a clock
 
 
This Place

Is where I love to be.


Garden Art

One Saturday, me and my husband took a little stroll down town to the famers market and then to a local garden shop.

Out side of the garden, I noticed these hand made sculpture things made out of plates, bowls, door knobs, etc.. They were rather pretty but I had no idea what they were.




I finally learned they were garden art or sun catchers.
The more I looked at them the prettier they got.


They were all fastened perfectly on a metal rod that sticks in the ground to add beauty to your garden.


To be honest, I did not even look at the price of these things. Why? because it would be a lot more fun to create my own with finds from the thrift store or yard sales. This will be one of my spring projects ill put on my calendar.

These sun catchers were found at Ford's Seed and Plant, Gastonia, North Carolina

Deep Fried Strawberries

Now days people will deep fry anything.
I fried Strawberries.


Have you been to the fair lately? Unfortunately I have not been since my daughter was little, but I do know they have some unique foods and good ol fattening food too.

This year at the fair the newest thing was deep fried Kool Aid. I had my daughter bring me some back when she went. It was nothing like I expected. I thought it would be a crispy, sticky sweet hard candy like something on a stick. Instead, It was like a cherry flavored funnel cake. They just added kool aid too batter, deep fried it, and rolled it in powder sugar.

I have been trying to stay away from sweets, I have been eating a lot of strawberries dipped in sugar free cool whip as a snack. By the way, sugar free cool whip taste no different than the regular kind. It is delicious. You would never know its sugar free.

While eating a bowl of strawberries the other night, I thought id try to deep fry some. I mean, if you can fry a Twinkie, you can fry a strawberry. My mind was set in strawberry pancake mode. I just knew this could be done so I attempted it.


I like the way they turned out. There are a lot of possibilities with these yummy fruit fritters.
I added power sugar to mine but I think they would also be good with a glaze of honey or syrup. Maybe rolled in cinnamon or even some chocolate drizzle.


So much for staying away from the sweet stuff! Powder sugar is one of my weaknesses.
These would be great for a breakfast side.
Enjoy!!


Ive shared this at:
tumbleweedcontessa
lifewiththecrustcutoff
jaqsstudio
mizhelenscountrycottage


Crochet Baby Bonnet *How to*

I looked everywhere for a pattern for a crochet baby bonnet with the open back and could not seem to fine one anywhere.

I found some in a different language or had to pay to see the pattern. After an unsuccessful attempt. I figured one out on my own.



Now I'm not any good at writing a pattern but I can explain how I did it and anyone that knows how to crochet should get the general idea.

So if you searching too, look no further. Here's how I did it.
  • Chain the length you need. (I made mine about 6 inches long)
  • Single crochet first row, chain 2 turn.
  • Double crochet next row, chain 1 turn.
  • Repeat single crocheting and double crocheting every other row until you have reach the depth you need. I made mine about 13 rows.
  • Once the desired depth is made, single crochet together all the way across. (this makes your back). You will see it curve to a circle. Do not finish off.
  • Single crochet down the side, across the front and other side of the hat. 
  • Slip stitch to join the back together. I gave it a few more stitches to make a closed spot about the size of my thumb.
Decorate with a ribbon and there you have it. I hope I didn't confuse you to much. Id love to know how yours turns out.


Ive shared this at:
make-it-pretty-monday at thededicatedhouse
the-diyers at homecomingmn
Hand made tuesdays at ladybug-blessings
crochetboulevard
jaqsstudio

Crab Puffs

I am currently on day 4 of my "no sweets" diet. I have also been eating less and doing some Zumba to help loose a few pounds. Now with that being said, I have a terrible craving not just for sweets but to cook and eat unhealthy in general.


I wanted to try a new recipe but didn't want to make it late at night like I usually will do. I didn't want to make it "just because" either,  So, I pre-made some crab mix to cook for dinner the next night.

I made Crab Puffs.


They were so easy to make and delicious. Do you like Crab ragoons/wontons from the Chinese restaurants? Well, this is pretty close to it. Just more bread. I love bread.

Now let me share this wonderful recipe with you.


Crab Puffs
MIX together:
1/4 Block of cream cheese (approx. 3oz)
1/4 Cup mayonnaise
3/4 Cup cooked Crab meat (Imitation works fine) and didn't measure.
2 Green Onions finely chopped (again I didn't measure)
1/8 teaspoon Cayenne Pepper
salt and pepper to taste. 

Roll out one 8oz tube of crescent rolls. seal the seams and roll into a rectangle. Cut into 24 squares.
Place a spoon of crab mixture on the corner of each square then roll and tuck. Place on a greased cookie sheet and bake 10-15 minutes at 375 degrees.


Just look at that gooey goodness! mmm mm mmm

Serve hot and add your favorite dipping sauce. My favorite is sweet and sour.
These would be perfect for pickups or tailgate parties.

Enjoy.

Ive shared this at:
full-plate-thursday at mizhelenscountrycottage
tasty-thursdays at mandatorymooch
blog-stalking-thursday at thecraftyblogstalker
freedom-fridays at myturnforus
inspire-me-monday at create-with-joy



Vintage Watch Recycled

So I have this old vintage watch that used to belong to a grandmother that passed away a several years ago. I've worn it some and I loved how delicate and dainty it was. It was like a little bracelet and not to fancy. It no longer works. Its a windup watch so its not like I can just go out and buy a battery for it.

 
I put it away for years. while I was going through some old things I found it again. I wanted to wear it but I did not want to wear a non working watch. As my mind pondered about how I can make use of this old Monarch Swiss watch I found the perfect solution. I made it into a picture bracelet.


I found a picture of my two favorite people, my husband and daughter. Its a picture I like of them two goofing off on the floating bridge at Myrtle Beach. I shrunk the picture down to size and replaced the watch face with it.


Don't worry, the watch face is still in tact and sits behind the photo. Nothing harmed here. The picture is protected by the crystal glass of the watch. I think an old antique photo would be really cool in this piece.

Any non working watch would work for this project so don't throw that watch away, make it a memory.


Ive shared this at:
thecraftyblogstalker
craftionary
diy-vintage-chic
thededicatedhouse
homecomingmn diyers
sundayview
linda-coastalcharm
ladybug-blessings
jaqsstudio

DIY Lacy Pumpkin

HAPPY OCTOBER!

Ive been trying to get into the Halloween mood. I had seen some really cute pie pumpkins at my local grocery store and have been putting off buying one until the other day. I had had my eye on one for a week and no one ever bought it. It was perfect and had a nice stem on it. This was the one I wanted.

Now I want to decorate it. I usually will paint them or if I purchase a large pumpkin, I will carve it. As I was searching around online for some ideas, I came across an adorable lace pumpkin at the funhomethings blog. You definitely need to go check it out. While your there, check out the rest of her blog. She has alot of other cool DIY ideas that are sure to catch your attention.

I loved it and since I had some old pantyhose that unfortunately I had out grown, I made me one!



I am happy with the way it turned out. I just cut the leg out of the pantyhose and dropped the pumpkin down in it and cut off any extra lace. Then I scrammed around the house in search of something to make a bow and found some scraps in my daughters art stuff.

All I have in this is the 99 cent it cost me for the pumpkin. I Still have another pantyhose leg and may do another one of these. But first I want to make a wreath. Oh, wait...Another idea just popped into my head. Wish me luck.



I've shared this at:
the-diyers at homecomingmn
ladybug-blessings
nifty-thrifty-tuesday at linda-coastalcharm
whatd-you-do-this-weekend tumbleweedcontessa
made-by-me linky party at jaqsstudio FEATURED
lovely-ladies-link-up at lifewiththecrustcutoff
thecraftyblogstalker
craftionary