Gingham

My little Etsy shop has been busy here at Christmas time. During the summer I was beginning to think people were not finding my products as my sales were slow. The past few months I have been loaded with custom orders to complete. I had to turn the “Custom order” option off for a while so I could get caught up. I finally finished and shipped all the orders requested. I have decided not to take anymore custom orders until after Christmas. I need a break so I can get my Christmas goodies cooking.

This season I have been in love with Gingham Check. If I knew it would have been so popular this year, I would have done more decorating with it. 

I just love it.

While taking a break from crocheting for others, I decided to crochet myself something. 

I made myself a Gingham check cup cozy. I can carry it in my car or purse and when I’m not drinking coffee from my Yeti, I can slip this sleeve over a starbucks cup to keep my hands from buring off. 

Besides I thought it was just so darn cute and it matches a shirt and ear warmers I have. 

Gingham was originated in Europe in the 17th century. 

It was actually considered a striped fabric and was made mostly in blue and white. Later in the years it became distinguished as checks.

Gingham check became popular in the 60s.

Brigitte Bardot wore a pink gingham dress when she got married. At the time, she started a trend that caused a shortage in this fabric.

You will find Gingham check in the Wizard of Oz movie. Dorothy wore a blue and white Gingham dress.

Gilligans Island’s MaryAnn, wore a gingham crop top.

You can see this design in a lot of the old classic shows.  

I always associated Gingham check with Fall and Winter. I think of cozy cabins and bear skin rugs. 

I think of a flannel shirt worn by a wooly lumberjack. 

Summer Picnic napkins and table covers are usually in this pattern.

Today you can find it on everything from jewelry to baby blankets.  

I bet if you look around your house or in your closet you will see something with this pattern fabric. 

I bet your looking now, arent you? Ha.

I have had some request for this pattern.

Im not a pattern writer but I will share with you the basics instructions. If you crochet you might be able to figure it out.

Gingham Check Cup Cozy.

(I used a G hook.)

Chain 13

Single crochet across changing color at every 4th stitch. (You will have 3 color squares.) chain 1, turn.

Repeat for 4 rows carrying your color.

Change color combination for the next 4 rows. (You will drop one color and pick up another)

Continue this until you have 36 rows (9 block rows).

Single crochet around (This will hid the carried yarn) 

Stitch ends together. Tie off and weave ends. 

Now excuse me. My new cup cozy and I are going shopping. 

You can find more of my handmade crochet cozys in my Etsy shop. 

Christmas Wasn’t Feeling It

I was feeling pretty blahh the past couple days. I feel like all I ever do is work. 

I go into work every morning at 8:30 and work til 5:00. When I get home, the sun has already set. I can’t get in a good walk and I’m tired.

We have dinner. I straighten the house up some and do a little laundry. I take a shower and set down in my recliner to relax and do some crochet. I have been loaded with bun beanies to create for customers to receive before Christmas. I have finally finished the last stash! All packages are on their way across the state to fill Christmas presents. Kind of like Santa huh? 

My daughter and her boyfriend had asked us to go to Christmas Town with them. My husband didn't want to, so we didn't. I was a little down by that and pouted somewhat like a two year old but I’ll get over it. 

Well, yesterday I went into work. As I was sitting at my desk, I looked around. I realized there was no Christmas anywhere. This just added to my feelings. We do not have customers that come into our office and it’s me in one office and two dispatchers in the back. They could care less if we decorate for Christmas. 

There is no Christmas tree, no bows or manger scenes. There is no holiday cheer. Just a lot of complaining. I’m doing my best to get out of this funk. 

Well today, I decided to not let it bother me. I put on a red shirt and drove to work to my radio blarring with Christmas music. I look around, It seems more people are decorating their homes this year. That’s good. Then the boss handed me a small bonus, so that was good too. I turned on my Christmas radio, lit a holiday scented candle and added a Christmas themed screen saver. I just have to get through my eight hour days. 

I have started a Christmas study plan on my Bible app that will put me back into the swing of things. You will be surprised how reading a little scripture each morning will make you feel good.

This weekend I will be going shopping with my daughter at the outlet malls. Those are always fun. I am actually finished with my shopping besides a few stocking stuffers, so it’s gonna be more of a stress free trip. We will look for some bargins and sip hot chocolate. 

Starting next week, my afternoons will be filled with baking. I can’t wait. I plan to make cookies, breads, rolled cake, candies and other good stuff. 

I may even invite some friends over. 

I’m going to be ok.