Another view

I just can't figure out why I can't get a good photo of my crochet hook. It appears to be a "too much light" problem, but the background is actually gray. Hmmmm. Maybe I should consider a photography class next?

New Crochet Hook

After looking at a crochet hook carved (whittled, actually) from a regular chopstick I said "I can do that". The one I saw is called Jimbo's Chophook. It didn't take me long to find an old, mismatched chopstick and have a go at it. I'm sorry for the bad quality of the photo, I tried twice to get a better one, but didn't have any luck. This chopstick isn't bamboo, but some other wood and has interesting grain lines not visible in the photo. I think the hook turned out pretty good and the size is about a J, which is my favorite for afghans. The second photo is the 12-point Round Ripple afghan. This pattern is quickly becoming my favorite also. I have made crochet hooks before. I made a tunisian crochet hook in a large size, when I couldn't find one that I wanted. Where I live, I have to drive 35 to 50 miles to get anything (creative) that I might need. There is no joy in living in the "country".

Lap Quilt

This is a lap quilt that I made in '02 when I was teaching a class at my church. I enjoyed working on it at the time, and am still pleased with it. The second photo is of a Grandmother's Fan block in the lap quilt that I added tatting to. It is some yellow shuttle tatting that I found in my mother's things. I think she originally intended to put it on a pillowcase, but never did. Mother had Alzheimer's disease the last 14 years of her life, and I still have not gone through a lot of her things she left. I think she would be pleased that I learned to needle tat, as I could never learn to shuttle tat. She successfully taught my daughter, though, and I gave her Mother's shuttles. I also have used tatting around the outside of a Hello Kitty small quilt. I like to incorporate tatting into other projects I make. I am also working on 2 afghans for the homeless this winter, granny squares, and a pair of socks. Oh, and the Wonderful Wallaby. Back to work now.......

Needle Tatting

The box that I had been using to keep a door closed contained my needle tatting. I'd forgotten all about it, and had not worked with it in years. I actually tripped over this box last Sunday and fell. The Good Lord really does have to knock me down to get my attention . The photo is of some handkerchiefs that I put a simple ring & chain lace on. I made over a dozen of these to send back to Japan with my daughter for Omiagi. I really enjoyed making these, but went on to other things. Funny how things come full-circle, huh? I have decided to do some tatting during these hot days of August, and maybe make a few more handkerchiefs. They are always good as gifts & can be put in an envelope to mail easily (with explanations to the P.O.). I never quite got the "hang" of round-things, that is.... doilies. I think I'll stick to ring & chain for right now. It really is my favorite, and not too much thought involved. I have joined a yahoo group for some advice, too. The thread I am working with is called "Fiesta" from the Wildflowers collection from Caron. It is a really beautiful varigated thread that might be discontinued by now.

Wonderful Wallaby

The Wonderful Wallaby Sweater pattern is by Carol Anderson, Cottage Creations, of Iowa. All her patterns are wonderful and I highly recommend them. I have several, and everything I have knitted from her patterns turn out really good. I have knit this one twice before, and have been pleased. I am using some old Heatherblend by Brunswick Yarn (no longer in business, too bad). This is going to be a gift for someone dear to me, but I just may knit a larger one (for me) before I put the pattern away! Also on the needles is another tube sock. One done, one just begun. Photo when they are a pair!

My son bought me the latest two movie installments of the "Love Comes Softly" series by Jeanette Oke. They are called "Love's Unending Legacy" and "Love's Unfolding Dream". Both were good and decent to watch. There is so much trashy tv these days, that it is nice to find a story about people being kind to one another, and families sticking together. My daughter took us to Winston-Salem last Friday and bought our supper at a Chinese restaurant. She also bought me some sock yarn. I am very proud of both of my (grown) children and don't know how I'd get by without them. I am truly blessed.

Psalm 73:26/Thought for Today

I ran across a Bible verse today from a crochet blog I frequently look at: www.coffeencrafts.blogspot.com For some reason it really touched me, and I will write it here:

Psalm 73:26 reads: My health may fail and my spirit may grow weak, but God remains the strength of my heart; He is mine forever. (New Living Bible)

That about sums it up right now.

Braided Rug find

Somewhere around 1996, before my husband got sick, I made braided rugs from wool fabric. I had taken a class from the Community College (twice) and enjoyed it a lot. I had made several, and my daughter even took about 6 of them back to Japan with her for Omiagi. Then, for some reason I put it all away. Probably was the year we spent in and out of the hospital. I never finished this rug, and now I can't remember how!! I've looked at my notebook, and have a very dim recollection as to how I did it, but........... I checked Yahoo groups and Ravelry groups, but no luck finding a group to help. I don't know anyone locally who still braids rugs. I have five trashcans full of wool fabric (in stinky mothballs!). If anyone out there braids wool rugs, and could lend a hand, I would be most appreciative!! I sure could use some advice!

Quilt along Top Done

I'm so pleased that the top is completed, and with the way it turned out! It is supposed to be in the 90's today, or I'd go ahead & quilt it. I am sorry for the quality of the photo. I'm afraid I'm not much of a photographer (or a package wrapper, as a matter of fact!). I tried to take it outside, but the wind is blowing and the top kept moving around. The family cat decided to be included, although she never likes to look at the camera! I had enough of the pink fabric left for the backing, but used all I had of the background fabric, so couldn't do the strips between blocks like we were supposed to. The pattern came from www.crazymomquilts.blogspot.com I am most happy & grateful to have been in this group of quilters. Thanks, Amandajean!