tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-46490422900839367832024-02-06T21:49:04.999-06:00Creations By HandCreations By Handhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06786131944627278624noreply@blogger.comBlogger24125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4649042290083936783.post-59654518062037709642010-03-17T09:31:00.002-05:002010-03-17T09:31:24.713-05:00MOVINGAfter much debate, I have decided to move my blog over to word press. It is my understanding that this blog will remain here until I delete. I will leave it up until everyone has a chance to find me over at word press however I will be posting over there from now on. Thanks!<br />
<br />
Find me at my new addy:<br />
<br />
<a href="http://creationsbyhand.wordpress.com">www.creationsbyhand.wordpress.com</a>Creations By Handhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06786131944627278624noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4649042290083936783.post-35825454831157434082010-03-15T12:25:00.000-05:002010-03-15T12:25:49.544-05:00Behind...behindI realize I am about two weeks behind on posting my blocks. Last week I watched two extra kiddos for some friends whose day care was closed for three days. Then this weekend, my 2, 4 and 8 year old, along with myself, got sick. We were vomiting all over the place! NOT fun! We are all doing better and we are praying that the other two children and Daddy do not get it. Provided that all goes well with the family in the health department, I plan to get to work on block 10 and 11 and have those posted soon. Thank you for your patience!Creations By Handhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06786131944627278624noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4649042290083936783.post-47265082057839360322010-03-04T16:04:00.001-06:002010-03-04T16:04:11.275-06:00Block 9<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/homespundesignstudio/4402148702/" title="photo sharing"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4010/4402148702_68522b029f_m.jpg" alt="" style="border: solid 2px #000000;" /></a><br /><span style="font-size: 0.9em; margin-top: 0px;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/homespundesignstudio/4402148702/">Block 9</a> <br />Originally uploaded by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/people/homespundesignstudio/">CreationsByHand</a></span><br clear="all" /><p>Block 9 took me longer to post because for some reason it took a couple of days before the pictures showed up in my flickr account. I actually had the block done by Monday of this week.<br /><br />Block 9<br /><br />Ch 26<br /><br />Row 1 (right side): Dc in 4th ch from hook and in next 2 chs, (skip next 2 chs, 5 dc in next ch, ch 2, skip next 3 chs, dc in next 2 chs) twice.<br /><br />Row 2: ch 3, turn; dc in next 3 dc, 5 dc in next dc, ch 2, skip next 4 dc, dc in next 4 dc, 5 dc in next dc, ch 2, skip next 4 dc in next 3 dc, dc in top of beginning ch.<br /><br />Repeat row 2 to desired size.</p>Creations By Handhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06786131944627278624noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4649042290083936783.post-29513518839807788592010-02-23T19:41:00.001-06:002010-03-04T15:59:44.140-06:00Block 8*Edited to add photo<br />
<br />
I apologize for not having a picture for this block. I have to confess that I do not have it done. I have started and re-started this block a million times over the last few weeks but every time I do something about it just doesn't look right. I guess I will have to consult my Mother, who is also working the same blocks.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/homespundesignstudio/4402148618/" title="Block 8 by CreationsByHand, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4061/4402148618_97a2386a6d.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Block 8" /></a><br />
<br />
Beginning cluster: ch 3, (YO, insert hook in ring and pull up a loop, YO and draw through 2 loops on hook) twice, YO and draw through all 3 loops on hook.<br />
<br />
Cluster: ch 5 work (YO, insert hook in ring and pull up a loop, YO and draw through 2 loops on hook) 3 times, YO and draw through all 4 loops on hook. <br />
<br />
Pattern:<br />
<br />
ch 8, slip stitch to form a ring.<br />
<br />
rnd 1 - work beginning cluster in ring, ch 5 work cluster, ch 2, * work <br />
(cluster, ch 5, cluster) in ring, ch 2; repeat from * 2 times more; join with slip stitch <br />
to top of beginning cluster: 8 clusters<br />
<br />
rnd 2 - slip stitch in first ch-5 space, work (beginning cluster, ch 3, cluster) in same space,<br />
ch 2, 3 dc in next ch-2 space, ch 2, * work (cluster, ch 3 cluster) in next ch 5 <br />
space, ch 2, 3 dc in next ch-2 space, ch 2; repeat from * around. join with slip <br />
stitch to top of beginning cluster.<br />
<br />
rnd 3 - sl st in first ch-3 sp, work ( beginning cluster, ch 3, cluster) in same sp, ch 2 <br />
2 dc in next ch-2 sp, dc in next 3 dc, 2 dc in next ch-2 sp, ch 2 * work <br />
(cluster,ch 3 cluster) in next ch-3 sp, ch 2, 2 dc in next ch-2 sp, dc in next 3 dc,<br />
2 dc in next ch-2, sp, ch 2 ; repeat from * around. join<br />
<br />
rnd 4 -6 - sl st in first ch-3 sp, work ( beginning cluster, ch 3, cluster) in same sp, <br />
ch 2, 2 dc in next ch-2 sp, dc in each dc across to next ch-2 sp, 2 dc in next <br />
ch-2 sp, ch 2 * work ( cluster, ch 3, cluster) in next ch-3 sp, ch 2, work 2 dc in <br />
each dc across to next ch-2 sp, 2 dc in next ch-2 sp, repeat from * around, join<br />
60 dc at end of round 5Creations By Handhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06786131944627278624noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4649042290083936783.post-50717908715641221162010-02-16T13:19:00.001-06:002010-02-16T13:19:57.086-06:00Block 7<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/homespundesignstudio/4362419137/" title="photo sharing"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4010/4362419137_14b9cc6442_m.jpg" alt="" style="border: solid 2px #000000;" /></a><br /><span style="font-size: 0.9em; margin-top: 0px;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/homespundesignstudio/4362419137/">2010-02-16 12.17.08.jpg</a> <br />Originally uploaded by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/people/homespundesignstudio/">CreationsByHand</a></span><br clear="all" /><p>I’m behind again, could you expect anything less?? My kids were off school for President’s Day. They have been off school so much this month either for snow days or days that were already scheduled off. I don’t mind the girls being off school, it means I don’t have to deal with the morning rush.<br /><br />Block7 - Basic Granny Square<br /><br />Ch 4, join into ring<br /><br />Round 1: ch 3, 2 dc in ring, ch 2 (3 dc in ring, ch 2) 3 times. Join w/ slip stitch to 1st dc<br /><br />Round 2: slip stitch in next 2 dc and in 1st ch-2 space, ch 3 (2 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) in same space, ch 1 *(3 dc, ch 2, 2 dc) in next ch-2 space (shell made) ch 1, repeat from * around. Join w/ slip stitch to first dc.<br /><br />Round 3: slip stitch in next 2 dc and in 1st ch-2 space. Ch 3 (2 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) in same space, ch 1, 3 dc in next ch 1 space, ch 1. *work shell in next ch-2 space, ch 1, 3 dc in next ch 1 space, ch 1. Repeat from * around. Slip st to 1st dc.<br /><br />Repeat last round until desired size.</p>Creations By Handhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06786131944627278624noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4649042290083936783.post-10140792685040868812010-02-09T11:19:00.001-06:002010-02-09T11:19:28.494-06:00Block 6<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/homespundesignstudio/4343303703/" title="photo sharing"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2796/4343303703_a61238bb20_m.jpg" alt="" style="border: solid 2px #000000;" /></a><br /><span style="font-size: 0.9em; margin-top: 0px;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/homespundesignstudio/4343303703/">Block 6</a> <br />Originally uploaded by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/people/homespundesignstudio/">CreationsByHand</a></span><br clear="all" /><p>Yet again, I am behind this week. I can’t lie, it totally slipped my mind to post yesterday. We got snow Sunday night and as a result, school was canceled. I had a house full on Monday and again today! The girls are off school today as well since we got more snow Monday night. I have no idea what the current road situation is but I can almost bet that school will re-open tomorrow.<br /><br />Block #6<br /><br />Ch 25<br /><br />Row 1: (dc, ch 2, sc) in 4th ch from hook. *skip next 2 chs, (2 dc, ch 2, sc) in next ch. Repeat from *<br /><br />Row 2: ch 2, turn, (2 dc, ch 2, sc) in 1st ch-2 space and in each ch-2 space across.<br /><br />Repeat row 2.</p>Creations By Handhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06786131944627278624noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4649042290083936783.post-60273072332498005032010-02-01T13:11:00.001-06:002010-02-01T13:11:51.702-06:00Block 5<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/homespundesignstudio/4322421585/" title="photo sharing"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2710/4322421585_b042bbba99_m.jpg" alt="" style="border: solid 2px #000000;" /></a><br /><span style="font-size: 0.9em; margin-top: 0px;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/homespundesignstudio/4322421585/">Block 5</a> <br />Originally uploaded by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/people/homespundesignstudio/">CreationsByHand</a></span><br clear="all" /><p>We are moving right along with the blocks. My Mother and I were able to get together several weeks ago and compare blocks. I’m having fun and I am excited about my first afghan. I am still trying to get my daughter to finish the first block that she started at the end of December. I started asking her about her joining color hoping that may re-kindle her interest. However, it may have back fired when she realized that we were each doing our own afghans as opposed to one afghan where we all contribute blocks. I hope the idea of a large crochet project of her own has not scared her off!<br /><br />Block 5<br /><br />Ch. 26<br /><br />Row 1: sc in 2nd ch from hook and in each ch across.<br /><br />Row 2: ch 3, turn, skip next sc *2 dc in next sc, skip next sc, repeat from *<br /><br />Row 3: ch 1, turn, 2 sc in 1st dc, sc in each dc across.<br /><br />Repeat rows 2 and 3 until block is square.</p>Creations By Handhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06786131944627278624noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4649042290083936783.post-80868217044043184182010-01-26T10:33:00.000-06:002010-01-26T10:33:48.336-06:00Block #4 and My Distraction for Being a Day LateI apologize for block #4 being a day late; I had a distraction these last couple of days. I had decided, months ago, that since there was so much fuss over The Twilight Series, that maybe I should read them and see what the fuss was about. A month ago, my Aunt gave me her copy of the first book. Unfortunately, as a very busy mom of 5 girls, it has sat on my counter this whole time.<br />
<br />
Last week or so, I was browsing the newest patterns on Ravelry and saw a pattern for an iphone cozy. It had an open window on the front, so that you could still use your apps. In the pattern picture the iphone has its Amazon Kindle app open. That set the wheels in motion.<br />
<br />
I do not own a Kindle or an iphone but I do have an ipod touch. I found the Amazon Kindle app in the apps store, happy that it was free because I knew I was going to be paying for the books. I downloaded the app and the first Twilight book. The app has been so much more convenient and I have been able to read through a book in about 2 days. I am now on book four.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/homespundesignstudio/4306959266/" title="Kindle on my ipod by CreationsByHand, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4034/4306959266_bab0d400f3.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Kindle on my ipod" /></a><br />
<br />
So that’s my excuse for being behind on posting this block. Now on to the pattern!<br />
<br />
Block 4<br />
<br />
Ch 27<br />
<br />
Row 1: dc in 4th ch from hook and in each ch across.<br />
<br />
Row 2: Ch 4, turn, skip 1st dc, *dc in next dc, ch 1, skip next dc* repeat across.<br />
<br />
Row 3: Ch 3, turn *dc in chain 1 space, dc in dc, repeat from star.<br />
<br />
Repeat rows 2 and 3 to desired size.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/homespundesignstudio/4306213955/" title="Block 4 by CreationsByHand, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4035/4306213955_73e98e6066.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Block 4" /></a>Creations By Handhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06786131944627278624noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4649042290083936783.post-88995152076606145762010-01-18T09:52:00.003-06:002010-01-18T09:57:15.073-06:00Block 3 of the Three Generations Afghan<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/homespundesignstudio/4285258484/" title="photo sharing"><img alt="" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4051/4285258484_d1ee7bf05e_m.jpg" style="border-bottom: #000000 2px solid; border-left: #000000 2px solid; border-right: #000000 2px solid; border-top: #000000 2px solid;" /></a><br />
<span style="font-size: 0.9em; margin-top: 0px;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/homespundesignstudio/4285258484/">Block 3</a> <br />
Originally uploaded by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/people/homespundesignstudio/">CreationsByHand</a></span><br />
Here is block 3 for the Three Generations Afghan.<br />
<br />
Block 3 - Crazy Stitch<br />
<br />
Ch 29<br />
<br />
Row 1: 3 dc in 4th ch from hook, *skip 3 chs, sc in next ch, ch 3, 3 dc in same chain. Repeat from * across. End with sc in last ch.<br />
<br />
Row 2: Ch 3, turn, 3 dc in sc of previous row. *sc in next ch 3 space of last row, ch 3, 3 dc in same space, prepeat from * across. End with sc in last ch 3 space.<br />
<br />
Repeat row two.<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/homespundesignstudio/4284521239/" title="Block pattern keeper by CreationsByHand, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4021/4284521239_448d41b202.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Block pattern keeper" /></a><br />
<br />
This is what I am doing to keep the patterns together for my 10 year old daughter since I have been working ahead so that I have the block ready to post here. I'm worried that she has lost her interest :-( She is half way through block 1 and I can seem to motivate her to finish. I hope I can spark her interest again and get her back on the wagon!Creations By Handhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06786131944627278624noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4649042290083936783.post-13326877560462809262010-01-11T13:14:00.001-06:002010-01-11T13:14:34.463-06:00Block 2 for the Three Generations Afghan<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/homespundesignstudio/4266104773/" title="photo sharing"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4032/4266104773_72fce9deea_m.jpg" alt="" style="border: solid 2px #000000;" /></a><br /><span style="font-size: 0.9em; margin-top: 0px;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/homespundesignstudio/4266104773/">Block 2</a> <br />Originally uploaded by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/people/homespundesignstudio/">CreationsByHand</a></span><br clear="all" /><p>My Mother has named this afghan the “Three Generations Afghan” because My Mother, myself and my 10 year old daughter are all working on our own afghans together, hence, three generations. I like the name and the afghan will make a nice memory for my daughter when she gets older and takes the afghan with her.<br /><br />I apologize for this block being late. I originally hoped to post a new block every Saturday. I’m thinking this will probably not happen as it gets a little crazy around here with my five girls, since there is no school. I think a more realistic post day will be Monday, during nap time. So…you can start expecting every week’s block to be posted on Mondays.<br /><br />Block #2<br /><br />Ch 25<br /><br />Row 1: *Slip st in first ch, hdc in next ch, repeat from star, ch 2, turn<br /><br />Row 2: *hdc across, ch 1, turn<br /><br />Repeat these two rows until block is the same size as block one.<br /><br />Single crochet around the block in same color as the block was worked. Half double crochet around the block again in your joining color.</p>Creations By Handhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06786131944627278624noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4649042290083936783.post-60894112811880811202010-01-02T16:51:00.002-06:002010-01-11T13:02:26.932-06:00Craft for January and Afghan Block #1For the month of January my Mom and I have decided to make paper beads from the security print inside of envelopes. We may also make some from magazine pages, scrapbook paper or other paper that strikes our fancy. When we have these done, we will post the directions. Start saving your junk mail envelopes that have a security print inside them.<br />
<br />
<br />
We have also decided that we will start making afghan blocks to later put together for an afghan. Our plan is to do a block a week but that will depend on how fast my 10 year old daughter can keep up as she has decided to join us. I am using Michael’s new yarn called Loops and Threads Impeccable and a size H hook for all the blocks. The blocks will all be in crochet as my daughter kind of gave up on knitting when she learned that crochet is much easier for her :-)<br />
<br />
For each block, single crochet around the edges in the same color as the block and then half double crochet around the block again in the color you will be using to join all the block, sort of like a background color.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Please note: I do not claim to own the patterns for any blocks that will be posted here for this afghan. These patterns are relayed to me over the phone without reference to where it came from. If you own the patterns and want credit for them please contact me.</span><br />
<br />
Block #1 pattern:<br />
Worsted weight yarn<br />
Size H hook<br />
<br />
Abbreviations:<br />
<br />
sc: single crochet<br />
<br />
lsc: long single crochet (insert hook in stitch one row below your working row, pull loop up to height of work, work a single crochet)<br />
<br />
Chain 23 or a multiple of 2+1<br />
<br />
Row 1: sc across, ch 1, turn<br />
<br />
Row 2: *sc in next sc, lsc in next sc, repeat from star, ch 1, turn<br />
<br />
Repeat these two rows until your block is square.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/homespundesignstudio/4266851100/">Photo of Block #1</a><br />
<br />
I am having trouble uploading photos, but you can see a picture of this block by clicking the link above.Creations By Handhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06786131944627278624noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4649042290083936783.post-17811466127267860432009-12-17T13:10:00.000-06:002009-12-17T13:10:33.964-06:00Craft-A-Month in the New YearA couple of weeks ago my Mother told me that we are going to do a craft a month starting in January 2010. When your mom tells you what to do, you don’t ask questions, you just do it. I’m kidding, I thought it sounded like a great idea. <br />
<br />
I don’t get to see my mom all that much. She lives in a different town about 40-60 minutes away. That may not sound that far away to people that live in a big city where it takes you 40 minutes or longer to get anywhere but that’s a big drive for use small city dwellers! Plus she has an elderly mother with dementia that she has to care for so it makes it a bit difficult to pack up my grandma and bring her to my house.<br />
<br />
I also do not get a lot of crafting time since I spend a better part of my day caring for my five girls. My three oldest are in school but that leaves my three and one year old at home and being much younger, they require a lot more supervision than my school aged children. <br />
<br />
All these obstacles set aside, I’m sure that my Mother and I can spend one day a month doing some crafting. My Mother is in charge of finding our monthly craft and figuring out what supplies we need and I am in charge of providing the work space, coffee and mid-morning snack. We, together, will pool our supplies and of course, share.<br />
<br />
We plan for most, if not all, the crafts to be low cost and/or recycling type projects. We hope to use things we already have or can find cheaply at dollar, thrift or similar stores. This is my kind of crafting, free or almost free!<br />
<br />
I will be posting what project we will be doing a bit ahead of time so that if you would like to join us, you will be able to start gathering your supplies. After we have finished our pojects I will posting photos here. Sound like fun?? Great! Hope you can join us!<br />
<br />
Thinking about joining us? Leave your comment or your link and let us know!<br />
<br />
<br />
<script src="http://www2.blenza.com/linkies/autolink.php?owner=teambrown&postid=17Dec2009&meme=tmt" type="text/javascript">
</script>Creations By Handhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06786131944627278624noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4649042290083936783.post-17238655861152587492009-12-03T10:10:00.000-06:002009-12-03T10:10:11.920-06:00Slump Slowly LiftingIn my last post I mentioned that I was suffering from a creative/crafting slump. To refresh your memory, I talked about how I had many unfinished projects due to the fact that, unless I finish them quickly, I get bored with them. I also mentioned that despite the fact that I have over 800 projects in my Ravelry queue, nothing jumps out at me nor sparks my interest.<br />
<br />
Well I am happy to say that my slump is lifting, albeit slowly. I still have a lot of unfinished projects lying around the house. I will more than likely have to frog those and reuse the yarn for something else. Here is what I have accomplished yesterday and in the previous week or two.<br />
<br />
Yesterday I set a goal for myself. If you know me personally, then you know that I never set goals or if I do, I don’t meet them or I give up on them. Sadly, I am a bit of quitter, I’m working on that. Yesterday I set a goal and actually met that goal! Yeah! Go Me!<br />
<br />
Remember in my last post how I talked about the hats that my Mother and I crocheted and knitted to donate to a children’s home for abused kids? I also told you how I had a bunch of them done but could not bring myself to weave in all the ends. That was my goal for yesterday.<br />
<br />
I remembered that my children’s school is having a hat and mitten drive for needy children in our community. I figured that with my kids being able to take the hats to their school then I had a better chance of the hats getting done and donated. I also realize that the children’s shelter that I originally planned to donate to gets LOTS of donation already, so I know they will not be suffering from me changing my mind on where to donate.<br />
<br />
The goal was not only to weave in all those ends, but to also get it done while sitting in the parent pickup line at my children’s school. That way, when my girls got into the car, I could send one child back in to the school to put the hats in the office under the “hat and mitten tree.”<br />
<br />
I got to the school early. It was chilly yesterday and I figured more parents would be picking up their walkers instead of letting them suffer in the cold. That’s why I was there. I parked in the pickup line, turned on the DVD player for my three and one year old, and then got out my darning needle, scissors and hats. I was able to finish up all eleven hats and my ten year old took them into the office.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/homespundesignstudio/4153325215/" title="Kids school me waiting in line by CreationsByHand, on Flickr"><img alt="Kids school me waiting in line" height="375" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2677/4153325215_fbf0d537d8.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
The school pickup line.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/homespundesignstudio/4154083664/" title="Charity hats for school drive. by CreationsByHand, on Flickr"><img alt="Charity hats for school drive." height="375" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2627/4154083664_776245348f.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
The finished hats.<br />
<br />
My other finished projects include some crocheted dishcloths that I plan to put into some baskets that I am putting together for some of my family members as Christmas gifts. My Mother will NOT be getting any of those. She is a master crocheter and I do NOT want her scrutinizing my work, LOL.<br />
<br />
The pattern is called Grit Stitch Washcloth and it comes from the Sandy Shore Washcloth Set of patterns on Lion Brand’s website. Out of the four cloths in the pattern set, the grit stitch is the one I liked the best. I actually have finished two of them but I was not happy with the first one. So, I have one “gift-able” cloth done and I am currently working on another one.<br />
<br />
Here is the link to the pattern: <a href="http://www.lionbrand.com/patterns/90442AD.html">Sandy Shore Washcloth Set</a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/homespundesignstudio/4144054012/" title="Grit stitch cloth by CreationsByHand, on Flickr"><img alt="Grit stitch cloth" height="375" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2663/4144054012_75c0754301.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
Grit Stitch Cloth<br />
<br />
I am happy to have gotten some things done and to have been able to help some needy children keep their heads warm this winter season. Have you gotten some Christmas or charity knitting/crocheting done? Post your links below and let us know!<br />
<br />
<script type="text/javascript" src="http://www2.blenza.com/linkies/autolink.php?owner=teambrown&postid=03Dec2009&meme=tmt"></script>Creations By Handhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06786131944627278624noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4649042290083936783.post-58200745633473792772009-10-30T15:25:00.000-05:002009-10-30T15:25:06.224-05:00Crafting Slump :-(I've been in a crafting slump for quite a while now. For the life of me I do not know why. I have over 730 queued patterns on my ravelry account but nothing jumps out at me and says, "MAKE ME!" I check Ravelry's new patterns daily and queue lots of things but yet I don't have the urge to make any. I just think, "that's really cute" and then I hit the "add to queue" button. <br />
<br />
I have so many unfinished projects laying around everywhere that I'm not even sure WHAT projects I have in hibernation. I just know I have bags and bags all over the house with some long forgotten project in it. I'll get a bug to craft something, get all excited, cast on, work on it for a few days and then the bug dies and I put it aside and don't pick it up for a while, or ever again. I seem to get bored with it pretty fast.<br />
<br />
I recently made a bunch of hats for a children's charity but I can't bring myself to even weave in the ends and get them delivered despite the fact that those kids are going to be needing hats soon. Even worse, I talked my mom into making hats to donate too and her hats are just sitting in my studio waiting to be delivered. At least hers are done and will probably have a better chance at making their way onto the kids heads since I'm always driving my kids to school and it will be easy to drop them off while I'm already driving around town.<br />
<br />
Now that my youngest is almost 18 months old, I can steal a little crafting time here and there, mostly yarn crafting (knitting and crocheting). I still can't get back to any kind of sewing. That takes a little more concentration and time and my studio is not exactly the safest place for my one and three year old to be with needles, scissors and other sharp items. I don't really get any time to myself to work on these projects either, so that makes it even harder to be creative. There is always something going on in a house of five kids to disctract from a project in hand.<br />
<br />
Most of the projects I've done lately have been small and crochet. I can crochet faster than I knit and if it's a small project, I can get it done in a day or two. If it doesn't get done in a couple of days it gets added to the hibernation pile only to never awaken again. Sometimes it gets frogged to be used for another project or a half done project gets trashed becuase the other half never got done.<br />
<br />
I need some motivation! Do you have any tips for dealing with a creative slump? Leave your comments and let us know.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/homespundesignstudio/4020087661/" title="Prayer shawl by CreationsByHand, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2653/4020087661_f52428a96a.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Prayer shawl" /></a>Creations By Handhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06786131944627278624noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4649042290083936783.post-53900710703074144472009-08-29T17:37:00.002-05:002009-08-29T17:47:59.204-05:00Cash Back for Shopping OnlineI used to shop through ebates.com. Basically you click a store link on ebates.com come and get back a percentage of what you spend. I became a member in 2006 and to date I'm only gotten back $79.83. I have $2.09 pending and has been pending for almost 7 months. On ebates.com you can refer friends and get $5 when they sign up.<br /><br />On this new site, bigcrumbs.com, I can get more percentage back PLUS I can earn money every time one of my referers shop up to 5 generations! I do a lot of online shopping. Sometimes it's a lot easier than taking my five children into the store. I especially do a lot of online shopping at Christmas time. I have to buy for the nieces and nephews in my husbands family and online shopping makes it a lot easier. Check out the site, if you are an avid shopping like myself if would be worth your time, plus it's FREE!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.bigcrumbs.com/crumbs/landing.do?r=teambrown&s=52999" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://images.bigcrumbs.com/images/intel_120x60.gif" /></a>Creations By Handhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06786131944627278624noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4649042290083936783.post-22935560982203989662009-07-30T15:37:00.000-05:002009-07-30T15:38:12.985-05:00HubPages<div class="hubpages_widget" style="width:160px; margin:0 auto 20px auto !important;"><br /> <div id="hubpages_Marrisa"><br /> <script type="text/javascript" src="http://hubpages.com/widget/insertWidget.php?u=Marrisa&h=220&m=l&t=163wx8aml3iqy"></script><br /> </div><br /> <div class="hubpages_foot"><br /> <a href="http://hubpages.com/_163wx8aml3iqy/profile/Marrisa">more »</a><br /> <a href="http://hubpages.com/_163wx8aml3iqy" class="hubpages">HubPages</a><br /> <div style="clear: both;"></div><br /> </div><br /></div>Creations By Handhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06786131944627278624noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4649042290083936783.post-75380794285770090662009-06-26T09:01:00.004-05:002009-06-26T09:32:05.140-05:00iPod Giveaway!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvSDaNPt8FFpaCaqZJAq4n_kauP20b9c01QjHb1yd3iTEGmYgM6QAShLhGX3tWmcuZjkywi0i4Gh-uldMIDxGtKmmNN58XZzczBXA_asPi3iLs45PHCaItLHLG_Nd0F34kJ4TY9rIs4Vp2/s1600-h/goldipod.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 173px; height: 135px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvSDaNPt8FFpaCaqZJAq4n_kauP20b9c01QjHb1yd3iTEGmYgM6QAShLhGX3tWmcuZjkywi0i4Gh-uldMIDxGtKmmNN58XZzczBXA_asPi3iLs45PHCaItLHLG_Nd0F34kJ4TY9rIs4Vp2/s320/goldipod.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5351637342037386642" border="0" /></a>
<br />
<br />
<br /><meta equiv="CONTENT-TYPE" content="text/html; charset=utf-8"><title></title><meta name="GENERATOR" content="OpenOffice.org 3.0 (Win32)"><style type="text/css"> <!-- @page { margin: 0.79in } P { margin-bottom: 0.08in } A:link { so-language: zxx } --></style>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br /><title></title><meta name="GENERATOR" content="OpenOffice.org 3.0 (Win32)"><style type="text/css"> <!-- @page { margin: 0.79in } P { margin-bottom: 0.08in } A:link { so-language: zxx } --></style>
<br />
<br />I am holding a drawing for a brand new, gold iPod Shuffle. the gold iPod Shuffle was recently featured in the Campaign 12 Avon brochure. The gold color is exclusive to Avon. The drawing will be held on September 1st.
<br />
<br />Features of the iPod Shuffle include:
<br /><ul><li>1 GB, hold up to 240 songs</li><li>built in clip makes it the most wearable iPod ever</li><li>compatible with Mac and PC</li><li>comes with dock and earbuds</li></ul>Rules and Regulations for the iPod Shuffle Drawing:
<br /><ul><li>For every $20.00 you spend with Avon, through me, you will receive one (1) entry in the drawing.</li><li>Orders for the drawing will be accepted during the months of July and August. Orders will be placed on the following dates: July 6th, July 20th, August 3rd, August 17th and August 31st. If you are placing an order directly through me, you must send your order to me before noon on the above mentioned order dates. Orders placed through me after 12:00 noon will not be eligible for the drawing. Orders may be placed at my website at any time of the day and will be eligible for the drawing.</li><li>Local orders may be placed through me or through my website for representative or direct delivery. Out of Columbia orders may be placed through me but you will be required to make the trip to Columbia to pick up your order or you may place your order through my website and select direct delivery.</li><li>Out of State customers are welcome to participate in the drawing. Your order(s) must be placed through my website and you must select direct delivery.</li><li>Family members of Marrisa Brown are not eligible for this drawing.</li><li>The drawing will be held on September 1st and will be announced on my blog at www.creationsbyhand.blogspot.com, on my facebook page and on twitter. The willner will be contacted by phone or email.</li></ul>If you would like a brochure or are ready to place an order, please use the contact info below. My website has a link to the current brochure if you are not in my local area.
<br />
<br />Marrisa Brown
<br />
<br />email: teambrown@centurytel.net
<br />
<br />web: www.MarrisaBrown.com
<br />(Check the spelling of my first name if you are having trouble getting to my website. It if often misspelled.)
<br />Creations By Handhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06786131944627278624noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4649042290083936783.post-45444192240908482582009-06-05T15:14:00.002-05:002009-06-05T15:19:55.034-05:00My New BoothHave you heard of www.bonanzle.com? I recently learned of this new selling website. It's unique in it's own right. It reminds me a lot of etsy. In my opinion, it may be better than etsy. You can sell your handmade stuff, just like etsy, but you are not limited to handmade only. Please, I LOVE the fee schedule. There is no fee to post your sale items. You only pay a fee if you sell, and even that is LOW. If you final value fee for an item is $50 or less, your fee is $1. It's a very user frienly site and simple to use. I just set up a new booth over there, check it out at www.jmbrown-co.com<br /><br /><script type="'text/javascript'" src="'http://www.bonanzle.com/javascripts/widget.js?1244181482'"></script><br /><script type="'text/javascript'">renderBonanzleWidget(24155, 202, 202);</script><br /><script type="text/javascript" src="http://www.bonanzle.com/javascripts/widget.js?1244181482"></script><br /><script type="text/javascript">renderBonanzleWidget(24155, 202, 202);</script>Creations By Handhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06786131944627278624noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4649042290083936783.post-74589608530128891712009-05-24T10:43:00.005-05:002009-05-24T12:39:10.318-05:00Lip Balm Holder & Keychain<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBHxMI5xF-3VAkaxekOrWj157FZdOftLt6reiDbGHXx2OAOY6Bw3xaPmBaXCA3vdfX8BiG8GtshdY4p9XN32TRD5nZyXVUsVYtiwdX9KpVPzgJQBpYoqSRvkMZQzQ17iRfIqzXhNiDOFGs/s1600-h/lipbalmholder.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 192px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBHxMI5xF-3VAkaxekOrWj157FZdOftLt6reiDbGHXx2OAOY6Bw3xaPmBaXCA3vdfX8BiG8GtshdY4p9XN32TRD5nZyXVUsVYtiwdX9KpVPzgJQBpYoqSRvkMZQzQ17iRfIqzXhNiDOFGs/s320/lipbalmholder.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5339416778910326370" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiSi5oS77zKgKA-WAGWr36SSCZXQBAgSDW5yeWZYASUJujDXFaDe8xg5RESL4UT6wRHIxej5unkw3yqu7q2xmwdrVS-1Miq0jzHnGr8VnBipZKORm3floaVsmu72NP3M8fDBLMw2Rr4RVV/s1600-h/lipbalmholder2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 239px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiSi5oS77zKgKA-WAGWr36SSCZXQBAgSDW5yeWZYASUJujDXFaDe8xg5RESL4UT6wRHIxej5unkw3yqu7q2xmwdrVS-1Miq0jzHnGr8VnBipZKORm3floaVsmu72NP3M8fDBLMw2Rr4RVV/s320/lipbalmholder2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5339416724345604962" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Lip balm Holder & Keychain<br />PDF version here: <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/dls/marrisa-brown-designs/17263?filename=Lip_Balm_Holder_Keychain.pdf">download now</a><br /><br />Need:<br />Fingering (sock) weight yarn<br />4 double point needles, size 1<br />1 Keychain ring<br />1 tube of lip balm<br /><br />To make holder:<br /><br />CO 20 sts, divide among 3 needles.<br />Join to knit in the round.<br /><br />Kint 2X2 ribbing (k2, p2) until holder is long enough to cover lip balm tube. I chose to have the holder be slightly longer than the lip balm tube.<br /><br />Next round: K2tog, P2tog around.<br /><br />Cut yarn leaving a good size tail. Thread tail through yarn needles and then thread tail through loops on the needles, remove needles and draw opening closed. Fasten yarn off to the inside.<br /><br />To make keychain loop:<br /><br />With one double point needle, pick up and knit three stitches inside the holder, just below the holder opening.<br /><br />Knit 3 stitch I-cord for desired length.<br /><br />With a second double point needle, pick up 3 stitches close to other stitches you picked up. Perform a three needle bind off to create a loop.<br /><br />Insert keychain ring in loop and hang from keys.Creations By Handhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06786131944627278624noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4649042290083936783.post-55819804885728487072009-05-13T09:00:00.003-05:002009-05-13T09:03:12.208-05:00Translation for Swedish Pattern!Okay, so I put the word out on Facebook and my friend Sarah hooked me up with her friend Janne who not only knows swedish but also knitting! PERFECT! Her is the pattern link again and what she told be about the pattern.<br /><br />http://www.webtrotter.se/ilsefin/files/patterns/PATTERN_korvmuddar.pdf<br /><br />----From Janne----<br />Basically, it says to measure the widest part of your hand, knit a test swatch (knit color not pearl band), and use that to calculate how many stitches you need. Put that many on a needle, and follow this pattern:<br />six rows pearl with color 1<br />*six rows knit with color 2<br />1 row knit with color 1<br />six rows pearl with color 1*<br />Knit pattern between * - * until it's the length you want it. Knit off, and conceal the seams.<br />----END---<br /><br />I think that is easy enough. Now I have to go and start over because I was a little off, oh yeah, and I didn't measure or swatch.Creations By Handhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06786131944627278624noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4649042290083936783.post-1711564059439551272009-05-09T10:43:00.003-05:002009-05-09T10:51:53.134-05:00Wrist Warmers/Coffee SleeveSo I found this really cute pattern on Ravelry.com that I really, really want to knit. Here is the link if you'd like to take a look:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.webtrotter.se/ilsefin/files/patterns/PATTERN_korvmuddar.pdf">http://www.webtrotter.se/ilsefin/files/patterns/PATTERN_korvmuddar.pdf</a><br /><br />The pattern is for wrist warmers that can double as a coffee sleeve. This pattern has me written all over it. I drink coffee all the time and the fact that they are wrist warmers means that I would always have one handy to use. Reminds me of how I always have a rubber band on my wrist in case I need to put my hair up :-)<br /><br />My only problem is the pattern is in Swedish and I don't speak any Swedish AT ALL! I used Google translate but the pattern still didn't make much sense.<br /><br />So, until I can find someone that does speak Swedish and can translate it for me, I'm going to try to wing it. I plan to post my version or the translated version here, which ever comes first.Creations By Handhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06786131944627278624noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4649042290083936783.post-14162535172784357092009-05-07T12:25:00.002-05:002009-05-07T12:26:55.333-05:00Happy 1st Birthday!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht3y7SocZYSt8zOM7tdzYX21rCPfdRz5YLReJ72rhctEfg1BtjuxlY2M_re9uT6_VME7ta-sEO3MKjE-UvZnpes-olAuIJJpFALcImW4fBHDgWZ_Ys3ChqxX61WYKAsImQVI_DKBi__UMu/s1600-h/grbsweater2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 317px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht3y7SocZYSt8zOM7tdzYX21rCPfdRz5YLReJ72rhctEfg1BtjuxlY2M_re9uT6_VME7ta-sEO3MKjE-UvZnpes-olAuIJJpFALcImW4fBHDgWZ_Ys3ChqxX61WYKAsImQVI_DKBi__UMu/s320/grbsweater2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5333134778233293922" border="0" /></a><br />I want to wish a happy first birthday to my baby Gracie!Creations By Handhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06786131944627278624noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4649042290083936783.post-91812192771474710972009-05-06T16:29:00.002-05:002009-05-06T16:33:11.687-05:00I'm Back.........Well, I wanted to do more with this blog that just post one pattern and than disappear for a year but......that is exactly what I did! LOL. Well, as most of you know, life can sometimes take up the majority of your time and that's what has happened. I had a baby one year ago tomorrow and that has put my knitting and other crafting on hold. Now that she is one, I'm starting to have time to pick up a few crafts here and there, you know between nap time and a few times when she plays independently. Although I may not be able to craft like I could before she came, I am just happy to be able to at least do something again :0) I hope to be posting some things very soon!Creations By Handhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06786131944627278624noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4649042290083936783.post-75382464361441803352008-03-25T13:51:00.003-05:002009-05-24T12:32:45.604-05:00That's My Bag Tag<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5181757010221425522" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; width: 103px; height: 204px; text-align: center;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7E9iQ7TDr_dN4cR0j4E032BFcU1RkhQtKPQvaQhTgQgeh8TSWL8XZUgcgoxMMioDzDNQADG4YucLawOBxcM6jfHj1AI-NFPzLS4XnTNqjsMpCgkik6jQClJVt6pxGev_t5t6H-3_IiSvE/s320/bagtag3.jpg" border="0" width="136" height="272" />That’s my bag tag<br />PDF available here:<a href="http://www.ravelry.com/dls/marrisa-brown-designs/17262?filename=">download now</a><br /><br />This is a knitted version of a luggage tag. This would also work great on your child’s backpack for easy spotting at school.<br /><br />This project is a quick knit, a great use of leftovers and highly customizable.<br />Use the tag portion to put initials, duplicate stitch pictures or to practice new stitch patterns.<br /><br />Worsted weight yarn in bright “spot-able” colors.<br />Sample was worked in Peaches and Crème worsted weight cotton.<br />Size 7 dpn’s<br /><br />Pattern:<br />Cord:CO 3 sts<br />Work i-cord for 12 inches<br />After i-cord, turn work so that working yarn is in “correct” working position.<br /><br />Row 1: k1, kfb, k1 – 4 sts.<br />Row 2: k1, p2, k1.<br />Row 3: k1, kfb, kfb, k1 – 6 sts.<br />Row 4: k1, p4, k1.<br />Row 5: k1, kfb, k2, kfb, k1 – 8 sts.<br />Row 6: k1, p6, k1.<br />Row 7: k1, kfb, k4, kfb, k1 – 10 sts.<br />Row 8: k1, p8, k1.<br />Row 9: k1, kfb, k6, kfb, k1 – 12 sts.<br />Row 10: k1, p10, k1.<br />Row 11: knit.<br />Row 12: k1, p10, k1.<br /><br />Repeat last two rows until tag portion measures 4.5 to 5 inches or to desired length.<br />End on a wrong side row.<br /><br />BO on right side row.<br /><br />Block tag to prevent edges from curling.Creations By Handhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06786131944627278624noreply@blogger.com1