Crochet and Healing [day 10]

My grandmother was a crocheter. She did fine thread crochet -- bedspreads and tablecloths. Large projects of intricate design. I wanted to know how to do it but was too intimidated to ask her to teach me.

When I was in high school (back in the dark ages!) we learned to crochet in Home Economics. We had a spinster lady who taught the class, and she was old as the hills. Rather than teach us basic crochet skills that we could build on, she taught us one rather esoteric stitch, broomstick lace. I excelled at it but had no idea how to transfer that knowledge to learning basic stitches or reading patterns. So I felt like a fraud telling people I knew how to crochet.

Fast forward many years. My college age daughter suffered a trauma of her own, and one of her friends suggested taking up knitting as a calming mechanism. I tried knitting, but couldn't get the hang of it. Did I mention I'm left handed which adds a whole different issue to learning handwork? Watching my daughter knit got me pondering crocheting. Could I teach myself those basic stitches? Could I learn to read patterns?

I found a class at the local library and did learn those basics. I took another class at the local yarn shop and learned about reading patterns, and about asking for help. I also learned it was best to explain that, yes, my hands shake terribly when I'm nervous, and yes, I'm nervous a lot. 

I watched YouTube videos and found out there are left handed instruction books and videos!

And then I was hooked! I started crocheting, at first just to have something to occupy my hands and mind. I made scarves and dishcloths. I was so stinking proud! Later I began to wonder about afghans, lap rugs, and shawls. 

Ahhh, shawls. Prayer shawls in particular. Are you seeing a theme here? My desire to create was leading me to desire to know God more authentically. 

I began to make things for myself and as gifts. I was commissioned to make some afghans, but quickly learned I don't work well under that kind of pressure. I make what I want and do with it what I want.

I found the stitching soothed my rattled mind and I had something beautiful to show for it when I was done. Crocheting also opened unexpected doors of conversation. When I wear a piece I've made it frequently leads to comments, questions, and conversation. A really good thing for an introvert like me. I'm not good at chit chat, but I can explain what I do, even if it means accepting a compliment (hard still). Most places I go these days I carry my crochet basket filled with my current project. People asked me about the basket or its contents, and the next thing I know I'm having a friendly conversation often with a total stranger. And most of the time I'm okay with that.

Sometimes we all need a bit of help and encouragement to get outside of ourselves, and that's okay. Just keep in mind that encouragement may come from the most unexpected places.

This is day 10 in Write 31 Days

Fibers

linking up with Wordless Wednesday

Dreaming of MBYM

It's Monday again and I've still got no "Made by You Monday" mojo. Mostly because I've been out of town since last Tuesday and didn't expect to be home until today. We got in last night, but I really haven't had time to "do" anything but unpack and catch up with the kids.

We had a nice time in Fairhope, AL just relaxing and talking and spending time together just the 2 of us. I really like having time for that. 

We found a yarn shop (of course!) in Fairhope and visited with the lovely ladies there and I bought some yarn (I know you're all shocked!). I snapped a picture of a beautiful summer shawl the owner had knitted and I'm going to try and crochet something similar. So here's what I hope to be showing in you in a few weeks --

(two shawls in different color options)

and these are the yarns I chose

I also saw a couple of really cute crafty/sewing ideas that I snapped to add to my "I'd Like to Try" file.

So that's it for this Monday. Hopefully by next week I'll have something completed to share. Until then happy creating :)

linking up with Made by You Monday

Crafting

linking up with Wordless Wednesday & The Jenny Evolution

Moogly's Big Rib Scarf

I realized a few weeks ago the only winter scarves I had had been purchased, so I decided it was time to make something just for me. 

I had seen this yarn a couple of months ago, and picked up a few skeins not knowing what to do with it. As soon as I found this pattern on Moogly, I knew this was the scarf to make with this yarn. Of course, I made a few adjustments in the pattern. Mine is 72 inches long by 6.5 inches wide. I like LONG scarves!

I've worn it several times and am getting lots of compliments on it, but what's most fun is how much I love it myself!

linking up with Made by You Monday

The Simple Woman's Daybook

FOR TODAY . . . December 3, 2013

Outside my window . . . the sky is overcast with traces of lingering fog. We've had several days in a row of clouds. I think we'll get some sunshine this afternoon.

I am thinking . . . about the holiday season. It can be a difficult time for me (and many others). This year I have decided to focus on Advent. To be more mindful of the purpose of Advent and more purposeful in acknowledging it. I am reading Ann Spangler's 
Immanuel: Praying the Names of God Through the Christmas Season, and I have created an advent wreath.

I am thankful . . . for continued care and improvement of my friend, Reco. 

In the kitchen . . . last night was cheese toast as dh had a colonoscopy yesterday morning. There hasn't been much cooking in the lead up to his procedure. It went well, so back to regular cooking now :)

I am wearing . . . my flannel robe and felt slippers.

I am creating . . . still working on crochet WIPs. 

I am going . . . my bestie's house today to craft and help her with a few things.

I am wondering . . . how best to alter my mood. I've been in a funk for a couple of weeks and I'm not sure how to break the cycle.

I am reading . . . Louise Penny's The Cruelest Month (Chief Inspector Armand Gamache #3)

I am looking forward to . . . getting back into a my routine. This crops up a lot, but I like the comfort of routine.

I am hearing . . . the dogs trotting around and dear daughter is talking with me as she wakes up.

Around the house . . . dd has been doing laundry, vacuuming, and cleaning fans (along with dh). I am most grateful for the help!

I am praying . . . for Reco, and for all those who struggle with the holidays.

One of my favorite things . . . is creating something beautiful.

A few plans for the rest of the week . . . work/fun/yoga with my bestie today. Therapy tomorrow. Final Bible study and luncheon for the year on Thursday, and maybe a trip to McKay on Friday with dd.

Here is a picture for thought I am sharing . . .

Tasha Tudor illustration

I love Tasha Tudor!

for more visit The Simple Woman's Daybook

Crocheted Art

linking up with Wordless Wednesday & The Jenny Evolution

Christmas Mandalas

I'm not sure why I'm so taken with these little mandalas, but they just make me happy.
They are like the doilies of yesteryear but with a little more character. I'm using mine as decorative pieces on furniture, but they could be framed and hung as well, and possibly, used as trivets on your holiday table. Whatever you choose to do with them, they are quick and easy to make and brighten any little spot.

I used Premier Serenity Gardens yarn in red and green (both are variegated), and I alternated which color I started with, doing 2 rows in each color before changing. I used an E/3.5mm hook.

The pattern is Crochet Mandala by Karen Janine. The only change I made was leaving off the embroidery hoop. I just did a final row of single crochet in the opposite color. I did a light steam with my iron hovering just above the mandala to block it, but you could pin it to a towel or your ironing board to make it more exact.

Happy Hooking!

linking up with Made You Monday

{this moment}

A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember.

The Simple Woman's Daybook

FOR TODAY . . . November 19, 2013

Outside my window . . . I see blue sky and wispy, white clouds. The trees are looking more and more bare. 

I am thinking . . . that I am glad to feel some better this morning. I got hit with a stomach bug early Monday morning. It was the worst I've felt in a very long time. Kudos to Alan and Claire for taking such good care of me.

I am thankful . . . for intellectual growth. I never want to stop learning, and I always want to be open to new ideas and concepts.

In the kitchen . . . lots of saltines and ginger-ale.

I am wearing . . . my Chinese lantern pants, a white t-shirt, and my FIL's denim shirt.

I am creating . . . not sure right now. Yesterday I didn't feel like doing anything. I'd like to finish my Danish shawl, and then look over some other ideas, now that Presents with a Purpose is behind us.

I am going . . . nowhere today!

I am wondering . . . how much I'll feel like doing today.

I am reading . . . well re-reading Alias Grace, but I checked out 2 other books from the library as well -- The Golden Notebook and Still Midnight. Not much reading going on right now as it was hard to concentrate. I have a ridiculously large stack of books I want to read, but I've been a bit ADD about it, skipping from one to the new without completing anything.

I am looking forward to . . . feeling better today. 

I am hearing . . . absolutely nothing, but the hum of electricity.

Around the house . . . it's pretty chaotic. It's amazing how quickly things fall into disarray when I'm not feeling well. I don't really think I do that much, but based on a day and a half of sickness and the current condition of the house, I must do more than I think.

I am praying . . . for more and more people. I just found out last night about a 40 year old husband and father who died from a heart attack on Sunday. I am so grateful for all I have, and yet so overwhelmed with sadness for the suffering I see around me.

One of my favorite things . . . is feeling well. I know it sounds a bit silly, but it's so easy to take for granted. A day or two of feeling really sick certainly puts things in perspective!

A few plans for the rest of the week . . . everything's on hold until I see how long it takes to bounce back from this crud. 

Here is a picture for thought I am sharing . . .

part of our display at Presents with a Purpose

for more visit The Simple Woman's Daybook

WIP

linking up with Wordless Wednesday & The Jenny Evolution

The Simple Woman's Daybook

FOR TODAY . . . November 5, 2013

Outside my window . . . . the sky is part fluffy white and gray clouds and part blue. It's 48 degrees and a plane just flew over. There are pine needles all over the yard from a recent storm.

I am thinking . . . I should dust more often! The house looks so much better after dusting that it's ridiculous.

I am thankful . . . for better moods around the house.

In the kitchen . . . beans and rice and chicken last night. This week I'll be making Teddy Bear Mix, pumpkin bread, and pumpkin rice krispie treats for a weekend gathering.

I am wearing . . . my red cotton gown and my plaid flannel robe along with my knock-off blue Crocs. I keep telling you I'm the style guru to watch :)

I am creating . . . lots of goodies for Presents with a Purpose

I am going . . . to work on more goodies for Presents with a Purpose today with my bestie, LBB.

I am wondering . . . about the holidays this year. Since FIL passed in the spring this will be our first holiday season without him. There are many changes as holidays were usually celebrated at his house.

I am reading . . . A Fatal Grace (Chief Inspector Armand Gamache #2) by Louise Penny.

I am looking forward to . . . our annual family trip to Pickett Park/Big South Fork. Each year we rent a few cabins and go spend a weekend hiking, talking, working puzzles, playing games, and eating. There is a lot of prep work this week for the weekend, but it's all worth it.

I am hearing . . . silence.

Around the house . . . dd and I worked on the bonus room yesterday. We WORKED. It looks so much better. We've just about gotten all the remaining odds and ends from FIL's house taken care of, and I must say it's nice to have the space looking like home again.

I am praying . . . for several friends suffering from serious illnesses -- Trish, Patti, and Anna in particular.

One of my favorite things . . . creating crocheted mandalas. I just started my first one a few months ago, and now I'm working on my 3rd.

all of these are made with Premier Serenity Garden yarn in Gem

A few plans for the rest of the week . . . working on goodies for the sale, preparing for our weekend of fun, and the usual suspects. I need to get the oil changed, get a haircut, a pedicure, and buy some new walking shoes, but I don't then there are that many hours in the days.

Here is a picture for thought I am sharing . . .

pine needles everywhere!

for more visit The Simple Woman's Daybook

Presents with a Purpose

Each year my home congregation, Otter Creek Church, holds a sale in November to raise money for various charities and benevolent programs. This year the sale will be November 16th at The Well, so I've been feverishly crocheting to help support Youthreach International. Here are a few of my projects with links to patterns. If you're in the Nashville area on the 16th I encourage you to come by and shop. It's a great way to do some Christmas shopping, and each gift you buy will serve a dual purpose.

These are infinity cowls. I used this pattern as a jumping off place, but used smaller yarn and hook, and I made them a bit longer.

Of course I had to make a shawl, because I am crazy about them! I used the half granny square shawl pattern for this one. I'm not sure I want this one to sell!

This is a double infinity scarf. It is supposed to be made in wool, but as I am allergic to wool (can't breathe), I made it up in acrylic. Here's the pattern.

I have 2 more projects in process: another shawl and a mandala. Hopefully I'll have those ready for next week, along with a few other non-crochet items. Stop by the sale from 9 to 2 on November 16th if you can. You won't be sorry!

linking up with Made by You Monday

The Simple Woman's Daybook

FOR TODAY . . . October 15, 2013

Outside my window . . . . it's a bit overcast and 65 degrees. We are supposed to be in the 70's again today with rain and cold front moving in later.

I am thinking . . . about how hard it can be to hold onto peace and contentment in the swirl of day to day life.

I am thankful . . . for the weekend retreat. I needed the quiet and contemplation. I am already missing that lifestyle! I've said it before, I could be a very good hermit.

In the kitchen . . . last night was pasta with Italian chicken. Tonight is pot roast with potatoes and carrots, and green beans.

I am wearing . . . my cotton batiste gown and summer weight robe. Tomorrow will apparently be a different story.

I am creating . . . still working on my shawls, but I whipped a little cowl yesterday based on Wink's pattern at a creative being. I made mine a bit larger than hers because I don't like things tight around my neck.

I am going . . . to enjoy a day of yoga, talking, and creating with my bestie, LBB here at the house. I so enjoy these days regardless of what we actually do.

I am wondering . . . how compassion can sometimes get in the way of doing what is best for others. I feel too much sometimes. I think the psychological term is enabler. LOL!

I am reading . . . I got my hardcopy of Daring Greatly, but haven't gotten back to reading it yet.  I am working on  A Circle of Quiet by Madeleine L'Engle and am enjoying it thoroughly.

I am looking forward to . . . a stretch of cooler weather. I'm planning homemade ham and bean soup for tomorrow as the high is predicted as a cool 61 degrees.

I am hearing . . . birds chirping and plane flying over my house. 

Around the house . . . I suppose it's time to put out some Halloween decor. I'm not a big fan of Halloween these days. It's taken on too much darkness for my liking. 

I am praying . . . for so many people right now. The list just seems to go on and on. There is so much pain and struggle in this world. I am understanding more and more the longing for heaven.

One of my favorite things . . . is time and quiet to think and process. My silent retreat over the weekend was so refreshing as a time and quiet to complete thoughts and linger on issues, topics, and scriptures with no interruptions at all. And having all the meals prepared for me was such a luxury!

A few plans for the rest of the week . . . a meeting this afternoon and another in the morning, some walking and yoga, Bible study on Thursday. My 5 year old friend is coming to visit on Thursday. Worship on Sunday, and then I'll be playing chauffeur to the hubs on Monday. 

Here is a picture for thought I am sharing . . .

the view from my room on retreat

for more visit The Simple Woman's Daybook

{this moment}

A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember.

{this moment}

A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember.

{TH} read

nearly completed wip c2c baby afghan

new beading project

2 sewing projects to pick from

crafting inspiration

 and a little historical fiction

linking up with {TH} read