Crafts

My favorites are Knitting, Crocheting and Counted Cross-stitch.

I became interested in crocheting when I was a young girl. I used to observe the mothers crocheting while their children were swimminging at the public pool. Also, Mrs. Bartosh, my Third-grade teacher, taught the whole class (even the boys!) the basic stitches. Through the years I've made bags, decorations, doilies, toys, baby blankets and afghans, but I was never happy using crochet for garments.

I gave knitting a try when I was in my late teens. I was inspired by a "Learn to Knit" article in a women's magazine to try a sweater. Though I got the front and back done, I was unable to understand the directions for the sleeves and just gave up (I ended up with a vest). When I was in my early thirties (not too long ago!), I had a boss who was an avid knitter, so I was re-inspired to try it myself. I made sweaters for my first two boys which worked up quickly as they were so small at the time. They wore them for their Christmas photo that year. I made up three sweaters for 2001 and 2002, also worn in their Christmas photo.

These are the sweaters I made for the boys for Christmas 2002. I used Red Heart worsted-weight acrylic yarn in Burgundy, pine and varigated.

Counted cross-stitch is what I do when I feel like neither knitting nor crocheting. I did my first kit in my early twenties. It can be very inexpensive to do as the fabric is not pricey and the floss is often on sale for 10 for $1.00. I picked up a couple of great books whose patterns I've used to stitch designs on kitchen towels to give as gifts. My largest project so far has been a photo mat for my second son's pictures from birth to age six.

Current Projects

I recently completed a knitted wrap made straight from the wrapper pattern of Lion Brand Microspun yarn. My youngest son picked the color--fuchsia! I was very happy how it turned out, and I think it hardly looks hand-made. I'm using the similar "wave" pattern, but with a thicker yarn ("Jiffy") and bigger needles to make more as Christmas gifts.

I am so happy that we finally have a craft store near by! Michael's opened over the summer and it is less than five minutes from my door. (My husband hates it!) I just wish they had a bigger yarn selection, but they do have more than just worsted weight yarn.

Over the summer I made a triangular shawl out of the Microspun yarn in French Vanilla. With the left-over yarn, I made a small draw-string bag to match. I'm very happy how it turned out. It is very cozy to wear, especially in air conditioning! I also made a poncho out of "Homespun" yarn. Check the Lion Yarn link below for the pattern.

Links to free patterns!

I know I promised there would be a pattern for hot pads coming soon to my site, but I haven't worked it through yet. so in the mean time, try visiting Lion Yarns for some great FREE knit and crochet patterns.

Updated last on October 5, 2004.