Crochet by the Sea

I thought it was Tuesday...hmm...alrighty then....

2012-02-02T10:18:00.001-05:00

Visiting around the blogoshpere neighborhood today, coffee in hand...things to do this day thankfully as always...and simple is the order of the day...a blog neighbor having a giveaway...

stop by http://ozarkmountainfamily.blogspot.com/

Love them clotheslines...especially ones way out in the country........

Love that Flappin.....

This cheers me...

2012-02-01T09:53:00.000-05:00

Aunt Lovely Bee, and her pearls.... I'm feeling a little groggy or out of it today...no motivation...I started trying to find something to blog about, and my search led me to Mayberry. If I could pick a time to go back to..it would probably be then.. late 40's early 50's.. Aunt Bee is such a classic beauty, simple, elegant and ladylike. I put some clothes on, took off the jammies...(not my first choice)...and put on some pearls...yes I did really....fixed up my hair...and I feel better...bread will be on the rise...and moving out of the funk whatever it is.

Aunt Bee's Kitchen...

http://www.taylorhomeinn.com/kitchen.html

there is the little hutch which I simply must have.....I can picture my crochet potholders in there...

ahh....now I feel better...

Thanks Aunt Bee...I think that I will make Aunt Bee an honorary blog friend....

I need to tweek this just a bit...This is supposed to be....

2012-01-31T09:07:00.001-05:00

A coffee pot...Do you think?

more flowers perhaps.....

Good bright light & sunshine....

2012-01-30T00:00:00.000-05:00

Can you see the runners on this hen n chick plant? I never had one before so I don't know if it is supposed to do this...LOL...but it gets good light, and bright sunshine when it is out from the front window...It is in a growing spurt now..

Thanking you...

2012-01-29T00:00:00.001-05:00

My very special friends, for stopping by to visit. I am still after several years of blogging amazed at the connection we have to each other, it just amazes me. During the day I ponder what I have read, intrigued and inspired me, and you lift my spirit and cheer me... as different as we all are, in some way we are the same...we give, share, and enjoy each others company...

Thank You...for being part of my world.

Isn't this darling?

Internet photo credit

The colors of this pesky hexy cheer me...

2012-01-28T11:56:00.002-05:00

On this snowy shade of grey day here in NE Ohio

I made this several years ago now...it took me probably 1 1/2 years to actively make the hexagons and then it was time to assemble and join..( not my favorite part. I don't like to do piece work..But I had it in my mind to do this and do it I did. I noticed I need to rejoin a few pieces, and I found one where the crochet itself is loose..I must put this on my to do list, before it unravels. I am not a joiner.. I'm happy with the afghan itself, but doubt I would ever make another one. I keep it over the back of my couch. I enjoy still, looking at it, and the colors cheer me. Hoping someday it will be an heirloom, pondering where and who will end up with it. This was a large project, and am more of a simple hand held not to long kind of gal now. For one

thing impatient as I am. I finished up the coffee pot, and am making the little flowers for it..and soon I'll show you that picture.Trying to build up some inventory...and a little variety....

Ponderation...is that a word?

2012-01-26T14:23:00.001-05:00

I'm doing alot of pondering today... Some lovelies blog every single day...they find some delightful thing in their lives to blog about, thank goodness for them. Some lovlies blog on a particular day, saving up items for the hopper of discussion. I'm neither one...sometimes I blog every day..something will strike me that I just have to tell you..and other days... I'm fearful this will be one of my lesser posts about nothing in particular and plenty of it , a rambling from the mind..I feel like this little girl looks today...just a wondering....I like to choose the little girls with brown hair, that is my coloring. Do you ever have days, when you feel like just being inside your self? That is me today..way to much effort to speak, the writing...is coming easy today...

Lemon Verbena

Do you know that I cannot find not one place which sells lemon verbena seeds? What is up with that? They will have the plants of course, but I must wait until May..MAY? I like to grow from seed...such an acomplishment for me. I'm in need of a wee bit of sunshine..thinking of the garden the last few days. On the crochet front...making another crochet cottage with thread yard, and I have a delightful pattern for a coffe pot hot pad, I found in a book I had..so working on that today....being quite..moving about simply today,

enjoying yes, even the quietness of my spirit, it gives me and everyone near me a break...LOL....

my boys wanted cinnamon buns today..did that...DH doing the laundry...this unemployment has our life all topsey turvy...I figure just about the time we get this figured out...a new opportunity will pop up and we'll all change again..such is life...

wordless wednesday

2012-01-24T22:00:00.000-05:00

Simply enjoying & pondering.....and listen to those wind chimes:)

2012-01-23T11:15:00.001-05:00

It is a beautiful 50 degrees here today in NE Ohio, windy...bringing some change in. But for now I linger a moment looking at the bright blue sky and sunshine, been thinking about herbs of late...for the garden..I'm new at the herbs. I have some lavender started from seeds which didn't get far last year, they just barely sprouted. I found a lovely lavender plant and put that in the ground hoping it will come back this year. I enjoyed the basil and cilantro from last year...so I will do those again..and I've ordered a few books from the library about how to dry herbs, and herb gardens. What about Lemon Verbena..? I like the sound of that name, I have never smelled this herb. I'm hoping that I can find it the nursery in the spring...I wonder....would I be able to find seeds?
I have bread rising in the oven...I found a new recipe over at http://michelleslittlepieceofheaven.blogspot.com/2012/01/bakery-bread-secrets.html
giving it a trial today... I've much to do around the old homestead today, I worked the last 3 days...I miss my homestead and my hook moving... Have a delightful day...
I suppose a good part of all of you do herbs...and will posting about them soon, looking forward to gardening tips and treasures....
I found a new blog....I have not gotten a chance to read everything...looks like much to choose from...
stop by...here http://oldtips.blogspot.com/

I've opened up a few windows, I like breezy days...one of my favorite things...it is 52. Letting the germs blow right on out the window, and bringing in fresh air. When I turn the oven on to bake the bread....
windows closed...I want to keep that smell inside....for a little while.

We MOST GLADLY interupt today's weather & schedule....with.....

2012-01-21T11:18:00.006-05:00

Thoughts of .....

shellin, & sunshine...wandering aimlessly along the beach bucket in hand looking for treasures..... and not a care in the world.....

have a simple, treasure filled day....

Old Man Winter...current temperature 19 degrees F

2012-01-20T13:59:00.007-05:00

I have to go out today, to work. I don't want to leave the house...This is the kind of weather where it is dangerous to inhale, I'll be wearing my trust,handy dandy crochet scarf/hood, that everybody thinks is a blanket....but I'll be toasty warm,,,this is not a scarf of decoration or novelty...I'm brining out the big gun....

for these temperatures....Made it myself , of course I did....and you can find the pattern and make one too.....

http://www.lionbrand.com/patterns/cwes-scarves.html?noImages=0

I made mine in a cream colored.
Remember the song...These are a few of my favorite things? Coming to mind today, a line from the song...

I simply remember my favorite things....and then I don't feel so bad.......

Raindrops on roses and whiskers on kittens
Bright copper kettles and warm woolen mittens

Brown paper packages tied up with strings

These are a few of my favorite things!

Cream colored ponies and crisp apple strudels

Doorbells and sleigh bells and schnitzel with noodles

Wild geese that fly with the moon on their wings

These are a few of my favorite things!

Girls in white dresses with blue satin sashes

Snowflakes that stay on my nose and eye lashes

Silver white winters that melt into spring

These are a few of my favorite things!

When the dog bites, when the bee stings

When I'm feeling sad,

I simply remember

my favorite things

and then I don't feeel so bad!

Raindrops on roses and whiskers on kittens

Bright copper kettles and warm woolen mittens

Brown paper packages tied up with strings

These are a few of my favorite things!

What are your favorite things....this day?

I looks like a black n white picture outside today...

2012-01-19T10:02:00.002-05:00

This is the part of the winter which I find becomes boring...Where I live it is often the worst part of winter snow/cold wise, thinking of greener pastures becomes a literal thought. I do like the coziness of the winter, all tucked in baking and crafting....

today....

I need some color!

There now...thats better......

Straight from God's Coloring book to brighten up the day....

May your day be in full living color today...
:)

Moving of my hook.....

2012-01-18T09:05:00.001-05:00

a few recently finished up crochet dishclothes.....

now for the test drive.. A frosty, January morn, good for firing up the oven and making some homemade bread, we're getting low...moving the hook, and moving about smartley today....
enjoy your day....and your simple pleasure...

The light colored one is a multi color with flecks of rose,green,blue & lavender..

It really has become a habit...one which I would not like break.....

2012-01-16T10:21:00.001-05:00

Oh Bother!

To travel more than frequently to Micheals than my DH would like...and while I have really cut back on what I buy, I always go for the Yarn,pretty much that is it. It is less than 1 mile from me, so it is easy for me stop, and make a quick trip in and out...sometimes I really go for inspiration and to browse.( Sometimes) LOL! I've been noticing that last several times they have been busier than usual, with lots of sales. Moving the store around after umpteen years, I like that I feel like I'm in a new store. (ahem) Yesterday I went for Sugar/Cream for dishclothes and they were $1.00 each...I only bought 6, would have like to bought more. Reg $3.00.

Standing in the checkout line I noticed a big sign...Yes we are moving...MOVING? The location is out of the way, and near a very busy high traveled intersection which I stay away from, unless my DH drives. So that will limit my trips...Well.....I cross that bridge when I run out of yarn...." Honey....can you take me to Micheals?",

have you ever been to a craft store with DH in tow? Oh Bother....:)

Changes? They are good..arn't they?

A simple joy...

2012-01-15T12:10:00.002-05:00

My DH bought this for me a few years ago...maybe 2" tall if that...I love snowmen or in this case a snowlady, anyhow...I don't like political correctness...its's a snowman. She's movin her hook...how sweet is this?

I have a little tree stands maybe 1' tall, and I put miniatures on it..

What is it about miniatures of anything....

so simple..

I've always like the tiny itty bitty...I don't have it up this year, but the she is where I can see her...little pink earmuffs and all.....:)

I'm posting a link to a friends blog....if you like heirlooms, and family history stop over and read this post. This is a great post.

Sandy was one of my 1st blog friends when I began this blog..she is very creative, and crochets to be the band..

http://4ccccs.blogspot.com/2012/01/cherised-items-from-our-ancestors.html

Have you ever....

2012-01-14T14:30:00.001-05:00

Just randomly typed into the browser keywords for vintage crochet, or vintage woman crochet, along those lines? And just looked at the photographs there...pages and pages of them of vintage pictures such as the one above...I just get enthralled with all of these, and often wonder what my life would have been like had I lived during this time period. The ladies so elegant, simple in nature...allowing the natural beauty of their features to shine through, not covered up, but accentuated. Classy, elegant and ever so pretty. Have you ever heard of a fascinator? That is what this is the lovely lady is wearing..I've never seen anyone in one of these, and I may like to add this to my things to do...I won't of course look as elegant as this gal, but we may start a whole new trend again...being that there is nothing new under the sun, and what is old can be made new again to a new group of people..Isn't that interesting...

A fascinator...have not heard of these before, and find the name curious..research will be required, but I like the look of it.

Imagine that...a fascinator....

Dishclothes...in the near future...thank you to all of you who commented, it was helpful and always an uplifting visit..Thank you....

A Crochet question.....

2012-01-13T13:08:00.000-05:00

Hello....Neighbors

I've got the "itch" to make dishcloths...to crochet them I should say....Never have, and never thought about it much. Got to poking around and thought why not? What opinions do you have about them?

Do they work well? I use handywipes to wash dishes with now, after a few washings they need to washed themselves. How does the crochet washcloth stack up? I would like to use what I have on hand to make one or two...and of course Vintage pattern is what it's all about...I have size 3 & 10 in cotton thread....what size hook?

I'd like an all purpse pattern, something square & Simple ...not to foo foo...my DH does dishes too....something he can wrap those big hands around...looking for a pattern...that uses the size yarn I have on hand....

Thanking you for stopping in....:)

It's one of those cozy days...

2012-01-12T15:43:00.000-05:00

It a cozy January day, here in NE Ohio, cloudy, damp and chilly ( not cold ) not yet, as we've come to expect this time of year round these parts. I did get a little organizing done, and moved the hook a wee bit, supper, homework assistance with , and then time to snuggle down and move the hook some more..Can't complain about that, now can I.?

Oh "they" are forcasting another blizzard, which will never appear as the last two forcasted ones...there is no doubt in my mind we won't get hit with the more than several inches of the white fluffy.

Working on simplification as life unfolds, another year as it reveals itself, obstacles and all. I'm learning every day. Gathering information to make decision making more clear, as the road unfolds itself before us here at the homestead. Today, I feel good about the decisions we are making, it is always good to move forward.

Picking my battles, and leaving the rest behind.

one more step toward simplification...

internet photo credit...

Enjoy your day...find pleasure in the simple

I love being creative...don't you?

2012-01-11T11:09:00.002-05:00

What are you doing today, which brings out your creative side? Don't you feel ever so good when you create, and produce something of lovliness...? 

I'm on the hunt, I think today I will venture out and go to Pat Catans ( Darice), have not been there for a while, and have been cooped up in the house with this head cold business...some fresh air and crafts may help, it is in the 40's, I have opened the windows, and am resolute about removing these germs from the premises..toot sweet...I've been hit or miss crocheting of late, the shawl isn't working for me right now, and the little potholders keep calling me back...

I have an idea and want to see what they have at PC...so

maybe today is the day..I want to bake a cake and then go..after I get out of my jammies and soft things....

which is soooooooooooo comfortable...I did things out of order, and I'm back now, just wanted to go there and back. I did change my clothes first though hee hee..
found just the ticket for my little project(s)...have a cake in the oven now, it was good to get outside, the air fresh and crisp felt good..but I'm glad to be home now my favorite place..soon the aroma of the chocolate cake and baked chicken will fill my homestead with that homey cozey feeling...now that I have what I need, the hook will be moving....
tonight...
:)

It is a simple thing...

2012-01-10T15:14:00.000-05:00

But it gives me great joy, and count it as a blessing today.......

The Seed Catalog... has arrived.....

.ooh....hooo

The weather outside isn't frightful, in fact the sun has been out all day, and bright blue skies, I'm staying in, relaxing and trying to get over this annoying head cold...I do wish it would freeze and get rid of the all the germs. I'm making some tea, and looking at some seeds for the garden this year....or at least making a list of plants I might like to try at the local nursery this spring...something to look forward to..

& moving my hook

simple enjoyment, the best kind....

Plain & Simple...check it out...

2012-01-10T00:00:00.000-05:00

There is a new challenge coming to blogland...on February 1st.. So many of you who I communicate with have already begun the journey, like myself to a more simple life. What better time than now to step it up, as the new year is here. I know I am always looking to simplify and re order my life to incorporate the simple cherished things...that is why I am participating....stop over and visit, get ready for the challenge...

http://blog.kanelstrand.com/2012/01/join-simple-living-challenge.html

I'm looking forward to it, and hope to see you all there too..

Monday Morn Musings & a Crochet Shawl is in the works

2012-01-09T00:00:00.006-05:00

Hello Dear Friends....

I'm so enjoying my time with you, I do love when you stop by to chit chat....Thank you.

I'm yearning to make something with yarn, and put the thread and the little wee hook down for a bit...and make something people size..hee hee

I want to make.....some kind of a shawl..looking for a pattern, and of course if it is Vintage in nature all the better. I have a few ideas of what I am looking for, I've seen some pictures, and Annie's Attic has some lovely patterns...something with a sleeve, or a place for the arms, which can be worn inside.. I love the old vintage shawls,and bed jackets...so pretty.

http://cache.lionbrand.com/printablePatterns/60274AD.pdf
I found this one, looks easy peasy....now for the color? Well, I went to Micheals to see if anything popped out at me, nothing did..and it was packed there...I have some stash ( brand new), so I think I will use that. The color is sage green...Have a wee bit of a head cold, we all do, and my ambition level is not where it should be..resting today....
Have a good one...

a blessing in my heart...

2012-01-07T00:00:00.004-05:00

Do you Remember?

I was making the bed today, you know how your mind kind of wanders and you have a thought about something random, and it just leads to so many thoughts and sometimes (often) leads you back to a particular thought which has nothing to do with what you were thinking about? Well, anyway I had one of those today, often they take me back to places I don't want to go..but this time I thought of my Mom...and I remember how whenever she go a new purse she would put a penny in it for good luck. Oh how I wish I could hug her right now...something so simple, and genuine and it has stuck in my mind for all these years, only to come out today, when I was making a bed...How wonderfully blessed I feel to recall this memory. Wasn't mom's purse always so special as a little girl? Always very simple in nature, within our means and functional..always had a hankie in it, always...I have begun to carry one as well. And there was the penny for luck..Maybe that is what's wrong...I don't put a penny in there...have to change that.

I can hear in my memory telling me about the penny in the new purse.....such a warm and comforting message..

So today....Put a penny in your purse...especially if it is a new purse...

internet photo credit

I love these old fashioned clasps on these purses...and wish that I could find a purse which has one...look at the simple elegance of this purse.

2012-01-06T10:03:00.000-05:00

It's 50 degrees here today in NE Ohio...sunny and bright. I have but a few more things to put away from the Holidays. I don't put alot out, but do it over several days, and take it down the same way. I'm feelin ansy today..have you ever felt that there is just something you want to do creative wise, and you just can't pull it out of the hat? I'm feeling that way today, I'm in a desperate need to create something, painting is coming to my mind, no not the house...hee hee...I've been moving the hook and have a few wee projects which need finished up, but I'm missing a few of the embellishments, and it will have to wait a while. Here is a sweet picture I like to put up every year...this little guy cheers me up.

Enjoy your day.....

One day...I will is fine..but

2012-01-05T00:00:00.001-05:00

As I write this, and I don't what this is...I don't even have a title..This is going to be one of the evolving posts I presume.. Perhaps it is just my need to be here every day and say something..to connect with all of you, whatever it is something will come out of it. The new year is fresh upon us, I don't have any resolutions becuase I don't keep them anyway. I like to think that daily I create the changes necessary for things to work for me, part of me is the wanderlust, I don't like constrictive or tight boxes maybe rather than it is not so much the wanderlust but the claustrophobia, either way it will work. Gone are the days for me when I will lose 10 lbs, if only that is all I had to lose would have done that, why I've lost and gained more than that in my lifetime. I had some rather lofty little projects still on the sidelines, they were not resolutions but ambitious projects which I should like to fufill one of these days.

I will say that one thing I am really trying to do is and not since January 1st, but long before that is evolve myself over to a more simple nature, not so many bells and whistles, or rather bells and whistles which are of a different kind, to marvel in and wondered by beauty .This morning I was wowed by the sunrise, not so much the sun, but the colors of the sky as the new day was warmed by the sun. I ran and grabbed the camera. "What are you doing asked my DH"? "Trying to get a picture of that sunrise, didn't you see it"? I managed to click the camera and get something,(through the window glass, it was only 12 degrees) and then as if by magic the painter changed the scene with the paintbrush, and painted in the clouds and it was gone. But I saw it for a split second, the gift of color, and beauty right out of God's coloring book. I lived in that moment and saw that beauty, I wonder how many people looked up and saw that this morning?

So, while the one of these days I will is fine for somethings, there are those things which you cannot get back to, they are right now in the present and gone, I don't want to miss any more of those. They are once in a lifetime snapshot of something which will never be duplicated again...it is happening here and now....

amd these I consider a daily blessing, a gift.