~ Dly's Hooks and Yarns ~

~ checkerboard baby blankie ~

2013-05-19T09:33:00.000-04:00

I finished up this preemie baby blankie about a week ago. I crocheted it with Loops & Threads Impeccable yarn in the colors of 'chocolate' and 'butterscotch', and it measures 17" x 26". The 'butterscotch' color does look a little more yellow in real life - I just couldn't get a good picture of it.

The pattern I used is the small 'double duty square'.

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Before I leave to go do my shopping today, I will leave you with this happy song I first heard on a tv commercial. I hope it makes you smile. :)

~ a fairy garden ~

2013-05-18T10:23:00.003-04:00

I know - I know - my fairy gardens are always a little sparse. I like it that way though - gives the plants room to grow without over-growing.

The little house and the bridge was purchased at the Dollar Tree. The 'water' under the bridge is clear blue glass gems - the walkway from the bridge to the house is flower shaped glass gems. I think I got them at the Dollar Tree too. All of the succulents were in one pot that I got at Home Depot for $4.98. Oh, and the very large coffee mug planter was bought at the thrift store a while back - I paid either $2.90 or $4.90 for it - I can't remember which.

Fairy gardens are fun to play with - kind of makes me feel like a giant. :)

~ double duty square ~

2013-05-18T10:19:00.003-04:00

This square pattern can either be used for a coaster or a motif for a baby blanket.

Materials:
- 4-ply worsted weight acrylic
- J hook

Size:
- rose square = 3 1/2"
- aqua square = 4 1/4"

Notes:
- I crochet tight, so you may need to adjust the size of your crochet hook.
- The ch 2 at the beginning of Rnd 1 does not count as a stitch.

Directions:
-for rose square:
Rnd 1: Ch 3 (make the 1st ch a little loose), 12 dc in 3rd ch from hook. Join with a sl st to 1st dc. (12 dc)

Rnd 2: (ch 1, sc, ch 4, sc) in same dc as joining. 2 sc in each of next 2 dc. *(sc, ch 4, sc) in next dc, 2 sc in each of next 2 dc. Repeat from * 2 more times. Join with a sl st to 1st sc.

Rnd 3: Sl st in ch-4 space, (ch 3, 2 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) in same ch-4 space, ch 1, skip next 2 sc, dc next 2 sc together, ch 1, skip next 2 sc. *(3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) in next ch-4 space, ch 1, skip next 2 sc, dc next 2 sc together, ch 1, skip next 2 sc. Repeat from * 2 more times. Join with a sl st to top of beginning ch 3.

Rnd 4: Ch 1, sc in same st as joining. Sc in each dc and ch-1 space around with (sc, ch 1, sc) in each ch-2 corner space. Join with a sl st to 1st sc. End off.

-for aqua square:
Rnds 1 - 3: Repeat Rnds 1 - 3 of rose square.

Rnd 4: Ch 3 dc in each dc and ch-1 space around with (2 dc, ch 2, 2 dc) in each corner ch-2 space. Join with a sl st to top of beginning ch 3.

Rnd 5: Repeat Rnd 4 of rose square.

***Debi Y's pattern***

~ hold the phone! ~

2013-05-18T10:03:00.002-04:00

I was browsing around Pinterest a few days ago, and came across a cell phone charging pouch that was made out of an empty lotion bottle. I thought that was a pretty cool idea, so I set about to crochet one for my phone. It was quick and easy and took no time at all.

Materials:
- 1 1/4 oz. 4-ply worsted weight acrylic
- K hook
- one plastic child's bracelet

Size: 5 3/4" x 3 3/4" not including the bracelet

Notes:
- I crochet tight, so you may need to adjust the size of your crochet hook
- pattern is worked with 2 strands of yarn throughout

Directions:
Row 1: Sc around bracelet 9 times. Ch 1, turn. (9 sc)

Row 2 - 4: Sc in each sc across. Ch 1, turn.

Row 5: Sc in each sc across. Ch 15, turn piece and sl st in 1st sc.

Rnd 6: Ch 1, sc in same sc as joining, sc in next 8 sc, sc in each of next 15 chs. Join with a sl st to 1st sc.

Rnds 7 - 18: Ch 1, sc in same sc as joining, sc in each sc around. Join as before. At end of Rnd 18, end off.

Flatten bottom, match stitches evenly and whipstitch the back loops of the front and the front loops of the back together.

Decorate as you please.

***Debi Y's pattern***

~ 'merry-go-round' square ~

2013-05-18T09:58:00.000-04:00

Materials:
- 4-ply worsted weight acrylic
- J hook

Size: 6"

Notes:
- I crochet tight, so you may need to adjust the size of your crochet hook.
- the ch 2 at the beginning of Rnds 1 & 2 do not count as a st.

Directions:
Rnd 1: Ch 3 (make the 1st ch a little loose), 12 dc in 3rd ch from hook. Join with a sl st to 1st dc. (12 dc)

Rnd 2: Ch 2, 2 dc in same st as joining. 2 dc in each dc around. Join as before. (24 dc)

Rnd 3: Ch 3, dc in same st as joining, ch 1, skip next dc. *2 dc in next dc, ch 1, skip next dc. Repeat from * around. Join with a sl st to top of beginning ch 3.

Rnd 4: Ch 1, sc in same st as joining, sc in next dc, 2 sc in next ch-1 space. *sc in each of next 2 dc, 2 sc in next ch-1 space. Repeat from * around. Join with a sl st to 1st sc.

Rnd 5: Ch 1, sc in same st as joining, ch 2, skip next sc. *sc in next sc, ch 2, skip next sc. Repeat from * around. Join as before.

Rnd 6: Sl st into ch-2 space, ch 1, sc in same ch-2 space, ch 3. *sc in next ch-2 space, ch 3. Repeat from * around. Join as before.

Rnd 7: Sl st into ch-3 space, (ch 3, 2 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) in same ch-3 space, ch 2, skip next ch-3 space, {2 sc in next ch-3 space, ch 1} 2 times, 2 sc in next ch-3 space, ch 2, skip next ch-3 space. *(3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) in next ch-3 space, ch 2, skip next ch-3 space, {2 sc in next ch-3 space, ch 1} 2 times, 2 sc in next ch-3 space, ch 2, skip next ch-3 space. Repeat from * 2 more times. Join with a sl st to top of beginning ch 3.

Rnd 8: Sl st over to corner ch-2 space, (ch3, 2 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) in same corner ch-2 space, ch 2, 2 hdc in ch-2 space, {hdc in each of next 2 sc, ch 1} 2 times, hdc in each of next 2 sc, 2 hdc in next ch-2 space, ch 2. *(3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) in next corner ch-2 space, ch 2, 2 hdc in ch-2 space, {hdc in each of next 2 sc, ch 1} 2 times, hdc in each of next 2 sc, 2 hdc in next ch-2 space, ch 2. Repeat from * 2 more times. Join as before. End off.

***Debi Y's pattern***

~ hey ~

2013-05-18T09:54:00.002-04:00

~ 3 simple steps to clean out a used candle jar ~

2013-05-18T09:45:00.002-04:00

Step 1: Buy a small pan from the Dollar Tree. Put a toothpick in the pan and then place the jar on the toothpick. This keeps the jar from bouncing when the water boils. Pour water in pan. Bring the water to a soft boil. Wait patiently until the candle wax melts.

Step 2: Put a glove on your hand so you don't get burned. Pick up candle jar and pour melted wax into a can.

Step 3: Wipe out candle jar with paper towels.

And there you have it - a quick, simple way to clean out those nasty jars so you can use them to store your crafts supplies. :)

p.s. besides candle jars, I use all kinds of other jars too.

~ p c crochet hook bookmark ~

2013-05-18T09:37:00.000-04:00

If you crochet, read and work plastic - then this is the bookmark for you.

The bookmark on the right is worked with continental stitch, and the one on the left is blank with a round of sc worked around the edges - which was a little tricky to do. I used size 3 cotton and a size B crochet hook, but I think I should of used size 10 cotton - it would of been a little easier to get the thread through the holes. If I make another one, I will go with the size 10.

For the crochet edge bookmark: put a sl st on your (real) crochet hook, insert hook into any hole, yarn over, pull through and complete as a sc. Sc in each hole on the straight lines, and 2 sc in each corner square around the piece. Join with a sl st to the 1st sc and end off. Tie the ends into a knot and then weave the tails through the sc stitches.

For the solid bookmark: using worsted weight yarn, work the piece using the continental stitch. Whipstitch around the edge and you're done.

Here's the graph for the crochet hook bookmark:

I count holes when I cut the plastic canvas - this one is 6 holes across and 55 holes top to bottom.

Thanks for dropping by - I hope you're enjoying your day. :)

~ plastic canvas cups ~

2013-05-18T09:30:00.001-04:00

On my last trip to AC Moore (I love this craft store the best), I bought 2 of those plastic cups that you take apart so you can decorate the inside. It's primarily sold for the kids because it comes with 3 paper inserts that can be colored with crayons. I chose to do a plastic canvas insert with mine. The only problem I came across is that the bottom of the cup is a tad bit smaller than the top, so when the plastic canvas piece is rounded to insert into the cup, the edges do not meet all the way - it leaves an opening - kind of like a V. It doesn't matter though - I just put the V opening where the handle is. :)

~ aaaargh ~

2013-05-16T20:03:00.000-04:00

Ok - I give up. This Google+ stuff kicked my butt - but I think I have it straightened out now. I'm hooked up to the stupid Google+ now. My comments are back for this blog - and I missed this blog a lot - so I'm coming back.

I'm so sorry for all the trouble and I hope I haven't annoyed you too much.

The free patterns that I posted on the other blog will be moved over to this blog within the next few days.

Once again, I'm sorry for the inconvenience.

~ moving to a new blog ~

2013-04-20T09:16:00.002-04:00

Good morning everyone. I'm moving to my new blog - 'Dly's Crochet and Crafts' starting today. (Just click on the blog name and you will be taken there.)

I've been thinking about making a new blog for a while now - but I was sitting on the fence about it and just couldn't make up my mind. Well, a few days ago I switched my blog to Google+. I didn't like it, so I switched back to the regular Blogger platform. I then figured out that I have no 'comments' section now. I've looked around to try to fix it but I can't figure out how to do it. So that was the kick in the pants to start my new blog.

Don't worry - 'Dly's Hooks and Yarns' will still be left open for everyone to get the patterns, but all my new patterns will be posted on my new blog.

Please join me over at 'Dly's Crochet and Crafts' - I'd love to see you there. :)

~ why ?? ~

2013-04-19T09:56:00.000-04:00

I'm sorry, but most of this stuff is a complete waste of yarn. There are a few pictures of hats in there that are nice though.

Warning: there are a few pictures of ladies naked rear-ends. I don't know why.

http://madamebarry.tumblr.com/

This lady reminds me of Frankenstein's wife.

This outfit comes with it's own boxing gloves.

~ stuff ~

2013-04-17T08:18:00.000-04:00

Uh oh - I hope I didn't offend anyone yesterday by posting the 'Substitute Teacher' video. I've only received 3 comments, so I'm kind of thinking I did. If I did - I apologize.

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A lot of bloggers keep talking about the Google Reader going away on July 1st. Well I'm kind of confused - my Google Reader has been gone for about a week now.

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I crocheted a couple towel toppers for my kitchen. This time I used dishcloths instead of using a dish towel cut in half. It was so much easier - no raw edges to mess with. I sewed the blanket stitch - started crocheting, and before I knew it - I was finished. It's such a simple, but necessary project.

Thanks for dropping by ladies - I hope ya'll enjoy your day. :)

~ Two on Tuesday ~

2013-04-16T10:09:00.000-04:00

Two things that make me smile:

* we took our first trip to the campground this weekend. It was bittersweet though because we went to clean up my sister Teri's campsite. We picked up small tree branches, raked up leaves, straightened up all the decorative garden stuff, and my sister Julie planted flowers. I smile because I know that Teri would approve - she always kept her campsite looking nice.

* this video. I have to warn you - there is quite a bit of cussing - no f-words, but plenty of the regular stuff. Don't click if you don't want to hear it. That's the thing I've noticed about today's so-called comedy - it's either about sex or has a ton of cuss words.

~ a gift in the mail and 2 bloggy friends giveaways ~

2013-04-10T09:23:00.000-04:00

My bloggy friend Kathy from 'From My Heart of Love!' very kindly sent me a sweet gift in the mail. A chubby pen, a note-pad (to write my grocery list so I don't forget anything), a journal (to keep notes when I'm crocheting), and a set of 6 'Hello' note cards.

As I was taking them out of the envelope, my husband was looking over my shoulder. When I was finished, he looks and says "is the envelope empty? there's no tools?" and then he made a sad face. He's so funny.

Thanks so much for thinking of me Kathy. :)

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Two bloggy friends are having great giveaways:

Shari from 'Kashmere Kisses' is giving away the sweetest fabric bunny that she has sewed herself. She comes with a crocheted bow in her 'hair' and a pair of crocheted ballet slippers. Shari is also including a couple of her crocheted pin cushions. Hop on over and enter for your chance to win.

Alessandra from 'homemade@my place' is giving away 2 prizes. Each prize includes a Japanese pattern book and either a set of glass covers or a set of coasters crocheted by Ale. Hop on over to her blog too, and enter for your chance to win.

Good luck to everyone! :)

~ Two on Tuesday ~

2013-04-09T10:11:00.001-04:00

Two things that make me smile:

I've thought about this and I always come back to the same things - the every day good things that I enjoy every single day.

* my dogs Tex and Ladybug. Look at them - not a care in the world. Wouldn't it be nice to just lay down in the sun and not worry about anything?

(optical illusion going on here - Ladybug is a little less than half the size of Tex)

* my house plants. I love working with them. Watering, clipping, dusting, and re-potting them into pretty pots. I bought an African violet from Lowes on Saturday - I cut it in half and re-potted one half in the double coffee cup pot that's on the bowling pin table for me and the other half is in a pretty blue and white print pot for my Mom.

* a bonus smile for me - I had to go to the grocery store yesterday, and as I'm driving down the road, I have this nagging feeling that I'm forgetting something. I check for my purse, my shoes (sometimes I've tried to leave the house wearing slippers), my make-up, and yes, even my t-shirt and jeans. I finally realize what I'm missing - my coat! We went straight from cold coat weather to hot t-shirt weather. Crazy. I love it - but it's crazy. :)

~ little black purse ~

2013-04-08T09:54:00.000-04:00

I did a little cleaning in my craft room Saturday and came across these rectangular purse handles. I remember buying them a few years back off of Ebay, but I don't remember the seller. They measure 3" x 5" and they're very pretty with the black lace print. I did a search to see if I could find them, but all I can find is the plain black ones.

My little black purse measures 6 3/4" x 9" - it's the perfect size to carry just the essentials when you're going 'out on the town'. :)

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***This giveaway is now closed***

1 - Julie Romero
2 - Vikki Hooks
3 - Senhora Baruch
4 - Shannon A.

Please send me your mailing address - my email is dlyrs@juno.com

Speaking of purse handles - these are the purse handles that I don't need anymore - so if you're interested, I will send two (2) pairs to the first four (4) people that leave me a comment. One (1) lucky person will get three (3) pairs.

As always - thanks for dropping by and I hope you enjoy your day. :)

~ bow wrist cuff ~

2013-04-03T09:22:00.000-04:00

I was looking around Pinterest a couple of days ago, and came across a black leather wrist cuff. It looked very pretty so I decided to crochet one. I think maybe that these are for the younger ladies - I don't think this Grandma could pull off this look. :)

(this is my mannequins arm, not mine)

Materials:

- small amount 4-ply worsted weight acrylic

- J hook

- two 4mm beads or shank buttons

- small amount size 10 thread

Size: my wrist measures 6", but the wrist cuff measures 8" long and it fits

Note: I crochet tight, so you may need to adjust the size of your crochet hook

Directions:

Row 1: Ch 10, sc in 2nd ch from hook, sc in each remaining ch. Ch 1, turn. (9 sc)

Row 2: Sc in each sc across. Ch 1, turn.

Row 3: (sc, dc) in 1st sc. *skip next sc, (sc, dc) in next sc. Repeat from * 3 more times. Turn.

Rows 4 - 24: Skip 1st dc, (sc, dc) in next sc. *skip next dc, (sc, dc) in next sc. Repeat from * across. Turn.

Row 25: Ch 1, skip 1st dc. Sc in next 2 sts, ch 1, skip next st, sc in next 3 sts, ch 1, skip next st, sc in last 2 sts. Ch 1, turn.

Row 26: Sc in each sc and ch-1 space across. End off.

Gather the sides of Rows 13 & 14 together and wrap a long length of yarn around tightly. Tie ends together in a knot and weave the end in.

With the size 10 thread, sew the beads or buttons between Rows 1 & 2 to match up with the ch-1 spaces of Row 25.

***Debi Y's pattern***

~ Two on Tuesday ~

2013-04-02T14:25:00.002-04:00

Two things that have made me smile:

* My bloggy friend Susanne from 'Forget Me Not'. She remembered seeing a picture of my cow decorated kitchen on my blog, and emailed me to ask me if I would like to have some decorative cow plates that she had stored away. She's such a sweetheart to think of me. I received the plates in the mail yesterday and they are so nice. They're from the Franklin Mint - The American Folk Art Collection - Country Journeys.

Please stop by and say 'hi' to Susanne - she's been going through a real rough, sad time and could use a little extra love.

(sorry about the horrendous flash on the bottom plate)

* I cleaned up our front porch yesterday to get ready for the nice weather. Got rid of the old plastic chairs that have seen better days and added a new bird feeder. Also got rid of old, broken flower pots and decorations. Out with the old stuff so I can go to the Dollar Store to get some new stuff. :)

~ Happy Easter ~

2013-03-31T09:17:00.001-04:00

~ Chrysanthemum hexagon and square ~

2013-03-27T10:24:00.001-04:00

I have a new pattern that is up for sale on my 'patterns for sale' page. Click on the 'patterns for sale' button that is right underneath my blog header, and you will be taken to the page where you can purchase this pattern for only $3.00 (US)

The pattern includes directions for both the hexagon and the square.

Thank you all very much for your support. :)

~ Two on Tuesday ~

2013-03-26T10:41:00.000-04:00

Two things that make me smile:

* I bought another orchid plant at Lowe's that was marked down to $7.50. It's not an ice-cube orchid, but I'm going to treat it like one and see what happens.

* waking up to this yesterday morning:

I smile because it's pretty when it's coming down, and because I didn't have to go out in it. :)

(found on Pinterest)

~ baby blankie 12c ~

2013-03-22T09:29:00.000-04:00

This preemie baby blankie is the same pattern as my 'simply pretty' square, except that it is a rectangle. It measures 18" x 25 1/2". The turquoise and white yarn is Red Heart Soft, and the red yarn is another mill-ends bag I bought from AC Moore. It doesn't say on the bag, but I know it also has to be Red Heart Soft - same shiney look, same feel.

For the beginning rectangle of the blankie I used Crochet Again's 'better granny rectangle' pattern. I chained more for mine to make it a little longer - Crochet Again has a little graph at the end of her post to make it easier for you to figure out how to do that.

The colors I chose were influenced by the lovely Astri of 'Apple Blossom Dreams'. I loved the color combo of her 'diagonal granny scarf'.

This is one example of why I love the crochet blog world - it took 3 ladies to create this little blankie. Thanks so much to 'Crochet Again' and to Astri.

Have a great day everyone - thanks for stopping by. :)

~ Two on Tuesday (on a Wednesday) ~

2013-03-20T10:03:00.000-04:00

How in the world did I forget this yesterday? I'm going to blame it on (almost) old age. Or Rio. Or maybe the Rain.

Two things that make me smile:

* I put birdseed out on my front porch and so far I have seen lots of little birdies flitting around - including bluebirds and cardinals.

* seeing stuff like this:

I smile because it's crazy, but then I think "what a complete waste of yarn". Who is going to wear this? No one I know.
I can't think of one good reason to crochet one of these.
Can you?

But wait - there's more. Click on the link to see the rest of the crazy 'hat' creations.

http://www.bitrebels.com/design/10-crazy-creepy-crocheted-masks/

~ giveaway winner ~

2013-03-18T09:44:00.001-04:00

There were quite a few entrants:

but there can be only one winner - and that winner is:

SnuggleBunnie!!! Yay!!!

Congrats SnuggleBunnie - send me your mailing address and I'll have the yarn out to you as soon as I can.

My email is dlyrs@juno.com