The good thing, however, is that my hooks and needles have been busy.

First, the cutest thing ever would be the horse I made for my great-niece.   This is made from a  free pattern . (click here for link to pattern)

I stuffed the legs with a heavy weight filler I found at a craft store.  It’s like little bitty pebbles.  I put some into a ziplock bag which I wrapped several times with strapping tape. This filled the leg of the horse and ensures it will not open, and that the horse will stand.

The hat is not in the pattern. Anna loves the color lello, and she has a lello hat I made her, so it just seemed appropriate to make a lello hat for the horse.  Now, to find time to meet up with her and give her this gift.  I sure hope she likes it.

While laying down I watched all 14 episodes of ‘Firefly’. I loved that show! I now understand the uproar at its cancellation.  At the same time I was watching this, the book “Knits for Nerds” came out. In it is a sweater that resembles the brown dusters they wore the short-lived series.  I started it in a size to fit my daughter, she asked for grey.

The stitch pattern on this is 12 rows at 223 stitches per row.  So when I screwed up the pattern the first time, I just frogged and started over.   The second time I tinked 7 rows of 223 stitches. (You do the math – that’s a lot of stitches tinked off)

After that, I inserted a life line at the end of each repeat (there are 12 repeats) so I can just frog to that point and reinsert the stitches on my needle and move forward.

What is a lifeline?  With the stitches on the needles, insert a thinner thread through the loops al the way across the piece.  You must be very careful not to knit this thread into the stitch when you begin the next row.  This thread now saves the loops of the stitch so that if I must frog “(rip-it rip-it, rip-it) the loops are secured in the thread. No chance of dropping a stitch. Just run a needle through the loops along the thread line and begin to knit.   Hmm, lifeline. There is another post in me about our personal lifeline – Jesus Christ.  Watch for it.

I joined “CrochetMe” on Facebook with their Easter crochet-along and made Sir Stephen the Bunny.

I purchased a booklet with  cocoon patterns and made both of these.

So, I may not be very communicative, but I have been productive.

Take care of yourself and keep on stitching. God is still stitching you into His kingdom.

Several months ago I made these fingerless gloves as a teaching tool for the knitting cables class I teach at Michaels.

These are made to be bulky so they can be worn over a pair of gloves.

I made these from some Caron Simply Soft yarn I had in my stash. This is not the recommended yarn.  Though we had a mild winter this year, I did wear them often – with and without the gloves – and they are already showing wear.

So I decided to make another pair, this time with some Red Heart Super Saver yarn I had in stash.  I finished one glove then got startitis fever and set the project aside.

Browsing one day I found this beautiful victorian style neck warmer.

I went shopping and this yarn jumped into my basket.

Which very quickly became this:

So when we popped in disk 1 of the 55th anniversary blue ray enhanced “The Ten Commandments” I decided to work on the 2nd wristlet.

Unfortunately I forgot I made the 1st one smaller to fit tighter on my hand. Yep, you guessed it.

I am now making another set just like this one

How was your week?

I am loving the Beth Moore study on Daniel. I have always shied away from reading Daniel because I heard others talk about how difficult a book it was. She is breaking it down and providing some excellent backup to her summation and shows us additional scripture to expand on the storyline. If you have stayed away in fear of the book of the book of Daniel I recommend trying Beth’s study.

As far as crafts go I have finished up a couple of items.  I finished this hat as part of my lessons I teach at Michaels.  This is the hat offered in the 3rd crochet class. You learn the stockinette stitch, seed stitch and ribbing. You also learn increase and decrease.

A new project offered in the knitting class at Michaels is this baby kimono.

This is a garter stitch project which uses decrease stitches on the front pieces.

I also created my own pattern when one of the employees told me about needing fingerless gloves while she was unloading the truck. So, I came up with this.

I continue to work toward my knitting and crochet certification through the Craft Yarn Council. I have completed part 1 of crochet and hope to send in part 1 of knitting this weekend. It is then checked for accuracy and I will complete the 2nd half of both.

Did you receive the latest newsletter? I included the story of the Ax that Floated to the Top.

All in all it was a busy week.

Until next time, keep on stitching your life into God’s plan.

God continues stitching away on His work in progress that is me. Each day he tinks a bit (knit back to remove one stitch at a time) and other days he frogs big chunks of work (rip-it, rip-it, rip-it).

I want to share with you a lesson I wrote up and used in one of Knit and Crochet Bible Studies. This one is not in either of the published books.

You diligently study the Scriptures because you think that by them you posses eternal life. These are the Scriptures that testify about me. John 5:39

It is recommended that you read through an entire pattern before you begin your first stitch. In my class as we discuss how to read a pattern I ask the student to read the pattern out loud one row of instruction at a time and then to translate what that instruction means. This shows me she understands the direction given and helps her to visualize what to expect from her pattern.

This same principle works very well with Scripture. During a recent Bible Study there was a discussion about listening to audio versions of the Bible. Many of the ladies commented they absorb the message more when they hear the word than when they read it to themselves. Reading out loud even proves more comprehension that reading silently.

Whether it is a pattern or scripture, “hearing” and then “restating in your own words” is an effective learning tool. Let’s apply that strategy to a passage in 2 Kings 6:1-7.

The company of the prophets said to Elisha, “Look, the place where we meet with you is too small for you. Let us go to the Jordan, where each of us can get a pole; and let us build a place there for us to live.”

And he said, “Go.”

Then one of them said, “Won’t you please come with your servants?”

“I will”, Elisha replied. And he went with them.

They went to the Jordan and began to cut down trees. As one of them was cutting down a tree, the iron axhead fell into the water. “Oh, my lord,” he cried out, ‘it was borrowed.”

The man of God asked, “Where did it fall?” When he showed him the place, Elisha cut a stick and threw it there and made the iron float. “Lift it out,” he said. Then the man reached out his hand and took it.

When you read a pattern for a complex article, perhaps a cardigan, or one with an elaborate design in it, you wrinkle your nose at parts of it and wonder ‘what is that and why is it in here’. That is what I thought when I read this passage. Then I read it out loud and restated it in my own words. I am going to restate this ‘pattern’ to you.

The part of the prophet cutting trees to build a place to sleep is played by you. You are knitting a blanket. You are working hard to provide for yourself. In Genesis 3 we learn of the curse given to man through the fall of Adam and Eve. Genesis 3:19 reads: By the sweat of your brow you will eat your food.

You are working hard with borrowed knitting needles when you are startled. You drop one of the needles fall into the sewer. This now creates a debt you cannot pay. You don’t have the financial ability to purchase one yourself, that is why you borrowed in the first place. And now you not only cannot complete your task of the blanket which was to provide you with funds, you owe the person your borrowed from the cost of the needles which you cannot afford!

In your sinful nature you fall short of the glory of God. Satan lays claim to you because you cannot pay the debt required by God. Along comes Jesus Christ with the cross (Elisha and the stick in the story). Jesus goes to the cross for you and as the axhead floats to the top (you dive into His Word).

Now let’s look very closely at verse 7 of our story. “Lift it out,“ he said. Then the man reached out his hand and took it. God has provided a way to reach him, Jesus Christ. You reach out and accept His gift of Salvation and your debt is paid. Your soul (the axhead) is not lost. It has been retrieved! Thanks be to God, through Jesus Christ our Lord! Romans 7:25 Jesus went to the cross, he took the beating, the humiliation, the crucifixion. He hurt so bad he sweat blood according to Luke 22:44.

Your debt is paid! The axhead is within your reach. But you must “reach out and take it”. I have notebooks and magazines and digital files full of many patterns. Owning the patterns does not provide a finished project. I must actively follow the pattern with the necessary tools and work to make the item.

If you do not reach out and accept the Salvation of God offered through Jesus Christ, you have turned away from God. Salvation sits there, like the pattern for the most beautiful shawl you have ever imagined.

Let’s retell the story now using our new actors. You live your life trying to be good. You are a good person, you are kind. You attend church regularly, serve at the local food pantry. You knit or crochet hats, gloves, mittens and blankets for the homeless shelter. You give financially to your home church and several missionaries as well.

One day you approach the gates of heaven but you cannot get in, the gate is locked and you do not have the key. No amount of good works, and best intentions will get you into heaven. I am the way, the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. John 14:6 Jesus comes alongside you and says he has the key. He holds the it out toward you.

Do you turn and walk away? Or do you reach out and take the key that will allow you access to God’s glory?

Remember I found a baby hat kit on sale? Well, I finished it. I don’t like it, but I finished it. You knit or crochet the top portion and attach it to the premade band. Add a pom pom to top and you are finished.  I have pulled out a pattern for some boots that I am going to crochet in the same color. I am hoping this will look better as a set than alone. Here is the finished product. Perhaps if I placed it on a baby I would feel differently.

Amazon has the kit available. (click here)

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While moving things around in my craft room organization attempt I found this doll I made back in 1986.

The original Cabbage Patch doll was just out and I had to search all over the state to find a doll for each of my girls (we were also looking for pound puppies that year too).

I loved the dolls, thought they were so cute, but could not justify in my mind purchasing one for myself. But, I could justify making one!

I found this pattern (which is also available today on Amazon)

I made this one for me.  Though the term “Cabbage Patch” is not used, it definitely has the same appearance as those dolls.

A special memory remains with me, the house was rather quiet and I went looking for the girls. I found my youngest sitting on my bed cuddling this doll.  “The baby was crying mom and I was taking care of her.”

The doll looked a bit ragged today, but she is 25 years old and has been in and out of craft storage containers all these years.  Red Heart yarn sure does hold up!

Looking at the doll and realizing she sure could use a good cleaning, I found this eHow instruction on cleaning vinyl dolls.

I might have to make another one. I wonder if the doll heads are still available.

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Several years ago I crocheted a dinosaur applique and sewed it on a tshirt for my grandson. He has outgrown it so I have removed it from the old tshirt and am applying it to a new one so he can continue to wear it.

The pattern was featured in the March/April 2004 Crochet Today magazine.

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I teach knitting and crochet at my local Michaels store. Next Saturday all Michaels stores will be hosting an Instructor Meet and Greet. From 1-3pm instructors will be at the stores with displays about their classes. I am preparing some material for my table and trying to finish up another demo project – a baby kimono.  Any classes you sign up for that day will be 25% off.  This is a great time to learn or enhance your crafting skills.

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I am working on the next newsletter. If you are signed up, watch for it in the next few days. If you are not signed up and would like to, go to the website and click on ‘Newsletter Signup’ in the top menu bar.

My website was down for a couple of days because the hosting company had some server problems.  The site is back up now.  I apologize for the inconvenience this created. Hopefully all will function smoothly now.

Until next week, persevere!!

Sometimes I look back over the week and think, ‘I didn’t get a thing done’. But at the same time I remember being busy.

I don’t think I completed any specific projects this week.  I did prepare some “Jesus Love Letter Bears” with a valentine theme.  I will continue to make these as requested, replacing the small heart shaped box of chocolates with some other chocolate.

I completed week 2 of the Beth Moore bible study on Daniel. All I can say is WOW!!!  She is such an awesome story teller, and I get excited when she shows how other scripture verses written hundreds of years before relate to these verses.  I enjoy the weekly reading between videos.  If you have never participated in one of her video study, I highly recommend it.

I was going through some of my digital pictures, trying to organize them (unfinished them of the year leading to organizing).  I found this I want to show off.

Superbowl 2011 was watched with my grandson and daughter. He had received 4 hologram Star Wars puzzles. During the game we completed one.  Over the next 10 months we completed the other 3 and created a hanging mobile for him.  I put the 4 puzzles together like a box using black duct tape, then attached a hanging decorative chain. His mother hung it up in his room. He loves it. I took this picture before delivering it to him

And now, the barometer is telling my hips it is at 29 and wishes I would lay down a bit.  Sorry, more news next time.

May your hearts be encouraged, being knit together in love,

I did manage to start and complete a SMITTEN. This is a mitten made for 2 hands so you and your valentine can hold hands while walking in the cold.  Your left hand goes in one end, his right hand on the other and you meet in the middle

This free pattern is available from CoCoKnits.  It calls for super bulky yarn and circular needles #13 and #15.  I didn’t have the proper circulars so I knitted it flat and sewed the seam. 

If you should decide to try this working flat, remember that when knitting in the round you get stockinette stitch by knitting every row.  You will have to modify the words of the pattern to remember to purl when working flat.

I am teaching knitting and crochet at my locals Michaels store. We have been collecting squares to seam into blankets for local charities.  We received enough to make 4 blankets and some miscellaneous items.

I got started seaming together the first one.

I did manage to complete one project. It took longer than it should have, but that’s okay. I enjoy my TARDIS WRISTERS. 

I have an idea for a matching hat in my head. Now to get it to the yarn.

My church has just started the Beth Moore Bible Study on Daniel.  We had the first meeting. I am excited to complete this video study with her. I attended my first Beth Moore Bible Study last fall and thoroughly enjoyed her style of teaching.

I did film 5 stitch lessons for the Colors of Salvation afghan on my new camera. When I went to edit them I found each one had recorded only the first 7 seconds. So, I am pulling out an older camcorder we have and reshooting those. Sorry ladies.

I have put together a VALENTINE FROM JESUS TEDDY BEAR which I am offering on the website.

It isn’t just for Valentines Day.  It would be a welcome reminder of the promises of love from our Savior any time.  You can see the bear in a previous post.

Until next week, it is my prayer your heart may be comforted, being knit together in love. (see Col 2:2)

This bear is dressed with a red ribbon around the neck. Attached to one paw is a scroll with Scripture of love promises for Jesus’ beloved.

The picture shows a clipart of chocolates, but I will include a real mini box of chocolate.

The bear comes in 3 color styles. He/She is 15 inches head to paw and sits 10 inches high.

Valentines Day can be depressing sometimes. This would be a perfect gift for someone you may know.

If you live near me, we can meet up and no shipping charges would be incurred.

If you wish, you may order, but I can make no promise about the delivery date via the Postal Service. I will, however, have it at the post office within 24 hours of payment received. So if you hurry, there should not be a problem receiving it by the 14th.

The bear is $15 and if shipped, an additional $5. (More if you want express delivery)  I will accept cash from a local purchase. All others will be billed via PayPal.  No exceptions, sorry.

Please contact me with any questions prior to purchase.

My husband has warned me this is not another horizontal surface in need of clutter. However, he didn’t say I couldn’t stash/hide yarn in the cupboard!

Then, I got a set of cubby shelves by ClosetMaid for my craft room. That is coming along nicely.

I am a couple of days behind on my daily Bible reading plan. I use an Android app called “You Version”. (there is also an iPad version)  It is really cool. I can close my eyes and have the days reading read to me. Sometimes, I get more out of the passage when I hear it. It is a great feature of this app. And no, it is not a computer voice that reads it.

My local church posts the notes for each weeks sermon to You Version. I can download the notes and edit them on my tablet during the service using a free app called Evernote. I also use Evernote to save some of my patterns. It syncs between my computer and tablet.

I purchased a slipper kit on clearance at Hobby Lobby and made them for myself .

The sole and foot is premade in this kit. I knitted the cuff. I later resewed the foot to the sole because their stitching came out. These are so comfy and cosy to wear.

I thought I had made video of all the stitches used in the Colors of Salvation afghan, but I can’t find them. So either I lost them in the many past crashes of my system or I didn’t get the done. So I am working on that right now.

Until next week,