Nannette Crochet & Crafts

Sweet Personal Pouch (Etui)

noreply@blogger.com (Nannette) — Sat, 24 Jan 2015 04:58:00 +0000

This small shell pattern pouch was made as a momento for a dear friend leaving our area. The lacey edging makes it easy to weave the drawstrings. The soft blue etui is finished off with two vintage buttons from Mom's tin can of buttons. What treasures would you put in the etui?

The hashtag for this blog... #tilwehugagainMae

*Etui - French for a small decorative case/pouch

Rice Heating Pads

noreply@blogger.com (Rachel) — Tue, 31 Dec 2013 12:30:00 +0000

Remember the Hooting Pads I made last year? Fun, huh? This year, I made some rice heating pads for some last minute gifts and for us. Our old hot socks were pretty sorry looking.

I made these five with this tutorial, sewing the divisions three inches apart with about 3/4 cup of rice in each. These started out as a 14" square piece of fabric which ended up about 13" x 6". The was a lot of pinning. I must confess, I am a lazy pinner. There were a bunch of bent pins that didn't survive this project.

I found this Oh so much easier tutorial and made this one. You really only want to fill each section about 1/2 full. Any more than that, they don't bend as much as I like.

Since that was so easy, I made 2 ~~ugly~~ masculine bags. These turned out a little bigger because they are manly.

There is a printable label here if you want to make your own and give as gifts. I made up my own because I love damask.

You want one? I'm driving around with them gift wrapped in my car. I hope to avoid that awkward moment when some one surprises you with a gift and I can Oh so smoothly say, I have something for you too!

Brilliant, I know.

Exciting New Venture!

noreply@blogger.com (Nannette) — Mon, 30 Dec 2013 16:59:00 +0000

Starting a new venture is always exciting and a trial and error process. So when an associate started making organic soaps and scrubs, I was excited for them. Then I was asked to make a soap pouch or pocket. We discussed what to name this product and since the name of their company had the French word for soap - savon, then it was decided that this product should also be French. These wonderful hand made products are called Etui's (pronounced A-TWEE).

They come in all different styles and colors.

Please visit and browse the website and "LIKE" it. Read the complete story there!

www.SavonEssentials.com

These can be ordered online or available at the Hyatt Spa Gift Shop, Estero, FL.

The "Baseball Series"

noreply@blogger.com (Nannette) — Mon, 19 Aug 2013 15:39:00 +0000

Ah yes, The Fun Aunt's Baseball Series.

It might not be quite what you think. Baseball is a staple sports in my household. And I can ignore the best of games. I hear about the Chicago Cubs and the Tampa Bay Rays...oh there are many more. Ugh.

However, I have two little guys that are avid NY Yankee fans, the same as their dad. They made a special request months ago to "Aunt Nannie". Well, of course, I obliged them. Derek and Alex wanted crocheted baseballs. That's not exactly what they said, but I knew they wanted one of my "unique" projects.

So, I created the "Baseball Series".

I started with a pre-made baseball. I figured it would hold it's shape better than regular stuffing.

The original looking baseballs are firm foam inside. I thought they were a little BORING.

Then knowing the names of the types of baseball pitches, I designed the first of the "series". I used hard rubber baseballs for these. Oh yeah, they could hurt if thrown, say...at a brother!

We have "Screw Ball" here.

Then there is "Spit Ball".

Here's a picture of the boys when they received the first of The Fun Aunt's Baseball Series.

My Fans...

Next to come in the Baseball Series...

"Knuckle Ball"; "Slider Ball"; "Fast Ball"; "Fork Ball".

Happy Earth Day!

noreply@blogger.com (Rachel) — Sat, 20 Apr 2013 21:43:00 +0000

Did you have a good day eating off real dishes, wiping your mouth with cloth napkins, riding your bicycle to the grocery? I taught the kid how to sew. She made a shopping bag for each of her teachers. I'm completely obsessed with yellow and gray at the moment.

I love this pattern! I have made some out of denim. They are a total rip off of the plastic shopping bag, But they are soooo much prettier not to mention fully reversible.

She worked very hard on these, so she got her own label. She's a very conscientious thread snipper. Who knew?

We finished off the day planting two red oak saplings in our front yard.

I'm famous!!

noreply@blogger.com (Rachel) — Thu, 14 Mar 2013 00:13:00 +0000

**I fixed the link**

March 12, 2013

Hey everybody! Clinton Kelly was talking about me on TV! Watch it here!!! I'm right around the 5 minute mark!

You see last fall, Ranks invited us to a good old fashioned neighborhood hog roast. It was most delicious. I only wished I would have been there 10 hours before to rub all those spices in to the pig's belly myself.

Everybody brought a little something and we had a full fledged feast. I took a nectarine blueberry cobbler and scalloped corn.

The weather was beautiful and everybody was happy to get together!

As you can see, the cobbler went over well.

I heard from The Chew a couple days after I uploaded the photo to their My Bites section of their site.

Hello,

I work for The Chew, and we love your photo of Carla's Nectarine Blueberry Buckle that you uploaded on My Bites!

What is your name?

Hopefully we'll use the photo in an upcoming episode of The Chew!

Best,

Meg

I immediately replied, but really I thought it was an automated response. So I had The Chew on while I was figuring out how many sheets of panel insulation I needed for the basement, I noticed they were talking about skillets. Hmm.. could it be? To be honest, I haven't even finished the show. I just keeping watching my BFF Clinton talk about me.

Easy Skillet Pork and Vegetable Dinner

noreply@blogger.com (Nannette) — Fri, 01 Feb 2013 04:38:00 +0000

Want to make an easy skillet dinner in less than 15 minutes?
Of course you do!
First just look in your refrigerator and see what vegetables you have.
You don't have any fresh vegies? No worries, check the freezer or go ahead and use canned vegetables.

This is how I made my "Easy Skillet Pork and Vegetable Dinner":

I used a package of brocoli slaw mix, diced celery, sliced onions, minced garlic and mushrooms.

Add olive oil and butter, oh yes, lots of butter. Season with garlic salt, pepper and some Mrs. Dash. Saute with a lid on the skillet.

You can substitute French style green beans if you don't want to use the brocoli slaw mix. Throw in some water chestnuts for a nice crunchy taste.

Now what will make this a quick meal, is that your meat is already cooked. I cook about 5# of chicken breasts and boneless pork up ahead of time on the George Foreman grill. When you want them, get them out of the freezer.

So, Add the pre-grilled boneless pork or chicken filets. I cut the meat into chunks.

Add stir fry sauce, not too much!

** For a lighter taste, use chicken stock for sautee instead of butter & stir fry sauce, season & leave saucey.

Serve with rice. I mix the brown rice with the white rice together.

Garnish the plate with bright red cherry tomatoes and carrots and ENJOY your meal!

Round and Round

noreply@blogger.com (Rachel) — Thu, 10 Jan 2013 00:30:00 +0000

Remember Jeannie with the Horse Hat? Well, she went to a craft show and picked up this knitted dishcloth. She said, "I only bought one because they were kinda pricey and I thought you could make me a bunch." Oh yes! I want to.

So here is the one she bought.

Here is the crocheted version I came up with.

I modified a pattern from a scalloped potholder found here.

The pattern worked out that I could get two from one 2 oz. ball of Sugar n Cream yarn. So about $1 a piece!

Want some? Call me.

Cleveland Browns Beard hat

noreply@blogger.com (Rachel) — Mon, 31 Dec 2012 16:34:00 +0000

How do you stay warm in all this snow? Here's a way to shovel your snow like a Lobsterman and show your support for the Browns at the same time!

You know you want one too.

Proper Princess Pouches

noreply@blogger.com (Nannette) — Tue, 30 Oct 2012 23:35:00 +0000

During a recent hurricane "threat" which turned out to be Tropical Storm Isaac, I knew I needed to get creative and turn off The Weather Channel! So, I came up with these little pouches, that I have proudly and poigantly named "Proper Princess Pouches".

I had two petite pals in particular that wouldn't be picky or petty about the pink and purple pouches. I was pleased that the pals thought the pouches to be very practical and playful, not plain at all. These precious pouches were prepared perfectly. I hope they are popular!
$5.00 each

This is the start of the project...perfect for pamphlets.

Aren't these precious!

Adorable Gift Sets

noreply@blogger.com (Nannette) — Wed, 24 Oct 2012 22:57:00 +0000

In preparation for a Show in Naples in November, I have made these Artsy Girls Purses, as seen here, into Adorable Gift Sets. You can accessorize with the matching scarf, or turn it into a belt, or just tie it onto the purse. Be Creative!

Adorable Gift Sets (2 piece) $15.00

Caramel Apples

noreply@blogger.com (Rachel) — Sun, 07 Oct 2012 13:05:00 +0000

It's just in time for the Apple Festival. Time to make mulled apple cider, applesauce, apple chips and apple pies. I wanted to make some caramel apples for party favors. And I wanted to make the caramel, not open the bag of caramels or buy the wraps that you just stick on, but real made from scratch, butter and brown sugar caramel.

Well, it's not that easy. At all. It turns out if you don't babysit the stove with precise timing, you get a burning, smoking, fire. Eeek! Yeah. So that happened. Twice!

But once I stayed glued to the pan and to the candy thermometer, I ended up with some truly fantastic gooey treats.

Just a side note, I've upgraded from buying an el cheapo candy thermometer every six months to a really nice one. Dishwasher safe! It's totally worth the $15!

This one bad

This one good

Just a test

noreply@blogger.com (Rachel) — Sat, 29 Sep 2012 13:07:00 +0000

Been having a little blog trouble lately. So this is just a test of the email sending system. In the event of a real emergency, grab your crochet hooks and head for the fabric store!

Lap Throw? Doll Afghan? What Is It?

noreply@blogger.com (Nannette) — Mon, 27 Aug 2012 21:02:00 +0000

Well, I was 2 weeks away from moving. I had most items already packed and boxed up. (see "Packing Tips From A Pro At Moving" blog)
Also, I was having knee repair surgery in a couple days. (see "Dunn's River FALLS! ouch!" blog)

So, what does The Fun Aunt decide to do?

Crochet, of course.

But, what should I make? I really don't want to start a big project or anything complicated because it may be a couple months before getting back to it. Once I was moved, there would be unpacking and settling into a new routine. - That takes time!

I had picked up some super soft 100% acrylic yarn at $1.00 skein at an outlet store. It was a brown/taupe with a yellow thread running through it. So, I thought I would use it with an intertwining pattern of soft baby yellow yarn.

But what was I making?

I started out with the pattern of front and back with the baby yellow yarn on top of the brown/taupe, then the mesh pattern, completing the set with double crochet with the two colors together.

But, what was I making? I kept working this pattern thinking that my creative juices would kick in anytime and I would have an inspiring brain wave. I crocheted and crocheted and kept asking myself: What is this going to be? I would hold it up and ask others: What do you think this is?

I GOT NOTHING! You ever been there? There were no late night revelations, no stopping in the middle of dishes and BOING there was the idea! I had nothing!

The size is 31x26. So, I finally decided to put on a solid border and then a picot edging. Oh, you know my philosophy on edging/border: You ALWAYS put a decorative border or edging on your project or you are not done!

THERE IT IS!

BUT...WHAT IS IT?

What do YOU think it is? Post your creative comments below.

Sunday Supper - Grandma Becka Special

noreply@blogger.com (Rachel) — Sun, 12 Aug 2012 12:30:00 +0000

Sunday Supper
Week 5

What's for dinner tonight in my new pot? It's Mom's special recipe that she takes to everyone for any occasion.

Home from the hospital? Death in the family? Feeding a crowd? Going to a picnic?

It's the Grandma Becka Special and nobody can turn it down.

Start out by browning a huge amount of ground beef.

Remove the fat and add salt & pepper. Now that I think about it, I'm not so sure Mom does this. So do as you wish.

Glug in a lot of ketchup. Glug, glug, glug

Make sure it's nice & saucy.

Add 1 or 2 packages of hot dogs.

Put the lid on & wait.

Hey, Hey, It's Ready!

Now package it up in a parchment lined (Can't have tomato products on foil! The horror!) foil package with your basic comfort food, macaroni and cheese. Add a salad to make it healthy. Throw in a package of hot dog buns and a dozen snicker doodles. And drop it off to your good friend.

Make a double batch so you can have some too! I ate mine "Barby Style" with mashed potatoes and corn. That's right, after I took this picture I mixed it all up together. Yummy.

And there you go, comfort food at it's best.

Packing Tips From A Pro At Moving!

noreply@blogger.com (Nannette) — Thu, 09 Aug 2012 02:11:00 +0000

If you know The Fun Aunt, then you know that I have moved, um..."several" times!!

So I thought that I would write about a few of the quick and easy moving tips in what is a very stressful time be at least Organized.

FIRST:

Get yourself a moving tool basket - Use a really pretty one with lining in your favorite color. It will help you enjoy your work.

Include a razor knife; black marker, strapping tape, shrink wrap, scissors, bubble wrap and color coded cards or paper. (See below to see how helpful color coding is.)

TIDBITS TO DO TO GET ORGANIZED:

* Collect all cardboard boxes, small ones can be packed in larger boxes.

* Call local newspaper and ask if they sell “end rolls of newsprint". Use this clean paper to wrap items – NOT newspaper!

* Save all your plastic grocery bags and use as “bubble wrap”.

* Keep your bills, checkbook, important papers & medicines in a “Safe Zone”.

* Make a list of Utilitiy companies to change address & schedule shut off date at old location and turn on date at new location.

* Pick up the Change-of-address forms from the Post Office. Complete and Mail.

* Inform your Bank of the new address and order new checks.

NOW... walk around your house and look at all your stuff. It's time to weed out things that you no longer use or need. Don't take anything to your new home that you don't love, or think is useful or beautiful! Put these things in the garage for a sale or to donate. You will be glad you finally ditched that ugly flower picture and that cracked figurine. Don't forget the garage. Have you kept things in the attic from prior moves? Please friend! Do yourself a BIG favor, move it on - donate or sell! You will be so proud for giving and feel so good that you have purged!

PACKING TIME:

*Begin packing one room at a time. Start in the spare bedroom. Take down the bed. Then use this room as the location that you will put your packed boxes.

(For those that need a visual to achieve this step, see pictures.)

Go from this room... to this room.

*Keep same room items in the same box. This will make it easier to set up the same room in the new location. Don't forget to color code on the top and side of the box.

*After you have the first spare room packed and ready for additional boxes, continue with packing any other spare bedrooms and dens.

* Next move into areas that aren't used daily. Do you have a curio cabinet that you display Great Aunt Ruth's plate? Are you going to have your cold sandwich on it after packing all day? Or take the formal dining room, pack up everything. You don't have time to give dinner parties. Move on to those bookshelves. They look nice but you know you aren't going to be reading anything for a couple months - yes, really a couple months!

* Pack up your kitchen with all extra items. The bread machine won't be used for your dinner parties. Pack it. The waffle maker won't be used for any leisurely breakfasts. Pack it. The ice cream maker isn't going to be churning any strawberry kiwi ice cream for you to enjoy in the evening. Pack it. Get the picture?

* Master Bedroom: Pack all clothes that are out of season in suitcases . You won't need them for a few months. Just keep bare minimum out. If it's a local move, you can leave the clothes in the closet and when moving, put down a sheet in your car and lay your clothes (on hangers) so that they can be transported quickly and easily.

* You will be able to leave items in the drawers of furniture. But, it would be a good idea to fill the drawer with a folded towel or sheet so that nothing falls out. Then, shrink wrap around the furniture piece to keep the drawers in place.

* Take down curtains, sheers, shower curtains that don't stay with the old house and wash and pack.

*THIS MAY BE THE MOST IMPORTANT RULE TO KEEP - NO EXCEPTION*

Pack Boxes Every Day!

*You can never pack too much or too early. The worst that will happen, is that you have to open a taped box and pull something out. PACK IT!

(notice the color coding)

Color coding rooms:

To simplify things for the movers, color code your boxes. Place a colored card or paper on each box, using one color for each room in your new home. At your new home, place the corresponding colored cards/paper on rooms so the movers know where to put them.

DO YOU HAVE A PET?

* Keep a "Safety Area" for your pet. Leave their favorite towel or blanket and toys in the same spot. Fill gallon jugs with water from the old location to take to the new location. Use this for a couple weeks so that the pet doesn't have an upset tummy from new water.

Sunday Supper - Pork Tenderloin & Sweet Potatoes

noreply@blogger.com (Rachel) — Sun, 05 Aug 2012 14:30:00 +0000

Sunday Supper
Week 4

What's for dinner tonight in my new pot? I made this for a family dinner. We had loads of other food and we ate outside in the sun and got our first pink sunburn of the season.
Pork Tenderloin & Sweet Potatoes

I started with about a four pound loin and seven sweet potatoes.

Dig in your spice cabinet for things that look pork friendly. Add in some brown sugar for a tasty rub.

Rub it all over and slap it in real good. Let it set and come to room temperature while you peel your sweet potatoes.

Get some bacon grease hot & smoky. But not on fire. That's not good.

Brown it all all over. It's pretty smoky. Open a window. Turn on the fan. Stay low to the ground.

Now take it out and pour in some wine. I used some Pinot Noir, about half a bottle.

About two cups of warm chicken stock goes in.

Add your sweet potatoes.

Set your meaty goodness on top.

Don't the green onions make it pretty? I mean, I'm not gonna eat them. But they do look nice. Squirt on some honey to glaze the whole thing and give it some sweetness.

So nice & shiny. Put a lid on it and put it in the oven until the last possible minute you have to leave.

Check your temp, so it's whatever it's supposed to be. 140-160. We don't do pink pork around here.

Slice it all up and stick it back down in the juices. Call in the crowd.

Fancy plating, huh? I'm actually walking across Mom's driveway while I took this. Scalloped corn, baked beans and warm roll with real butter and orange marmalade (that I made!!)

Sunday Supper - Sausage Chili

noreply@blogger.com (Rachel) — Sun, 29 Jul 2012 17:45:00 +0000

Sunday Supper
Week 2

What's for dinner tonight in my new pot? It's quick. It's easy. Be ready for lots of pictures.

I started by browning 12 oz. sausage with one chopped onion. Onion? Me? Well, it was a first. I survived. I probably won't do it again.

Look how crunchy and caramelized it gets in there.

Next, I removed all that fat that rendered out and deglazed with 2 cups of warm beef broth.

After I scraped off all the bits, I added two 15 oz. cans of stewed tomatoes or any tomatoes I had pureed.

To thicken the chili, I pureed two 15 oz. cans, undrained chili beans.

You could use tomato paste if you want.

Then stir in your rinsed beans. I used red kidney and black beans.

Spice it up how you like it. I added chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt and pepper.

Have a kid stir it. Let it simmer until you can't stand it anymore.

Serve it with your favorite toppings with some salty chips.

Yum! But what about dessert?

We had carrot pineapple cake with cream cheese frosting and walnuts.

Sunday Supper - Chicken Pot Pie

noreply@blogger.com (Rachel) — Sun, 22 Jul 2012 16:00:00 +0000

Sunday Supper
Week 2

What's for dinner tonight in my new pot? Chicken Pot Pie!
It was better than it looks because I used my camera on my phone.

So I started with some carrrots & celery in some butter, just til tender.

I added some flour and a made a roux. Then I used about 2 cups of warm chicken stock, a few small potatoes diced and a couple handfuls of frozen peas and corn and let that thicken up to graviliciousness.

A refrigerated pie crust just fits when unrolled. I cut some slits in the top, baked it til I forgot about it. Ooops!

Then we ate it. I don't know why I'll ever make a pie crust from scratch because the store bought ones are so good.

Sunday Supper - Boeuf Bourguignon

noreply@blogger.com (Rachel) — Sun, 15 Jul 2012 13:00:00 +0000

Sunday Supper
Week 1

What's for dinner tonight in my new pot? It's French. It's complicated. Beef Burgundy.

Beginning this series with a French dish seems most appropriate. This whole experience presented a lot of firsts for me. While I do love our dear Julia, I am not afraid to admit I took some shortcuts here. You can cook along with me, just follow the recipe in

We are cooking with wine today. So be sure to begin by pouring yourself a glass. This was the first time I ever opened a bottle of wine by myself. I bought Sweet Red for this recipe because it seemed like the most likable.

The recipe starts out by cutting your pork fat into lardons, boiling the rind, etc. I just cut up some bacon.

I let it render and get crispy. Then I removed most of the fat and saved it for popping popcorn another day, and set the bacon aside.

Then I browned the beef in batches. I used 3 pounds of chuck roast.

I got a good crust on the meat on all sides.

Now Julia wants you to preheat your oven to 400 degrees, put your beef and reserved bacon in a casserole, sprinkle with flour, salt and pepper and bake for 4 minutes. Stir it around and bake another 4 minutes. This seemed a little ridiculous, but I did it anyway.

While that was in the oven, I sauteed the chopped onion and carrots.

I love this pan because you get these great caramelized bits and not scorched. You can even walk away from it. No problem.

Here is where Julia loses me. Later in the recipe she says, add in the prepared mushrooms and onions. ? When did I prepare them? If you read on, she says the mushrooms are to be sauteed in butter and the onions are to be braised in bouillon. Nope, sorry, not doing it. Too many extra pans. Whatever Julia, if you were standing with me in the kitchen, I would have said, let's just do it this way.

So I took out those veggies and kept them warm with the meat in the oven and put some butter in the pan.

Then I sauteed the mushrooms in two batches. Don't crowd the pan! Can't you just hear her saying it?

When they got all browned I set them aside for later.

Then I put the onions in the pot. I added carrots. Julia doesn't. But it's my house and I can add carrots if I want. I added some fresh thyme and braised them in beef broth

Now time for the wine! Just add the whole bottle. (Minus what you've already consumed) It will save yourself with having to finish the bottle later.

Then put the lid on and let it simmer for 3 to 5 hours until the meat is fork tender. Mine was done in 2 1/2 hours.

Then add in the mushrooms and more bacon.

The smell is absolutely divine!

Julia suggests Beef Burgundy is best served with potatoes and buttered peas.

So we did! We used the best china too. While this was a lengthy process, I learned a lot and can make it faster the next time. I'm not afraid take liberties with her recipe. I've always been leery about cooking with wine because I never enjoyed drinking it. I thought it would make it sour. But now I get what they mean about depth of flavor. I'll be having wine on hand at all times now.

Julia points out that this is a dish that can be prepared a day ahead. The small amount of leftovers we had were tastier on Day 2. N'ayez pas peur Have no fear! Give it shot!

After all that French food, you need to get back to America?

We had peach pie a la mode for dessert.

Sunday Suppers

noreply@blogger.com (Rachel) — Sat, 14 Jul 2012 10:30:00 +0000

July 14, 2012

You may remember from this post how I feel about France. Today is a national holiday in France. The first Bastille Day was in the year 1790, exactly one year after the storming of the Bastille. The one year anniversary was intended to celebrate the new start that France was making and recognize the initiative of the French citizens in storming the Bastille and taking matters into their own hands.

I was there (not for this) but I was there

It wasn't until the late 1800s though, that the annual celebrations on the 14th of July were named the national holiday. From that time forward, all of the original Bastille Day traditions, such as a huge feast and a stately, extravagant parade, took on new proportions and eventually spread beyond the borders of France. Feel smarter now? All that thinking make you hungry?

I am introducing a brand new series called Sunday Suppers. The reason being is I got a new pot. And it's not just any pot. It's the real deal. It's Le Creuset. From FRANCE. And I lurve it. I lurve it so much, I wake up and say, What can I make in my new pot today?

7 1/4 quart Le Creuset Dutch Oven

Starting tomorrow, July 15th, for the next several Sundays I'm going to share recipes and stories about my new pot and I'm going to make you like reading all about it because I'm bossy like that. Tune in tomorrow to see what's cooking.

Meryl (as Julia) and my pot

New Baby's Car Seat Throw HIJACKED!

noreply@blogger.com (Nannette) — Tue, 26 Jun 2012 21:23:00 +0000

My friend's new little baby girl will be here in August.

You all know I just can't stick a present in a gift bag...unless I'm really sick or something!

Her first baby present was in a laundry basket, where you pull on a clothesline and it had many clothes and toys pinned to it. What a presentation! So, I wanted something cute just maybe not as spectacular.

I thought about putting the gift which includes two dresses for her first daughter, a nightie for mommy, family album and a pillow pet, into a pinyata. Oh yea...those
openings on the pre-made ones are big enough for pieces of candy but not gifts. That wouldn't work.

I got an idea to wrap it all up like a diaper and pin it. Of course, a regular cloth diaper is not big enough. Should I get white flannel to wrap as a diaper?

I've seen baby gifts in baskets, bathtubs, and another useful wrapping "paper/"gift bag"...a receiving blanket. Yes, that is how I will wrap it.

Now why can't I just go in the store & buy a simple receiving blanket??

Because...my creative head doesn't work that way!

I went to a fabric store..fell in love with a colorful circle print flannel.

Ok. Now I want more items...yep. Not simple, not easy, not me! I have two white cloth diapers - maybe add this same material on edge.

And there it is!! A custom receiving blanket & matching burp pads.

(OH! Did I mention that Rachel does the sewing since I donated my machine in
my last downsizing move. Thank you, Rach!)

THEN..how about using the leftover yarn from other projects for a car seat throw...it blends with the flannel fabric. Is a 42"x42" receiving blanket large enough to "wrap" all these items???

Since she will arrive in the hot month of August, I decided to have the pattern be very open and airy. I chose the Taffy Pull scarf pattern, the colors are bright as well. You know that I really don't follow any pattern, and this time is no different.

I started with choosing colors to match the receiving blanket material. I would use that as the wrapping for all the gifts for the new little cutie!

I started crocheting one night about 3am...this is the throw "in progress":

with a close up of the changed pattern...

WELL, WELL, WELL....

Then things happened and I went on a trip to Florida for a graduation party, other "business stuff" and of course my injury and subsequent surgery to repair; so I gave it all over to Rach to help me in my crisis and ...

Lean in and listen:

You know, I already told you that Rachel was the one with the sewing machine. She wanted to give PIZAZZ to this baby throw; not just a regular striped pattern.

This is what the throw has morphed into:

And in this picture - all folded up for the package:

The reveal is here for the Receiving Blanket with Dotted fabric on reverse side along with the special edging:

These are the gifts that will be wrapped in the Receiving Blanket.

For Mommy - Pretty Comfy PJ's:

For Big Sister - 2 Fancy Dresses and Flip Flops for all those pictures that will be taken:

Of course, Baby must have one of the "Critter Pals":

There are matching accessories to the Receiving Blanket -
The Diaper Pouch and Burp Pads

NOW... I have individually wrapped each persons gifts,

Next, I just wrap all the gifts in the "wrapping paper" - the Receiving Blanket, as shown here:

Dunn's River FALLS - PART 2...

noreply@blogger.com (Nannette) — Wed, 13 Jun 2012 00:39:00 +0000

If you have seen the original blog: Dunn's River FALLS! ouch!
then you know what "The Fun Aunt" has been doing in the last few months and has scheduled in a few days.

However, my niece, Rachel, who is continually trying to have me improve my blogging skills, says that there "must be proof" that I was actually at the Falls! I say: HMPF!
Of course, I was! Hasn't she seen me limping around?

Well, despite the pain of the injury, I still wanted to get a picture of Steve and me posing in the Falls!

Here I am Rachel! I'm at the bottom of the Falls, on the beach.

Ignoring all warnings and despite the crowds of people pushing their way by me,

I was going to climb the Falls!

And here we are...AFTER my accident and plunging into the water in pain.

Oh yeah, Steve is gripping me so that I can still limp out on my own!

Gotta wipe those tears away and put on a smile for the camera.

That's just how we roll. Push through it!

Dunn's River FALLS! ouch!

noreply@blogger.com (Nannette) — Tue, 12 Jun 2012 19:00:00 +0000

Jamaica is a beautiful island and Ochos Rios has the one of the most visited falls by passengers on a cruise ship.

So, being a passenger on a cruise, I wanted to go this famous place.

If you have been there, then you know it is quite beautiful. After climbing up to the top, then taking the steps down to the beach and the bottom of the falls, you see what you must now climb.

This is just a small portion of the climb up the falls. What you see is also very unusual as the falls is PACKED with strings of climbers.

So now, why am I going on and on about this little experience?
Well, living up to my nickname - "The Fun Aunt", I want to have fun! Even insisting that I will climb the falls despite well-meaning concerns due to my past achilles injury and surgery.

It wasn't far into the climb in the cool rushing water that the fateful step was made into a deep water hole; twisting the left knee that stayed up on a shallow rock. Oh, now I had to continue the climb to the first exit. The FALLS took another victim---OUCH!

What was the damage?
Let me show you the doctors notes...

Oh yes, the "FALLS" had given me two medial meniscus tears that need surgery to repair ... double OUCH!

But, you know that even with this injury, that there is more to the story!
The surgery is scheduled just ten days before I move 1400 miles.

Watch for more on this...oh yeah, pictures!

*See "Dunn's River FALLS - PART 2...

Never a dull moment when you are "The Fun Aunt".

Red Pouch

noreply@blogger.com (Nannette) — Fri, 08 Jun 2012 13:19:00 +0000

Don't go to the Dollar Store and get a paper gift bag! Please...give a gift with love AND a personalized pouch. Here it is, the Red Pouch with White Accent.
Your gift will say: "I care about you".

You can add a lovely gift in this 4.5" diameter x 5.5" high pouch.
It's waiting for you in The Shop. $6.00

Nannette Crochet & Crafts

Sweet Personal Pouch (Etui)

Rice Heating Pads

Exciting New Venture!

The "Baseball Series"

Happy Earth Day!

I'm famous!!

Easy Skillet Pork and Vegetable Dinner

Round and Round

Cleveland Browns Beard hat

Proper Princess Pouches

Adorable Gift Sets

Caramel Apples

Just a test

Lap Throw? Doll Afghan? What Is It?

Sunday Supper - Grandma Becka Special

Sunday SupperWeek 5

Packing Tips From A Pro At Moving!

Sunday Supper - Pork Tenderloin & Sweet Potatoes

Sunday SupperWeek 4

Sunday Supper - Sausage Chili

Sunday SupperWeek 2

Sunday Supper - Chicken Pot Pie

Sunday SupperWeek 2

Sunday Supper - Boeuf Bourguignon

Sunday SupperWeek 1

Sunday Suppers

New Baby's Car Seat Throw *HIJACKED!*

Dunn's River FALLS - PART 2...

Dunn's River FALLS! ouch!

Red Pouch

Sunday Supper
Week 5

Sunday Supper
Week 4

Sunday Supper
Week 2

Sunday Supper
Week 2

Sunday Supper
Week 1

New Baby's Car Seat Throw HIJACKED!