Sharon's Eclectic Retreat:

Happy Valentine Day Everyone!

2012-02-14T00:54:00.000-05:00

For my family--

And my friends--

To Wait an Hour--Is Long

To wait an Hour—is long—
If Love be just beyond—
To wait Eternity—is short—
If Love reward the end—

by Emily Dickinson

Monday's Link to Free Crochet Pattern (13 February 2012)

2012-02-13T01:02:00.000-05:00

Today's link is for a beautiful cardigan from Vogue Knitting. I hope you enjoy. Have a great week everyone!

Me and My Boycotts...

2012-02-10T13:33:00.001-05:00

Some of you who have been following me for a while are probably aware that I will boycott companies that I consider to be substandard in their service or quality of their products. This year, I have started my boycott of Walgreens because they no longer accept Tricare (the military/military retirees/military dependents) medical insurance. Even though they have offered to not raise their prices for a few years, their prices were still 20% higher than other participating pharmacies so they were basically given the boot when they refused to "get with the program." I miss using the coupons out of the Sunday paper at Walgreens but Walmart will accept some of them. Please check Walmart's coupon policy because there are some "tricks" to using coupons from their competitors.

The other company I have been boycotting for almost 3 years is Taco Bell. Why??? I am boycotting them because if I wanted to eat taco-flavored taco shells rather than taco shells with filling then I would have bought a bag of tortilla chips at a dollar-type store! If you visit Taco Bell's website, you will see ~~false advertising~~ pictures of food items that look like they're meant for hearty eaters contrast this with a blog entry from April 2009 and you can see a picture of my taco-flavored wannabee taco. The thing is, I wrote them an email and they never bothered to respond to it. When I was on Facebook the other day, I saw a Taco Bell ad on the sidebar. It connected me with their Facebook page. When I saw someone had complained about a skimpy amount of filling on his food item I directed him to my blog entry about this and now that I've publicly brought this to Taco Bell's attention they want me to go there and fill out a complaint form or call a toll-free telephone number. If they're seriously interested in "fixing" this problem then they can contact me because I contacted them 3 years ago. By the way, we now call a local Mexican restaurant and order our tacos there, go pick them up and end up with tacos full of filling and a bonus of tortilla chips and salsa for about 2 dollars more.

Am I the only one who boycotts businesses? Let me know!

In our area we're supposed to have the coldest days of winter this weekend. Hope everyone is staying warm. Hugs to all...

Just Wanted to Share This With You...

2012-02-10T02:21:00.003-05:00

As I was skipping around Pinterest, I found a picture for what looked like simple slippers to crochet. I clicked on it and I noticed that I could embed the pattern in my blog to share with all of you. Here it is:

It's going to be coldest weather of the winter here this weekend so I hope all of you are able to stay warm--snuggle up with the afghans and crocheted slippers! Hugs...

Finished a Pair of Slippers from a Different Pattern

2012-02-08T22:12:00.000-05:00

I love to make slippers because I have cold feet and also because they seem to go over well as gifts. I thought I'd try a different pattern for a change. The pattern I got is from this book:

These slippers are real stash busters so that's a plus. I think they're cute too. What I don't like is that there are so many ends to weave in and sewing to do. Check out the pictures of mine:

I may make these again, but they won't replace my favorite pattern for slippers. I'll be saving these for the summer and warmer weather. My favorite pattern uses double strands of worsted weight yarn and they're great for winter wear.

Hope everyone's having a nice week. Take care...

Finally Got a Pinterest Account and Look What I Found!

2012-02-08T13:37:00.000-05:00

When you think you've seen it all; would a real classy lady wear this to church?!--lol!

Source: etsy.com via Cyndi on Pinterest

I recently became a member of Pinterest after finding out the quickest way to do it was to log in with a facebook account. I had been waiting for a couple months trying to sign up at their site. Now, I can see why some folks say the site is addictive because it IS! I mean no disrespect to the designer/seller of these earrings, they just tickled my funny bone and I wanted to share a bit of humor with you. Enjoy!

Respectfully Decline...

2012-02-07T22:13:00.000-05:00

I'm very happy today as I'm typing this because Debi of Dly's Hooks and Yarns wanted to give me the Versatile Blogger Award. I am so appreciative of having my blog liked and that is the best award there can be. I'm not going to accept awards though. I was going to but I can not limit who I pass the award on to. I've sat here in front of my computer for almost an hour trying to figure out who I'll give an award to and I just can't do it, so I'm very politely declining to participate in blog awards. I do hope y'all will visit Debi's blog and see why she is so deserving of award status! Take care everyone...

2 Things Today: Flag-Like Crocheting Projects & Some Slippers Too...

2012-02-07T19:04:00.001-05:00

I had always thought that flag afghans were ok but I was WRONG! After doing a little researching online, I found the following information about flags on clothing, bedding and that sort of thing:

According to the Flag Code, a flag is anything "by which the average person seeing the same without deliberation may believe the same to represent the flag."

The words "flag, standard, colors, or ensign", as used herein, shall include any flag, standard, colors, ensign, or any picture or representation of either, or of any part or parts of either, made of any substance or represented on any substance, of any size evidently purporting to be either of said flag, standard, colors, or ensign of the United States of America or a picture or a representation of either, upon which shall be shown the colors, the stars and the stripes, in any number of either thereof, or of any part or parts of either, by which the average person seeing the same without deliberation may believe the same to represent the flag, colors, standard, or ensign of the United States of America.

Source: Flag Code, Section 3

Therefore, a flag includes any representation of it of any substance, with stars and stripes of any number. This would include T-shirts and ties.

Other references in the Flag Code relevant to this question are:

The flag should never be used as wearing apparel, bedding, or drapery. (section 8d)
It should not be embroidered on such articles as cushions or handkerchiefs and the like (section 8i)
[It should not be] printed or otherwise impressed on paper napkins or boxes (section 8i)
The flag should never have placed upon it, nor on any part of it, nor attached to it any mark, insignia, letter, word, figure, design, picture, or drawing of any nature. (section 8g)
No part of the flag should ever be used as a costume or athletic uniform. (section 8j)

The Flag Code states that the flag should never be worn. (Section 8d): "The flag should never be used as wearing apparel."

I always thought the beautiful flag-like afghans were ok to make because they're not an exact replica. Guess it's true that we learn something new every day. For more information on the U.S. flag, go to this page.

I was working a little bit last night on my scrap afghan that has been a WIP seems like forever. I had some purple and a variegated purple that I thought I could get a pair of slippers out of before I used the remainders in the scrap 'ghan. I modified the pattern a little bit so that I was sure to have enough yarn. Take a look:

Flower for Slippers

2012-02-06T16:55:00.001-05:00

Flower for Slippers

Materials:

Small enough amounts of 2 colors of yarn (known as color A and B)

G Hook (I crochet loosely so you may want to try a different hook size)

Yarn needle

Instructions:

*With color A chain 5 then connect with a slip stitch

*Chain 1 (this is considered a sc), then do hcd, dc, tr, dc, hdc, sc

*Then do 4 sets of sc, hdc, dc, tr, dc, hdc, sc

*You will now have 5 petals on your flower. Fasten off.

*With color B, chain 10

*In 2^nd stitch after hook, sc. Then sc in remainder of chains to end (9 sc)

*Fasten off and leave about a 8 inch tail

*With tail, weave in and out of top of all sc.

* Pull tight and sew ends together (sort of like closing a smushed-up circle. Now it should look like the center of a flower (bowl shape).

*Sew center of flower to the middle of the flower’s petals.

You can use the ends to sew it to your slippers or other project.

I hope this pattern is understandable; if it’s not, just let me know and I’ll revise it.

I will get a better picture later on.

Actually Finished 1 of My Small Projects

2012-02-06T13:49:00.001-05:00

I finally finished 1 of the 3 small projects I recently started. Today's show and tell is a pair of slippers. I modified the pattern I normally make most of my slippers out of and added a flower. I couldn't find a flower pattern that I liked making so I created my own. If anyone is interested in the flower design, I'll type it up and post it. Thanks for looking!

Pattern for the slipper is here. I did modify the cuff.

Monday's Link to a Free Crochet Pattern (06 February 2012)

2012-02-06T00:00:00.000-05:00

Here's an interesting pattern for a pair of crocheted slippers. It's made out of granny squares. I'm making a similar pair but the pair I'm making uses 6 same-sized squares. I'm going to try this pattern when I wrap up what I presently have on my hook. Hope you enjoy!

Darned Sniffles Look Like They're Here to Stay

2012-02-05T14:58:00.001-05:00

Still off with my crocheting. I came back from my California visit with an upper respiratory infection that won't quit. I'm calling my doctor tomorrow because this has gone on long enough. In recent years I haven't been one to get "bugs" that hang on but since late last year I've been getting ear infections and upper respiratory infections off and on.

I do have a few projects on the hook. I have 2 pairs of slippers--1 slipper of each pair done and a dishcloth about 1/4 finished. I'm thinking of decorating one pair of slippers with a flower on the front. Maybe by posting here about it I'll get motivated.

My kindle died. I can't get it to boot up. I called the service techs at Amazon and followed their troubleshooting protocol but still no luck. I have the one with a keyboard and 3G/WiFi and they're going to replace it for $86; no freebie because mine was out of warranty. I still enjoy downloading free books for the kindle but some are really cheesy and a few are pretty good. If after a couple chapters I don't like a free book I just delete it from my kindle--nothing lost because I didn't pay anything for it. If anyone else goes for the free books, be sure to read the fine print because some of them are free only if you are an Amazon Prime member and that costs $79/year. Yep, I "goofed" once and paid for a book that I probably wouldn't have spent money on. I have a gift card balance on my account with Amazon and I'm trying to save that for whenever Amazon comes out with a new and improved version of the Kindle Fire.

Ok, I've really been chatting here for a while so I'll go ahead and sign off for now. Hope y'all have had a nice weekend and that you have a super week.

There's a Giveaway!

2012-02-03T12:08:00.003-05:00

Over at the Beach Bungalow, Sue is giving away a beautiful trio of potholders to one lucky winner. Why don't you go stop in at her place and check it out?

My Other Blogs

2012-02-02T22:32:00.002-05:00

Hey, did you know that my chihuahuas--Nellie Belle and Opi have their own blog? Also every now and then I blog a little bit about historic type topics and you can see them here. Originally, I had everything on one blog but I decided that it wasn't such a good idea so I started the other 2 blogs. I try to keep the chis' blog kid friendly because I wanted a place for my adopted great granddaughter to visit online when she got on the computer. OK, that's enough self-promotion. Take care....

I'm Feeling Chatty Today :)

2012-02-01T14:38:00.000-05:00

Today, I'm writing a more "chatty post" that I haven't had the chance to do lately. A little over a week ago, I came home from visiting friends in California. One friend sent me a ticket to help celebrate her birthday. This year was sort of a special birthday for her. She turned 56 and was born in 56--both days were Friday the 13ths. I didn't get anything crocheted during my entire trip with the exception of finishing a sweater for my friends delightful furbaby. Unfortunately, the sweater was a bit big but my friend told me that was ok because it's warmer that way. The pattern I used for the sweater also came with a pattern for a dog hat:

I added the pom-pom. A teddy-bear now wears the hat. :)

Here's a look at my "furfriend" wearing her sweater:

After 1 week visiting in northern California, I hopped on an AMTRAK train and then a bus to head down south to visit another friend east of Los Angeles. We did the shopping thing and I was happy to find a few good bargains to take home. I found a Vera Wang shower curtain for only $4.99

and a matching heavy-duty rug for $5 at one of the stores that is actually a "true" outlet-type store. This friend's little granddaughter tagged along and she liked to "hide" from us:

I recently finished a cute dishcloth:

The pattern for this is a freebie at Lily Sugar 'n Cream.

We're having some crazy weather here in the vicinity of Ft. Knox, Kentucky. A very small dusting of snow twice this winter and both times it went away quickly. Now, with warmer temperatures in the 60s some days, some plants think it's spring and have started to grow and get buds. I'm hoping the weather stays warmish for them the rest of winter. Funny thing about the weather here, it's the same as the weather was when I visited California.

I know I had bunches to share with with you but now that's I'm sitting here typing, I can't think of anything else to say. I know it will come back to me later and I'll just include it in another post--this post is long-winded enough anyway!

Take care everyone...

Heart Pillows

2012-01-29T19:51:00.001-05:00

A friend asked me if I knew of a pattern for a heart-shaped pillow. I don't think I found the pattern she was interested in but I did find a few patterns that are very nice. A couple are for patterns that are for sale and the rest are freebies. I decided to post the listing here in case any of you are interested in them too. Here they are--

Pay:

http://www.leisurearts.com/crochet/romantic-heart-pillow-thread-crochet-pattern.html

http://www.shifio.co.uk/patterns/heart98.htm

Free:

http://www.craftbits.com/project/heart-pillow

http://www.freepatterns.com/detail.html?code=FC01167&cat_id=324

http://www.crochetme.com/media/p/88625.aspx

http://www.lionbrand.com/patterns/L0167AD.html

http://www.momsloveofcrochet.com/HeartPillow.html

http://www.yarnandstitcheryalcove.com/files/2027244/uploaded/Bernat_BabyBubbles002_cr_pillow.en_US.pdf

Monday's Link to a Free Crochet Pattern (30 January 2012)

2012-01-29T19:29:00.001-05:00

This weeks's link to a free pattern is for an older pattern for a pretty dress for a toddler. I love to see little girls in dresses like this with patent leather Mary Janes. Hope you enjoy...

All Free Crochet Afghan Patterns is Having a Give-Away

2012-01-29T19:06:00.001-05:00

You Have a Chance to Win This!!!

Go to All Free Crochet Afghan Patterns for your chance to win a copy of Crochet Gift List from Crochet Today!

Remember, you can never have too many crochet patterns. Hope everyone has a great week.

Mondays Link for Free Pattern (23 January 2012)

2012-01-23T00:42:00.000-05:00

With Valentine's Day coming up, here's a pattern to crochet a heart pillow for your special someone. For your info, pattern is in British terms so you'll need to make some adjustments. Hugs....

Mondays Link for Free Pattern (16 January 2012)

2012-01-16T00:39:00.002-05:00

Cute pattern for slippers made out of hexagons. Enjoy!

I'm Taking Off Again...

2012-01-10T00:22:00.000-05:00

A good friend has sent me a ticket to go visit her in California. I'll be leaving a little later today. I've been planning my crochet projects to go--dishcloths and slippers (a different pattern than my usual.)

I really don't care for living where we do so any chance I get for a get-away I'm game for. I'm pretty weird, because I'm agoraphobic (honestly, I've been diagnosed) but I can handle, and eagerly look forward to seeing old friends (old as in long-time not age.) The friend I am going to see has been my friend since high school!

I have a doggie sweater finished for my friend's furbaby--hope it fits! I'll get a picture when I visit them and post it when I get back. Postings will be pretty slim for the next 2 weeks so I'll try to remember to take lots of pictures to post. I'm pretty bad about taking pictures when I go visiting. When I was at my uncle's I managed to take pictures of all the projects he had done around his house and you got it, I forgot to get one of him!

I'm just rambling on here so I'll sign off. Hugs....

Monday's Link to Free Crochet Pattern (09 January 2012)

2012-01-09T00:01:00.000-05:00

Here is a cute pattern for a baby girl. I love the old fashioned style. Hugs....

2012-01-08T14:30:00.001-05:00

Testing. I can txt from my phone to my blog so I am checking it out before I visit my friend in California on Tuesday. Hugs to all!

I'm Boycotting Walgreens

2012-01-05T19:21:00.000-05:00

I'm boycotting Walgreens because they no longer accept the military's health insurance (Tricare). I will miss them because I always enjoyed couponing at our local store after perusing the Sunday ads in our local newspaper. I'm encouraging participation in this boycott. With support of our military a high priority among many American's this is something we can do to benefit them. This boycott will hurt Walgreens where it counts--their bank account!

WIP Wednesday (03 Jan 2012)

2012-01-04T13:40:00.001-05:00

Working on a sweater for my good friends' furbaby Oodie. I did some changes to my use of the yarn colors. A few ends to weave in, buttons to sew on and a pocket to attach then it will be done. I hope to finish it tonight unless something comes up.

Here's a list of what I completed in 2011:

Completed

1. Scarf (7)

2. Baby cocoon w/ hat

3. Earwarmer

4. Baby booties (3 pr)

5. Granny ripple afghan (1)

6. Dog shrug

7. Adult Slippers (13 pr)

8. Afghan out of squares (4)

9. Doily out of ww (3)

10. Hooded Scarf

11. Hat 2

12. Baby Blanket

13. Dishcloth (20)

14. Hat--little girl

15. Left-over granny ghan

16. Wave afghan (3)

Every year I think I have finished more that what I did. But as I look at the list, that's really quite a few projects although some are small like the dishcloths. I'm documenting this here so that I can go back and compare what I do year to year.

Did any of you save your yarn "snippings" from last year. I know that many of you said you were and I was wondering if anyone did and what your plans are for them. I have a small gift bag full.

If you click on the button below, you can see what some other people have been working on.

Take care!