D-Ray's Blanket

I'm still working on D-Ray's Blanket.

I'm making squares whenever I get a few moments.

These are what I currently have finished.

On the bottom row, I have 2 Pumpkin, 3 Light Blue, 1 Amethyst, 4 Pale Yellow.

On the top row, I have 2 Pretty 'N Pink, 3 Aruba Sea, 1 Medium Purple, 1 Pale Pink, 1 Royal.

That's a total of 18 squares.

I need a minimum of 48 or a maximum of 63 squares.

So...I've still got a ways to go.

I'm modeling this blanket after the Trinket Box Blanket on the Dutch Girl's Diary blog.

The link to her pattern can be found here http://www.dutchgirldiary.com/2011/05/trinket-box-blanket.html.

The only difference is that I'm using a basic granny square outlined with black instead of white. I'm also using an I crochet hook.

Pinky the Little Pink Elephant - Free Pattern

Little Pink Elephant - Free Pattern

(measures approx. 8" from front to rear, 5" from top to bottom)

Materials Used:

Simply Soft yarn (you don't need a whole skein...but about half)

G crochet hook

Fiber Fill

yarn needle

Legs (Make 4)

1- ch 2. work 6 sc in 2nd ch from hook. join with a sl st to first sc. (6 sc)

2- ch 1. work 2 sc in same st and in each st around, join with a sl st to first sc. (12 sc)

3- ch 1. sc in same st and in each st around, join with a sl st to first sc. (12 sc)

4 thru 6- repeat round 3. at end of round 6, finish off, turn right side out.

Body

1- ch 2, work 6 sc in 2nd ch from hook, join with a sl st to first sc. (6 sc)

2- ch 1, work 2 sc in same st and in each st around, join with a sl st to first sc. (12 sc)

3- ch 1, sc in same st, 2 sc in next st, *sc in next st, 2 sc in next st, repeat from * around, join with a sl st to first sc. (18 sc)

4- ch 1, sc in same st, sc in next st, 2 sc in next st, *1 sc in each of the next 2 sts, 2 sc in next st, repeat from * around, join with a sl st to first sc. (24 sc)

5- ch 1, sc in same st and in next 2 sts, 2 sc in next st, *1 sc in each of the next 3 sts, 2 sc in next st, repeat from * around, join with a sl st to first sc. (30 sc)

6- ch 1, sc in same st and in the next 3 sts, 2 sc in next st, *1 sc in each of the next 4 sts, 2 sc in next st, repeat from * around, join with a sl st to first sc. (36 sc)

7- ch 1, sc in same st and in the next 4 sts, 2 sc in next st, *1 sc in each of the next 5 sts, 2 sc in next st, repeat from * around, join with a sl st to first sc. (42 sc)

8- ch 1, sc in same st and in the next 5 sts, 2 sc in next st, *1 sc in each of the next 6 sts, 2 sc in next st, repeat from * around, join with a sl st to first sc. (48 sc)

9- ch 1, sc in same st and in each st around, join with a sl st to first sc. (48 sc)

10 thru 17- repeat round 9.

18- ch 1, sc in same st and in the next 5 sts, sc dec over next 2 sts, *sc in next 6 sts, sc dec over next 2 sts, repeat from * around, join with a sl st to first sc. (42 sc)

19- ch 1, sc in same st and in the next 4 sts, sc dec over next 2 sts, *sc in next 5 sts, sc dec over next 2 sts, repeat from * around, join with a sl st to first sc. (36 sc)

20- ch 1, sc in same st and in next 3 sts, sc dec over next 2 sts, *sc in next 4 sts, sc dec over next 2 sts, repeat from * around, join with a sl st to first sc. (30 sc)

21- ch 1, sc in same st and in next 2 sts, sc dec over next 2 sts, *sc in next 3 sts, sc dec over next 2 sts, repeat from * around, join with a sl st to first sc. (24 sc)

22- ch 1, sc in same st and in next st, sc dec over next 2 sts, *sc in next 2 sts, sc dec over next 2 sts, repeat from * around, join with a sl st to first sc. (18 sc) Begin stuffing with fiber fill.

23- ch 1, sc in same st, sc dec over next 2 sts, *sc in next st, sc dec over next 2 sts, repeat from * around, join with a sl st to first sc. (12 sc)

24- ch 1, sc dec (in same st and in next st), *sc dec over next 2 sts, repeat from * around, join with a sl st to first sc. (6 sc) Fasten off, weave in ends.

Trunk/Head (stuff with fiberfill as you are crocheting this part)

1- ch 2, work 6 sc in 2nd ch from hook, join with a sl st to first sc. (6 sc)

2- ch 1, work 2 sc in same st and in each st around, join with a sl st to first sc. (12 sc)

3- ch 1, sc in same st and in each st around, join with a sl st to first sc. (12 sc)

4 thru 9- repeat round 3.

10- ch 1, sc in same st and in next 2 sts, 2 sc in next st, *sc in the next 3 sts, 2 sc in next st, repeat from * around, join with a sl st to first sc. (15 sc)

11- ch 1, sc in same st and in each st around, join with a sl st to first sc. (15 sc)

12- ch 1, sc in same st and in next 3 sts, 2 sc in next st, *sc in next 4 sts, 2 sc in next st, repeat from * around, join with a sl st to first sc. (18 sc)

13- ch 1, sc in same st and in next 4 sts, 2 sc in next st, *sc in next 5 sts, 2 sc in next st, repeat from * around, join with a sl st to first sc. (21 sc)

14- ch 1, sc in same st and in next 5 sts, 2 sc in next st, *sc in next 6 sts, 2 sc in next st, repeat from * around, join with a sl st to first sc. (24 sc)

15- ch 1, sc in same st and in next st, 2 sc in next st, *sc in next 2 sts, 2 sc in next st, repeat from * around, join with a sl st to first sc. (32 sc)

16- ch 1, sc in same st and in next 2 sts, 2 sc in next st, *sc in next 3 sts, 2 sc in next st, repeat from * around, join with a sl st to first sc. (40 sc)

17- ch 1, sc in same st and in next 3 sts, 2 sc in next st, *sc in next 4 sts, 2 sc in next st, repeat from * around, join with a sl st to first sc. (48 sc)

18- ch 1, sc in same st and in each st around, join with a sl st to first sc. (48 sc)

19 thru 22- repeat round 18.

23- ch 1, sc in same st and in next 5 sts, sc dec over next 2 sts, *sc in next 6 sts, sc dec over next 2 sts, repeat from * around, join with a sl st to first sc. (42 sc)

24- ch 1, sc in same st and in next 4 sts, sc dec over next 2 sts, *sc in next 5 sts, sc dec over next 2 sts, repeat from * around, join with a sl st to first sc. (36 sc)

25- ch 1, sc in same st and in next 3 sts, sc dec over next 2 sts, *sc in next 4 sts, sc dec over next 2 sts, repeat from * around, join with a sl st to first sc. (30 sc)

26- ch 1, sc in same st and in next 2 sts, sc dec over next 2 sts, *sc in next 3 sts, sc dec over next 2 sts, repeat from * around, join with a sl st to first sc. (24 sc)

27- ch 1, sc in same st and in next 5 sts, sc dec over next 2 sts, *sc in next 6 sts, sc dec over next 2 sts, repeat from * around, join with a sl st to first sc. (21 sc)

28- ch 1, sc in same st and in next 4 sts, sc dec over next 2 sts, *sc in next 5 sts, sc dec over next 2 sts, repeat from * around, join with a sl st to first sc. (18 sc)

29- ch 1, sc in same st, sc dec over next 2 sts, *sc in next st, sc dec over next 2 sts, repeat from * around, join with a sl st to first sc. (12 sc)

30-ch 1, sc dec (in the same st and in the next st), *sc dec over next 2 sts, repeat from * around, join with a sl st to first sc. (6 sc) finish off.

Attach legs and head to body using the yarn needle and a section of matching yarn.

At the end of attaching the head, run the yarn needle out the back of the body for the tail, knotting the end before cutting off yarn.

Ears (make 2)

Turn work after each row.

1- ch 6, sc in 2nd ch from hook and in each ch across. (5 sc)

2- ch 1, 2 sc in first st, sc in next 3 sts, 2 sc in last st. (7 sc)

3- ch 1, 2 sc in first st, sc in next 5 sts, 2 sc in last st. (9 sc)

4- ch 1, 2 sc in first st, sc in next 7 sts, 2 sc in last st. (11 sc)

5- ch 1, sc in each st across. (11 sc)

6- ch 1, 2 sc in first st, sc in next 9 sts, 2 sc in last st. (13 sc)

7- ch 1, sc in each st across. (13 sc)

8- ch 1, 2 sc in first st, sc in next 11 sts, 2 sc in last st. (15 sc)

9- ch 1, sc in each st across. (15 sc)

10- ch 1, 2 sc in first st, sc in next 3 sts, sl st in next 7 sts, sc in next 3 sts, 2 sc in last st, fasten off, weave in ends.

Attach ears to body. Embroider eyes on head.

Dress elephant as you choose.

I did the following.

Small Blanket

1- ch 10, sc in 2nd ch from hook and in each ch across, turn. (9 sc)

2- ch 1, sc in each st across, turn. (9 sc)

3 thru 26- repeat row 2. at end of row 26, fasten off yarn and attach a coordinating color of yarn. sc evenly around the edge, putting 3 sc in each corner. fasten off, weave in ends. add tassels to the four corners.

Tassels

cut 3 pieces of each color of yarn for the tassel. holding the yarn together, fold it in half, pull the middle of the yarn (the loop) thru the corner st, pull the ends of the yarn thru the loop, pull tight.

There it is! Hope you enjoy my pattern for the little elephant. Small T says I should name her Pinky, so I will be changing the title real quick. Have fun if you make this! Just respect my rights and give me credit. Please don't steal my pattern and claim it as your own. Thanks.

Little Pink Elephant

I have been designing again. I couldn't help it. I have been dying to make a crocheted elephant for Small T.

I finished it up last night. I'll try to take some better photos in a bit and then I'll also be sharing the free pattern.

Honorary Membership

Last night was the first banquet of the year at school.

It was the FCCLA Banquet.

FCCLA stands for Family, Community and Career Leadership Association.

It's a service oriented organization.

As a parent, I belong to the FCCLA Alumni & Associates organization that helps support the kids in their endeavors.

I was absolutely shocked to hear that I was one of the recipients of the FCCLA Honorary Membership awards given out last night. Here is Small T presenting me with the award. This makes me smile! Can you see it? :)

A Couple of Quick Projects

I whipped out a couple of quick projects last Sunday night and Monday morning.

These are the Crochet Openwork Handwarmers.

The free pattern can be found here http://creativeyarn.blogspot.com/2008/02/crochet-openwork-handwarmers.html.

I used Simply Soft yarn in Country Blue and an H hook.

These are another Christmas present. The young woman (a niece) that will be receiving them is going to love them. This style is right up her alley!

By the way, please check out the above link. I couldn't get Small T to model them for me as she was too crunched for time. The photo on the other blog shows how lovely they really do look.

This is the Waffle Cone Slouchy Hat.

The free pattern can be found here http://www.gleefulthings.com/blog/?p=3258.

I can't tell you what yarn I used though. Other than it's a bulky weight. And that I bought it at Wal-Mart. I have misplaced the wrapper off the skein. Dang! I love the color though.

Once again, it would be good if you checked out the above link. The hat is just BEAUTIFUL when worn! This woman has some great photos of the finished product on her blog. I love the purple color she used!!!!

This is also another Christmas present for a beloved young woman. Another niece at that!

Small T and the Convention

So...where did Small T take my camera this week?

To the FCCLA State Convention.

The two teams that went there to compete both won silver medals.

Small T is 2nd from the left. My nephew A-One is 2nd from the right.

A cute photo of the letting off a little energy/steam.

One more silly photo that I just had to share of them. They are CRAZY!

The Dub Blanket - Finished Project

I finished up the Dub Blanket last Saturday. I haven't been able to post any photos until now because Small T took the camera with her on a school trip that was several days long. Now that I have the camera back, I am delighted to share this photo. I really like how this blanket turned out. My only "problem" with it is that the dark sage color looks black unless you are viewing it in person. Dub's mom says that he is going to love it. So...that's a plus.

As for the particulars, I used the following colors of Red Heart yarn:

Dark Sage - 3 skeins. I only needed a small amount out of the 3rd skein though.

Light Sage - 2 skeins.

Carrot- 2 skeins.

Soft White - 2 skeins.

Of the other colors, I had a little bit left out of each of the 2nd skeins.

I used a size J crochet hook.

The border is a single row of dc worked in Light Sage. I put 2 dc, ch 2, 2 dc in each corner.

This is another Christmas present that I have finished up! Woo Hoo!!!!!!!!

Broski (or Bro-Ski) - Free Pattern

Broski (or Bro-Ski) - Free Pattern

Materials:

Worsted Weight yarn (I used Red Heart)

G crochet hook

Fiber-Fill

To make the body:

First, make a Nana Square. The free pattern can be found here http://theroyalsisters.blogspot.com/2011/05/nana-square-tutorial.html.

Then...

1- Join body color of yarn in the ch 1 of any corner. Ch 1, sc in same st (this is the 1st sc), sc in each sc across, sc in the ch 1 of the corner, ch 30, join with a sl st to the 1st sc. (14 sc, 30 ch's)

2- ch 1, sc in same st, sc in each sc and ch around, join with a sl st to 1st sc. (44 sc)

3- ch 1, sc in same st and in next 8 sc, sc dec over next 2 sc, *sc in next 9 sc, sc dec over next 2 sc, repeat from * around, join with a sl st to 1st sc. (40 sc)

4- ch 1, sc in same st and in next 7 sc, sc dec over next 2 sc, *sc in next 8 sc, sc dec over next 2 sc, repeat from * around, join with a sl st to 1st sc. (36 sc)

5- ch 1, sc in same st and in next 6 sc, sc dec over next 2 sc, *sc in next 7 sc, sc dec over next 2 sc, repeat from * around, join with a sl st to 1st sc. (32 sc)

6- ch 1, sc in same st and in next 5 sc, sc dec over next 2 sc, *sc in next 6 sc, sc dec over next 2 sc, repeat from * around, join with a sl st to 1st sc. (28 sc)

7- ch 1, sc in same st and in next 4 sc, sc dec over next 2 sc, *sc in next 5 sc, sc dec over next 2 sc, repeat from * around, join with a sl st to 1st sc. (24 sc)

8- ch 1, sc in same st and in next 3 sc, sc dec over next 2 sc, *sc in next 4 sc, sc dec over next 2 sc, repeat from * around, join with a sl st to 1st sc. (20 sc)

9- ch 1, work sc dec using the same st as the beg ch 1 and the next sc, *sc dec over next 2 sc, repeat from * around, join with a sl st to 1st sc dec. (10 sc)

10- ch 1, sc dec using the same st as the beg ch 1 and the next sc, *sc dec over next 2 sc, repeat from * around, join with a sl st to 1st sc dec, finish off, pull yarn tight to close hole, weave in ends. (5 sc)

Now...turn work upside down. We will be working in the opposite side of the 1st round of the body color.

11- Beginning on the left of the Nana Square, join yarn to the bottom (or free loop) of the 1st sc. ch1, sc in same st and in the next 29 sc. (30 sc)

12- st st in corner st of Nana Square, ch 1, now we will work up the side of the Nana Square, st st in 2nd sc loop (or hole where a stitch was worked), turn, sc in each sc to opposite side (30 sc), working up the other side up the Nana square, st st in 2nd sc from corner st (this leaves a small hole between this st you just worked and the corner st that you will need to sew up before stuffing).

13- ch 1, st st in 2nd sc up the side of the square (that's two more up the side, not the same st), turn, sc in each sc around (30 sc), sl st in the 2nd sc up the side.

14 thru 17- repeat row/round 13.

18- ch 1, sl st in corner ch 1, turn, sc in each sc across, join with a sl st to corner ch 1. (this may or may not match up, but it should. if it doesn't just add another row or round until it does.)

19- ch 1, sc in same st (corner ch 1), sc across Nana Square (14 sc total), sc in next 30 sc, join with a sl st to 1st sc made. (44 sc)

20- repeat row 3.

21- repeat row 4.

22- repeat row 5.

23- repeat row 6.

24- repeat row 7. Start stuffing the body with fiber fill.

25- repeat row 8.

26- repeat row 9.

27. repeat row 10.

Legs/Arms (Make 4)

1- With a contrasting color of yarn, ch 2, work 6 sc in 2nd ch from hook, join with a sl st to first sc. (6 sc)

2- ch 1, work 2 sc in same st, *work 2 sc in next st, repeat from * around, join with a sl st to first sc. (12 sc)

3- ch 1, sc in same st, work 2 sc in next st, * sc in next st, 2 sc in next st, repeat from * around, join with a sl st to first sc, switching yarn to body color. (18 sc)

4- ch 1, sc in same st and in each st around, join with a sl st to first sc. (18 sc)

5 thru 7- repeat round 4. at end of round 7, turn piece right side out and continue working in rounds.

8- ch 1, sc in same st, sc dec over next 2 sc, *sc in next sc, sc dec over next 2 sc, repeat from * around, join with a sl st to first sc. (12 sc) Stuff foot at this point.

9- ch 1, sc in same st and in the next st, sc dec over the next 2 sc, *sc in next 2 sc, sc dec over next 2 sc, repeat from * around, join with a sl st to first sc. (9 sc)

10- ch 1, sc in same st and in each st around, join with a sl st to first sc. (9 sc)

11 thru 22- repeat round 10. at the end of round 22, fasten off, leaving a long end of yarn for sewing.

Head

1- with body color of yarn, ch 2, work 6 sc in 2nd ch from hook, join with a sl st to first sc. (6 sc)

2- ch 1, work 2 sc in same st and in each st around, join with a sl st to first sc. (12 sc)

3- ch 1, sc in same st, work 2 sc in next st, *sc in next st, work 2 sc in next st, repeat from * around, join with a sl st to first sc. (18 sc)

4- ch 1, sc in same st and in next st, work 2 sc in next st, *sc in next 2 sts, work 2 sc in next st, repeat from * around, join with a sl st to first sc. (24)

5- ch 1, sc in same st and in next 2 sts, work 2 sc in next st, *sc in next 3 sts, work 2 sc in next st, repeat from * around, join with a sl st to first sc. (30 sc)

6- ch 1, sc in same st and in each st around, join with a sl st to first sc. (30 sc)

7 thru 12- repeat round 6.

13- ch 1, sc in same st and in next 2 sts, sc dec over next 2 sts, *sc in next 3 sc, sc dec over next 2 sc, repeat from * around, join with a sl st to first sc. (24 sc)

14- ch 1, sc in same st and in next sc, sc dec over next 2 sc, *sc in next 2 sc, sc dec over next 2 sc, repeat from * around, join with a sl st to first sc. (18 sc) Start stuffing with fiber fill at this point.

15- ch 1, sc in same st, sc dec over next 2 sc, *sc in next sc, sc dec over next 2 sc, repeat from * around, join with a sl st to first sc. (12 sc)

16- ch 1, sc dec using the same stitch as the ch 1 and the next st, *sc dec over next 2 sc, repeat from * around, join with a sl st to first sc dec, fasten off leaving a long tail for sewing, pull yarn end tight if necessary. (6 sc)

Sew arms, legs and head to body. Add hair if you'd like. In this case, I added a mohawk (only because Small T insisted.) I also made a few accessories.

Scarf

With a J hook, ch 62. dc in 3rd ch from hook and in each ch across. finish off. weave in ends.

Bow Tie

1- leaving a long tail of yarn for tying on, ch 8. sc in 2nd ch from hook and in each ch across. (7 sc)

2 thru 4- turn work, ch 1, sc in same st and in each st across. (7 sc) at the end of row 4, finish off, leaving a long tail of yarn for tying.

Now, find the center stitch of the piece and weave a piece of yarn through all center stitches (down the middle of the piece). Pull yarn tight and tie it off to make the bow tie.

Weave the two long pieces of yarn down the side of the work to the middle stitch, then tie the bow tie on.

That's it. I hope you enjoy my free pattern.

Please don't claim this work as your own. Give credit where credit is due. Thanks.

Shelly

Broski (or Bro-Ski)

I've been creating again.

Meet Broski.

Small T named him.

I crocheted him a scarf.

But Small T didn't like it.

She wanted him to have a bow tie.

So now he has one of those too.

Then I was thinking...it could be a girl.

So I was making a lei for her (him).

But Small T said no.

So...when she wasn't looking...

Broski has Princess Leia buns.

And a flower bra (instead of coconuts).

But then Small T saw what I was doing and took Broski away.

She insists that he's a boy. sigh.

So...should I share my pattern for Broski? What do you think?

I wrote the pattern down as I was making him.

I was going to do different hair...but once again...Small T insisted on a mohawk. sigh.

Broski is made with Red Heart worsted weight yarn in soft white, cherry red, turqua, and spring green (I think).

I started him yesterday morning and I finished him up last night.

Winter Wheat

The Winter Wheat is coming up nicely.

Looks like a sea of grass out there, doesn't it?

One big yard that needs mowed. lol

It looks a bit odd against the regular grass that's still brown with a bit of green in it.

First Feather Of The Year

I found the first feather of the year in my yard this past Monday. I don't know what type of bird it came from or anything like that. I just thought it was cool.

The Dub Blanket

The Dub Blanket is coming along.

This is what it looked like this past Sunday or Monday.

This is what it looks like today.

I haven't been spending as much time on it as I should be, but I've had other projects on my mind too. I've been feeling like creating again. :)

Granny Time

Well ... it's that time again. Yep ... time to work on some Grannies.

I've finished 3 of them so far.

I'm using a basic granny square pattern but working them in the style of the Trinket Box Blanket on the Dutch Girl Diary blog. Here's the link http://www.dutchgirldiary.com/2011/05/trinket-box-blanket.html . She used white with her blanket, but the person that I will be gifting the blanket to likes black.

I need to make 48 of these I think.

They are another project that's easily carried around, so I was glad to start working on them.

Signs of Spring

A flowering bush of some sort.

Found it on the drive out of town.

Lots of purple clover in the yard across the street.

The Redbud Tree next door.

The trees are turning green. Getting their leafy look back.

Ugh. Dandelions in my yard. Already.

Clover in my own yard (I think).

Some little bluish white colored flowering plants. Don't know what they are though. These are in my yard too.

Spice Rack/Shelf

Look what I found in my kitchen last Sunday.

Big Daddy made a spice rack/shelf and attached it to the wall.

Cool!

The Big "V"

I finished up the big "V" this past Sunday.

I used Red Heart worsted weight yarn in Pumpkin.

This is another Christmas gift. Woo Hoo! I'm really cranking them out lately. LOL

Varsity/Faculty Scrimmage

Friday, March 16th was the Varsity/Faculty Scrimmage.

This is where the High School Varsity Teams (Boys and Girls) play the Faculty and/or Past Students or Teachers. This event is always a great show and has a pretty good attendance. The Ref's were a couple of college students that are alumni. Things tend to get a bit aggressive as the games go along, but all in all, it's a fun time.

The "Old" Cheerleaders. I don't know why they were called "old". They cheered for the Faculty teams.

The cheerleaders for the Varsity teams. For some reason, the high school cheerleaders weren't there. So...they grabbed the Junior High Cheerleaders and they did a great job! Small T is in the yellow shirt on the far left. She was captain of the junior high squad.

Big C guarding Mr. Z (with the ball).

Big C directing Mr. Tainey to step up to the box where he's supposed to be.

Everyone was laughing at this. You had to be there!

Big C and Zack (in the orange shirt).

All the "guys"...both teams.

Big C taking a breather.

Big C going up for a shot.

Final Score...Faculty 47...Varsity Boys 40.

Good Morning!

Good Morning!

I can't believe how beautiful it is outside.

I've been out on my porch on and off since I woke up.

The sun is shining and the temperature is just lovely out.

It's 71 degrees F.

I'm also stunned to see that my neighbor is mowing his yard. Yikes! It surely can't be time to mow the yard yet. It's only the middle of March!

Alas, today is another Nascar day for my husband, so I'm enjoying a bit of alone time with the TV right now. I'm currently watching Giada make some sweets. Before that, the Barefoot Contessa was making some marshmallows and chocolate bark. Yum...

I am having a bit of time with my yarn this morning as well.

I'm working on a big "V" for one of my nephews. I'm using the color "Pumpkin" since he's a big fan of the colors green and orange.

I'm also eyeing The Dub Blanket which is sitting on the couch next to my recliner area. I'll be working on it at some point today.

I've got the big project (the blanket) going and a smaller project (the big "V") going too as I always need an "instant gratification" project in the works or I get bored with how long the bigger project is taking. This just keeps me sane. LOL

On Monday, Big C and I will be starting to diet again. This time we're doing the Atkins Diet. We have to switch up the diet plans every now and then or it's really hard for us to stick to the whole dieting regime. Big C loves cheese and you don't get much of that on the Mayo Diet. I love carbs, so I'm really going to miss having them on the Atkins Diet. But, I'll make it work.

April 2nd, we start the Biggest Loser contest here at home. It's the 2nd year of it here in town and has nothing to do with the TV show. It's a fund raiser for the local festival that occurs in October. Plus, the winning team wins half of the profits. That would be nice!

Small T starts her scrapbooking class (for 4-H) on Monday, so she has to spend some time on the computer this weekend loading photos up to Wal-Mart.com so we can get them printed off. If not, she's won't have anything to scrapbook with. Yowza!

We also need to go out and drive around this weekend (hopefully today) so she can take some photos for her Photography class. It's a pretty day and the sunlight is good, so it would be perfect. There are also several places she is wanting to go and check out for the "photo opportunities".

So...those are my plans for the day/weekend. What are yours?

Next Project - The Dub Blanket

I've started my next project. It's another Dottie Angel Blanket.

(you can find the free pattern here http://dottieangel.blogspot.com/2010/06/ordinarily-extraordinary-blanket-how-to.html )

This time the blanket is for another boy...Dub. That's why it's called the Dub Blanket.

These are the colors I've chose....(from the bottom middle up)....Dark Sage, Carrot, Light Sage, and Soft White. The Dark Sage looks almost black, but it isn't. It's similar to an army green.

Here's what the Dub Blanket looks like at this point.

By the way, I'm using a size J hook.

Baby E

Look who's down for a visit! Yep...it's Baby E. She sure is growing. And what a smile! She's such a cutie pie...and I love her!

My New "Do"

Well girls...I did it. I got my hair cut off. I've been growing it out for almost 2 years now and I finally got sick of it. My hair was long enough to reach my bra fastener (in back) and was choking me at night if I didn't wear it up in a pony tail. When I took Small T to get her hair trimmed this afternoon, I finally bit the bullet and got it all chopped off. Big Daddy was NOT THRILLED. He likes long hair. Anyway, I went back to my old style. The one I absolutely LOVE. I like it! And my head feels so much lighter now. The style is a quick and easy one. I require some root lifter and a hair dryer...nothing else. That's my kind of hair do.

Witch Doctor Surgeon (free repair/surgery patterns)

Last Saturday, my next younger sister (Lea) brought our mom home from an out-of-town visit. While she was (briefly) in town, Lea stopped at my house and dropped off her youngest son's Witch Doctor. He was in urgent need of repair. You see...he lost an arm. Poor guy. It's hell being loved so much. LOL

So...I put on my Witch Doctor Surgeon hat and mask and set out to see what I could do.

First, I assessed the situation.

Witch Doctor....check.

Amputated arm...check.

I fashioned a cast for the arm and reattached the limb.

I fashioned an appropriate sling for the casted arm.

Positioned the fixed and casted arm in the sling.

And was totally shocked to see that another arm is being regenerated (from the bone out) just under the formerly amputated arm.

Hmmm....I didn't know that Witch Doctor's had this special ability. That's good to know!

Then, said Witch Doctor took a little ride on Small T's lap to the Post Office.

He checked out his shipping box before jumping in and waving a quick good-bye and a sincere thank you. He's now on his way back to Dub, who has been sorely missed.

I'm so glad that my rusty skills as a Witch Doctor Surgeon are still intact and I'm glad I was able to get some much needed practice on re-attaching a severed limb.

Adios, Witch Doctor. Safe travels.

Now, I would like to share with you all my expertise in creating a cast for the Witch Doctor's arm and also for creating a sling for the casted arm. Here are my formulas:

CAST

white worsted weight yarn

J hook

ch 6, join to form a ring.

Rounds 1 thru 12- ch 1, sc in each st around (6 sc).

At the end of Round 12, fasten off yarn and pull the yarn ends to the inside of the cast (tube).

*Pull the severed limb through the opening at one end of the cast and re-attach the arm to the body.

SLING

Leaving a long end of yarn, ch 2.

1- sc in the 2nd ch from hook.

2- ch 1, 2 sc in the sc. (2 sc)

3- ch 1, 2 sc in each of the 2 sc. (4 sc)

4- ch 1, 2 sc in 1st sc, sc in each of the next 2 sc, 2 sc in last sc. (6 sc)

5- ch 1, 2 sc in 1st sc, sc in each of the next 4 sc, 2 sc in last sc. (8 sc)

6- ch 1, 2 sc in 1st sc, sc in each of the next 6 sc, 2 sc in last sc. (10 sc)

7- ch 1, 2 sc in 1st sc, sc in each of the next 8 sc, 2 sc in last sc. (12 sc)

8- ch 1, 2 sc in 1st sc, sc in each of the next 10 sc, 2 sc in last sc. (14 sc)

9 & 10- ch 1, sc in each sc across. (14 sc)

11- ch 1, sc dec over 1st 2 sc, sc in each of the next 10 sc, sc dec over last 2 sc. (12 sc)

12- ch 1, sc dec over 1st 2 sc, sc in each of the next 8 sc, sc dec over last 2 sc. (10 sc)

13- ch 1, sc dec over 1st 2 sc, sc in each of the next 6 sc, sc dec over last 2 sc. (8 sc)

14- ch 1, sc dec over 1st 2 sc, sc in each of the next 4 sc, sc dec over last 2 sc. (6 sc)

15- ch 1, sc dec over 1st 2 sc, sc in each of the next 2 sc, sc dec over last 2 sc. (4 sc)

16- ch 1, sc dec over 1st 2 sc, sc dec over last 2 sc. (2 sc)

17- ch 1, sc dec over the 2 sc. (1 sc) Finish off leaving a long piece of yarn.

Even out the two long pieces of yarn, making sure they will tie around the Witch Doctor's head.

REGENERATED ARM

with worsted weight yarn and a J hook, ch 7, leaving a 4 or 5 inch tail of yarn.

work 6 sc in the 2nd ch from hook, then sc in each ch back to the beginning ch. finish off, leaving a 4 or 5 inch tail of yarn.

attach the arm to the body with the 2 tails of yarn. weave the ends inside the body of the Witch Doctor.

The Amanda Blanket

I finished up "The Amanda Blanket" yesterday.

I'm thrilled with how it looks.

As to the particulars there are:

12 multi-colored squares

6 Turqua squares

6 Cherry Red squares

6 White squares

30 squares total.

All yarn is Red Heart worsted weight.

Crochet hook size I.

The dc border is one row of each color.

This is Amanda's Christmas present.

(Thus the name)