Inspiration

Yesterday, I stopped by one of my favorite blogs, "Love The Blue Bird"

http://lovethebluebird.blogspot.com/.

I'm looking for ideas for next year's Christmas presents for my friends and family, and I found some fabulous inspiration while I was looking.

These photos aren't mine, they are "Love The Blue Bird's". I took a photo with my phone, cropped it, and posted them here.

 Small T is a fool for elephants. I wouldn't make her a pillow, but rather something small and flat that she could hang on the wall.  I think she would love it!

 I think this is just beautiful! I love the mixture of needlework and crochet. I have plenty of young nieces that I could make something similar to this for.

This would be perfect for my uncle.  I would need to use more "manly" colors, but that's it.

A few other things that I liked, but didn't take inspiration photos of, were the rice bag heating pad tutorial and the primrose dishcloth (crochet) pattern.

Most of these items are smaller projects that I can work on in between homework and work, which makes them exactly what I'm looking for.  Are you considering next year's homemade gift items yet?

Inspired By...

I visited an absolutely beautiful blog last night while waiting for the kids to get home.  It's called Happy In Red.  http://happyinred.blogspot.com/  She is a journalist that blogs about crocheting, writing, sewing, cooking and traveling.  The photography on her blog is exceptional!

Here's what I liked about her blog:

I really like that she uses black in some of her crochet projects.  I could see myself making (and lovingly using) a granny square blanket worked in black...just like hers.

I would try the recipe for the Pull Apart Lemon Bread.  Big Daddy and Small T are both freaks about Lemon flavoring.  (By the way, she shares several recipes throughout the blog.  So if you are a cooking kind of girl, check them out.)

She shares several links for different snowflake patterns which she used for a snowflake garland.  I would make one of these for the holidays.  In fact, I think I might make one for my bedroom.  For year round viewing pleasure.  In purple.  Or beige.

She shares a crochet tutorial for a Women's Beanie.

She shares a crochet tutorial for a Diamond Stitch Blanket.  I could see myself making one of these.  I really like the vintage-ness of the pattern.

I like that she's taking photography workshops to improve her photography skills.  I need to do this.  Heck.  I just need to learn how to take a photo.  Period.

She really likes the ripple blanket pattern and I love the color combos that she uses and the different stripe patterns.

I like that she grows her own little veggie patch and "eats from it" as well.  No waste...it's functional.  She shares several preservation recipes for her vegetables as well.

The crochet elephant she made is just darling!  And she shares the pattern link too.  Small T is a fool over elephants!  If she sees this I'll have to make her one.  There won't be any getting out of it.

I really love the colors of the large granny square blanket she crocheted.  It's mainly black with blue, purple, gold, white, and green added in.  The colors would fit in well with my "manly living room".

The felt Christmas tree garland she made is just adorable.  If only I liked to sew a lot more than what I do.

Big Daddy would love her Tetris Pillows.  He's a huge Tetris Fan.  I wonder where she found the fabric?

She shares some book reviews.  Magazines too.  That's right up my alley.

She occasionally hosts a give-away.  :)  It would be cool to enter and then win one!!!

I love her Greek Granny Stripe Blanket that she crocheted.  I long for it in my home!  The colors.  Oooohhhh....

I admire her for starting her own creative food magazine (with two friends).  It's called "Robin".

Her Summer Crochet Blanket is so pretty!  Beautiful color combination!

When she travels, I like that she shares "places to eat", "places to shop", "places to visit", and so on.  I know that if I'm wanting to go somewhere, she's giving some potentially good advice because she's already been there.

I would like to make (or buy) an Elefunky.  It's a sewn elephant softie.  I want one for each of my future grandkids.  When I was in college, I was a nanny, and one of the children had an elephant softie that he called Trunkles.

She crocheted a simply fab Granny Stripe Blanket and then she shares a tutorial on how to make the edging for it.  :)  Two thumbs up!!!

She has some free printable postcards offered early on in the blog.  Back at the beginning.

She shares a free Winter Star Crochet Pattern.  I'm going to try this.  I keep saying that.  Don't I?

Big Daddy would love to have me make her "Beanie For Your Man".  I'll have to do it.  He seldom asks for stuff but this would be one thing he'd want.

Another simply fab blanket that I covet on her blog is the Girlie Blanket.  It's crocheted granny squares in faded pink, red, burgundy, beige, gray and white.  I'm not really big on girlie colors but I really like this color combo.

I like that she crochets blankets and squares for disaster relief.  She either donates the squares to be sewn into blankets or auctions off a finished blanket and donates the proceeds.  :)

She has a free pattern for a really cute crochet flower.  :)  (post date 5/5/11)

I truly enjoyed this blog because she seems like a regular person.  Someone that I could see myself living next door to.  We share a lot of the same interests and it's almost like she's a  much younger, distant cousin or something.  It's uncanny.  (I hope this isn't making me sound like a crazy person by saying that.  I'm not crazy.  I swear.)  Her blog is very interesting and I will continue to follow it.

Yarn Trends for 2014

Check out these "Knit and Crochet Yarn Trends for 2014".
http://blog.lionbrand.com/2013/12/23/knit-and-crochet-and-yarn-trends-for-2014/

Crochet And Depression

I came upon a couple of articles that I wanted to share.  Not many of you know that I suffer from depression.  You all know that I enjoy crocheting and sometimes, knitting.  The two articles I'm posting links for talk about crochet and how it helps you get through depression.  They are worth a read.  They are short and sweet, but make some good points.

Crochet For Daily Balance As A Depression Survivor
(this is an excerpt from the full article, for which there is a link)
http://www.crochetconcupiscence.com/2013/05/crochet-for-daily-balance-as-a-depression-survivor/

4 Ways Crochet Helped Me Through Depression
(this is another excerpt with a link to an article)
http://www.crochetconcupiscence.com/2013/05/4-ways-crochet-helped-me-through-depression/

Prayer Shawls

"A way to heal others while healing ourselves."
"The healing of the shawl is partially about the prayer and partially about the tactile sensation of crafting."

Check out the full article-
Prayer Shawls:  How They Help You While Helping Others
http://blog.lionbrand.com/2013/09/01/prayer-shawls-how-they-help-you-while-helping-others/

Inspired By...

This morning, I stumbled across a "new-to-me" blog.  It's called Pigtails.
Here's the link:
http://pigstails.blogspot.com/

Right off the bat, with her latest post, I've fallen in love.  In love with her Patchwork Blanket.  It's absolutely gorgeous and just down-right homey!  I could definitely see myself making one of these blankets.  :)  I'm always looking for new inspiration when it's comes to an afghan and this is definitely some serious inspiration for me as I love the look of quilting but it can be hard to transfer that over to crochet.  She did a pretty good job of it by using sc granny squares.
I also like that she shares her Granny Square Color Pattern Generator.  I bookmarked this.  It's that important to me and any future projects that I'm having trouble with when it comes to making my granny squares.  This generator is just genius!!!

Now, what else did I like about her blog.  Here it is:

The photography on her blog is just beautiful!  And she gives me a glimpse of life somewhere other than here in the USA.  She currently lives in South Africa but she and her family are constantly moving around to new places due to her husband's job and the family loves it.  She says her family are "Global Nomads".  Interesting.

She shares a beautiful oyster colored Vintage Fan Ripple Stitch Scarf that she made.  It's truly pretty.  I've never considered oyster as a color for me, but Small T loves it.  In fact, she wears a lot of the same colors that Magda favors, so maybe I will be a bit more inspired in the crochet items I try to make for Small T and that she usually doesn't like.  Maybe color is the key here.

She offers a Star Shaped Pillow "how-to".  I could see myself trying this out for one of my great-nephews.

I like that she puts together Mood Boards when deciding what to do with some of the interesting yarns that she uses.  What a great way to be inspired!

She talks about the Mielie design project that involves underprivileged township women to create the designs used in their products such as handbags.  She even makes her own Mielie inspired scarf.  She inspires me and other blog readers to browse the blog for "Mielie Crochet".  I will put this on my list.

I'm totally blown away by what they used as their Christmas Tree.  Wow!  You've got to check this out.  It's not a typical Christmas Tree at all in that it's made out of unusual materials.  Hmmmm....

Her Checkerboard Baby Blanket is cute!  It's actually the size of a throw, which is what I would want as well.  I like her colors too, but would probably use a different color palette for my living room.  I could see myself making one of these blankets too.

I like the colors she used for her Babette Style Throw.  Great combination!  And it looks wonderful photographed on her bed.

I really like the rustic, ombre yarns she used in the "Blanket for Baby Ryder".  These are the types of yarns I like when making things for my home but I never buy them.  Crazy, right?

I find myself drawn to her Single Crochet Skinny Scarf.  I don't know why.  I would never wear something like this.  Is it the colors that draw me in?  Or the long length of the scarf?  I don't know.  But I might just make one of these and see how I like it.  It sure can't hurt.

She has posted a tutorial on "Squaring the US Treble Circle".  This could be very handy!

I really, really, really like the Red Cross Throw she made.  I like the pattern AND the yarn she used.  Another blanket to think about making.

I think it's great that her teen daughter also enjoys yarn and hooking and even writes her own blog.  She also enjoys designing her own projects.  Lovely!   Small T isn't interested in yarn and hooking but she is talking about writing her own blog.  That would make me happy.  Except that she said I'm not allowed to view it.  Hmmm....

I am intrigued that she uses round place mats on her table.  I never thought about using round ones.  I really like the black and white ones that she made and she even shares her pattern for them.  I might be trying these out as well.  I could see buying some cotton in the natural colors for my table.

She provides a link to a 10 petal coaster pattern that I also like.  This is another project I will add to my to-make list.  I like these that much!

I swear, I am going to try out her daughter's tutorial for "Cabbage Rabbit/ The Easter Bunny".  I just need to find a bumpy type of yarn to make it with.  I love the texture!

She also shares a pattern for floor cushions and roly poly balls and such.  I could see a floor cushion in my house but it would have to be "huge" because Big C would always be on it...and he's "big".  So a small cushion just wouldn't do.

This blog is worth the visit.  Seriously.  Most everything she makes has a pattern with it or a link to one.  She has a vibrant palette of colors for her kids and a more monochrome palette for herself, so there's a lot of variety offered.  She talks about herself, her family, her travels and much more.  Stop by and see what she has to offer!

Oh My Gosh....

Here it is...Feb. 15th, and Valentine's Day has passed.  And NOW I find an absolutely wonderful project tutorial for something that Small T would just absolutely LOVE.  Geez!  Even though I'm a bit upset over missing this project making / gift giving opportunity, I'm so in love with the project that I'm going to blog about it.
I was visiting the blog, Dottie Angel, tonight for just a bit, catching up on the latest news, and I saw this...http://dottieangel.blogspot.com/2014/02/a-hanging-heartcatcher-howto.html .  I couldn't believe my eyes!  How in the world did she think up a "heart catcher"?  Small T has several dream catchers in her room since she suffers from bad dreams, and the "heart catcher" would be a lovely, and different, and more "adult", gift for her, since she's only a few months away from being the grown up age of 17. *sigh*  I'm so in love with the "heart catcher"!  And to think that she shared a tutorial on how to make them as well!  Wow!  I'm in crafting heaven!  So...I can definitely see this project is going to go on my "need to make soon" list.  I haven't felt this "craft happy" in ages.  Can you tell?

Inspired by...

Today, I'm sharing the blog, Lacy Crochet.
http://lacycrochet.blogspot.com/

I have read through the whole blog and it's basically a "free pattern" blog.  Let me say, there are some very, very beautiful free patterns on there too.  It's so wonderful of her to share them with us all!  I could see myself making many of them.  She also has free stitch patterns and crochet video lessons for beginners offered.

This is what I enjoyed about her blog:

I'm not one for making doilies, but I could really see myself making the Small Pink Doily featured on January 27th.  It's really cute!

I think Small T would like to have one of the Lacy Infinity Scarves.  Small T is a scarf kind of girl!

I am absolutely in LOVE with the Fancy Shells Baby Afghan!  And it's a free pattern!  I'm so excited!

I really like her alternating shells crochet stitch.  I'm sure there's something I could make using this!

Her baby/toddler beret's are so cute!

The Easy Blocks Baby Blanket would be perfect for a little boy!

I was glad to see her Sharp Crochet Hook review.  This is something I've been thinking of buying as well and I might change my mind about it now.  We'll see.  Her review gives me something to think about.

I am also in love with her Crochet Green Baby Blanket pattern!  This is another one I can see myself making!  The stitch pattern is wonderful!

I like her tip "A shortcut to blocking doilies".  Very good!

Since I have a love of hankies and vintage hankies, I am glad to see her tutorial on adding trim to handkerchiefs.  This is something I would definitely use!

I like the Lovely Shells crochet stitch tutorial.  I could see myself using this stitch pattern too.  She even has a baby blanket pattern using this stitch.  It's called the Lovely Shells Baby Blanket.  :)

I also could see myself making the Small Doily in Cream Color.  It would look great in my bedroom.

I'm always looking for a variegated yarn pattern and her Summer Baby Blanket in Variegated Yarn pattern looks like a really good one.

I really like the Dainty Butterflies pattern!  Really cute!

Her Small Flower Doily looks like a granny stitch doily.  I think this would be a popular pattern!

Probably one of my favorite things on her blog is the Crochet Flower Cushion!  It's truly unique!!!

Probably my most favorite baby blanket pattern is the Lacy Baby Blanket pattern!  So pretty and I love the color!

I also like the Lacy Chessboard Baby Blanket pattern.  Can you tell that I'm all about the baby blankets?  I love them!

The Lacy Braids Baby Blanket is really pretty.  It's also a free pattern.

I'm thinking of what I can make with her Easy Shells stitch pattern.  The possibilities are endless.

If you have a few minutes, stop by and view all the lovely patterns she has to offer!  You won't be disappointed!  :)

Inspired by...

Today's post is about the blog, Mereknits.
http://mereknits-mereknits.blogspot.com/

She crochets, she knits, she weaves, she cooks (some), she blogs about her family, especially her dog, Max, and much more.  I enjoy reading her blog because I can associate with having a child away at college.  I also can sympathize with the finished crochet and knitted items that don't turn out like they are supposed to.

Here are a few things from her blog that stuck with me:

Her comment about Interchangeable Knitting Needles.  I'm dying to get some of these.  Her comments make me think twice about it because I'm not an experienced knitter and if I have my needles come undone, I would have to start the project over from the beginning and that would be bad.

She posts recipes for those with hypoglycemia.  Small T has hypoglycemia.

She is participating in the Stash-busting For Stashaholics Challenge.  So am I!

I really like her tutorial for the knitting ornaments.  I could see myself making some of these!

I found the "how to make a scarf loom" post very interesting.  If I was a weaver, this would be very informative.

I absolutely LOVE her cup cozies.  I swear, I am making some of these!  They are on my list of things I want to make, so they will be done!!!

I've been thinking about making some crochet curtains for my bedroom.  She's made one and it turned out great!

She sometimes joins up with a CAL or a KAL.  I like that.  I do this once in a while as well.

I love the Chocolate Blanket she made her son.  She said it's a simple treble crochet shell pattern. I need to look this up.

She has a couple of tutorials for crochet flowers.

But most of all, I love her post from June 16, 2009.  It's titled "Dear Children".  I can associate with this 100% and I think those same words all the time.

So...that's my opinion of her blog.  I really enjoy visiting there and I hope you do too.

Inspired By...

I haven't listed an "Inspired By" blog in a few days, so today I thought I would list one that I absolutely love.  It's one of my top 10 favorite blogs.
Today, and every day, I am inspired by the blog, Little Cotton Rabbits.
http://littlecottonrabbits.typepad.co.uk/

Basically, this is a blog about knitting (and some crochet) and about her family life.  In particular, about the joys and perils of raising an autistic child.  This really hits home with me because I have a 13 (almost 14) year old nephew, Mickey, that's autistic.  I love him dearly and he loves me back.  That's why I'm his favorite aunt.  :)  We don't live close to each other but that's ok.  When we are together, I let him take the lead (in some things), and we are quite the pair.  I'm his safety net and he's my inspiration.  When he's at my home, it's his home, and he feels safe here, where he's allowed to be himself.  I could go on and on about Mickey, but I won't.  I just wanted to share this blog and hope that it can be a place where others with autistic children or family members can go visit and know that they are not alone.

Not meaning to leave out the knitting part of her blog, you have got to see the most beautiful little animals she knits.  They are gorgeous!  I swear, I'm going to get on her waiting list, and buy one for my first born (future) grandchild.  She offers up some free knitting patterns from time to time as well so if you're a skilled knitter, which I'm not, you might find something here that you like.

This blog has a lot more to offer than what I've mentioned here.  There are some beautiful crochet pieces, some recipes, and much, much more.  Stop by for a visit.  You might be surprised what you find.  :)

Inspired by...

The last two days, I've been visiting the blog, Tales From A Happy House.
http://www.talesfromahappyhouse.com/

From the first blog entry, I've already learned something.  I've learned that Hama Beads are not just for kids.  She played right along with her kids and made 4 very unique coasters out of these beads and I am absolutely in love with them.  From visiting these blogs lately, I'm really learning to keep an open mind about crafting and the different methods or techniques that are out of my normal crafting scope.  This craft was a real "eye opener" for me.

Here are some more highlights of her blog (or at least what I found interesting):

I got a real kick out of "John" being so specific in his "wants" in regards to the Leeds United scarf she made him.  :)  It's nice to see a man that knows what he likes and isn't settling for anything less.  Once he received it, he's wearing it non-stop, so that's a real testament to her crocheting skills.

I'm not really big on stuffed animals, but I do enjoy the "homemade" ones.  I could really see myself purchasing an animal like Bella's Rabbit as well as a wardrobe of clothes for her.  I wouldn't want it for myself but would love to get a couple of them and put them away for my future grandkids.

She shares a great tutorial for making bird cakes to hang in the trees for the winter birds to eat.  We're big bird feeding people here in my household so this is something my husband might be interested in trying.

The "cleaning out the cupboards" post has inspired me to do the same with mine.  I know I've got partial bags of chocolate chips, some pecans, and other things left over from my Christmas baking that I should be using up instead of letting go to waste.

I think it's so sweet that she made Angus a dog "softie" and then she really completed the whole present off when she wrapped it in a blanket and put it in a suitcase.  Sometimes, I don't think about the "whole package" when I make something and this teaches me that I should.

The flower hair clips and the alphabet beaded bracelets she made for the treat bags for her daughter's birthday really personalized the bags for each girl.  That took some time to do and it really made it special.  She's a thoughtful mom.  I like that.

She has a great idea for her granny square blankets.  After she made all the little circles, she threaded them on the yarn end of each color she's using for the next round.  That's a truly inspirational idea!

I feel like I'm not alone in regards to my knitting issues after reading her experiences with The Knitted Washcloth.  I am NOT very good at knitting, but I do try.  Her post made me smile and say to myself, "I've been there".  Heck, I'm still there.

The crocheted scarf she made for her 6 year old niece is just darling.  So sweet and girlish.  Just what a 6 year old would want.  If I was 6, I would want it.  I might want one now.  In black, red and gray.  A grown up version to match my winter coat.

In her Sept. 17th, 2013 post, I totally adore her "garland #2".  It's very similar to what I'm wanting to make for my bedroom.

She re-did the kids' small wooden playhouse on a very limited budget and it came out great!  She did a great job recycling and reusing items.

I like that her crocheted items are not all done in the soft pastel colors that a lot of other people favor right now.  She uses the colors that she likes.  I use a few pastels every now and then, but my home is very masculine in it's style so most of my projects end up using the rich, deep jewel tones of green, blue, red, etc. with some browns thrown in.  I always feel a bit out of place in the crochet world due to my color choices but she shows me that she also uses a different color palette so I don't feel so bad.

She's inspiring me to try "lemon curd".  I've never had it.  However, Big Daddy and Small T love the taste of lemon, so it would be worth a try.

I like that she makes jams and jellies.  This year, we will be making them again.  Our current stock is depleted.  I'm lucky in that I have a cherry tree in the back yard so I have plenty of them for my own use as well as for sharing or trading.  My favorite jam I make is blackberry/cherry.  It's fabulous!

I like how she re-made her daughter, Bella's room.  I particularly like the thick striped blanket on her bed and the spray painted picture frames.  So cute!  And the fairy lights are gorgeous in there as well.

She has a great tutorial for sprucing up your gardening pots with a bit of paint.  Lovely!

I'm intrigued that she gave potted sunflower starts as one of the party favors at her son's birthday party.  That's a unique idea.  To go with the topic of the sunflower starts, this is the first time I've seen a grow house versus a green house.  I wonder if they have them here in the USA?  Apparently it comes in a kit, so I will have to do some checking around.

In the April 16th, 2013 post, she shows a knitted cushion cover on her daughter's bed.  I love it!  It's something I could make even with my limited knitting skills.

I really got a kick out of the Shoebox Bedroom For a Little Mouse that she blogged about.  Such creativity astounds me!  I wish I had thought about some of these things when my kids were making diorama's for school projects.  (There is also a Shoebox Kitchen.)

I like her quick and easy tutorial for making Granny Chic Tea Lights.

You know, I never thought I'd say this, but toliet paper rolls can really turn out some great craft projects.  Just take a look at the Nativity they made (Dec. 6th, 2012 post).  All I can say is "Wow".

She shares a good tutorial for making Felt Christmas Stockings (big ones).

I never thought of calling chocolate dipped pretzel rods "edible sparklers".  That's a much better name for them!

Her "How To Applique" Tutorial is something that might just come in handy someday.  I'll have to remember this post of hers.  I think she did a bang-up job covering the holes in her blanket with the applique birds.  It looks absolutely wonderful now.

And last, but not least, while reading her blog (yep...the whole thing), I ended up googling several things.  First, what's the difference between fairy cakes and cup cakes.  Then, what is lemon curd.  Also, what is clotted cream.  There was another question in there too, but I can't remember what it was at this moment.  I'll think of it later on, I'm sure.

Anyway, if you're up for a good blog visit, stop by this one.  There's lots of beautiful photography, recipes, crafts, and much more, so you'll have plenty to read about, and hopefully be inspired by.

Inspiration

Yesterday, I visited the blog, Mon Makes Things.
http://www.monmakesthings.com/

If you like variety, this is the blog for you.  She makes a lot of different things using a variety of craft techniques.  Here are a few of my favorites:

I was thrilled to see that she is participating in the Crochet Mood Blanket 2014 challenge.  I am too!
She has shared a free crochet pattern.  It's the Arden Granny Square Pattern.
I fell in love with her Pallet Christmas Tree.  My husband could make me one of these!
She does String Art and that's something that I'm wanting to try.
Her Star Light Garland Tutorial is something I would love to try as well.  It looks pretty easy.
She has a WIP that is very inspirational to me.  It's a colorful granny blanket made out of hexagons.  She even posts a How-To for it.
The Crochet Heart Pillow pattern is something that I could see myself making for my nieces.

There are many, many more tutorials and projects to see so stop by for a visit.  I'm sure you'll find something that appeals to you and your crafting talents!

Inspired By...

Today, I am visiting the blog, My Little Red Suitcase.
http://lifeatmylittleredsuitcase.blogspot.com/

What I'm inspired by:

I love the colors of the latest cushion cover that she is making.  The colors really pop against the white background!  I also like the cushion cover with the gray or natural colored background (she calls it her biscuit cushion).  I could see that one in my home.
The way she has decorated her bedroom ceiling lamp (chandelier) is right up my alley!  I just need to find a chandelier for my room.  I need to add it to my list of "wants" for all the garage sales this summer.
She has made a "Homemade @ my place" Christmas Tree....and that's on my list to make as well!
Her crocheted Autumn Blanket is just beautiful!  I would like this in my home too!
I like that she tries out other crafts besides ones that involve yarn.  Like her, I think of myself as a crafter not an artist, but I LONG to be an artist.  I admire her for her month of watercolor painting small pieces of paper and then making a collage out of them at the end of the month.
The colors of her Easter Rug are so Spring-like and that's just the ticket for me while I'm suffering with Winter.
I thoroughly love her old sewing machine, Miss Trissie, that's been passed down through the family.  She's the 3rd generation to use it.  That's fantastic!
I've decided that I LOVE fake fur pillows and rugs.  Gotta get me one of each.  In a natural tone though.  No florescent colors. **I might have to take that back.  I just saw the red, furry rug in her teen's room...and it's making me go "WOW!".**
The small hexagon blanket she made is just adorable!  I want one so badly!  But I've never attempted a hexagon blanket before.  I'm going to have to pull up my big girl panties and give it a go this year.  No more procrastination!
The Granny Stripe Blanket on her teen's bed is wonderful!

Her blog is full of photography...beautiful flowers, lovely countryside, handmade projects either made by her or thrifted, and much, much more.  Take a few moments and stop by for a visit.

Inspiration

Today, I would like to talk a little bit about this blog...Mias Landliv.
http://miaslandliv.blogspot.com/

If I could pick a house to live in, I would pick hers.  I absolutely adore her home.  I love her decorating scheme so much and it's one huge point of inspiration to me.  I'm a shabby chic girl at heart, living in a home with a very masculine decorating scheme with antlers on the walls and wood paneling everywhere.  I think what draws me to her home so much is she does "shabby chic" in a clean, simple style.  It's just beautiful and it calls to me every time I visit her blog.  In particular, I love her throw that is worked in shades of gray and naturals and is both knitted and crocheted.  It's just lovely.  I also long for her cushions.  Especially the cabled knit cushions in gray, soft pink and a creamy white color.  So feminine but so usable.  And last, but not least, I'm awed that she uses quilts and crocheted coverlets as tablecloths.  I wouldn't dare do that here in my home of messy people, but I LONG to do so.  In summary, if you would like to visit a lovely little Norwegian home that's just beautiful to look at, please visit her blog.  She quilts, crochets and knits as well as shares a few recipes as well as beautiful photos of her home and garden.  She's truly inspiring.

Inspired By...

Today, I visited another blog that's new to me, Knot Your Nana's Crochet.
 http://www.knotyournanascrochet.com/.

This is a blog where she lists her free crochet patterns along with some of the other projects she makes.  She also has a Ravelry and Craftsy page with patterns for sale.

I found several patterns that I can see myself making:

the Simple Crochet Roses (in 3 sizes)
The Large Flower Hair Bow Holder (I could see Small T using this for her cheerleading bows)
The Blooming Rose's Blanket Pattern (it's beautiful!)
the Easy Market Bag
the Crochet Chain Bracelet (my nieces would love these!)

She also hosts a few CAL's:

The Granny Square CAL
The Christmas MCAL (mystery CAL)
The Halloween Themed MCAL

I also like that she has posted the following:

10 Ways To Join Granny Squares
10 Free Crochet Edging Patterns
How To Block Acrylic Granny Squares
10 Great Granny Projects

Stop by her blog sometime and see if there's anything you would be interested in making!!!

Inspired By...

Today, I'm visiting the blog, Caught On A Whim.  http://www.caughtonawhim.com/

This blog is (recently) new to me.  But that didn't stop me from sitting down and reading the "whole" blog in one fell swoop. (Twice now!)  I like that she does a variety of crafts...crochet, sewing, jewelry making, etc..  She also has a lot of "style" tutorials that would definitely be up Small T's alley.

I'm inspired by:

The (absolutely brilliant) Granny Square Christmas Tree Skirt she made.  All I can say is "Wow"!
Her Crochet Spiral Christmas Tree Pattern (I've already tried it out!)
The Sequin Sparkles Ornament (How-To)
I like her Style Tip on How To Make A Necklace Look Longer and she gives a tutorial on how to make the Acorn Necklace too!
Her Daisy Crochet Pattern
Her "Crafty Photography Set Up" tips - I always need help with taking good photos for my blog
The DIY:  Wordy Sweater Tutorial
The DIY:  Gift Bow Hair Clip
The DIY:  Big Dreams Dreamcatcher  (Small T would love this!)
The DIY:  Sequin Hairclip (Small T would love this too!)
The Turtle Cake Recipe  (looks yummy and I don't like Chocolate cake)
The DIY:  Flower Hair Clip
The DIY:  Floral Pin

She makes some beautiful projects that she uses...either around her home or as a fashion accessory.  It doesn't look like she spends a lot of money on them either.  I like that!

Crochet "S" - Stash-Busting For Stashaholics

Using yarn from my stash, I made myself 11 little granny squares.

Ch 4.  Join to form a ring.

Round 1- Ch 2, 2 dc in ring; *3 dc in ring, ch 2; repeat 2 more times; ch 2, join to top of beg ch 2.

Round 2- ch 1, sc in each st around, working (sc, ch 2, sc) in each corner.

Fasten off.

 Inspired by the Crochet Letters on the blog, Homemade @ My Place

http://homemadeatmyplace.blogspot.com/2013/12/hello-sign-done.html.

 I crocheted the squares together.

 Grabbed a piece of cardboard and started sewing my "S" onto it, since I wanted it to have a bit of sturdy backing.

 Then I cut around the edge of the S.

 And I didn't pay a bit of attention to what I was doing.

 And cut the yarn (in several places) that was holding the S down.

 So I sewed it down again and taped the yarn ends down.

And Ta-Da!!!!!  The "S" is finished.  I'm going to add a bit of clear fishing line to the back and hang it up on the wall in my bedroom.....my "purple" bedroom.  :)

Inspired By...

In the past week, I visited a blog called Apple Blossom Dreams http://www.appleblossomdreams.com/ and fell completely in love with the colors, crochet and Norwegian style of decorating.

I was inspired by:
The crochet embellished clock
The Poinsettia Wreath
The Autumn (Rose) Wreath
The Granny Rose  CAL
The Granny Rose hat
The sticks/twigs with the apple blossoms on them (Lion Brand pattern for the apple blossoms)

There are plenty, and I mean plenty, of wonderful projects and photos to see on this blog.  The ones I listed above called out to me but there were a lot more I didn't list.  Take some time to visit her blog, you'll be happy you did.  :)

Inspired By...

It's taken me several days of limited computer time to visit the latest blog on my list, Mrs. Thomasina Tittlemouse.  http://mrsthomasinatittlemouse.blogspot.com/

This blog features a lot of recipes (especially for breads and jams) and some beautiful crochet work.  The photos are total eye candy!

What inspired me during my visit:

Her spiced apple juice recipe
the twigs in a jug decorated with fairy lights and clear glass ornaments (just beautiful!)
the Jam Jars Crocheted Covers (lids) - there's a link to a couple of patterns
the Crocheted Christmas Wall Hanging (lovely)
the flower-shaped pot holder pattern (complete with link)
the twigs decorated with cherry blossoms (I would love to have this in my home)
the heart shaped pom poms (wish i had one of these pom pom makers)
the colors of the "Summer Has Come From The Sunny Land" blanket

This blog is really worth visiting and you'll get a glimpse of life in the UK.  So stop on by and see what she's got to offer.

Visiting... ( & Inspired By )

Today, I'm visiting the blog, Coco Rose Diaries.  http://cocorosetextiles.blogspot.com/ .

I'm loving the cottage-style feel that I'm experiencing while reading her posts.  The beautiful pastel colors and the coziness that you see in her photos makes me long for this in my home too.  She shares her lovely crochet and knit projects that she makes and inspires me to think outside of my normal color routine and add a bit of softness and comfort to my life.

Stop by and visit her blog for a bit.  You'll be pleased that you did.  :)  The "eye candy" is fantastic!

**Edited to add:
In between working on the mountain of dirty laundry, washing the dishes, and baking homemade bread, I managed to work my way through the entire blog last night and today.  Now, I'm ready to reveal what items inspired me from this wonderful blog.

Inspiration:
The Hot Water Bottle Cover Tutorial
The color of her "All Boys" blanket (for picnics)
The Circus Patchwork Crochet blanket (it's a hexagon one...and I'm dying to make one now)
The colors of the Evening Sun Blanket (scrumptious)
and her Amineko Cats she made (I love them)