Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas

Isaiah 9:2 & 6

2 The people walking in darkness
have seen a great light;
on those living in the land of the shadow of death
a light has dawned.

6 For to us a child is born,
to us a son is given,
and the government will be on his shoulders.
And he will be called
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

2 Wassails - Alcoholic & Non-Alcoholic

Wassail - Alcoholic

Ingredients:
6 cups ale OR port wine
1 cup sugar
pinch of cinnamon
pinch of ginger
pinch of cloves
pinch of nutmeg
6 eggs, beaten
4 roasted apples

• Heat ale in a saucepan. Add sugar and spices, bring to a boil. Remove from heat and gradually add a small amount of hot ale mixture to the beaten eggs. Return to saucepan and cook until somewhat thickened. Place apples in a heat-proof punch bowl and pour hot liquid over.

Wassail - Non-Alcoholic

Ingredients:
4 cups apple juice
2 cups cranberry juice
2 whole cinnamon sticks
5 whole cloves
1 tablespoon allspice

• Heat juices. Tie spices in cheesecloth and add spice bag to heated juices and leave for about 10 minutes. Remove spice bag and serve.

Pattern Picks - Sampler Blocks Baby Blanket

N.Y. Yarns has up a pattern called Cotton Crochet Sampler Blocks Baby Blanket. It's a very pretty combination of sampler squares and though they have it made in several colors I think it would look very good in one color that accentuates the textures of the samples as well.

Pattern Picks - Santa Baby Hat

Caron has a really cute Santa Baby Hat pattern. Looks warm and definitely in the holiday style.

Charity Spotlight - Operation Toasty Toes

Operation Toasty Toes makes handmade knitted and crocheted slippers, dickeys, headbands, helmets (a.k.a. ski masks), watch caps and wristlets (a.k.a. fingerless mitts). These items are mailed to the Armed Forces stationed overseas. You have to use their patterns only but it's a nice way to support the troops. Click the link to find a chapter near you.

Pattern Picks - Blushing Grannies Afghan

Coats has up a really nice project called Blushing Grannies Afghan. This is done in color faded rows of granny squares done in blush shades but I think it would just as nicely in the favorite color fades of your choice. I think it's a very elegant way to do a granny square afghan. Check it out.

Loopy Thread

The 33rd episode of getting loopy features Kathryn White speaking on thread crochet. She talks about her various accomplishments and about the classes on Crochetville. She shares her love of the intricacies of thread and hook. It's not often that thread crochet gets top billing in anything. She does a great job representing her favorite form of crochet. She also has a real cool Crochet N Beads Etsy Shop.

Hop on over and check out of the archive if you didn't get to hear it. Links and all the info can be found at Getting Loopy. [G.L. link in this posts header and also on the right sidebar]

NOTE: There are no Getting Loopy shows 12/22 and 12/29 because of the holidays but will be back January5.

Pattern Picks - Nooks 'n Crannies Square

I wanted to highlight Sally Ives Nooks 'n Crannies Square. I'm not a big grannies fan but this one I think is very pretty. I like the circular motif inside the square.

Pattern Picks - Scruby Bumpy Face Cloth

Hey folks. Now I'm not much for making face cloths and that sort of thing usually but you may want to head over to Craft Leftovers and take a look at their Crocheted Scruby Bumpy Face Cloth. The bumpy texture is supposed to help with exfoliation but I have to say I think the stitch itself works up really pretty and I like it. So go take a look and remember folks, someone worked to put the pattern together so if you download the free pattern a thank you isn't to much to pay in return.

Creamy Corn And Broccoli Chowder

Creamy Corn And Broccoli Chowder

Ingredients:
2 tbsp butter
1 medium onion chopped
1 clove garlic finely chopped
3 tbsp all purpose flour
¼ tsp black pepper
½ tsp tarragon
3 cups vegetable broth
3 cups broccoli chopped
2 cups corn kernels
1 cup half and half OR any kind of milk

• Melt butter in a pot over medium heat and cook onion and garlic for 2 to 3 minutes until tender. Add in the flour and pepper stirring constantly for another minute then stir in tarragon, broth, broccoli and corn. Turn heat to high and bring up to the boil then reduce heat and simmer 10 minutes stirring occasionally, veggies should be tender. Stir in half and half and cook for another 2 to 3 minutes until heated through but do not boil.

Makes 4 servings

Pattern Picks - Diamond Hat & Scarf

Crochet World magazine's featured pattern is the lovely Diamond Hat & Scarf. Almost anyone will love this chic and stylish hat and scarf set. You could even crochet it in school colors. It features puff stitch diamonds so you can learn how to puff stitch if you don't already know. Warning: This is a PDF document pattern.

Pattern Picks - Colorful Carryall

If you need a great gift idea for a friend who crochets Talking Crochet's Colorful Carryall is a great solution. This handy little case, as you can see, is perfectly styled to hold a generous set of crochet hooks. However, it can have other uses, too. For example, it could hold coupons for shopping, cards or money. You could insert bills, sorted by denomination, through the different post-stitch bands, and arrange your credit and bank cards in the bands as well. Naturally you could make the colors to suit your own taste

Tutorial Picks - Tunisian Reverse Stitch

Wonder How To has a little video up on how to create the Tunisian reverse stitch. The hook is inserted in back through the middle of the vertical bars and out the back side. Worked into a project it may help to reduce some of that curl up you get on a Tunisian project at the corners. Go take a look and learn How To.

Pattern Picks - Button Ornaments

Taking Crochet's Button Ornaments are fun and easy to make, and they're a great way to use up some of those beautiful leftover buttons in your sewing box. You can decorate the ornaments with additional trims, such as ribbon and bead string, as shown, or add your own choice of embellishments.

Pattern Picks - Angel Bells

There is no Getting Loopy today but instead we have these adorable little Angel Bells, they immediately made me think of that well-known line from the classic holiday movie, It's a Wonderful Life: "Every time a bell rings, an angel gets its wings." These little angels will add such a charming touch to your Christmas decorations.

Crock Pot Chicken With Mushroom Wine Sauce

Crock Pot Chicken With Mushroom Wine Sauce

Ingredients
1 10.75oz. can condensed cream of mushroom soup
¼ cup onion minced
1 tsp dried parsley
¼ cup white wine
¼ tsp garlic powder
1 tbsp milk [any kind]
½ cup mushrooms sliced
½ tsp black pepper
4 boneless skinless chicken breast halves

• Mix together the soup, onion, parsley, wine, garlic powder, milk, mushrooms and pepper. Place chicken in the crock pot, covering with the soup mixture and cook on low setting for 5 to 6 hours, OR on High setting for 3 to 4 hours.

Makes 4 servings

Pattern Picks - Snowflake Garland

Coats has up a really cute pattern I wanted to let you all know about. It's a crocheted Snowflake Garland. Now I'm not a very Christmasy person mainly because of the over commercialization but I think this is really adorable. You could decorate your windows or your tree with it. I was also thinking if you have some white plastic shopping bags you want to use up you could make this garland out of plarn and even decorate some of your outdoor shrubbery. Now how is that for versatile and inspirational?

Lion Newsletter 4th for Nov

The 4th Lion newsletter for November is out. It features the introduction of 100% Cashmere from the new LB Collection. The free patterns include Fast, Easy Gifts to Make on a Budget but still coming out slightly heavy on the knitting side. I have to say that even though there are only 3 free crochet patterns as opposed to 5 knit patterns the crochet ones offered really do rock. The free patterns are as follows. Crochet: Driving Gloves, Ruffle Scarf & Graphic Squares Afghan. Knit: Easy Knit Mitten, Aran Cable Scarf, Hooded Knitted Sweater, Thigh High Socks & Lover's Knot Afghan. If you follow the Lola cartoon there are links to Amigurumi Turkey, Felted Fall Wreath & Cornucopia and Fruit however these patterns were given in a previous newsletter. If you missed those this is a good chance to get them. There is a link to their kids newsletter which shows how to Learn to Make Your Own Amigurumi. For the kit sale of the week you can get 50% Off their Knit Stained Glass Hat & Scarf pattern. The Trim of the Week crocheted Lattice Fringe

Happy Thanksgiving!

Outdoor Fiber Inspiration

Kingdom Of Style has a really cool and inspirational post up about a fiber terrific movement of Crocheted and knitted graffiti. I find this strangely attractive. Covered trees, statues and even a deserted gas station. I especially like the trees. Talk about tree hugging. What could be cooler than some crochet love for your tree? Pretty darn cool I say and it sure beats painted names all over everything. Now you probably don't want to use your most expensive hand spun but wouldn't just a little covering somewhere with some of your scrap yarn be something? What do you think?

Crochet & Knit Harmony

Curbly has up a very keen post about her friend that made a blanket of knit circles with crochet edges that were crocheted together. Get some inspiration and feel the luv of Crochet and knit joined together in harmony when you read about Joy's Circles of Blankety Goodness.

Loopy Wrapped

Getting Loopy number 31 hosts Kristin Omdahl talking about her Wrapped In Crochet Book. Sorry this is a quickie but I'm up to my ears in moving duties. Please keep supporting Loopy in my absence.

Hop on over and check out of the archive if you didn't get to hear it. Links and all the info can be found at Getting Loopy. [G.L. link in this posts header and also on the right sidebar]

Crochet! January 2009

I just got my January issue of Crochet! and I've had a bit of time to page through before posting my comments. This is just a review through Rabbit9's eyes and not meant as any criticism to unpicked items. I'm just highlighting the patterns and articles that especially appeal to me.

Articles:
Elegant Hooks: Crochet With Comfort: This is a little review of Elegant Hooks made by Al and Bella Bourassa for people that have join or muscle pain that makes it hard to hold a regular hook. You get one handle and the hook part is interchangeable coming in a set of 6 plus an accessory bag and a few replacement O-rings. You can also get additional hooks separately.

Secrets for Seaming Success: Several methods of joining pieces are discussed here. A very beneficial article for both beginner and advanced crocheters including pictures so you can see what they are doing as well as text descriptions.

Crocheting Socks That Fit: Need I say again that socks in crochet rock? Ok well they do so there and if you are having trouble getting yours to fit right this article is one you need to read. It goes through how to measure and how to adjust by shoe size. If you want to make the kind of socks you can wear in your shoes & fit to your actual feet and legs check this article out.

Patterns:
Threads of Compassion Scarf by Bendy Carter: Not only is the scarf lovely but it can be donated to the charity Threads of Compassion which provides scarves for the victims of sexual violence.

Striped-Yoke Top by Melissa Leapmin: This is a very pretty sweater that I think would look good on almost any body type. Depending on the yarn you choose and what you wear it with I think it could go from casual to slightly dressy.

Mens Hooded Cardigan by Treva McCain: A simple but still elegant cardigan for the men in your life. Yes, that's right, men. So for all you out there wanting to crochet something your man might actually wear I suggest you check this pattern out.

Zigzag Rib & Small Slanted Shells by Annie's Attic: This is a continued series. What's not to love about learning a new stitch you might be able to use in making up your own patterns. These two stitches are both very pretty in their own way Zigzag Rib has an almost basket weave look. Small Slanted Shells has almost a vertical bullion look to it. Sorry but that's the closest I can get to a description. You just have to see this one to really appreciate it.

Fair Isle & Easy Breezy Socks by Janet Rehfeldt: As you know I so dig crochet socks. For so long I could only find knitted patterns and I knew there must be a way to crochet them. Actual socks not the slipper things. This article has 2, count 'em 2 patterns to choose from. I say why choose, make both and Show that cool socks can be crocheted too, not just knit.

Continental Cable Scarf by Peter Franzi: Ok you scarf makers get your hook out because this one rocks. I'm not a huge fan of post stitches. Normally I think it's an attempt to make the look of knit cables in crochet but it doesn't quite work for me. This pattern however has a much better look than most crochet "cables" to me. It is very classy and I have to give all kinds of props to Peter. I'm also personally glad to see more men getting into crochet.

Black & white Hat & Solid Hat by Sharon Mann: For me hats rank even higher than socks and these two are beauties. Rounded hats with brims. The B & W has a very elegant stripe and buckle that I think is just beautiful and the solid is a fun pattern with a flower with the stem going around as the band. I think it would make a great summer sun hat.

Sampler Shawl by Kim Guzman: The name says it all. Large pattern squares and solid squares teamed up with a beautiful scalloped edging to make this really beautiful shawl. Definitely a must do for someone special on your gift list.

Letter-Baby Jacket by Brandee Fondren: This is really cute and classic version of a letterman jacket for a child. This would be great if you are looking for a pattern for young boys. The sizes are for 6 to 24 months.

Those are my personal hot picks for this issue but there are many more that I did not mention. My congrats to every designer in the issue for their patterns and pushing through to make crochet fun and fashionable.

Pomegranate Apple Crisp

Pomegranate Apple Crisp

Ingredients:
4 medium apples peeled cored and sliced
½ pomegranate seeds - skin and light colored membrane removed so it's just the seeds
½ cup brown sugar
1 tbsp ground cinnamon
½ tsp ground nutmeg
½ cup rolled oats
½ cup all purpose flour
½ cup sugar
½ cup unsalted butter melted

• Preheat the oven to 375o F and grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
• Mix together the apples, pomegranate seeds, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Spread evenly into the baking dish. Stir together the oats, flour and sugar and rub in the butter between your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs then sprinkle over the top of the fruit. Bake for 45 minutes or until the apples are soft.

Makes 8 servings

Hot/Cold Roll & Embroidery

I improvised this design of a hot/cold roll as a gift for a friend. It's crocheted in a simple shell stitch and filled with sterilized cherry stones. I used Bernat Satin in colorway jade and an H hook. As the name implies it can be put in the refrigerator to be used cold or heated in the microwave to be used hot. The embroidery I did by hand on a handkerchief to wrap the roll in and tied with a ribbon for gifting in place of wrapping paper. Eco friendly and beautiful if I do say so myself.

Lion Newsletter 3rd for Nov

The 3rd Lion newsletter for November is out. It features a lot of knitting including a new knit-along, wrist warmers and knit trim. The free patterns include washcloths to crochet & knit. For the kit sale of the week you can get 50% Off their Crochet Hazelnut Scarf pattern. You can also share your story and your tips with others about how crocheting and/or knitting helps you deal with stress. Definitely another issue more geared to knit than crochet but what they do offer isn't bad.

Charity Spotlight - The Mother Bear Project

I'm posting today about The Mother Bear Project. This seems a worthwhile charity to crochet for but I will bring to your notice that they only accept there bear patterns and you have to pay for the pattern but they do crochet as well as knit so if you want to pay a few dollars for their bear pattern and make a difference it's a good cause.

The Mother Bear Project is dedicated to providing comfort and hope to children affected by HIV/AIDS in emerging nations, by giving them a gift of love in the form of a hand-knit or crocheted bear.

Pattern Picks - Pineapple Shawl

Caron Yarns has up a very pretty pattern for a Pineapple Shawl. They have it made with their NatureSpun™ but it's not heavy. It's a very beautiful lacy and open pattern. It would be a nice pattern for those thinking of spring, like me.

My Finished Cockscomb Doily

This was a free pattern from Annie's Attic back in September and I've been working on finishing it. I did have to frog and re-do a bit. I did end up altering the pattern slightly. I left out the front post stitches on the round before last because I didn't like the way it looked as a personal preference. I also left off the last row because I have been making it as a gift and I just didn't have the time, I needed to get it mailed out and personally I thought it looked good as it is.

Pattern Picks - 2 from NY Yarns

This is a quickie because I'm hurrying but I wanted to post something. Just a heads up, these are both PDF documents.

Action Crocheted Hat & Scarf For Kids Designed By Katherine Eng

Crochet Hooded Scarf Designed By Katherine Eng

Loopy Double Stitch

This 30th Getting Loopy show features the Simmons Sisters, Erika and Monika talking about their book Double Stitch: Designs for the Crochet Fashionista. You can check out the designs in the book here on their blog or sign up to receive Double Stitch news and updates by adding your name to their e-mail list. These ladies are really something else in crochet. After all not everyone has Macy's select their collection, gets awarded the Style Makers and Rule Breakers award by Fashion Group International, and has the Chicago Sun-Times call you "The Divas Next Door". Go give a listen and see why these ladies deserve so much credit for their cutting edge work.

Hop on over and check out of the archive if you didn't get to hear it. Links and all the info can be found at Getting Loopy. [G.L. link in this posts header and also on the right sidebar]

Hearty Roasted Squash Soup

Hearty Roasted Squash Soup

Ingredients:
1½ lb. butternut squash halved and seeded
1 acorn squash halved and seeded
½ small spaghetti squash halved and seeded
3 tbsp butter
1 large onion chopped
3 cloves garlic minced
1 tbsp fresh ginger root minced
1 tsp curry powder
2 tart green apples peeled cored and chopped
2/3 cup sherry
5 cups vegetable broth
½ tsp black pepper
¼ tsp cayenne pepper or to taste

• Preheat oven to 400o F.
• Place the squash, cut side down, on baking sheets and roast for 45 minutes, or until flesh is soft. Scoop out the flesh into a large bowl. In a pot over medium heat melt the butter and saute the onion, stirring frequently, for 5 minutes or until tender. Stir in the garlic, ginger and curry powder and cook 1 minute then add the apples and sherry and simmer for 10 minutes, or until apples soften. Puree batches of the squash flesh and broth in a food processor or blender and transfer to a large soup pot. Puree the apple mixture and stir into pureed squash. Heat over medium heat and season with black pepper and cayenne, to taste.

Makes 6 servings

Pattern Picks - Sangria Shawl

Today's pattern spotlight beams down on Coats And Clark's Sangria Shawl. Very pretty and I'm almost drunk just on that gorgeous color. I think this would make a great shawl to wrap up in during the nippy winter season or a really great gift for that always cold person on your holiday gift list. You know the one...Me! Ha ha, just kidding.

Lion Newsletter 2nd for Nov

The 2nd Lion newsletter for November is out and I'm sorry to say it's a little disappointing for the crocheter in my opinion. The focus this time is on scarves which if fine, But, take a look at the difference between the knit patterns which have some style and flare and the crochet ones which to me seem a little boring and basic with the styles chosen. Sorry but I don't really need a pattern to DC back and forth rows in the width of a scarf. No there is nothing wrong with beginner patterns. I'm all for more people learning to crochet. I just don't see an evenness in the presentation of style in this issue. To me it says look at the knitting, cables, ribs, waves, BAM! Oh yeah and here's some simple ones for you crocheters. I'm not feeling the luv for the hook. On the plus side If you follow the link for the Lola cartoon you will find 3 more patterns. The Crochet Luxury Hood has some real potential if you don't mind working with fun-fur. For the knitters there is the Furry Pillbox Hat & Santa Hats. The kit sale of the week is 50% off the Knit Wild & Woolly Hat & Scarf Set. The trim of the Week is the crocheted Soft Center trim. Go take a look and let me know what you think.

David Nifong

JournalNow did a very inspirational story about David Nifong called Blanketing the Babies. David has crocheted dozens of blankets and hats for charity. Not only is he an inspiration to all of us who participate in the fiber arts but he is a shout out to all those men out there that don't think real men crochet. He's done a wonderful thing to contribute to a worthy cause. Now go read his story.

A Rabbit9 Update For Nov

I wont ask for them but if anyone wishes to pray for me I'd appreciate it. As some of you might know I have a disability. I have been praying to get into disability housing for some time. The lists are so long especially with all the budget cuts so it's a long wait that shouldn't be in the richest country as people call us. The Lord finally answered my prayers and one became available. Money will be tight for a while though I'm still grateful to get it. I have no family in the state so I'm not sure yet how I'm going to move to the next county where it is. I've been calling a lot of disabled info places and hopefully I can get something sorted out. I admit it's a little quick as I have to be moved by December which is going to make the holidays suck just a little more. I'm trying to look at it as a new start that hopefully will be for the best in the end. It's still a blessing for me and I will trust in the Lord for the rest while doing what I can do. I just wanted to let you all know if I'm not around so much that's why. I wont be blogging after the move until I get set up and if I can afford it. Once things settle I hope to meet any crochet people in the area. I'll probably make another post before I pack the comp but it's a heads up so folks know I haven't just disappeared. I really appreciate every one of you that have followed my blog and supported my first pattern. I'll be doing all I can to get back soon. Keep those hooks going and my prayers remain for each of you that the Lords great plan for you will be revealed in His good time.
Rabbit9

Charity Spotlight - Newborns in Need

Newborns in Need is a Cristian charity that provides several services. Among those is providing afghans, blankets, hats and booties and many other basic essential baby items. Anyone looking to crochet charity items could do worse than check out their site, find a local chapter and get started if you feel you agree with what they are doing.

Pattern Picks - John's Favorite Bucket Hat

Next in my Pattern Picks series. This one is a really great pattern by The Purl Bee. For those who have trouble finding great patterns for guys [and who doesn't?] go check out John's Favorite Bucket Hat. A cool and functional pattern for the man/men in your life. Definitely a great addition to you Christmas Crochet gift list.

Loopy Blueprint

Loopy Monday is again upon us and thank goodness for it. This 29th Getting Loopy show features Robyn Chachula talking about her way cool book Blueprint Crochet. Robyn has designed for yarn companies, had patterns published in loads of faboo crochet magazines, she's got several very good books out besides this one and has appeared on Knit and Crochet Today on PBS which was the feature of last weeks Getting Loopy. Basically like many other of the crochet designers I don't know when she sleeps but we thank her for all she does. Seriously you have to go hear this one. Power to the granny square!!!!! See now you would get that if you hear the show. ;-)

Hop on over and check out of the archive if you didn't get to hear it. Links and all the info can be found at Getting Loopy. [G.L. link in this posts header and also on the right sidebar]

Pattern Picks - Interweave Crochet 5 Free

Saturday Bonus Post

Just in time for the holidays the folks at Interweave Crochet put together a free e-book of 5 gift patterns. Patterns include: Toujours Hat by Kim Werker, In a Jiffy Juggling Balls by Toni Rexroat, Peppermint Hat & Scarf by Marilyn Murphy, Green Market Bag by Laura Rintala, and Charlie Brown Baby Cardigan by Kat Pullen. Yes you have to register on Interweave but that is free too so go sign up. I don't know if it's a limited time offer or not so go soon and don't miss out.

Pumpkin Carrot Casserole

Pumpkin Carrot Casserole

Ingredients:
8 medium carrots fully cooked and mashed
1 29 oz can pumpkin
4 tbsp brown sugar
¼ tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
4 tbsp butter melted
2 tbsp rum (optional)
1 16 oz can whole berry cranberry sauce

• Preheat oven to 375^o F and grease a casserole dish.
• Mix together the mashed carrots and pumpkin until blended. In a separate dish mix together the brown sugar, salt, pepper, butter and rum. Mix that into the carrot and pumpkin mixture until completely blended and then fold in the cranberry sauce. Pour the mixture into the prepared casserole dish and bake for 30 minutes.

Makes 8 servings

Lion Newsletter 1st for Nov

The 1st Lion newsletter for November is out and the Halloween fun has begun. In this issue you will find the Grace Scarf, amigurumi patterns for a Crochet Tom Turkey, a Crochet Cornucopia and a Crochet Wreath of felted leaves. There are also Afghans to Make in 6 Hours or Less, 2 are Crochet and 2 are the K word for those that run that bent. You can also get over 50% Off the current Kit which is also the K word but Rabbit9 does have fiber love for all that love us back so I'm mentioning the Knit Ermine Wrap. The trim this week is Knit Bobbles but you can also check the site for crochet trims so we are not left out. My personal pick is the amigurumi items. Very cute. Go look.

Warning - Pork Danger

Can you say EWWW! Be careful out there and spread the word. It may be Seattle now but with factory farming things like this wont take long to spread.

Tests find drug-resistant bacteria in store-bought pork

Pattern Picks - Easy Winter Throw

Inspired from yesterdays Loopy guests I'm spotlighting a very nice throw pattern from the Crochet Today site called Easy Winter Throw. Lovely simple warmth that anyone would love to curl up with to read a good book or enjoy a hot mug of cocoa. They also have a few other free patterns on that link so take a look around and find something that appeals to you.

Contest - Naturally Baby

Want to win up to $300? Got a hook and know how to use it? Then today's post is so for you. Boogie on over to Caron Yarns Naturally Baby Contest. Not only do you get a chance to win but they will donate money to benefit Project Linus so even if you don't win you still are doing something great for a child that needs it. That makes you a winner in my book every time. This is also open to knitters so if your fiber art runs that bent feel free to take a look.

Project Linus is a national non-profit organization with a two-fold mission: First, to provide love, a sense of security, warmth and comfort to children who are seriously ill, traumatized, or otherwise in need through the gifts of new, handmade blankets and afghans, lovingly created by volunteer "blanketeers". Second, it is the Project Linus mission to provide a rewarding and fun service opportunity for interested individuals and groups in local communities, for the benefit of children.

Creat A Better World - VOTE!!

If you come to this blog you are probably a crafty person. Today is your chance to create something big. A better world. Do I really believe that? Yes! We have something in this country that some countries don't have. A chance to voice our choice. There are a lot of big issues this year and I'm sure you know what they are so I wont get into all that. This is your chance to voice who you think can create a better world for us all. No it will never be a perfect world or a perfect system but why throw away a chance to perhaps be taking a step to a better direction. All we can do is take one day at a time, one choice at a time. Every choice you have made in your life has helped to create the person you are today. You can choose to change anything you don't like about yourself or your life but you need to take a moment to make the choice and be committed to take one step after the next. This is our chance to say what direction we think our country's next step should be. My vote choice is obvious and I encourage others to check out Ralph Nader but even if that isn't what you think is right then get out there and say what you think. If you throw away your choice you have no right to complain and in my view you are no better than those leading our country in the wrong direction. Doing nothing is a choice to let what you think is wrong continue to go on. Maybe your choice wont win but trying to make a difference matters. Use your voice for choice! And don't forget to take your hook, those lines may be long.
VOTE!
[Nader] ;-)
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In an effort to reward those who vote on Nov. 4, Starbucks is pouring free coffee. Their ad (airing on YouTube and at their website) makes it clear. Come in on Nov. 4th, say, “I voted,” and grab your tall coffee, no money required. It's a simple gimmick to get people to vote. I think there's a bit more to it than that, however.
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That's right, I'm not to proud to bribe you with free coffee if it gets you off your tail even if it's icky Starbucks coffee. No offense I'm just a tea Rabbit9.
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People Fighting Back - Vote Nader
Because there ARE more than 2 choices!

Ralph has campaigned in all 50 states. Check out the AP story
Ralph Nader for President 2008 - Official YouTube Channel
The Trail Of Broken Promises By Matt Gonzalez
Ralph Nader has appeared in a Third Party debate at the City Club of Cleveland. C-Span taped the City Club of Cleveland debate and the City Club will live stream the event on their website.

Loopy K.C. Today

Yeah!!! It's Loopy Monday again and this 28th Getting Loopy show featured Candi Jensen designer and Brett Bara Editor of Crochet Today magazine speaking about the new 2nd season of Knit And Crochet Today, that fabulous show for fiber loving people on PBS. You can find out if the show is playing near you by either the K&CT show link page or the PBS link page. Season 1 was really great and I'm really looking forward to this new season. How about you? The show was really great and they talked about everything from the TV show to the magazine, managing stash or the lack of it. Just boodles and boodles of stuff both funny and informative.

Hop on over and check out of the archive if you didn't get to hear it. Links and all the info can be found at Getting Loopy. [G.L. link in this posts header and also on the right sidebar]

Cheesy Pumpkin Casserole

Cheesy Pumpkin Casserole

Ingredients:
1 2lb. pumpkin
1 large onion finely chopped
2 tbsp unsalted butter melted
½ tsp cumin
¼ tsp white pepper
2 eggs
¾ cup milk [any kind]
¾ cup ricotta cheese

• Preheat the oven to 375o F and grease a baking dish.
• Cut pumpkin in half, and remove seeds and cut into ¼ inch thick slices. Peel slices, and place pumpkin slices into a bowl. Toss with onion and melted butter, and season with cumin and white pepper. Arrange the slices in the prepared baking dish and bake for 30 minutes. Beat eggs with milk and cheese then pour mixture over pumpkin in baking dish and continue baking for 20 minutes, or until golden brown.

Makes 6 servings

Happy Halloween

"Then Jesus spoke to them again, saying, "I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life." John 8:12

Happy Halloween Everyone.

Slipper Boots

I made these Slipper Boots from a pattern in Simple Slippers In Crochet using an F hook and Lion Brand Wool-Ease in Chelsea Twist colorway. I had to do a little math with this one since I have small feet but I am happy with them and I like the warmer boot style for winter when it’s cooler. These are very comfy. I also doubled the sole so they would have more cushion. Besides that I love the colors in this yarn. They are purple with red and green twisted in.

Corner Bookmark

Looking through the library they didn’t have much in the way of crochet books but one I looked at was Crochet: Fantastic Jewelry, Hats, Purses, Pillows and More By Jane Davis. It’s meant to be a children/teens book but I liked the corner bookmark. I don’t remember if that’s what it’s called in the book since I just jotted it down quickly because I didn’t want to check out the book for one small pattern. I did change the pattern slightly but not much.I used a size 7 steel hook and size 10 pink crochet thread that I had lurking in my stash. I will be giving it to a close friend of mine who loves pink for the holidays. It's meant to fit over a few pages on the corner of a book as you see in the picture here.

Warning - Candy, Coffee & Milk Tea Recall

I wanted to make my readers aware of a story I read today which involves mainly a candy recall but also mentions coffee & milk tea products. I especially wanted to note this story because of the Halloween season and those with children that will be getting candy from trick or treating or parties. Please take care, read the story and be informed on what is coming into your home.

Story Link:
Melamine-Tainted Candy Recall

Pattern Picks - Mummy Halloween Treat Bag

In honor of our Loopy Dude this Pattern Pick is the spook-tacular I Want My Mummy Halloween treat bag from Drew Emborsky "The Crochet Dude". Just the thing for your ghosts and goblins to collect their Halloween treats in this year so grab your hooks and get wrapped up in this wickedly fun project. Thanks Drew!

Loopy Dude

It's Loopy Monday dude, but not just any dude. Tonight's 27th Getting Loopy show featured Drew Emborsky "The Crochet Dude" talking about his book The Crochet Dude's Designs for Guys along with his many other patterns. Drew is living proof that real men can and do crochet! The ladies are not alone. So men give a listen and take up your hooks with pride. Apart from all that Drew is just plain fun and warm hearted and that comes across in this show. We have asked and asked publishers for real clothes for real people and not some French runway show stuff no one can wear put on real looking models. Well this book has it! No it's not just scarves and hats. Real guys wearing real crochet items that real guys would want so run over, listen to the show and go get yourself a copy of the book. Lets let those publisers know that real is what we want and real is what we will support.

Hop on over and check out of the archive if you didn't get to hear it. Links and all the info can be found at Getting Loopy. [G.L. link in this posts header and also on the right sidebar]

Squash and Pinto Beans

Squash and Pinto Beans

Ingredients
¼ cup vegetable broth
½ cup onion chopped
hot sauce to taste
2 garlic cloves minced
1 cup yellow squash sliced ½ inch thick
1 cup zucchini sliced ½ inch thick
½ cup corn kernels
1 16oz. can pinto beans drained
1 14.5oz. can diced tomatoes un-drained
3 fresh thyme sprigs
4 servings cooked brown rice

• Heat broth in a large pan over medium high heat. Add onion, hot sauce, and garlic and saute 2 minutes then stir in squash and zucchini and saute 2 more minutes. Add corn, beans, tomatoes and their liquid, and thyme.
• Cover and reduce heat, simmering 10 minutes.
• Discard thyme. Serve over cooked rice.

Makes 4 Servings

Green Halloween

Now and then good old Seattle kicks up a movement can be really proud of even though I'm not a WA native. Green Halloween is such a movement and now they are going nation-wide. I think this little blurb from their page sums it up really great and I hope you will go over and take a look for yourself, for our children and for our one and only planet which has sustained us all these many years and could use a bit of help now in return.

We hope that Green Halloween will inspire YOU to think outside the candy-box. We are dedicated to offering fun, healthy, affordable, not-too-time consuming ideas that will support your goal of creating a Halloween that is happy and healthy for your kids and the planet we all share.

Pattern Picks - Basket Liners

Curbly has some suggestions on Crocheting Basket Liners. I think that though it's not a specific pattern since basket sizes and shapes vary it still has some good advice on how to make a good crocheted liner. Check it out for yourself and see what you think.

Pattern Picks - Crocheted Ring Bracelet

Diane over at craft stylish has a very nice little tutorial on How to Make a Crocheted Ring Bracelet. The directions are clear with lots of pictures and I thought there would make nice stocking stuffer gifts for teen and tween girls this holiday season.

Charity Spotlight - Make A Cap

Another new feature here at TFB will be crocheting for charity. I want to spotlight some worthy causes especially now that we are coming closer to the season of giving. The only thing that makes the over commercialized holiday bearable for me is to remember the true meaning of the season. The birth of Jesus and the wise men coming with gifts, not a list of give me that needed to be checked twice. Of course you must all do what is right for yourselves but if you would like to make some gifts for charity I hope you will find at least one of the causes I will be posting over time a worthy one. That said I post my first crochet charity spotlight.

Save The Children is running a Make A Cap campaign. Now though it is called Knit One Save One, they also accept crocheted caps. I will quote here from their own site and you can take a look for yourself if you wish to participate.

By keeping a baby warm, your cap can save a life. Just download our Action Kit and you’ll get a variety of easy patterns for knitters or crocheters, as well as instructions for writing a letter to the new President.

Loopy Rwanda & Caron Yarns

Tonight's 26th Getting Loopy show featured Cari Clements talking about her job as design director of Caron Yarns. Cari also talked about her work with Rwanda Knits, and their Auctions [mark the dates: October 16-26, 2008]. There will some new yarns coming out and some discontinued. Which ones? I'm not going to tell you. You're just going to have to go listen, so there. ;-) Seriously this 45 minutes flies by. It's so interesting just to hear about how they came to pick Rwanda and what the women there have gone through. Amazing! Even if you're not a crocheter just go listen and then go look at the Auction items. Ever wonder where those samples go that you see pictured in pattern books and magazines? Well some of them are there straight from the designers own stash! 50% of the final auction price will also be tax deductible plus you are helping a great cause. What more can you want? No you can not have free yarn! ;-)

Hop on over and check out of the archive if you didn't get to hear it. Links and all the info can be found at Getting Loopy. [G.L. link in this posts header and also on the right sidebar]

Walla Walla Sweet Onion Quiche

Ingredients:
3 tbsp butter
1 large walla walla sweet onion diced
½ cup sour cream
1 12oz. can evaporated milk
1 packet dry leek soup mix
3 eggs
1½ cup monterey jack cheese shredded
1 9 inch deep dish frozen pie crust

• Preheat oven to 375o F.
  
• Saute butter and onion, cooking until lightly caramelized. Remove from heat and whisk in sour cream then slowly whisk in evaporated milk. Whisk in dry soup mix until completely incorporated then whisk in eggs. Mix in the shredded cheese until blended. Line a pie dish with the unbaked pie crust and pour mixture carefully into it. Place pie on a cookie sheet and bake for 40 to 45 minutes or until a knife inserted comes out clean. Let stand 10 to 15 minutes.

Makes 8 servings

Happy Green Carnival Rabbit9

Woooooooooo! Guess what guess what!! I got picked to be in Carnival of Green Crafts #7. My pattern for a Plarn Grocery Bag is featured in this issue along with several very other cool crafts. I'm really happy and flattered that my bag has been so popular. I've had 178 people get my pattern so far and I believe this honor may push it over the top of 200. I never guessed my simple pattern would be so wanted. It really is an honor to me since it's the first crochet pattern I made up and wrote down as I was doing it and tried to remember to take pictures for the pdf as I was going at key points. It was a real experience for me to have so many people appreciate my work. It's truly a blessing to me. I'm so grateful to God and to everyone that requested the pattern download. Thank you all so much and thank you also to Carnival of Green Crafts #7 for their recognition.

Pet Yarn Chic

You worked a long day and now it's time to settle down and relax. You have your crochet together, a good movie on and a nice cup of tea. You're set. You sit down into your favorite chair and within minutes you realize you're wearing a blanket that never saw a hook belonging to you or anyone else. Yup, your favorite pet has shed enough hair to make you look like a wookie with one sit down. What is a crocheter to do? Of course you love your pet to no end. No way you are going to do without that sweet fluffy face! However it's time for fluffy and duke to start earning their share and adding to the coffers of your stash instead of your laundry and housekeeping. So you say yeah Rabbit9, I can dig that but where are you going with this? What do I do, hook up my dog to my ball winder? Well, yes and no. It's time to tame the shed. Gather up the hair and go check out Pet Yarn Chic. They can take all the brushed shed [no clipped hair] and make it into yarn. At last you can make a sweater that you can actually take off and put on at will. Costs are on the page but I think after the initial set up this would be worth it if you have a heavy shedding or multiple animal[s]. You need to brush your animals anyway for their health and your housekeeping anyway so why not fatten your stash in reward for all your work at the same time? Take a look and see if it's worth it for you.

It’s absolutely easy … and fun,too! When you join Pet Yarn Chic you begin the process of regularly gathering and saving your pet’s shed or groomed fur and hair for your homespun yarn. We supply you, or your pet groomers, with a starter kit of hair collection instructions and shipping labels. As you send us your collected pet hair, we hand-spin it into yarn, and mail the finished yarn back to you. We will continue to spin your pet hair into yarn for as long as you like…whether it’s for one project…or for many projects to come.

Pattern Picks - Chic Crochet Cloche & Scarf

Continuing in my spotlight on other blogs and pattern post I just had to throw a little light on this scarf and hat pattern and thought it was just beautiful and right on time for the fall weather. Well done to Coats for their Chic Crochet Cloche & Scarf pattern.

Manuf®actured

Museum of Contemporary Craft page has up a really keen display called Manuf®actured: The conspicuous transformation of everyday objects and that's just what it is. The exhibit has several really killer crafty displays that are really inspirational such as art made from: re-crafted cardboard and polystyrene, sculptured lipsticks, hair that's been manipulated in every way imaginable, incredible intricate lace doilies, cut out container sculptures, mosaic-ed marker caps & thread spools, Marcel Wanders Knotted Chair, Hexagon wallpapers and the pièce de résistance [IMO] of the show Crochet Cube table. Holy cow! If you can't get inspired by that then I just don't know what. That cube is just too cool for words and I want one in the worst way. :-D Go check it out.