Looking for some Help please -CROCHET

I'm sendng out a plea to my fellow bloggers and friends who can crochet.
I've been searching out some new patterns for 'simple' projects I can make to help with our income, no matter how little it helps. I seem to find there are a LOT of BEAUTIFUL and ADORABLE Japanese/Asian/oriental patterns out there, almost more than there are 'English'. I LOVE using charts, and for the most part, I can follow charts pretty good. BUT,,,,I am finding a LOT in foreign languages, I just for the life of me can NOT figure out.

Can ANYONE help me please. Here is a sample of one, I just don't understand at all.

Thanks, I sure hope some one can help me :)

Chocolate Box Contest-OH NO! I have been invaded! LOL!!!

WoW what a fun week! I decided sort of last minute and talk about sliding into home base, to join the contest  Isdihara at Ambitatterous is having.  She is going to be giving away a wonderful prize! Personally I don't think I stand a chance as there are some really BEAUTIFUL entries. All the same,,,it was a blast joining in on the fun. As you can see my little buddy just had to get in on the fun. Barely kept him out of the chocolates! I think though if you look close enough you might find a little 'evidence' left behind :)
Sooo after thinking a bit on what sort of theme I could come up with,,,all I could think of was how 'chocolate' should be in EVERY tatter's first aid kit (unless you are allergic to it of course, then something else). Soo here is what I came up with!

I used a regular chocolate box, (only one I had in the house ha ha ha) and covered with wrapping paper. Then went to work tatting away. :) I used chocolate colored DMC crochet thread and wanted a 'chocolate' theme of course. Those letters weren't the easiest shaping. I found I have REALLY gotten rusty in my tatting.
The little bears you can find the pattern here by our wonderful creator Heather at Heather Designs  The lettering I used Josephine stitches (hope I have that right) LOL!

Then the amazing part is just before I found out about this fun contest,,,I came across a crochet pattern for making these yummy looking chocolates.!You can find the pattern here!  I of course had to put them in their own 'paper cups' Using a 'basket' pattern I found in Rebecca Jones'  Complete Book of Tatting,,, I created these little lacy paper cups. 

Then the icing I also tatted using the Josephine stitches.

Well I better get this posted or I will miss the deadline, if I haven't already.  Thank you Isa for such a fun contest! 

Y'all have a Happy Holiday Season, and Stay Warm, if you happen to live in these cold climates!

UPDATE: OH NO!!!!! LOOK AT MY BOX!!!!! It has been INVADED!!!!!!!!!

I woke this morning to find NOT ONE but TWO critters in the First Aid Box!!! LOL! Looks like one is pretty happy with what she found too! Of course they went and scared Barnie the Bear plumb away!!! No wonder he was hiding in the corner of my desk shaking! All is well though, once I convinced him they were only after the chocolates and not him. Poor guy!

Tatted Doily Updates and Fuzzy Critters!!!

Here are a couple of up dates on my tatted doilies. Both have new rounds added to each of them. The first being the size 30 thread, and the second being the size 10 thread. They are still growing, slowly but steadily!

Then here is a size comparison pic of the two. The red one has another round added to it as you can see. I have been little under the weather lately, so the next round for the blue one hasn't been caught up yet.

Then as I went to take a little stroll around the yard to see what was growing in the jungle of grass, flowers and weeds from all the rain we have been getting, Imagine my surprise to find these little crochet bears playing hide and seek!!! First I found them in the strawberry patch. But alas, no strawberries for them! Or me either :(

Then I found them hiding in grass, I know they were just waiting patiently for me to come along so they trip our little dog LOL!

Both of these cuties now have a new home. Both of the grand daughters just fell in love with them, picking out which they liked best (no fights either!!!) And they wasted no time gathering them up to take them to their home either :)

Blessings to all, please take care and stay healthy!!!

And more tatting along with a little crochet

Here is the beginning of the next round. Adding some maroon color to it. This is round 4. What do you think?
Here is some really adorable panda coasters I made for the grand daughters. The youngest has seen them already, but the oldest hasn't yet. And I am happy to report the youngest was just full of OOOOOOOOOOOOs. And Hugs! :)

You can find the pattern Here

WoW another post already LOL!!!

Here are a couple of my latest projects I am working on. I think it was Bev or Val that found this blog with this most gorgeous doily!!!! So I just had to start it. Here is up to round 2 so far.

http://renulkowy.blox.pl/html/1310721,262146,21.html?591140

This is my next project. I am trying some crocheted pineapple earrings. I'm not 'real' good at crocheting with tiny thread. So this could take a bit of practice. I tried first in size 10 Peach colored thread. Then moved to a smaller hook and some of my new lizbeth thread in the size 40. Almost makes crocheting with the size 10 feel like rope lol!

Anyway just a teaser of some of the newest stuff I am working. LOL yep more WIPs for sure!

The Employee Party Update!!!

Hello Ladies N Gentlemen!!!

First of all I would like to thank each and everyone of you that replied to my blogs n guest book and give me TONS of support!

No on to how the party went (Hi Sheryl),,,, Here is a photo of all I had in my gift package (except for the 3 pints of homemade jam I put in, 1 caramel apple jam, 1 plum elderberry jam and 1 plum apple conserve):

Now for how the party went,,,,
First we all caught a bus at the office, which took us all down to a guest ranch in Sandpoint Idaho. There was I think probably between 25-30 of us. After arriving, we all went for a sleigh ride (first one of the season)!!! It was pretty chilly as it was a moon light clear evening (yep it was after dark). What a BLAST it was too!!! I think I would really like to get a horse drawn sleigh!
Then we went back to the lodge, where we had appetizers until the meal was ready, which was really delicious! Prime rib roast, grilled chicken, roasted red potatoes, steamed veggies, home made hot rolls, fresh tender green salad, and then for dessert there was a choice of blueberry cream pie (sort of like a blueberry cheese cake), dutch apple pie with ice cream, or pumpkin mousse (I think it was). I had the blueberry which was really tasty!!!
After that we had the gift exchange. Wouldn't you know it, I drew like one of the very first numbers (number 3), so since I was so close to the beginning, I chose my own gift. The boss's wife almost stole it from me, but in the end a 'massage' set won out. Oh well,,,I ended up giving her the scrubbies (she had mention she wanted some, when she was considering 'stealing' my bag), and I also gave her one of the 'tribbles' bath pads, which really tickled her pink!
When all the gift opening and stealing was over with, we got tables all our and (after some 'after the gift exchange' did some gift swamping LOL) we played a really AWESOME game of Bunco, which hubby won second place (cash prize too)

Truthfully, I thought I would be kind of down when no one took my gift,,,,but I really wasn't. I think it had a LOT to do with all the wonderful support from all my online friends!!!! THANK YOU so much. I also know that I have plenty of close friends around here too, that love the things I made.

Soooooo on that note,,,,THANK YOU ALL again soooo much for all of your support!

I know I don't celebrate Christmas,,,but all the same I do wish each and everyone you a HAPPY and SAFE season!!!!

Hugs N Blessings from my house to yours!!!!

Latest Happenings

Well I am almost finished with the jams. Actually I am done with making jams, just going to finish off the rest of the apples making juice and sauce. But for now I am kind of out of commission for a bit as I have a knee that is just killing me with pain! I don't know what is wrong with it, but hubby wants me off of it for a couple weeks. Sooooo with that being said,,I'm trying my best to stay off, which is pretty hard with so much to be done. But,,,I getting some UFO's finished!

I'm working on knitting, crochet and yeppers even tatting!!!! I am FINALLY getting some tatting done!!! NO pics yet, but will just as soon as I can!

My neighbor (who is an awesome spinner, she has alpacas,,,,) has me started on knitting my very first vest! I keep thinking I should take some photos of beginning, and as I progress,,,I'll see about doing that. That is if anyone is interested.

Other than that, I am enjoying the grand daughters just as much as possible. And doing a little with some of my photography (photos I took through the summer that is).

Well I better run, hubby's turn at the puter. :)

Blessings, Connie

P.S. NOT happy with the elections. I'm now in mourning AND praying for the USA.

What Do You Think? Crochet Or Tatting?

WoW Here is a challenge for you all:
Is this crochet or Tatting? I'll give you the answer later today!

How about Snowflakes!!!!

Well, I have been busy crocheting up some snowflakes for friend's business. I got about 36 done. Now I just need to make some more black ones and some silver ones. I thought I would share with some of the snowflakes I have done. The two slightly different designs with the picot are all done from a pattern I got off the web where I re-designed the pattern so that it has a large opening in the center. The snowflakes with only picots around the outside is called "Regal Snowflake" design by Julie A. Bolduc and the snowflakes with the picot petals on through the flake, the original design is "Snowflake 2". I'm not sure who the original designer is as there is no name on the site where I got the pattern. Then like I stated, I re-designed it giving it a center hole for attaching little danglies in. I do hope you enjoy looking. Some of these are actually made with threads that have a metallic thread running through them, though it doesn't show up too well in some of the photos.

Doily

Here is the doily I have been talking about I finally finished. Didn't really take that long to do. I made it with DMC 100% cotton size 10 thread. Color #5745 Banana Yellow. It is approximately 22 inches in diameter. The pattern is "Venus In View" by Glendola Hodges published in the Magic Crochet Feb. 1992 #76 magazine issue pages 42-43.

I really like how this one turned out.

BTW any and all comments are more than WELCOME on my work, as it helps me to learn and grow!

Thanks for looking!!!

25 Motif Challenge

Well I am finally getting back. Been pretty sick for a couple of days with the flu. Still trying to recover from it. At least things have slowed down enough I have been able to get scanned the latest motifs I have done. All are tatted except for one is crocheted as I have a friend who is talking about hiring me to do some projects for her. More later if she does.

Here is a re-make of Heart Snowflake By Jon of Jon's Thread Escapades
Using DMC Cebelia Size 10 in a pale yellow (color #745)
I think I am getting better at my throw-off rings/clovers!!!

Motif #08

This is using a pattern by Mary Donohue aka Icela.
I used a sportweight yarn, I thought was some alpaca, but later found out it wasn't. Also when I starched it, I pulled it into points instead of leaving rounded like the pattern. But again I was also practicing not reversing my work. I was surprised at how easy the yarn did work up. I figured I would have alot of problems with it.
OH BTW this is her Square Motif/Coaster pattern

Motif #09

This motif here I used Wally Sosa's Base motif #2 Just using some
Knit-cro-sheen metallic as an experiment using thread with metallic mix with it.
The small blossom is just trying to use up what was left on shuttle. Not real sure
I like using metallic thread. Will definitely need more practice!!!

Motif #10

This is a "Butterfly Snowflake" by Samatha Melnychuk.
I can't say if I liked doing this pattern or not. LOL. Actually it was pretty easy, next time I would definitely want to use a picot gauge for the antennae. Then tying little knots in the ends,,,,,,,THAT was a CHALLENGE. LOL I used two pair of pointed tweezers to do it.
I used Clarks O.N.T 6-chord Size 30 in a varigated blue.


This one is crochet. I'm not sure of the thread, other than it is probably a knit-cro-sheen in an off-white/cream color. The name of the pattern is 'Regal Snowflake' design by Julie A Bolduc. I got it from the internet as I of course do with most all of my patterns.

About Sukkot (Feast of Tabernacle), it was a BLAST even though the last half of it was mostly rainy and chilly. My second day there I also caught a cold, which thanks to some of the people there who had some essential oils, it helped me get over it really quick. I met a lot of new people who live in my area or at least the surrounding area. We are talking of possibly getting together for a small campout for Passover too, at least a gathering. Made some great friends. Was also very educational. I can't say there hasn't been a Sukkot yet in which Abba Father hasn't taught or helped me something I have been struggling with or needed to learn.

Anyway,,,, hope all are doing well. Thank you for stopping by my blog (s) and looking. I also look forward to reading each and every comment you leave.

My Doilies and Weekend

Well I FINALLY got photos of the doilies I made. Had a pretty busy and WONDERFUL weekend. Our grand daughter was here, we celebrated her FIRST birthday even though it really isn't until about the middle of this week. Our oldest son and his wife were here (Aunt Jen and Uncle Dan LOL). The house is really really quiet now that our oldest and his wife went back home to Washington and our grandbaby went back home to her mom and dad (locally).

Here are two of the doilies I gave to my daughter in law:

This is 'Water Lily' pattern by Claudette Squazzini.

Source: Magic Crochet Magazine Issue April 1992 Number 77

Thread is either a Knit-Cro-Sheen or Size 10 Bedspread Cotton.

Done in a White.

Size is approx. 18-19 inches diameter

This is the second one I gave her. (Purple is her fav color).

Name is "Two Of A Kind" pattern by Claudette Squazzini.
Source: Magic Crochet Magazine Issue April 1992 Number 77
Thread is either a Knit-Cro-Sheen or Size 10 Bedspread Cotton.

Done in a Varigated Purple.

Size approx: 15-16 inches diameter

Here are the other doilies I have finished.

"1952 Pineapple Frosting" by unknown

Source: Old Time Crochet summer 1989

Made with Knit-Cro-Sheen, Color- Natural.

Size is approx 16.5 inches diameter

"Fairest Of Them All" Pattern by Elisabeth Hiddleson

Source: Decorative Crochet July 1993 Number 34

size approx 21-22 inches diameter

Thread used is either Size 10 crochet or Knit-Cro-Sheen. Label was gone

Colors used: varigated yellow (center), orange (middle) & red (outside)

"Wagon Wheel Doily" Pattern by Becky Adams

Source: Workbasket April 1989

Again either size 10 or Knit-Cro-Sheen Thread in Silver with brown trim

Size is approx. 10 inches diameter

"umbrella Palm" pattern by Chantal Chevallier

Source: Magic Crochet Feb 1993 Number 82

Knit-Cro-Sheen thread used for the middle (natural color) Red is again either size 10 or Knit-Cro-Sheen.

Size is approx. 13 inches diameter

This is two different colors of:

"Deep South" pattern by Chantal Chevallier

Source: Magic Crochet Feb 1993 Number 82

Knit-Cro-Sheen used for green. Red is probably same or size 10.

Both are approx 12 inches diameter in size.

WoW, I can't BELIEVE how FAST time has flown by!!!

I've gotten about 9 doilies crocheted, and almost 1 doily tatted (my first tatted doily, WOO HOO!!). I also started a motif using a simple flower pattern from Susan H. I kind of messed up on it, but after having to go back uhmmm (let's just say a few times) and having to 'frog' it,,, (King Tut quilting thread), I'm not going to bother with correcting it. Besides it is what is left over from my thread exchange, so I don't have enough to make too many corrections as it is. LOL I am sure my mom will understand anyway, since it is more or less a sample to show her what I have been learning this summer.

Anyway, I hope to get some ready to post by the end of the week, or possibly the first of next week, as my oldest and his wife is coming to visit this weekend. I am soo excited!!!!!

Hope ya are having a great week!!!! Blessings!!!!

Crocheting

I have taken a break for just a bit from tatting. LOL actually as I was unpacking some boxes of books and organizing them,,, I found the boxes that had the craft books, so of course I had to cruise them. Upon doing so, I found some real treasures. I found some really crochet patterns AND tatting!!!! Well I swore I would NEVER again crochet doilies (actually never did, just did a small round tablecloth). Well since I am now HOOKED on tatting,,,these dainty works of art are just soo pretty (maybe it is just something to do with age heh heh heh).
So next thing I know I am crocheting some doilies. So far I have completed 2 and in about an hour or so will have my third one finish. Along with a nice pretty blister on the side of my thumb.

I'll post the pics in the next day or so.