Remembering Rowan

Our 1st Donation of 2012

2012-01-18T08:40:00.000-08:00

Healthy Baby Dorian Snuggling in his Crocheted Blanket

In between new crochet designs, family tragedies, and getting through the holidays, I have been busy prepping another dozen crocheted afghans and quilts to donate to the local Neonatal Intensive Care Unit in memory of our little Rowan.

I gave a full bin of blankets to friends who recently stayed in one of the NICUs we have donated to in the past. Thankfully their baby is healthy and home after 10 days in the NICU. But I figure by now they know everyone in the NICU, and might enjoy bringing the blankets in for our Remembering Rowan Project. They delivered them yesterday and told me they loved them.

These blankets included several of the Rowan's Sampler Afghans we made during the Crochet-Along last summer. I gifted the original mint and aqua Sampler I designed for the CAL to little Dorian, who did not get to take home a blanket after his stay in the NICU.

I suppose most of the blankets we donate go to the Bereavement Department, for those babies who do not get to go home. Perhaps we need to get busy making more blankets so that every baby who stays in the NICU can go home with a blanket...

My Very First Award!

2012-01-15T20:43:00.000-08:00

Thank you so much to Barbina, over at Little Things Made With Love. Check out her blog! She was the first crocheter to finish my Sampler CAL this summer. She gave me the Liebster Blog Award. What a sweetie!

The award goes to lovely blogs with less than 200 followers, the rules are:
1. Show your thanks to the blogger who gave you the award by linking back to them.
2. Reveal your top 5 picks for the award and let them know by leaving a comment on their blog.
3. Post the award on your blog.
4. Bask in the love from the most supportive people in the blogsphere - other bloggers.
5. And, best of all – have fun and spread the Karma.

Now that I got through the holidays, sent in several magazine submissions, and my About Crochet contest entry, I can finally do my part to spread the good Karma... It is my pleasure to pass this award on to these 5 very talented ladies!
I enjoy visiting your blogs, reading your posts and admire your beautiful work!

Jill over at Stocki
Alisa at Y(arn) O(ver) Mama
Karen's Crocheted Garden of Color
Jenn at Creatively Crafty
Liz at Crochet in Color
Now it's your turn to pass on the Liebster love...

10 Ways To Wear a Sharf (Shawl & Scarf in One)

2012-01-14T17:45:00.000-08:00

Now for the many ways to wear my "Watercolor Sharf" made for Elisabeth Andree's blog contest... The long thin triangular shape and the stretchy fabric of the single crochet chain stitch makes it easy to wear as a Shawl or a Scarf!

As a Shawl it can be worn...
Around Shoulders
With a Collar

Over the Shoulder
Take special notice of the lovely Shawl Pin hand-carved by Jimbo Price, who I had the pleasure of meeting at the Crochet Liberation Front retreat last October. Check out his blog, Jimbo's Front Porch, just 2 more days to enter his Hook Give Away and Auction!

The long ends can be wrapped around and tied into a Shrug...

As a Scarf it can be worn...
Wrapped once
Wrapped Twice
Pulled Through

As a Hood
A Cowl

Or even a skirt!

I am sure there are many more ways to wear this garment I have not even thought of yet, the possibilities are endless...

Watercolor 'Sharf' (Shawl & Scarf in One!) - Contest Entry

2012-01-14T17:15:00.000-08:00

Elisabeth Andree of About Crochet challenged 20 bloggers to design a scarf, shawl, mitts, or cushion cover using one of three stitch patterns with "Chain Single Crochet", also called "Extended Single Crochet". I tried all three stitch patterns and decided I liked Pattern #3 best.

With three recent losses in my family, I have been thinking a lot about designing Comfort or Prayer Shawls. I have also been intrigued by the recent trend toward long thin triangular scarves worn bunched around the neck. So I decided to combine the two.

By starting with just a few stitches in one small corner, I slowly increased every other row on just one side to the desired height of the triangle, then decreased. The final Sharf measures 74 inches wide by 18 inches long. This shape combined with the natural stretch of the stitch pattern makes it easy to wear spread across the shoulders as a Shawl or bunched together as a nice warm Scarf. The long, thin ends of the triangle allow the wearer to tie the ends together when worn in a variety of ways.

This design used three skeins of Lion Brand Tweed Stripes yarn. The long self-striping colorway worked perfectly with the ridges formed by working in the front loop only. I tried to join each new skein so the colors would blend without interrupting the pattern, and began the decreasing rows at a point where the color stripes would mirror each other from the midpoint.

The Tweed Stripes yarn is a thin #5 Bulky weight which I worked up with an I hook. Another #5 yarn which was a bit thicker created a stiffer fabric with an I and worked better with a J hook, so it would not require as many rows to get a similar size.

I debated adding a border to the bottom edge, but thought it worked better as a scarf without the added bulk. I also found that working into just one loop of the turning chain at the end of each row, created sort of a natural shell edging.

I love the versatility of this design which can be worn as a shawl, scarf, cowl, hood, and even a shrug! I had so much fun finding new ways to wear this simple triangle, that I had to create an entirely separate Blog post on 10 Ways To Wear a 'Sharf', check it out!

I really enjoyed the opportunity to learn and design with a new stitch. Thank you Elisabeth for running this fun contest. I cannot wait to see what everyone else came up with!

Making Holiday Cards...

2012-01-02T16:36:00.000-08:00

Every year I wait for creative inspiration before I can begin making and sending holiday cards. Sometimes this means they become New Year's cards. This year I was off to a good start, inspired by the annual "Stowell Report Card" my Grandmother sent out every year. I jotted down the highlights of each month from the year of 2011, and added several small pictures to print on the inside of blank cards.

I wanted to include my kids in the process, but it was a bit of a challenge to find a craft enjoyed by both my 6 1/2 year old and not quite 2 year old. I found felt stickers at a local craft store of snowmen, trees, gingerbread boys and girls, penguins with santa hats, and snowflakes. With a little torn white cardstock glued on the bottom of the card, the kids created fun snowy scenes, and I just added a few loopy dashed lines to make the flying snowmen and trees look like they were doing flips.

My Grandmother passed away the day after Thanksgiving this year, so after nearly 60 years, there will be no more "Stowell Report Cards" (called the "Stowell Newsyear" before my Grandfather passed away, because they always read Newsweek). Each year she summarized the happening of her children, grandchildren, and an ever increasing number of "great-grands", to send to her many friends and acquaintances around the world.

As the co-founder (along with my Grandfather) of Amity Institute, and many years volunteering at the International Center at UCSD, she touched the lives of countless people. I hope that I am able to continue her tradition of sharing my family's experiences each year with those who have touched our lives. Most were mailed before the new year, but a few had to wait until after my trip to San Diego for my Grandmother's service last weekend.

Holiday Cards Kids Can Make:
Materials - 5"x7" Cream colored Blank Cards and Envelopes, White Cardstock, Glue Stick, Felt Stickers, and Fine Black Pen

Print your message and/or photos on the inside of the Blank Cards.
Cut White Cardstock into 2"x7" strips.
Tear Strips in half to form Snow.
Glue snow to bottom edge of front of Card with Glue Stick.
Place a few Felt Stickers to make a picture.
Add dashed lines with Fine Black Pen from ground or through the air to indicate stickers are flying or flipping through the air.

Depending on their ages, kids can complete most of these steps on their own. I helped with tearing the snow and adding the dashed lines.

Christmas Angels

2011-12-25T08:17:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas! Every year I help my son make his own gifts to give to his Grandparents and Aunts. I prefer to give handmade gifts myself (made by me or from local crafters), and enjoy teaching my kids to do the same.

On Christmas Eve, I spent the morning making "Kitchen Angels" for gifts with my 6yo. I picked one up at America's Largest Christmas Bazaar down in Portland a few weeks ago. I found matching sets of dishtowel, washcloth, and pot holders at the $Tree. Wash cloths and potholders were in 2-packs, so each angel took just $2 worth of towels and a little ribbon from my huge ribbon stash.
How-To Make a Kitchen Angel:

Materials: 1 Dishtowel, 1 Washcloth, 1 Potholder, 4 feet of 1/4" Ribbon in a coordinating color.

Cut 16" off length of Ribbon, set aside.
Wings - Pleat Potholder with front folding back at the top and bottom. Tie a tight knot around the center with longer length of Ribbon.
Arms - Fold Washcloth in 1/2, roll tightly with edges on the inside. Tie a tight knot around the center with ribbon, next to wings.
Head/Dress - Lay Dishtowel out flat, printed side down. Tightly pleat center section, fold at center, adjusting bottom edges to same length. Tie a tight knot about 2 inches down from center, around the pleated and folded Dishtowel, forming the head and neck. Tie remaining Ribbon in a bow with long tails.
Fold ends of Washcloth around to meet in front. Tie Shorter Ribbon about 3/4" up from edge to form hands. Tie in a bow.
Trim ends of Ribbons on each bow to the same length.
Attach a Poem to the skirt of your Angel, and it is ready to gift.

Here is the poem I used, and a couple more I found online to print out and attach to your finished angel:

I am your Kitchen Angel
I'll watch over all you do,
Baking all those goodies,
And snitching one or two!

And if you ever tire of me,
Or some help is what your wish is,
Just untie my little ribbons,
And I'll help you with the dishes!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

An angel in the Kitchen
Watching the stew
Blesses your cooking
And all that you do.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Also, a tutorial with great pictures on how to fold the Body and Wings (although I prefer the rolled arms myself), as well as yet another possible poem you could use.

I hope everyone is having a Very Merry Christmas! Enjoy!

"Have you ever been paid to do what you love?"

2011-12-17T09:35:00.000-08:00

A friend asked me this yesterday, as she listened to me go on about all of the exciting new design ideas I have buzzing around in my brain. I realized that although I have been paid for my crochet work in the past, making the same things over and over to sell at craft fairs or even for custom orders was really not what I love about crochet.

As a crochet designer I find every day brings a new challenge, my brain is always "working". I got a massage yesterday, and got inspiration for a new baby blanket pattern, as well as an article. Tonight was my "night off", leaving the kids with Dad, and how did I spend it? Sketching out the next two designs I plan to submit to magazines.

When I found out that my ideal yarns are being provided by the yarn companies for three of my 1st designs to be published next year, I knew I have found the perfect "job". You mean they send me free yarn (much of which I could never splurge on) and PAY me to play with it?! How awesome is that?!

My sister pointed out that I have finished more crochet projects in the past few months, since I started submitting designs for consideration, than I did in the entire year before that. With an end product in mind and concrete way to share my passion with others, I find it easy to continue working on projects which previously might have lost my interest and become yet another UFO.

And all those extra left over swatches to test out pattern and design ideas? They make perfect blankies for my daughter to tuck in her dollies at naptime.

Ookey Spooky Monster Making...

2011-11-20T14:57:00.000-08:00

In October, I invited my MOMS Club's Kids to get creative in my craft studio for the second year. With a little help from their moms they get to design and take home their very own monsters. We had mostly girls come to our monster making parties, and my that was a LOT of pink!
Last year we asked the kids to draw monsters on cardstock, cut out their own stencils, and trace the patterns onto fleece or wool fabric scraps. Inspired by PLUSH-O-RAMA, and articles in Family Fun and CRAFT Magazines, I have been collecting recycled fleece, wool, and corderouy scraps from other crafty mamas for years! Add in some buttons, leftover polyfil, cardstock, and adhesive backed felt (left from Griffin's 5th birthday capes), and I had the makings for a lot of monsters. We only had about half a dozen kids come last year, which was a good thing, as this process was very dependent on having a few moms who could sew, and there were only two of us.
This year we kept it simple with presewn fleece monster pillows, with just one side open for the kids to stuff and tie (with Mom's help). The fringe ties created hair or lots of little legs, depending which direction they put the peel and stick faces on. I presewed three sides because I found that even most 6 year olds, can not tie the knots on their own (except the 2 who had helped us make no-sew fleece blankets to donate).
Inspired by a kit for no-sew monster pillows I saw on Oriental Trading Company, I decided to make my own kits for my son's Scooby Doo birthday party last July. I knew we would do the project with MOMS Club in October, so I was able to purchase extra fleece in lots of different colors to give the kids lots of choices. My Dad ended up using the extra kits left from the birthday party for his Spanish language day camp this summer, when they were learning about Chupacabras.

Materials/Resources:

Fleece Blankets (from Big Lots and BiMart, finished blankets were much cheaper than by the yard)
Adhesive Felt (precut shapes for eyes, mouths, and noses, or let older kids design and cut out their own)

Preparations:

Cut blankets into rectangles (or other shape, we tried circle and triangle as well)
Serge or sew 3 sides together, and cut fringe to tie on open end
Pre-cut various shapes/sizes of eyes, mouths, noses, etc... from peel and stick felt (I took this chance to use up all the scraps left from previous projects)

Crafty Kids - Annual Gift Making Workshop

2011-11-20T00:09:00.000-08:00

It is time again to start planning the annual Crafty Kids Gift Making Workshop, hosted every December by the MOMS Club of Camas. This will be my fourth year organizing the event. Last year made it a fundraiser for the Remembering Rowan Project, opening up the event to kids in the community as well as our Club. We even got featured in the Camas Post Record, our local weekly newspaper.

Each year I have a great time striving to come up with 5 to 6 gifts adults would actually enjoy receiving or find useful, while keeping the cost of each project to $1 or under. Each child got to make all six gift projects for just $10. All the proceeds went to fleece for making more No Sew Fleece Blankets we donated to Vancouver Foster Kids.

Last year's projects included:

Snowball Soaps with a hidden surprise (an idea I found last year in Family Fun, my favorite craft magazine for kids)
Mending Jars with a pin cushion in the lid (I got two local hotels, Camas Hotel and Best Western, to donate mending kits)
Candy Filled Cookie Cutters tied to a Wooden Spoon and Recipe Cards (everyone can always use a new wooden spoon and a holiday cookie cutter, not to mention a sweet snack)
Chicken Noodle Soup In A Jar (we were able to use recycled jars of various sizes with this recipe, just adding extra noodles until the jar was full)
Brown Sugar Scrub (made this one last year for all the women in my family)
Painted Papermache Gingerbread Ornaments (I found three dozen of these at Goodwill last year and picked them up just for this event)

What will we come up with this year...?

CroPatWriMo - Crochet Pattern Writing Month

2011-10-29T08:13:00.000-07:00

My best friend participates in NaNoWriMo (National Novel Writing Month) nearly every year, attempting to write 1600 words every day in the month of November. I recently learned November is also NaBloPoMo (National Blog Posting Month), write a blog post every day for a month. Local groups of writers participating in NaNo host write-in events in coffee shops and libraries all over town, nearly every day of the month. I have am planning to tag along with my friend to as many as I can to work on writing up crochet patterns (away from the distractions of home and kids).

My goal is to write out (or finish writing) one pattern every day during the month of November. At a bare minimum at least one pattern every two days, perhaps sketching out new ideas in my notebook on days the kids do not let me sit at a computer. I am working up a list of 30 patterns I would like to write out, keeping them small. There are various things I have created over the years laying about the house which should really be written up. I am counting each small piece in the playsets I have made for my kids and gifts as a separate pattern.

As a budding crochet designer I want to have a stash of patterns to start submitting to magazines. By the end of the month I might even have a book worth of patterns to try to get published, someday. I think I can do it, after all last September I completed 30 UFOs in 30 day! To get myself off to a great start, I am starting an online Pattern Writing Class on Monday! Now to make my list of 30 and do my homework for the class...

The Journey Of The Mystery Machine

2011-10-24T08:48:00.000-07:00

I did a series of guest posts on the Crochet Liberation Front's Blog last week. They sponsored the People's Choice Award my Afghan won at the CGOA Competition last month. When I went to write the story of making Griffin his Mystery Machine, and it turned out to be over 2000 words. So it turned into a 3 part story... Check it out!

The Journey of The Mystery Machine
Part 1
Part 2
Part 3

"ReCrochetions"

2011-10-16T12:37:00.000-07:00

Recreating the World in Crochet!

One of my favorite things to crochet is a recreation of something else. Whether it is three dimensional (like Griffin's Garden) or two dimensional (like his Mystery Machine Afghan), what I truly love is to take up hook and yarn and recreate what I see. I get a thrill every time the yarn forms into the shapes and patterns I imagine.

As I embark on my journey to become a published crochet designer, I thought it was time to come up with a business name. Something catchy. Something clever. I considered several ideas, but I kept coming back to this concept. Recrochetions. It is what I do and what I design.

I dream of someday writing a book by that name on using various crochet techniques to recreate what you see in the world around you. I have tried everything from the Filet Crocheted Grateful Dead Bear I designed from the stamp my husband used to put on all the letters he sent me back in college, to the intricate reversible Intarsia I used on my son's Mystery Machine, and everything in between.

Ever since my designs were recognized in the CGOA competition last month and getting published became more than a far off dream, I find that everything I look at I imagine how I might crochet it. From my little girl's baby dolls to the tree in my front yard, why not recreate it "better, stronger, faster", in crochet!

Griffin's (Award Winning) Crocheted Garden

2011-09-22T22:18:00.000-07:00

Griffin loves to help me out in the garden. But living in the northwest it is often too wet to get outside in the real dirt. So now he can harvest vegetables even when it is raining. So I designed this garden for his Easter basket in 2009.

He knew I was making the vegetables. I was planning to surprise him with the garden mat, but one night when I was tucking him in he told me, "Maybe we can find some brown yarn and make a garden for my vegetables." I told him I would talk to the Easter Bunny. Little did he know I had already made him a mat with 20 pockets to plant in while he was sleeping just the night before.

When he saw the Garden sticking out of the top of his basket Easter morning he exclaimed, "That's my Garden! It's just what I asked for." He spent the rest of the morning harvesting his vegetables, cooking them into a "stew", and then planting them again. My sister, a school psychologist, has used them to help Griffin practice patterning.
Griffin's Garden is made from cotton and alpaca yarns (with a couple acrylic blends), and contains:
1 Tomato plant, 2 Broccoli,

3 Radishes, 3 Carrots,
3 Potatoes,

4 Strawberries (they tend to spread), and don't forget the 2 Lettuce (though I forgot a pic).

With an easy button, Griffin's Garden rolls up and is ready to go!

Everyone who sees it wants one for their kids (or themselves), but I could never charge enough to be worth the time but into all those little plants. I have been working on writing up the patterns for all the little veggie plants for awhile now. I considered adding Watermelon and Squash vines to complete the collection, but decided to stick with root vegetables and those that grow close to the ground.

When I heard about the CGOA Design Competition this month, I sent in a complete set (minus the broccoli & tomato plants, and 4 of each of the others). I just found out that my Garden placed 3rd in the "Small Wonders" category. Such an honor among so much talent!

Foray Into Yarn Bombing...

2011-08-29T09:45:00.000-07:00

In preparation for our little town's first Quilt and Fiber Arts Festival a few weeks ago, we headed downtown in the dark of night to engage in a Top Secret Mission to bomb the area with yarn. My six year old son and I met two friends in town with a bag filled with UFOs (Unfinished Projects), including a number of sweater sleeves and parts of blankets. Some I have acquired over the years in bags of random yarn purchased at garage sales or gifted to me by well-meaning family, but most were projects I started some time in the past 20 years.

I was so excited to finally find a use for all of these bits and pieces, that I was able to accept I would never finish sweaters whose granny squares were too stiff to become the sweater they were intended for, and those which never made it past the first sleeve. My son had a blast finding creative places for me to attach all the little bits and pieces, and refused to go home when it was past his bedtime.

What is Yarn Bombing you ask? I figure it is the act of wrapping any inanimate object in a warm hug of yarn...
Lamp Post outside The Uncommon Gift Lamp Scarf
The Liberty Theater Fountain Bobbling Around A Bit'O'Pink A Bit'O'Lace and Tree Blanket in front of River Quilts Bike Rack Cozies Bike Tire & Lamp Post Warmers Bench Cozies Bench Snood Knot Holder
Our yarn bombs were apparently the hit of the Festival. Each time I passed the statue of the little Bronze Girl in her Crocheted Sweater and Cap (top picture), children were sitting next to her posing for pictures. They took themselves on self guided scavenger hunts to find the bits of yarny goodness we left behind. Most of the Yarn Bombs have been removed since the Festival, but if you are wandering through downtown Camas any time soon, see if you can spot at least five little ones still bringing a bit of warmth to our little downtown.

Emergency Crochet Hook

2011-08-27T22:36:00.000-07:00

Fellow fiber fanatics, what would you do if you found yourself with a lovely pile of yarn, and no hook or needles to use it?

Such a position I found myself in today at a friend's Baby Shower. All these lovely bits of yarn wasted on a a game of 'Estimate The Size of Mama's Belly'. Blues and Greens, my favorite colors. I just could not let them be tossed. First I made a little yarn baby for the guest of honor.

Then I decided to tie the leftover bits into a ball to make a hat. But alas, no hook. I ran out to the car, no hook... I looked around the kitchen, found a pen and pencil holder. I thought maybe I could use a pen or something, but I am simply not a knitter, I need a hook. I decided to try the cap off one of the pens and realized I could bend the tip to create a hook of sorts. The work was a bit slow, but it gave my hands something to do while the guest of honor opened her gifts. By the end of the shower I presented the expectant mama with a crocheted hat for her eagerly awaited babe.

So, if you are ever in an emergency situation, keep in mind that pen caps can be very useful.

Cooking Camp

2011-08-21T10:10:00.000-07:00

The Kids Cooking Corner is Vancouver's only Culinary School for Kids, housed in a quaint little farm house, painted bright colors inside and out. Founded by Heidi OConnor, they are a Non-Profit and depend on volunteers and donations to help in their gardens and to keep their school running. They even host Birthday Parties, whatever theme you like.

I spent most of this week volunteering at their Cooking Camp Griffin was attending. When he and I met the founder and owner of The Kids Cooking Corner at Dozer Days a few months ago, he was really excited go to a camp where he could cook, garden, and do crafts all week long (three of our favorite things). They even planned to make Fairy Gardens, similar to the one we made last year.

I have been volunteering for the past few months, helping them plant their gardens and plan their first Summer Camp. I got a local nursery to donate a van full of tomato and pepper starts, so they can grow plenty of their own veggies for making tomato sauce and salsa this fall, and not spend as much on produce for their classes.

Having spent many years working day camps myself, I sat down with the owner and her to help them sketch out a basic plan for their week long camps this summer. We came up with a different country for each day of the week with foods and crafts to tie into the themes, and several fun field trips. I agreed to drive my van for the field trips for all three weeks of their camps, and help out with anything else they needed during the week my son was attending the camp.

As it turned out, this past week while Griffin was attending Camp, both the teachers were sick all week. 'Driving the field trips' turned into helping out all day for three days! I led half the kids in crafts, nature walks, and harvesting from the garden while 'Miss Heidi' had the other half in the kitchen busy cooking everything from pizza and sweet'n'sour pork to pancakes and cinnamon rolls (Griffin thought it was very strange to get dessert for breakfast).

It has been many years since I taught kids craft classes at day camps and Michaels Stores, although I have organized a number of craft events for our local MOMS Club. But I had a blast helping the kids make bracelets, a totem pole, painting, tie dyed tshirts, and memory books. Griffin figures I should start my own camp. But maybe I will just start with a Creative Arts class for Willow and a Campfire Group for Griffin, and their friends.

Ladybugs and Dragonflies for Rowan

2011-08-12T09:34:00.000-07:00

On Wednesday, our daughter Rowan would have been three years old. I had been thinking of having a bug party all summer, to release ladybugs, make worm bins, and have buggy crafts for the kids. I finally realized that Rowan's birthday would be the perfect day, as butterflies, dragonflies, and ladybugs always remind me of her, and I knew I would need something fun to do.

Ten of my mom friends and 20 kids spent the morning playing in our yard, chatting, and enjoying the yummy snacks everyone brought and cool beverages (blended mochas for the moms). About halfway through the morning, someone noticed the dragonflies hovering over our yard. Everyone got quiet for little while to watch more than a dozen dragonflies dart around our yard. In the months after we lost Rowan, Griffin and I began noticing the dragonflies who often come to visit. Then three year old Griffin really liked the idea that his angel baby sister could turn into a dragonfly whenever she wanted to come a visit us, and still talks about it. Everyone who sees them says they have never seen so many in one place.

I had picked up all sorts of bug themed crafts from the clearance bins of the local craft stores, and butterfly nets from the $Tree. The kids enjoyed coloring bug cutouts and velvet bug bookmarks, decorated foam frames with lady bug stickers, and put tissue paper squares on sticky butterflies. I thought I had too many different crafts, but Griffin finished most of them and asked me what craft I had next for him. After some of the younger kids went home I pulled out the dragonflies and other beads I had left from making bookmarks for thank you gifts, and helped the older kids make stretchy bracelets.

When I could not find ladybugs at home depot, and the other garden stores I checked were sold out, I had given up hope for releasing ladybugs, convinced it was too late in the season. But my friend Lianne saved the day, and brought me two bags of 1500 ladybugs from The Backyard Birdshop. I climbed up on our monster truck tire, gathered the kids around with their butterfly nets, and talked to them about ladybugs and why we like to have them in our garden. Then I shook about 2000 tiny ladybugs out into their nets and onto the ground. The kids LOVED it and spent the next 20 minutes with bugs crawling all over them as they adjusted to freedom and flew all over our yard.

Most of our friends went home for afternoon naps, but my good friend (and midwife who helped deliver both Rowan and Willow) spent the whole day with us, along with her kids. Her daughter is only two months younger than Willow. After Willow woke from her nap, my Dad and MIL joined us all for our annual hike to the spot where we released Rowan's ashes, and up to the top of Beacon Rock. Spending the day surrounded by supportive friends and family was a wonderful way to honor and remember Rowan.

Sampler Afghan - Putting It All Together

2011-08-02T23:11:00.000-07:00

By now you should have a large pile of 16 finished squares. Find a clean flat area, and arrange your squares in a pattern that looks good to you. I try to space apart the textured squares so they are not all together. Note: You may have been tempted to start stitching them together along the way, but I realized as I was making up my second sample version, that by stitching together the first 12 squares when they were done, now all 4 of the textured squares have to go on the same row. Ack!

I tried several different means of crocheting and sewing the squares together. Because I alternated colors with the squares, I found the following to be the best looking and smoothest laying means of attaching the squares:

Joining Squares:
Hold 2 squares together wrong sides facing each other (the "wrong side" of each square is the side facing away from you when you put the single crochet edging on each square. Use a large eye yarn needle threaded with a long piece of the yarn you used to make your squares. Working through back loops only, Whip Stitch each square together. At each corner between squares, work a couple extra diagonal stitches between the different squares for extra strength. Weave in all ends.

Notes: To avoid extra ends, I stitched each row continuously, joining on the next 2 squares when I got to the end of the first 2. Once I finished all rows in one direction (top to bottom) I began working in the other (left to right - remember I am left handed, so you might work right to left).

Edging
I have three different suggested stitches for the edging around your finished afghan. Pick one of the stitches below, repeat in each stitch around, join in first stitch with a slst, and finish off.

Row 1: (same for all 3 options) Join yarn in any corner of afghan with a slst, ch 1, sc in each sc around and joinings between squares. Work 3 sc in each corner stitch. Join with slst in 1st sc, ch 1, do not turn.

Row 2:
Option 1 - Slip Stitch (slst)
Insert hook in next stitch, YO, pull out of stitch and through the loop on your hook, repeat around. In each corner work (slst, ch1, slst).

Option 2 - Picot Stitch*Sc in next sc, Ch3, insert hook into 1st ch of ch3, YO, pull out of ch and through 1st loop, sc in next sc; Repeat from * around, working 2 picots in each corner.

Option 3 - Reverse Single Crochet (rsc) - Worked Left to Right (unless you are left handed)
Insert hook into stitch behind your hook, YO, pull out of stitch, YO, pull through both loops on hook; Repeat around, working 3 rsc in each corner. Note: This stitch is a little tricky, but once you get the hang of it this stitch makes a really beautiful twisted cable looking edging.

Try one of these options, if you do not like the way it looks, try another. I am working each of the first 3 blankets in a different edging stitch to see how they look. And I just felt the need to include Picots and Reverse Single Crochets to make a really comprehensive sampler that gives you a chance to try all the basic stitches which come up in common patterns.

Sampler Square #16 - Popcorn Stitch

2011-07-22T23:23:00.000-07:00

New Stitches /Techniques:

Four Double Crochet Popcorn (Pop): 4 dc in same space. Remove the hook from the loop, insert hook into top of 1st dc from the front of the st, catch the loop you just dropped, and pull it through the top of 1st dc.

Pattern:

Row 1: Ch 23; Work sc in 2nd ch from hook, and each ch across. (22 sc)
Row 2: Ch 3 skip 1st sc (counts as 1st dc), working in each sc across (Pop, dc) 10 times; dc in last sc. (10 popcorns)
Row 3: Ch 1, turn; sc in each st across.
Row 4: Ch 3 (counts as 1st dc), dc in 2nd sc, working in each sc across (Pop, dc) 10 times. (10 popcorns)
Row 5: Ch 1, turn; sc in each st across.
Repeat Rows 2 - 5 four more times or until square measures approximately 8 ½”, ending on Row 3 or 5.

Edging: Repeat edging for Square One.

Notes: Popcorns are another great textured stitch which are much easier than they look. All the lumps and bumps make the finished stitches look a little like popped popcorn. Like with the bobbles, it helps to poke the tip of your finger into the stitch as you pull it tight. Be careful, popcorns in particular can accidentally be “popped” through to the other side of the fabric messing up your texture.

I cannot believe we are already on the last square! I hope everyone has been having fun trying new stitches. I am trying to get back to finishing up the 4 different versions I have started so I will have them done in time to display at our local Quilt & Fiber Arts Festival, as well as the County Fair, both coming up the first week in August.

We will be sewing together donated squares during the Fiber Festival August 5th and 6th and donating them on Rowan's Birthday the following week. If you have squares or blankets or even hats to send in, please mail them soon to the address I posted in my very first post.

Harry Potter Treats!

2011-07-21T16:19:00.000-07:00

Every few years I make a big batch of Cockroach Clusters, Pumpkin Pasties, Chocolate Frogs, Cauldron Cakes, and Acid Pops. I always throw in a few Jelly Slugs (Gummy Worms or "Slugies") and 'Berty Bots Every Flavor Beans' (Jelly Bellies), and usually brew up a batch of Butter Beer.

With the release of the new and final movie last week, Griffin and I recently made up a bunch to share with friends. He helped me dip the frogs in chocolate, crack the eggs, pour all the pre-measured ingredients into the bowl, and even turn on the Kitchenaide mixer (he learned that when he was 2!). This was the first time we have baked together and he could actually read the recipes, and he even measured out the spices for the pasties. We always have a great time baking. Whenever needed, he was even willing to distract his little sister Willow so I could keep baking.

When the first Harry Potter movie was coming out, long before I had a kitchen helper (or two), Rosie O'Donnell had a chef on her show to make a variety of the interesting sounding goodies featured in the Harry Potter books. I started with those recipes and have made them my own. Here are the recipes I use:

Cockroach Clusters
Chocolate Chips (usually milk chocolate but last night I mixed in about 1/2 Giradelli's Bittersweet Chips)
Pecan Halves (try to get the whole halves, so they are the right shape for Cockroaches. They are also crunchy on the outside and squishy on the inside, as I assume Cockroaches would be) :)
Sweetened Coconut (for legs)
Chocolate Sprinkles (more legs)

Melt Chocolate. Gently stir in Pecans, then Coconut, until completely covered with Chocolate. Use 2 spoons to scoop clusters of 3-5 nuts onto a cookie sheet covered in wax paper. Add a few sprinkles if you like. You can pop the trays in the freezer for a short time to help them solidify.

Pumpkin Pasties
1 Can Pumpkin, and ingredients listed on Can
Crusts (I have used Sugar Cookie Dough in various molds or muffin tins, but to save time I just used Mini Graham Cracker Crusts this time)

Prepare Pie Filling following instructions on the can. Pour into crusts and bake about 1/2 the time listed for large pies, or until a fork comes out clean.

Chocolate Frogs
Milk Chocolate Chips
Gummy Frogs

Melt Chocolate Chips on low heat in a double boiler or small sauce pan. Use a toothpick pressed into the center of each frog's back to dip bottom of Frog into chocolate. Set on wax paper to cool. Use several toothpicks so the chocolate can cool some before you have to remove the toothpick, or the chocolate will likely squish off. These can also be chilled in the fridge or freezer, but the Frogs will get very hard if you leave them.

Cauldron Cakes
1 box Brownie Mix, and ingredients on back of box
Cotton Candy (can often find it in a bag at the grocery store which lasts longer than real fresh cotton candy, but could not find it this year, so used small round Coconut Covered Cookies)

Prepare brownies as instructed. Bake in mini mmuffin tin. Once cooked, use a spoon to scoop out the top of each "cauldron" and put in a 'puff of smoke' cotton candy.

Acid Pops
Lollipops
Honey
Poprocks

Remove wrapper from Lollipop. Pour Poprocks into a small bowl. Dip each Lollipop in honey or brush on with a basting brush. Dip into Poprocks to coat with as many as will stick. Wrap with a small square of plastic wrap and a twist tie. Note: Some of the Poprocks with pop when they hit the honey, but most of them will last long enough to enjoy a nice exploding Acid Pop.

Butter Beer
Apple Cider
Vanilla Ice Cream
Butter Rum Mix (mostly available during the holidays in the refrigerated section of your grocery store, but you can find recipes to make your own using cinnamon and other spices)

Heat Apple Cider in a large pot. Melt in Vanilla Ice Cream and Butter Rum Mix. Note: Butter Rum Mix is usually premixed with the butter. I have tried both the butter mix and a mix of only the spices. Both are good, but you probably want to add several sticks of butter to get really buttery Butter Beer, or leave it out for a bit healthier drink.

Enjoy!

Sampler Square #15 - Puff Stitch

2011-07-19T14:25:00.000-07:00

New Stitch:

Puff Stitch (hdc4tog): (YO, insert hook into stitch, YO, pull out of st, pointing hook up to create a long loop) 4 times in same st, YO pull through all 9 loops on hook, ch 1.

Pattern:

Row 1: Ch 24; Work sc in 2nd ch from hook, and each chain across. (23 stitches)

Row 2: Ch 3 (counts as 1st dc); starting in 2nd sc work in each sc across (hdc4tog, 3 dc) 5 times, hdc4tog, dc in last sc. (6 puffs)

Row 3: Ch 1, sc in each st across, skipping chs after puffs.

Row 4: Ch 3; skip 1st sc, dc in next 2 sc; work in each sc across (hdc4tog, 3 dc) 5 times. (5 puffs)

Row 5: Repeat Row 3.

Repeat Rows 2 -5 four more times or until square measures approximately 8 ½”, ending on Row 3 or 5.

Edging: Repeat edging for Square One.

Notes: Remember to keep your loops nice and loose to create more fluffy puff stitches. But not too loose, or the loops just stick out catching on things rather than creating a puff. You may want to practice the stitches in Row 2 several times before starting the square to get the hang of how to work the stitch. I find it helps to pull the hook up as far as it comfortably goes from the work when creating the 2nd loop. The chain after each stitch helps them puff out as well, like with the bobbles in the last square.

Today my son is turning 6 years old. I have been busy working on his Mystery Machine Afghan for the past few weeks. I finished just enough in time for the Party last Saturday, leaving the window open so the kids could pose for pictures inside the Mystery Machine!! It was a hit, but I am still working on the details. More Scooby Birthday Party details and pictures coming soon and got a few days behind on posting.

Since most of you are still working on the earlier squares, I focused on party prep last week instead of worrying about posting Friday. If more of you post comments, I would know you are looking for the patterns and have more inspiration to get the last few posts up. :) Just a few days until our last square!!! Then I will be posting instructions for sewing it all together and three options for edgings!

Sampler Square #14 - Bobbles

2011-07-08T07:30:00.000-07:00

New Stitches /Techniques:

Double Crochet Bobble (dc6tog): YO, insert hook into next st, YO, pull out of st, YO, pull through 2 loops; (YO, insert hook into same st, YO, pull out of st, YO, pull through 2 loops) 5 times; YO, pull through all 7 loops on hook, ch 1.

Pattern:
Row 1: Row 1: Ch 24; Work sc in 2nd ch from hook, and each ch across. (23 sc)

Row 2: Ch 3 (counts as 1st dc), dc in 2nd sc; Working in each st across (dc6tog, 2 dc) 7 times. (7 bobbles)

Row 3: Ch 1, turn; sc in each st across, skipping chs after bobbles. (23 sc)

Repeat Rows 2 and 3 nine more times or until square measures approximately 8 ½”.

Edging: Repeat edging for Square One.

Notes: Bobbles are created by working a cluster (as seen in Square #8) all in one stitch as opposed to working each half stitch in a different stitch. The chain 1 at the end of each bobble helps to pull the stitches together and really make the bobbles pop. You can also press the tip of your finger into the center of your bobble when it is done to help the 3 dimensional effect. As a result there is a definite right and wrong side to the fabric you are creating. I used a row of single crochets between each bobble row so they would all be on the same side of the work. Remember to keep this side up when you are stitching together your squares.

Special Note: I originally wrote this pattern with dc5tog bobbles, which looked fine in my first sample made with Red Heart Super Saver yarn which is kind of stiff. But when I tried the squares in softer yarns like Red Heart Soft and Caron's Simply Soft, the 5dc bobbles just were not holding their shape. So I changed to dc6tog for much better bobbles which hold their shape nicely.

Hope everyone is doing well this week. I had to tear myself away from my son's Mystery Machine Afghan to post this week's Square. The birthday present is really coming along, although I am still not sure if I have any hope of finishing it before his party a week from Saturday. Maybe if I do not sleep, wait, that is what I already do. I have the added challenge that I have managed to finish 1/5 of the afghan without him figuring out what I am making, which means I have to work inside of a large tote bag and stuff everything back in any time he sits down next to me.

Sorry I do not have a picture for this week's Square yet. When I made up the sample blanket (which I took all the other picures of) I did the bobbles without the chain stitch at the end of each one, and they turned out really flat. So not worth taking a picture of.

Sampler Square #13 - Basket Weave

2011-07-01T08:18:00.000-07:00

Part 4: Textures

New Techniques:
Working Around Post: The “Post” is main vertical part of the stitch. Insert your hook into the space between the posts of the last and next stitch, then again insert back through the other side of the next stitch.

Special Stitches:
Front Post Double Crochet (fpdc): YO, work around the post of the next stitch, inserting from the front to back and back out the front, YO, pull out of stitch, YO, pull through 2 loops, YO, pull through 2 loops.
Back Post Double Crochet (bpdc): YO, work around the post of the next stitch, inserting from the back to front and out the back, YO, pull out of stitch, YO, pull through 2 loops, YO, pull through 2 loops.

Pattern:
Row 1: Ch 28; Work dc in 4th ch from hook (1st 2 chs count as 1st dc here and throughout), and each ch across. (29 dc)
Rows 2: Ch 2, turn, skip 1st dc; (Work fpdc around next 3 dc, bpdc around next 3 dc) repeat 4 times; fpdc around next 3 dc and ch 2 at end.
Row 3: Ch 2, turn, skip 1st dc; (Work bpdc around next 3 dc, fpdc around next 3 dc) repeat 4 times; bpdc around next 3 dc and ch 2 at end.
Rows 4-5: Repeat Row 2.
Repeat (Row 3, Row 2, Row 2) four times.
Last 2 Rows: Repeat Rows 2-3.

Edging: Repeat edging for Square One.

Notes: Working around the stitches of the previous row creates stitches that lie on the front or back of the work. This stitch is often mistaken for knitting because of the way the pattern looks once you have worked a few rows. Once you get the hang of working around the front and back posts it is a very easy stitch with a really neat texture. I generally use my fingers to find where to put the hook more than my eyes, especially with this stitch. I once made an entire purse in a dark movie theater made up of 2 squares of the Basket Weave stitch.

Thank you for bearing with me while I was on vacation. With five Fridays in July I decided that we have plenty of time for the last 4 squares and one more post on the last Friday with instructions for sewing together your squares, and 3 different edging options. I hope everyone is having fun working up the Sampler Squares. I know I am having fun trying all the squares in lots of new yarns. Although this week I am a bit distracted designing a Mystery Machine afghan I am hoping to finish in time for my son's Scooby Doo birthday party in a few weeks!

Postponed for Disneyland...

2011-06-24T08:32:00.000-07:00

We are taking our kids to Disneyland for the first time, all this week. So you will all just have to wait a couple more days for Square #13. Heading home this weekend, so watch for the next square sometime in the next week.

Hope all of your summers are off to a great start. I know ours is!

Sampler Square #12 - Rowan Berry Stitch

2011-06-17T08:40:00.000-07:00

Special Stitches /Techniques:
Rowan Berry Stitch (RB): Insert hook into last stitch used, Yo, pull out of stitch, Yo, insert hook into next stitch, Yo, pull out of stitch; Yo, pull through all four loops on hook.

Pattern:
Row 1: Ch 22; Work hdc in 2nd ch from hook, (RB in same ch and next ch) 20 times. (21 stitches)

Row 2: Ch 1; Work hdc 1st stitch, (RB in same st and next st) 20 times.

Repeat Row 2 for 16 more Rows, or until square measures approximately 8 ¼-½”.

Edging: Repeat edging for Square One.

Notes: Working in 2 stitches makes the stitches much wider so we do not need as many stitches across. It also causes the stitches to form in more of a grid than regular crochet stitches, with the stitches directly above one another instead of slightly offset from the row before.

This stitch is my own variation. I have not found anyone who recognizes it as an established stitch, so I decided to name it after the small orange berries that can be found on a Rowan Tree (or Mountain Ash). My craft studio looks out at the Rowan Tree in the small memorial garden we planted for our daughter Rowan. When we started looking for the berries we realized that rowan trees are very common in our little town, in the parks, and the greenbelt just behind out house.

I cannot believe we are 3/4 of the way through the Afghan pattern already! Just four more weeks and we can start sewing those squares together. Do NOT start sewing them together now, or you will have the problem I did with my 2nd blanket, and all of the textured squares at the end are in the same row. At this point I should admit that I have caught up to my tester (and the other one had a baby a month ago), so please let me know if you notice any typos or need clarification. Thank you to all those who have joined the Crochet Along, I hope you are having fun!

Sampler Square #11 - Spike Single Crochet

2011-06-10T23:17:00.000-07:00

New Stitches /Techniques:
Spike Single Crochet (Ssc): Insert hook below the next stitch, 1 row down (this means instead of inserting in the top of the stitch, you will be inserting into the same space that stitch was worked), Yo, pull loop through and up to the top of your work, Yo, pull through both loops.

Pattern:
Row 1: Ch 26; Work sc in 2nd ch from hook, and each ch aross. (25 stitches)
Row 2: Ch 1, turn, sc in 1st sc, (Ssc in next sc, sc in next sc) repeat to end of row.
Row 3: Ch 1, turn, Ssc in 1st sc, (sc in next sc, Ssc in next sc) repeat to end of row.
Repeat Rows 2 and 3 for a total of 37 Rows, or until square measures approximately 8 ¼-½”.

Edging: Repeat edging for Square One.

Notes: Spikes are another stitch where the trick is in where you insert you hook. Once you figure that out, you are doing a basic single crochet stitch. Spike stitches can be made much longer by inserting your hook 2, 3, or 4 rows beneath the row you are working. Once you have a few rows of sc, you can experiment with combining different lengths of spike stitches.

On Thursday I met a mother whose 4 1/2 month old daughter was in the NICUs at both Legacy Salmon Creek and Emanuel. Her health situation was very different than Rowan's, but they used a lot of the same procedures, so she asked me a lot of questions. Her daughter was not at Salmon Creek long enough to receive one of our blankets, but at Emanuel (where Rowan spent her one day of life) she was given a quilt and afghan. It was very strange to see this tiny little person, healthy and alive, who spent a week unconscious while her parents had to wait and see. Her mother truly understands how amazing it is that most babies actually come out healthy when there are so many things that can go wrong, and what a miracle her tiny daughter is.

Sampler Square #10 - X-Stitch

2011-06-03T08:32:00.000-07:00

Abbreviations Used: Yarn Over (YO), Stitch (st), Chain (ch), Single Crochet (sc), Half Double Crochet (hdc), Double Crochet (dc)

New Stitch:
X-Stitch: YO, skip first st, dc in next st; working behind dc just made, dc inserting the hook from front to back of the top of skipped st.

Pattern:
Row 1: Ch 31; Work sc in 2nd ch from hook, and each ch across. (30 stitches)
Row 2: Ch 2, turn, (X-Stitch in next 2 st) 14 times; dc in last st.
Row 3: Ch 2, turn, (X-Stitch in next 2 st) 14 times; dc in top of ch2.
Repeat Row 3 for 12 more Rows, or until square measures approximately 8 ¼-½”.

Edging: Repeat edging for Square One.

Notes: The only trick to this stitch is figuring out how to insert your hook. I tried to find a good tutorial. The one in the link has small pictures, but you can click on them to make them bigger, easier to see. The Video link is much more helpful. If you still cannot get the hang of it, you can try working your 2nd dc in each X in front of the 1st dc. Working in front may be a bit easier, but looks a little different. I have simply always worked in the back, so that is how I wrote it. :) On the other hand, since I am lefthanded, a right-hander working in front of the 1st stitch would actually look more like my picture. So do what works for you, and let me know which you do. Thanks!

Rather than finishing the 2nd & 3rd versions of the blanket, this week I started 2 more!! I keep finding new yarns I want to try the pattern in, so I start a new blanket. Today I started one with Red Heart Soft, which I like working with SOOO much better than the Super Saver. I am also doing some squares with a slightly bulkier tweeded yarn in shades of blue. Several balls were donated, so I am not quite sure what brand it is, or how I will work it into a blanket with other yarns.

What yarns is everyone using? I am excited to have nearly 2 dozen of you following my Crochet Along now, from as far away as Germany, and as close as my friend just up the street. Thank you all for joining along!

Sampler Square #9 - (Modified) V-Stitch

2011-05-27T08:35:00.000-07:00

Part 3: Easy As XYZ

Stitches Used: chain (ch), single crochet (sc), double crochet (dc).

New Stitches /Techniques:
V-Stitch: Two double crochets worked into the same stitch. The V pattern appears by working the next row of V-stitches into the spaces between these two double crochets. (Video)
Working Between Stitches: Insert your hook into the space between the posts of the 2 stitches indicated rather than into the tops of stitches as usual.

Pattern:
Row 1: Ch 32; Work sc in 2nd ch from hook and each ch across. (30 sc)

Row 2: Ch3, turn, skip 1st sc (counts as 1st dc here and throughout); Work V-stitch in next sc, (skip 1 sc, V-stitch in next sc) repeat across to last 2 sc; skip 1 sc, dc in last sc.

Row 3: Ch2, turn, skip dc; Work V-stitch between 2dc of each V-stitch across; dc in last dc.

Repeat Row 3 for 15 more rows. If necessary, add or subtract rows until square measures approximately 8 1/4” to 8 1/2".

Edging: Repeat edging for Square One.

Notes: Another great stitch for afghans or garments. The more open, lacy stitch allows the finished fabric to have more drape than some of the tighter stitches. Generally the V-stitch is worked as “dc, ch1, dc” in same space. But the extra chain makes the finished fabric much more lacy looking, and the bigger holes are not ideal for a baby afghan. I have tried to avoid any stitches with lacy holes for tiny baby fingers to get stuck in.

We are at the halfway point in our Crochet Along, getting into lots of fun stitches. This is the perfect time to invite someone new to join us, as they can make just two 9" squares per week, and end along with the rest of us! I must admit, I have not been crocheting much at all this week. I have been busy decorating my craft studio to take pictures and submit to Studios Magazine in the next week or two. Very exciting as I have been wanting to do this for about 3 years!

In looking for a good tutorial link for the V-stitch, I got distracted on FreeVintageCrochet.com by all of the nifty vintage patterns. I am planning a costume for a 1950's Housewife Themed Banquet my MOMS Club is having in a couple of weeks, and I may just have to crochet a little lace collar or pillbox hat to complete the outfit. So many wonderful vintage patterns.

Sampler Square #8 - Katherine Wheel

2011-05-20T08:26:00.000-07:00

Special Stitches:
Five Double Crochet Shell (5-dc shell): Work 5 dc in one stitch. For tops of Katherine Wheels, shells will be worked in the 1st ch following each Cluster so that all stitches are worked in the same space, forming a “wheel”.
Five Double Crochet Cluster (dc5tog): (Yo, insert hook in next unused stitch, yo, remove hook from stitch; yo, pull through 2 loops) 5 times; Yo, pull through all 6 loops on hook.
Three Double Crochet Cluster (dc3tog): (Yo, insert hook in next unused stitch, yo, remove hook from stitch; yo, pull through 2 loops) 3 times; Yo, pull through all 4 loops on hook.
Two Double Crochet Cluster (dc2tog): (Yo, insert hook in next unused stitch, yo, remove hook from stitch; yo, pull through 2 loops) 2 times; Yo, pull through all 3 loops on hook.

Pattern:
Row 1: Chain(ch) 29; Work sc in 2nd ch from hook and each ch across. (28 sc)

Row 2: Ch1, turn; Sc in 1st sc, (skip 2 sc, 5-dc shell in next sc, skip 2 sc, sc in next sc) 4 times, skip 2 sc, 3 dc in last sc (counts as ½ shell). (4 ½ shells).

Row 3: Ch1, turn; Sc in 1st dc, (ch 2, dc5tog in next 5 sts, ch 3, sc in middle dc of shell in previous row) 4 times, ch 2, dc3tog in last 3 sts. (4 ½ clusters).

Row 4: Ch3, 2 dc in 1st ch, sc in next sc, (skip 2 ch, 5-dc shell in next ch, sc in next sc) 4 times.

Row 5: Ch2, turn; dc2tog, (ch 3, sc in middle dc of shell in previous row, ch 2, dc5tog in next 5 sts) 4 times, ch 3, sc in last sc.

Repeat Rows 2-5 two and a half times. If necessary, add or subtract rows until square measures approximately 8”, ending on Row 3 or 5.

Tip: At the end of each Cluster row, pull the stitches of the Clusters to the side to make less of a hole in the "wheels".

Edging: Repeat edging for Square One.

Notes: Clusters are formed by working the first part of a taller stitch like double crochet or treble in several stitches, leaving 1 loop from each stitch on the hook. Then all the loops are connected into 1 stitch by yarning over once more and pulling through all of the loops on your hook. Clusters can be used to decrease stitches as seen in the Chevrons in Square #6.

I know Katherine Wheels are generally spelled with a “C”, but I decided to name this square after my midwife and friend who helped me deliver both my girls, Rowan and Willow. Every year on Rowan's birthday, Katherine and her family have joined us to hike up the local mountain where we spread Rowan's ashes. Perhaps, after our hike this year, we will head to the local hospitals with loads of finished Sampler Afghans to donate to the families at the two local NICUs and bereavement departments where we have donated in the past.

Square #7 Correction...

2011-05-16T15:56:00.000-07:00

Oopsy daisies. It has been brought to my attention that I made a slight error in my original post for Square #7. I was fiddling with the pattern before I posted it last week and accidentally reversed the instructions inside the brackets for Row 3 and the Last Row. I fixed it on the original post, but wanted to admit my error in case anyone printed out the instructions already.

Frankly, I am rather amazed I have made it almost halfway through my first Crochet Along before something major coming out wrong. This is my first time putting my patterns out for public use, so I am still learning. I try to give very careful instructions, as I know a lot of people do not know how to read patterns. I sometimes over explain because I want to help those of you who struggle with patterns learn to read them for any future projects you would like to choose. I welcome any helpful comments or questions so my patterns are as easy to read as possible. Thanks so much!

Sampler Square #7 - Crosshatches

2011-05-13T11:26:00.000-07:00

Stitches Used: single crochet (sc), double crochet (dc)
Special Stitches:
Three Double Crochet Shell (3-dc shell): Work 3 dc in one stitch or space.

New Techniques:
Working in Chain 2 Space (ch-2 sp): Rather than inserting your hook into the top of the next stitch, you will insert your hook inside the space created by each ch 1 in the previous row, where indicated.

Pattern:
Row 1: Ch 30; Work sc in 2nd ch from hook, and each ch across. (29 sc)

Row 2: Ch 3, turn; Work 3-dc shell in 1st sc, skip 3 sc, sc in next sc; (ch 2, 3-dc shell in same sc, skip 3 sc, sc in next sc) 6 times. (7 shells)

Row 3: Ch 3, turn; Work 3-dc shell in 1st sc; In each ch-2 sp across work [sc, ch 2, 3-dc shell], sc in top ch of ch 3 at end of row.

Repeat Row 3 for eleven more rows or until square measures approximately 8 1/4”.

Last Row: Ch 2, turn; work [hdc, 2dc] in 1st sc; In each ch-2 sp across work [2 sc, hdc, dc], sc in top ch of ch 3 at end of row.

Edging: Repeat edging for Square One.

Pattern Reading Tip: All stitches within [squared brackets] should be worked in the same stitch or space.

Notes: I love the look and feel of the Crosshatch stitch. I have made entire baby afghans using this stitch, and it is farely easy for beginners once they understand where the stitches should go. A few of the beginning crocheters who made several afghans for our first donation in 2009 tried this pattern after they got tired of plain double crochets.

This week I am continuing working with the cotton yarn. As a variation of the basic pattern, I am changing the color for the edging after I finish the square. Because the cotton squares come out a bit smaller, I am working 2 rows of edging in a solid color around each square. This is the first blanket where I am using a multicolored yarn for some of the squares, and the colors turn out really neat looking with some of the patterns, including the Crosshatch. Give it a try with a multicolor or "ombre" yarn!

Pictures of Sampler Afghan!

2011-05-09T19:57:00.000-07:00

I finally caught a sunny day to snap some pics of the first finished Rowan's Sampler Afghan for our Crochet Along.

I will be adding pictures of individual Squares to each pattern already posted. But here are a few of the upcoming patterns to tempt you to join the Crochet Along, if you have not already...

V-Stitch

Puff Stitch

Basket Weave

Rowan Berry Stitch (especially created for this afghan)

Sampler Square #6 - Chevrons

2011-05-06T09:03:00.000-07:00

Stitches Used: single crochet (sc), half double crochet (hdc), double crochet (dc), treble crochet (trc).

Special Stitches:
Double Crochet 2 Together (dc2tog): YO, insert your hook into stitch, YO, pull hook out of stitch. You should have 3 loops on your hook. YO, pull through 2 loops, do not complete dc. YO, insert your hook into next stitch, YO, pull hook out of stitch. YO, pull through 2 loops. You should have 3 loops on your hook. YO, pull through all 3 loops.
Double Crochet 3 Together (dc3tog): YO, insert your hook into stitch, YO, pull hook out of stitch. You should have 3 loops on your hook. YO, pull through 2 loops, do not complete dc. YO, insert your hook into next stitch, YO, pull hook out of stitch. YO, pull through 2 loops. You should have 3 loops on your hook. Do not complete dc. YO, insert your hook into next stitch, YO, pull hook out of stitch. YO, pull through 2 loops. You should have 4 loops on your hook. YO, pull through all 4 loops.

Pattern:
Row 1: Chain(ch) 26; Work sc in 2nd ch from hook, working in remaining chains (sc, 2hdc, 2dc, trc, 2dc, 2hdc, 2sc) 2 times. (25 stitches)

Row 2: Ch 2, turn, work dc2tog in 1st two stitches. *Dc in next 4 stitches, 3 dc in next stitch, dc in next 4 stitches*, dc3tog, repeat * to *, dc2tog.

Repeat Row 2 for 10 more rows. If necessary, add or subtract rows until square measures approximately 8 ¼-½”.

Last Row: Ch 3, work trc in 1st dc, working in remaining dc (2dc, 2hdc, 3sc, 2hdc, 2 dc, trc) 2 times.

Edging: Repeat edging for Square One.

Notes: Alternating increases and decreases at the top and bottom of each Chevron creates a natural zigzag effect. This stitch makes marvelous afghans, generally leaving lovely points on the top and bottom edges of your afghan. In order to create a square using this stitch, I included a 'cheater' row at the beginning and end using varying stitch height to leave the edges straight while still showing off the zigzags in the rest of the square.

Also note that Dc2tog and Dc3tog can also be called “Clusters”. We will learn more about clusters in Square #8.

First this week, I just have to welcome my friend Brandy's newest addition who arrived last Saturday. She sent me a marvelous photo of herself sitting on the birth ball while in early labor, with yarn in hand, working up her Mini Waves Square. The bright yellow square can also be seen, apparently finished, on the table next to her bed as she shows off her beautiful baby boy. Congratulations, and I feel honored to have my Crochet Along square included in the story of his birth!

Today I am hosting another group of MOMS in my Craft Cafe. I will be providing mochas and lattes, and plenty of toys to keep the little ones hands busy so the moms can have their hands free to crochet. I am really enjoying working the squares up in cotton yarns this week, in shades of pink, brown, and white.

Crochet & Play

2011-04-30T23:13:00.000-07:00

Several times this month we had MOMS Club Learn To Crochet events to give our moms as many opportunities as possible to learn. A couple weeks ago we met at our local indoor play place/coffee shop, Cafe Sip'n'Play. I brought yarn and hooks for all. A few moms were at our first gathering a couple weeks before, but most were new.

The cafe was busy that morning filled with moms and kids. But we managed to score most of the bar overlooking the play area, so some moms could stand inside with the kids and even crochet, while others watched and crocheted from outside while enjoying a mocha or a breakfast sandwich.

Although it was rather difficult to stay focused in such a chaotic environment, everyone went home feeling they had learned at least a little. The mom with 2 year old twins who took turns demanding her attention was excited just to learn how to chain. She went home ready to practice getting the hang of it and make necklaces and bookmarks for all of her kiddos.

Sampler Square #5 - Mini Waves

2011-04-29T09:46:00.000-07:00

This week we start Part 2: Combining Stitches!

Stitches Used: single crochet (sc), half double crochet (hdc), double crochet (dc), treble crochet (trc).

New Stitches /Techniques:
Treble Crochet (trc): YO 2 times, insert your hook into stitch, YO, pull hook out of stitch. You should have 3 loops on your hook. YO, pull through 2 loops. YO, pull through 2 loops. YO, pull through 2 loops.

Back Loop Only: Insert hook into center of top of the stitch, under only the back loop and out the back of the stitch you are working in rather than through both loops.

Pattern:
Row 1: Ch 29; Work sc in 2nd ch from hook, and next ch; Working in remaining chains (3 hdc, 3 sc) 4 time, 2 hdc. (28 stitches)
Row 2 : Ch 1, turn; (sc, hdc, dc, tr, dc, hdc) 4 times; sc, hdc, dc, trc. (28 stitches)
Row 3: Ch 1, turn; Work in Back Loops Only, sc in each stitch across.
Row 4: Ch 3, turn (counts as 1st trc); Dc in 2nd sc, (hdc, sc, hdc, dc, trc, dc) 4 times; hdc, sc. (28 stitches).
Row 5: Repeat Row 3.
Repeat Rows 2-5 four times. If necessary, add or subtract rows until square measures approximately 8”, ending on Row 3 or 5.
Last Row: Ch 1, turn; 2 sc, (3 hdc, 3 sc) 4 time, 2 hdc. (if you end up with an even number of rows before this one, reverse the instructions, starting with 2 hdc)

Edging: Repeat edging for Square One.

Notes: Alternating stitch size creates a subtle wave in the rows of this pattern. Waves are generally worked even wider using two of each stitch as you go across, but then you could not see the pattern in such a small square. The Back Loop Only ridges give both sides of this finished square a distinctively different wave pattern. Choose which look you like better and use that as the “Right Side” (rs) of your work, keeping that side facing you when you work the Edging around the square.

This week I started squares for yet another version of this sampler using Sugar'n'Cream 100% Cotton Yarn. I love working with cotton yarn, and not just because it is a natural fiber which I would personally prefer for blankets and toys for my own children. Although this cotton yarn is considered "Worsted Weight" it is generally worked with a smaller hook than most acrylic wosrted weight yarns. As a result my squares are coming out smaller, so I am working 2 rows of edging for each square.

Sampler Square #4: Five-Double Crochet Shells

2011-04-22T11:59:00.000-07:00

Stitches Used: single crochet (sc), double crochet (dc)

Special Stitches:
Five Double Crochet Shell (5-dc shell): Work 5 dc in one stitch. For this pattern, shells are worked into each sc from previous row with a sc in the top of the center of each shell. (Video)

Pattern:
Row 1: Ch 29; Work sc in 2nd ch from hook and each ch across. (28 sc)

Row 2: Ch1, turn; Sc in 1st sc, (skip 2 sc, 5-dc shell in next sc, skip 2 sc, sc in next sc) 4 times, skip 2 sc, 3 dc in last sc (counts as ½ shell). (4 ½ 5-dc shells).

Row 3: Ch1, turn; Sc in 1st dc, (skip 2 dc, 5-dc shell in next sc, skip 2 dc, sc in next dc) 4 times, skip 2 dc, 3 dc in last sc (counts as ½ shell). (4 ½ 5-dc shells).

Repeat Row 3 for 16 more rows. If necessary, add or subtract rows until square measures approximately 8 ¼-½”.

Last Row: Sc in next 2 st, (hdc in next 3 st, sc in next 3 st) repeat 4 times, hdc in last 2 st.

Edging: Repeat edging for Square One.

Notes: A Shell is simply a group of stitches worked into the same stitch or space. There are many varieties of shells from 3-dc Shells (used in Granny Squares) to 8-trc Shells. An odd number of stitches in the Shell is required if you want to work into the center of the Shell on the following row (as in this square). The number of stitches or chains skipped in between your Shells should equal the number of stitches in your Shell, plus 1 for the stitch you are working in. The Shell is a very common stitch in making afghans and garments.

Happy Earth Day! Hope Everyone has a great Easter Weekend! I have finished the first sample of the completed afghan, so there will definitely be pictures up here soon!

Learning To Read Patterns

2011-04-18T22:11:00.000-07:00

When I was in junior high, my Campfire Leader taught me to crochet granny squares. I went right out and bought some yarn and was determined to follow the pattern on the paper yarn wrapper to make a pair of slippers for my Mom for Christmas. But I had no idea how to read the pattern.

I found a list of abbreviations in the back of a crochet book, and have distinct memories of flipping back and forth to figure out what the abbreviations meant and how to do the stitches until I finally learned most of them. And so, I taught myself to read those crazy patterns.

But you do not have to do it all by yourself. I frequently have people tell me they know how to crochet but they cannot read patterns. When I am teaching crochet classes I always give my students a "cheat sheet" with abbreviations, written directions, and diagrams for all of the basic crochet classes. These days, all of this information can be found online at various sites.

Here are just a few of my favorites:
Crochet Guild Of America - Lessons for Righthanders and Lefthanders
Craft Yarn Council - Full List of Abbreviations and much more
Stitch Divas - Clear pictures and explanations of stitches
Free Vintage Crochet - Diagrams and Videos for each stitch

Sampler Square #3 - Single Crochet "Moss" Stitch

2011-04-15T09:32:00.000-07:00

Stitches Used:
Single Crochet (sc): Insert your hook into stitch, YO (yarn over), pull hook out of stitch. You should have 2 loops on your hook. YO, pull through both loops. (video)

New Techniques:
Working in Chain 1 Space (ch-1 sp): Rather than inserting your hook into the top of the next stitch, you will insert your hook inside the space created by each ch 1 in the previous row, where indicated.

Pattern:
Row 1: Chain(ch) 32; Work sc in 2nd ch from hook, (ch 1, skip 1 ch*, sc in next ch) across, sc in last ch. (14 ch-1 sps)
Row 2 – 32 (or 33): Ch 1, turn; Work sc in 1st sc, (ch 1, sc in next ch-1 sp) across, sc in last sc. If necessary, add or subtract rows until square measures approximately 8 ¼-½”.

Edging: Repeat edging for Square One.

Tip: Keep your chains for your chain spaces quite loose throughout. It is easy to get too tight making the square much smaller than you intend. This stitch may take a couple of tries to get the hang of keeping your tension from being too tight or too loose.

Notes: The “Moss” stitch is often used when making crocheted garments, as it provides a stretchier fabric than most crochet stitches. Although crocheted garments can be beautiful, the lack of stretch in the finished item is one reason there are so many more patterns for knitted garments than crocheted ones. The moss stitch and other techniques can improve the drape and fit of crocheted garments.

Sampler Square #2: Half Double Crochet (hdc) Ridges

2011-04-08T08:19:00.000-07:00

New Stitches:
Half Double Crochet (hdc): YO, insert your hook into stitch, YO, pull hook out of stitch. You should have 3 loops on your hook. YO, pull through all 3 loops.

New Techniques:
Front Loop Only: Insert hook under only the front loop and up through the center of the top of the stitch you are working in rather than both loops.

Pattern:
Row 1: Chain(ch) 31; Work hdc in 2nd ch from hook and each ch across. (30 hdc)
Row 2 - 20: Ch1, turn; Working in front loop only, hdc in each hdc across. If necessary, add or subtract rows until square measures approximately 8 ¼-½”.

Edging: Repeat edging for Square One.

Note on Half Double Crochet Fabric: Because of the nature of the Half Double Crochet Stitch, when working back and forth to create a piece of fabric, natural ridges will appear. By working in Front Loop Only for this square we get a neat effect of double ridges. However, when working in the round, as in making a hat, you do not get the same ridged look as you do when you turn the piece at the end of each row.

I WILL get pictures of the squares so far this week. I have been so busy making squares I have not managed to get pictures of them. Also working on pictures to go with the Learning To Crochet - Getting Started Post which is almost done.

Teaching Crochet

2011-04-02T23:38:00.000-07:00

As a left handed crocheter, I was hesitant to try teaching when I knew most of my students would be right handed. But about 12 years ago I gave it a try and discovered that being left handed just meant I could teach both lefties and righties. I love being able to share my passion with others!

Yesterday I had the first of many Crochet Classes I will be holding in the next month as the MOMS Club of Camas begins our next donation for the Remembering Rowan Project. Six students of varying experience gathered in my craft studio, from my 20 year old cousin who I taught to crochet when she was just 11, to a friend who did not get to learn when I taught the MOMS Club back in 2008 and was eager to finally get started. I walked them each through their first double crochet stitches while six wee kidlets played at our feet.

I started them with swatch squares, to determine what size hook they should use for working up Rowan's Sampler Afghan. The one who was a total beginner plans to continue her swatch to make a scarf while she is traveling for spring vacation. By the time she get back she will be very comfortable with double crochets and ready to begin her Sampler Afghan.

To spread the word about my CAL (Crochet Along), I started a thread on Crochetville, an amazing online community for crocheters. Check it out for inspiration, information on all things crochet, and even how to videos.

Sampler Square #1 - Double Crochet (dc)

2011-04-01T00:41:00.000-07:00

We are starting with a simple Double Crochet for the the 1st square, to allow beginners time to work their way up to more difficult stitches.

Materials: Size J hook and worsted weight yarn in kid friendly color(s) (need about 20 oz for whole blanket, or 3-4 large skeins depending if you want 1 or 2 colors).

New Stitches:
Single Crochet (sc): Insert your hook into stitch, YO (yarn over), pull hook out of stitch. You should have 2 loops on your hook. YO, pull through both loops.
Double Crochet (dc): YO, insert your hook into stitch, YO, pull hook out of stitch. You should have 3 loops on your hook. YO, pull through 2 loops. YO, pull through 2 loops.

Pattern
Row 1: Chain(ch) 27; Work dc in 3rd ch from hook and each ch across. (25 dc)
Row 2-15: Ch2, turn; Work dc in each dc across. If necessary, add or subtract rows until square measures approximately 8 ¼-½”.

Edging:
With right side (rs) facing, ch 1, turn square to start working down side; sc in corner st, *work 26 sc evenly sp across to next corner, work 3 sc in corner; rep from * 2 more times; work 26 sc evenly spaced (sp) across, work 2 sc in corner; join with slst to first sc; finish off, leaving long end for sewing squares together later. (116 sc)

Tips:

Measure your work after 3-4 rows. If it measures more than 8 ½” wide, pull it out and try with a smaller hook.

When working Edging into sides of stitches, always work through two or more loops of yarn for more even stitches. When you are halfway across each side fold your square in half to put 13 sc on each side of the fold. This will help you keep your stitches even. If your block still does not measure 9 inches, you can add a 2nd round of single crochet edging.

A Note on Making Double Crochet Fabric:
Most patterns for creating rows of double crochet stitches will instruct you to begin a new row with, "Ch 3, skip 1st dc (ch 3 counts as 1st dc)". However, I find skipping the first dc leaves rather large, unsightly holes in my work. In order to avoid this, I always chain 2 and do not skip the 1st stitch. The extra chains do make the sides less even, but it is not noticeable if you will be working around the edges.

So, with the exception of a few stitches where the skipped stitch does not leave a hole because of the nature of the stitch, my patterns will not instruct you to skip the stitch.

A Word About Gauge

2011-03-29T01:19:00.000-07:00

Gauge Square for Rowan's Sampler Afghan
Row 1: With J-hook, chain 14, double crochet (dc) in 3rd chain (ch) from hook and each ch across. (12 dc) Row 2: Ch 2, dc in each dc across. Repeat Row 2 for a total of 7 rows. Should equal approximately 4” square. If larger than 4” try the same swatch with an I-hook. If smaller try with a K-hook.

Why is Gauge Important?
Most Crochet patterns give you a gauge square to make before you begin the project. The tension with which we hold our yarn varies from one crocheter to another making the same pattern with the same hook appear looser or tighter. Checking your gauge will allow you to change to a larger or smaller hook to adjust your stitches to the size you need for your pattern. Taking time to complete this small square will allow you to create a finished project in the size you actually want.

In general, it is better to go a little on the small side than slightly bigger. For this project, if your gauge swatch measures 4 ¼”, by the time you make a 9” square it will measure at least ½” larger. You can always add to a too small square, but there is no way to fix a too large square except to pull it all out and start over again.

When do I Need the Gauge?
If you are making a hat, sweater, or other garment, I highly recommend checking your gauge. Otherwise you may get half way through your project and realize you have to start all over because the garment will never fit. Or hopefully you have a friend or relative who is actually the right size you can give it to. My aunts each got a sweater years ago they probably never wore. But at least I felt good about giving a handmade gift.

When making an afghan or scarf or other flat item, the gauge square is not quite as important. As long as you do not mind it being a bit bigger or smaller. However, I would recommend checking your gauge for this Sampler Afghan Pattern. Because we are using so many different stitches and in case you decide to make a few squares to donate on their own, it is important to check your gauge so your 9" squares can be combined with those made by others.

What Do I Do With All Those Little Squares?
Some people just pull out their guage swatches so they can reuse the yarn for their project. But I like to save them. My 1 year old has a lot of them mixed in with her toys. She likes to feel the various textures. They also make great blankets for her littlest dolls, or sew a few together for a bigger doll. I have also used a number of my test swatches in making the Playscapes I designed for my son a couple years ago.

Yarn and Hook Recommendations

2011-03-28T10:15:00.000-07:00

Yarn Weight Rowan's Sampler Afghan is designed to be made with Worsted Weight Yarn, using a size I or J hook. I am currently working up 2 afghans as I work out the patterns for each square. I selected Red Heart Super Saver as a typical, inexpensive worsted weight acrylic yarn, similar to many other brands. I also selected some Caron Simply Soft as it is softer than most typical acrylic yarn, which is nice to work with and softer for babies. While I generally prefer working with more natural fibers, most NICUs only want acrylic or possibly cotton blankets. Hook Size Your hook size will depend on the gauge square, but that is for another post. I am using a J-hook with the Red Heart yarn, but if your gauge is looser or tighter you can switch to an I or a K size hook. I am using a K-hook with the Simply Soft to get the same size squares because the softer yarn works up a bit tighter than the regular, denser acrylic yarns. Color(s) Multi-colored "Ombre" yarns can be fun to work with. But for this project I recommend sticking with solid colors to show off your fancy stitches. I am making both of my samples using 2 coordinating colors (aqua/mint and mauve/lavender) and plan to sew them together alternating the colors. If you have a multi-colored yarn you just have to use, make the plainer squares with that yarn and choose a complementary solid for the more textured squares. Another option is using up your scrap balls making each square a different color, which can be tied together by using the same color for the single crochet edging which goes around each square. How Much Yarn I have not completed all of the squares for a sample quite yet, but I believe it will take about 20oz. of yarn for the whole blanket. For a 2 color blanket I need two 7oz. skiens of each color for a total of 4 skiens. If you make the entire pattern in just one color, which would also look lovely with so many different stitches, I believe only 3 skiens would be enough. Where To Get Yarn I always like to support Local Yarn Shops (LYS). They have beautiful yarns you cannot get at the big box stores and are a dying breed. The only one left in our area is It's A Crewel World in Washougal (though I bhave heard the name is chsnging with a new owner). But for charity projects quantity is often more important than quality, so the bigger stores are the place to go to get coupons and sales on already cheap yarn. This is Customer Appreciation Week at Michael's. You can get a coupon for 20% off your entire purchase here, just remember to print it out before you go in to the store. I am planning to stock up on Red Heart, Pound of Love, Simply Soft, and Vanna's Choice yarns in lots of lovely babyish colors (not just pastels to have on hand for locals wanting to join the Crochet Along.

Sampler Stitches Preview

2011-03-26T13:25:00.000-07:00

Just a preview of the stitches we will be doing in "Rowan's Sampler Afghan". Check out all the fun stitches we will be doing in this project:

April: The Basics - Double Crochet, Half Double Crochet Ridges, Single Crochet "Moss" Stitch, and Shells
May: Combining Stitches - Waves, Chevrons, Crosshatches and Catherine's Wheels
June: XYZ - V-Stitch, X-Stitch, Spikes, and it's a mystery
July: Textures - Basket Weave, Bobbles, Puffs, and Popcorn Stitches

Skills will include:Working in Front Loops, Chain Spaces, Space Between Stitches, Behind Previous Stitches, Into Lower Rows, Around Front and Back Posts.
Increases, Decreases, and Clusters.

General Abbreviations:
beg - begin(ning)
ch sp - chain space
dec - decrease
inc - increase
rep - repeat
rs – right side
sk - skip
st(s) - stitch(es)
tog - together
ws – wrong side
yo - yarn over

Stitch Abbreviations:
ch(s) - chain(s)
slst - slipstitch
sc - single crochet
hdc - half double crochet
dc - double crochet
tr - treble (triple) crochet
fp - front post
bp - back post

There may be a few more, but this covers most of what will come up in this project. Sign up today to join my Crochet Along, beginning April 1st!

Crochet Along With Me!

2011-03-26T09:20:00.000-07:00

Join me in my first "Crochet Along"! Beginning April 1st I will post new instructions every Friday for the next 16 weeks to complete "Rowan's Sampler Afghan".

For this year's Remembering Rowan Project Donation, we will be collecting crocheted, knitted, and quilted 9 inch squares to be sewn together into baby afghans and quilts to donate to our local NICUs on Rowan's Birthday, August 10th. This summer our town is having their first Quilting and Fiber Arts Festival (which I am helping plan) and they offered to collect squares for our project.

To tie in with the 9 inch square idea, I am designing a Sampler Afghan made up of 16 nine inch squares. We will start with a simple Double Crochet square and move through lots of fun stitches and textures. I want to give new crocheters the chance to start with easy, basic stitches while including some challenges for more experienced stitchers. By the time you have completed this afghan, you will be familiar with most of the stitches and techniques you would come across in typical crochet patterns.

For beginners, I will provide detailed step by step instructions and abbreviations for each new stitch, as well as links to diagrams and even videos of stitches for those who are more visually oriented. And will be glad to answer any questions or help you work out problems with new stitches.

So will you join me? Just 1 nine inch square each week. You could easily make two of each square per week, and create a blanket for your own child and one to donate.

It's Simple:
1. Follow my blog.
2. Pick out some yarn.
3. Check back every Friday April through July.
4. Make a square or two every week.
5. Sew them together! That's it!
6. (Optional) If you decide to donate a blanket, or even just a couple 9" squares, please email me at laurithree-blogatyahoodotcom.

Giant Leprechaun Hat Trap

2011-03-13T16:05:00.000-07:00

Inspired by seeing a picture of a "Leprechaun Trap" in Family Fun Magazine a few weeks ago, my 5 1/2 year old son Griffin designed and made this Giant Hat Trap before I ever looked up the instructions online. Every month when we receive our new issue of Family Fun Magazine Griffin and I sit down together to look at all the crafts and ideas for things we can make and cook together. But it is even more fun when we just see a picture for inspiration and come up with our own ideas for how to recreate what we have seen.

With structural help from his engineer Dad and artistic help from me, we built the trap to his specification. Dad used a Large Cardboard Box (though Griffin felt it should be much larger) bent into a circle, with the ends on 1 end cut into slits for the Leprechaun to fall in to. We then stuck green, black, and yellow Tissue Paper Squares all over the box with glue sticks.

For the Brim of the Hat we found a large flat piece of recycled Cardboard. To make a nice round circle I poked an Awl into the center then tied a piece of Yarn to the Awl and a Green Pen and traced a circle all the way around. Dad cut out the circle with a large Exacto Knife. Then Griffin used a Sponge and Acrylic Paint to paint the whole thing green. They taped the top of the hat onto the brim and cut 4 pieces of green copy paper to fit the top. Finally we made a Ladder with Twigs from Griffin's "stick collection" tied together with Green Hemp String so the Leprechaun can climb up to the top to get to the gold.

The top is sturdy enough to hold a few gold coins to lure a Leprechaun, then give way if he climbs on top. Our only concern now is that Griffin will be very disappointed if he thinks the Leprechaun got out of his trap. I guess the Leprechaun needs to leave him something really cool if he doesn't fall for the trap. Griffin still thinks we should have found a bigger box.

Laurinda’s Craft Café

2011-03-07T21:22:00.000-08:00

Creativity, Coffee, and Fun

After a couple years of organizing, rearranging, and decorating, I believe my craft studio is finally nearly complete. My studio space is the entire upstairs of the two bedroom apartment attached to the back of our house, including the kitchen/living room/dining room area, and even a huge closet in the bathroom and a large`attic for extra storage. I have struggled with how to organize and balance my variety of artistic interests and classes I host with the need to have plenty of creative activities for my busy five and a half year old. All while creating a safe space for my newly toddling and climbing one year old (and often some her friends) to explore as we create.

Every few weeks I try to tackle the mountain of bins and boxes which have accumulated over the years, as every item that does not have a home in the rest of the house gets dumped into my studio space, and I continually expand my stash of materials to try new and different techniques and mediums. I empty many boxes, but there always seems to be more. Then it is time for a class or a party and everything gets hidden once more in the attic, the closet, or even the bathtub.

But I have finally come to a crossroads. When I go in to sort through the few bins that are left, or collect items from the rest of the house that really do belong in the studio, I can picture exactly where they go and put them there immediately, instead of just another transitional container which may or may not ever find it’s home. Nearly everything finally has a place, or goes in the donation bin.

Just yesterday I pulled out my 2nd (okay, maybe 4th, but they are all different) rotary cutting mat, and Griffin grabbed it and said, “You have two of these, you need to donate this one. Let’s put it outside to donate!” He did not quite understand that I need different sized mats for different projects, and hosting quilting playdates. But I think it is a good sign that we are on the right track, both of us learning to give up what we do not need or use.

I have just two main categories to organize still: Miscellaneous Yarn and Paperwork (more than half of which will be recycled). Then just a few more items to complete the décor I have envisioned all these years, and I will feel that I am ready to submit “Laurinda’s Craft Café” to Studios Magazine, one of my new year’s resolutions.

Dr. Seuss 1st Birthday for Two

2011-02-16T23:31:00.000-08:00

Saturday we celebrated Willow's first birthday along with my friend Carissa's little boy who will be one in just two weeks. We settled on the theme for a joint birthday party about six months ago when I came across cute Dr. Seuss pencils and erasers*. I immediately called Carissa to run the idea by her and picked up a dozen of each for the older kids.

The Dr. Seuss theme came together with discounted fabric from an online co-op which we used to make Drawstring Bags, Bean Bags for favors, and even patches on the matching skirt and pants for the birthday kids made by my friend Jen over at Sunshine Salad.

Everybody dressed the part. The Birthday kids wore matching Thing 1 and Thing 2 Tshirts*. Liam's big sister wore her Cat In The Hat Halloween costume. Carissa and I wore the adult Thing 1 and 2 Tshirts she made for Halloween to match Kate.

Big brother Griffin helped me fill the Beanbags with millet or split peas. We made (1 Fish 2)Fish In A Bag Soaps with melt and pour glycerine soap* and small plastic fish* poured into clear cellophane bags. Griffin also filled the favor bags: Dr. Seuss Characters on Polkadot fabric bags with Beanbags, Soap, and a special Birthday CD mix for the babies, Cat In the Hat fabric bags with Seuss pencils, erasers, pencil grips, and buttons for their older siblings. All the kids also got to take home two or three Crocheted Egg Shakers which Carissa and I have been making for the past month.

Polkadot covered plates and napkins* inspired the decorations. In addition to various Dr. Seuss books and stuffed toys displayed on every flat surface and we dotted the walls with bright paper circles*. A friend leant me her Cricut so I was able to make Birthday Banners to hang in the windows as well as quotes from the Seuss books.

I even created a Truffula forest of mini cotton candy balls* on paper cones I sprayed yellow with cake decorating spray* to more resemble the trunks of the trees features in The Lorax.

Once we got on the polkadot theme, I was inspired to pull out our bags of bright plastic balls (I used to pick them up at garage sales so we have quite a few) and kiddie pools for a couple baby ball pits which were a big hit. We had Dr. Seuss coloring pages and sticker bookmarks for the older kids to work on in Griffin's room while the babies played.

Then we moved into the Game Room (aka, my craftroom) for Creature Bowling*, Pin The Star On The Sneetch (Griffin colored the large Sneetch I drew), and Cat Hat Bean Bag Toss (foamcore hat with red ducttape for stripes). The Hat and Sneetch turned out so well I am going to donate them to the local library for their annual Dr. Seuss' Birthday event, next month.

Next was an Indoor Picnic of Green (devilled) Eggs and Ham (rolls with green cream cheese). As well as Bananas, Marshmallows, and Angel Food Cake to dip in the Chocolate Fountain, and a huge bowl of Goldfish Crackers. Willow kept climbing onto the tables to join the big kids and steal their food.

The last activity was the Baby Dance Party. All of the older kids and some of the babies clapped, jumped, and jammed to the tunes on a CD put together by our good friend Caren as a birthday gift for Willow & Liam. I mentioned I was looking for "Activity Songs", ones with instructions for kids to follow, and she came up with 63! Carissa and I narrowed it down to our favorite 33 songs and made copies for party favors.

We played 7 songs during the party from Rafi's "Shake My Sillies Out" to Eminem's "Five Little Monkeys", and everyone including the grandparents picked one of our handmade Egg Shakers for "Shake Your Egg" from Kindermusik.

The party wrapped up with cupcakes. Carissa and my cousin Hollie decorated cupcakes with white frosting and tiny bright colored ball sprinkles (easier to clean than colored frosting and tiny enough for babies not to choke on), and topped with simple cake toppers made from toothpicks, punched cardstock.

We laid out several large sheets of paper on the kitchen floor, stripped the guests of honor down to their diapers and onesies, and placed a cupcake in front of each of them. Liam gobbled up the whole thing while Miss Willow was more interested in the frosting all over her leg than in eating the cake. After a quick bath and a few lovely presents, everyone headed home and the birthday kids (and their moms) were very ready for a long nap.

Resources:
* Dr. Seuss Party Favors 6 packs from Target $1 bins (they have a lot of nice themes but they rotate out often, so if you want it, pick it up when you see it)
* Plates & Napkins, 20 for $1 at Big Lots (rather than 8 for $1.50 at most stores)
* Thing 1 & Thing 2 Tshirts from Bumkins, one of my favorite cloth diaper companies
* Glycerine Soap from Michael's (Tip: learned it looks clearer if you melt & let harden once before putting in container, allowing moisture to be released)
* Plastic Fish 6/$1 at DollarTree (Used mostly "Red Fish" and "Blue Fish")
* Paper Circles cut with my favorite Creative Memories Cutting System
* Cotton Candy from our local candy store, Hollypops
* Monster Bowling set by Melissa & Doug (picked up by a friend at Goodwill for a few dollars, along with a plastic set)

Dr. Seuss Party Blog Posts for Inspiration:
little pumpkin grace

**Special Thanks to our Cousin Hollie for taking all the great pictures.

Getting My Craft On!

2011-02-07T22:01:00.000-08:00

A Very Crafty Week:

Saturday - Scrapbooking, all day event. Finally got back to working on my Wedding Album, set aside many years ago when I tried selling Creative Memories and worked on other albums using CM materials. Hoping to finish before my 15th wedding anniversary in June, and finally get my baby albums going.

Monday - Birthday Party Invitations, green cards and envelopes, add a little vellum (easier to print on) and polkadot ribbon ($1 per roll at Big Lots). Print cute poem written by Carissa, cut to fit, punch a few holes for attaching to card with ribbon and just because I thought they should be holey. And they were ready to mail.

Tuesday - Seedball Making Workshop with Griffin. He kept his hands remarkably clean for rolling dozens of little balls of clay, compost, and wildflower seeds. Organized by Urban Abundance. Cannot wait to try this with the MOMS Club Garden Club.

Wednesday - Craft Night, a friend hosts a monthly get together. This month there were people scrapbooking, knitting, crocheting, making valentines, and I started cutting fabric squares for party favors. I love this monthly chance to craft when I do not have to organize anything of even clean my craftroom.

Thursday - Bean Bags and Crocheted Egg Shakers, party favors for Willow (and Liam)'s 1st birthday party next week, made mostly from recycled materials. Bean Bags made from cute Dr. Seuss fabric with corduroy scraps from my friend over at Sunshine Salad who makes the rockin' patchwork pants my son wears almost every day. For Shakers we used recycled plastic Easter eggs in three sizes filled halfway with rice, popcorn, or beans (to make different sounds), taped with packing tape for strength, and encased in crocheted cotton. This was a great use for the tiny scrap balls of 100% cotton yarn I have in every color imaginable from making scrunchies I used to sell... in the 90's.

Friday - Fleece Blanket Making with MOMS Club. This is our second year making No Sew Fleece Blankets as part of the Remembering Rowan Project for Foster Kids in Clark County. This year the MOMS Club of Camas is putting together a donation of sweatsuits and other necessities for the kids in foster care. We will donate the blankets and all in April for Foster Care Awareness Month. Kits for making the blankets frequently go on sale for at Joann's, just $10 for a handmade blanket to warm a child in need.

Saturday - Yarn In, crocheted all day, more Shakers and stitching horns on a hat. Only a brief break to run Willow home for a nap, and pick up a few of my crocheted hats and playscapes to show off. I got a lot of encouragement for getting my designs published...

This Week - Many many party preparations, cleaning, and making Valentines! The crafting never stops!

Handmade With Love

2011-02-01T12:05:00.000-08:00

As Valentine’s Day approaches, I begin to think about what kind of Valentines 5 ½ year old Griffin will make this year. An avid crafter myself, he has grown up surrounded by every type of craft supply imaginable. As a result I seem to have raised a boy who loves to make things. He has never given store bought Valentines in his life.

When Griffin was 2, I bought blank cards and envelopes and two packages of foam stickers, one of message hearts and one of monsters. Griffin has always loved making “sticker artwork” and had a great time filling each card (and envelope) with stickers leaving just enough room for me to write “Happy Valentine’s Day! From Griffin”. One girl at the MOMS Club Valentine Party tried to pull off the monsters. She did not want monsters on her card, but they seemed perfect coming from a 2 year old boy.

When he was 3 we bought a couple packages of doilies and I printed small cards with “Happy Valentine’s Day” which he glued onto blank cards and of course more stickers. At 4, Griffin could not wait for me to help him make his Valentines and began cutting the shapes of the first letter of some of his friend’s names out of plain lined paper. I helped him finish by tracing letters for the rest of his classmates onto cards which he cut out, decorated with stickers, and wrote their names on. This was quite a feat considering he was still mastering writing his own name.

This year Griffin has two Kindergarten classes to make cards for. Over the years his “artwork” has developed from a mishmash of stickers all piled on top of each other into detailed scenes of oceans and beaches. So I am excited to see what we come up with. I suppose some day he will decide he wants to buy preprinted valentines with images of his favorite movie. But for now I am going to enjoy getting crafty with my kid. How about you?

Now She Is One

2011-01-24T09:20:00.000-08:00

Today my sweet baby girl Willow is turning one. It has been a challenging few years to get here. Nothing went as we planned. But we would not give up the past year getting to know this adorable little person for anything.

Born 9lb 12oz, she is now a petite little thing still under 19lbs, in spite of nursing and eating solids almost all the time. She has been walking for over a month now and gets very insistent to get down and walk when we are out and about unless she is actually tied to someone's back.
She is saying a few words, mostly "Dada", "Hi", "Dis" (when pointing), "NighNigh" (when signing "Sleep"), and "Nanas" (which started meaning milk but now means milk, water, food, or anything edible she can put in her mouth), and is finally starting to say "Mama" but mostly just to practice the sound.

Willow is also using a lot of ASL signs, or her versions. She regularly signs "Daddy", "Griffin" (her favorite), "Milk", "Cat","Sleep", "Tired", "All Done", and "No". Sometimes she signs "Play", "Food", "More", "Dog", "Hat", and even "Diaper" when she needs a change. Then there is all the other hand waving where she is clearly trying to tell us something but we have yet to decipher what she is saying.

With a mouth full of teeth, she eats pretty much everything, as long as it is cut small. Tooth #12, her fourth molar, is just working it's way through this week. She has never eaten a jar of baby food and had no interest in baby cereal, preferring foods she can feed herself and plenty of mommy's milk.

Willow's toothy grin is her "default expression", smiling unless she has a reason not to (much like her mom), and charming all who meet her. She is so full of personality that shines through her bright blue eyes. It is amazing to watch as she explores the world around her and to see how she interacts with her big brother Griffin who adores her, if sometimes a bit too much. You can read everything she is thinking on her sweet little face.
Of course there are always the wistful moments, when she reminds us of the little girl we never got the chance to know and will never get to watch grow up. Those moments are fewer now than they were in the early days when rocking her to sleep in the wee hours of the night often brought tears to my eyes. I still struggle to release my dreams of what might have been as I (quite literally) embrace what IS.

I am excited to see who she grows into but wish life would slow down just a little so I can enjoy and remember every minute. My baby is barely one year old and already charging ahead, ready to run into toddlerhood. Happy Birthday my sweet Willow!

Pruning Berries...

2011-01-23T14:43:00.000-08:00

...With A Five Year Old.

We have been enjoying a couple of dryer days here in the northwest, yesterday was even quite sunny! With all the rain it is important to take advantage of the few warmer days to get outside and in the garden. Since most of the garden is still sleeping, it is time to prepare for Spring, pruning and weeding.

With my one year old on my back, Griffin and I headed out to prune the overgrown raspberries and blueberries. This time of year it is farely easy to determine which branches produced last year and which ones are already growing buds ready to bring us fruit this summer. Even a five year old can do it.

Yesterday I was busy with the clippers removing dead branches while Griffin helped by collecting the pruned sticks in his little garden cart and dragging them off to the compost pile. Raspberry canes bear fruit at the top the first year and all the way down the cane during the second year. So I prune the tops off of last year's canes, and remove completely the two year old canes. Griffin also helps by pulling off the dead little sticks running along the newer canes.

Today we worked on our little patch of blueberries. Griffin asked if he could help. Together we looked at the difference between the dead brown branches from last year and the new red branches with buds for this year. I explained the clippers were too sharp but he could help by snapping off all the little brown sticks as long as he was careful not to snap off the buds.

All gardening with kids (like most things with kids) takes a certain amount of letting go of control and not getting too upset if things do not turn out quite as you planned. When Griffin inevitably said, "Oops, I snapped off a bud.." I used it as a teaching opportunity, to explain that it was okay to take off some because then the rest of the berries would grow bigger. I mentioned his favorite giant apples from his Grampa Kit's garden, then explained how his Grampa prunes some of the buds on his apple tree so that more energy from the tree can go into the rest of the buds and they can grow into giant apples.

Getting Organized in the New Year

2011-01-04T22:55:00.000-08:00

My Mom picked up an interesting book called 4 Weeks to a Organized Life with AD/HD which I borrowed before she headed back to Canada, and will just have to mail her in about a month. My "homework" for Day One was to create a Calm Relaxed Space where I can go to practice using my "visual brain" to help me Visualize the steps to accomplish what I need to get done, without getting sidetracked by my typical distractions.

I finally finished moving into our New Bedroom, emptying Bins of prepregnancy clothes, and getting rid of the Changing Pad on my Dresser... all things I should have done about ten months ago when we moved in. I even put a Curtain (free hand-me-down from a friend) over my Closet to hide the remaining cluter. Since I spend at least an hour a day in my rocking chair getting baby down for naps, this is the perfect spot to practice the new skills I am learning as I work my way through this book.

Then yesterday I discovered A Bowl Full Of Lemons' 21 Day Challenge and jumped right in. I decided to count the top of my Dresser as my Desk for Challenge #2. Today's Tupperware Cabinets challenge was already on my to do list, and my cabinets look great now (though my husband reminds me I still have to finish recycling the mismatched lids, etc.).

Tomorrow's Challenge is the Linen Closet, which I don't have. I am already down to only two sets of sheets per bed, and finally got rid of the last of the Full sized Sheets last year. Have not had a full size bed in our house in several years! But I am sure I can purge a few more old Towels and organize all those towel cabinets.

It's not too late to join the 21 Day Challenge! I am loving having someone else tell me what to focus on each day. I have already tackled two of the areas I have been looking at for months, but never know where to start. It's all the stuff we keep meaning to do, but never get to. Check it out!

New Years Resolutions

2011-01-03T23:07:00.000-08:00

Every January we begin with the best of intentions, filled with aspirations for change in the new year. This year I am simply going to list the things I hoped to do last year, and hope I will manage to accomplish a few of them in 2011. So far I have already made progress on each of these goals in just the first three days of the year. Here goes...

1. Blog an average of one time per week. My previous goal was once every two weeks, but I really enjoyed writing more often this fall, until my laptop ended up in the shop for weeks at a time. With my cute new netbook for Christmas (thanks Honey!), should be much easier to juggle with a wiggly baby.

2. Get Organized! I just discovered A Bowl Full Of Lemons Blog, and signed up for her 21 Day Challenge. I have a couple challenges to catch up on, but more on that soon. I see what I want to get done every day around my house, but never know where to start. I just get overwhelmed.

3. Learn more about ADD and how to not get too overwhelmed to get anything done. I have always known I have tendencies toward ADD. But between sleep deprivation with a new baby, and the grief that never quite goes away from losing one, I do not think they are just "tendencies" anymore. I just cannot seem to focus.

4. Lose weight. I have gone back on Weight Watchers this month, which has worked well for me in the past. With my husband joining me in tracking points this month, we are filling the kitchen with yummy, healthy foods to help me stay on track. Maybe I will finally get back to my pre-Griffin weight, or lower, or at least out of my early/post pregnancy clothes.

5. Submit my craftroom to Studios Magazine. Every time I get a new issue of this magazine I am inspired to finish organizing and decorating my craftroom, and try to get it featured in a future issue. This past week I have spent a little time almost every day working on it during Willow's afternoon nap. I am so lucky to have the space I do to create arts and crafts with my friends and our kids.

Girl's Spa Party

2010-10-29T14:25:00.000-07:00

Last weekend I had my first experience as a Party Planner. Offered to help out a friend with throwing her daughter's 11th birthday party. With five kids and a farm to run, she was excited to have a special party for her oldest without a lot of extra work for her. I brought everything for crafts, spa activities, and favors, leaving the food and cake to mom.

We started off the party with decorating satin eye masks (made from leftovers from Griffin's superhero capes). I made some cardboard stencils for eyes and eyelashes they could trace onto adhesive felt (again leftovers) then cut out to decorate their masks, finishing with fabric pens. My serger did not work quite as well for the masks as I would have liked, but the girls did not notice and jumped right into the craft. wearing their eye masks for most of the party.

We moved outside to mix up Bathsalts, epsom salts shaken up with scents and colors (from the soap aisle at Michael's). Then Brown Sugar Scrub, mixing plain brown sugar with sweet almond oil fora simple exfoliating scrub. Every girl got to take home a small 4oz jelly jar of each. Then we moved on to the Spa Activities.

My sister and I have done Spa Parties for adults over the past few years, so we have everything for facials and foot treatments. We use Mama Rose's Naturals Products and even have face steamers and paraffin hand wax. I decided to do manicures and hand treatments with the girls instead of trying to cart around tubs of water for 10 girls to soak their feet. Besides, how sore can 11 year old feet be.

I had the girls wash their faces with an Mama Rose's all natural face wash, steam them to open their pores, and apply a face mask they mixed up themselves. While their masks dried, they gave themselves "manicures". The one thing I would do differently if I do it again is to have a couple moms ready to paint the girl's nails, and have a better set up to be able to soak and scrub their hands, teaching them steps to do their own manicure. There was only so much room with 10 excited girls running around.

Once their nails were dry and their faces freshly washed, they dipped their hands in paraffin wax. The girls really got a kick out of dipping their hands in the warm wax and letting it cool and solidify on their hands. They waited in line for a second turn, entertained by watching the wax dry.

The Birthday Girl!

The Story of Rowan's Milk

2010-10-15T08:00:00.000-07:00

When I lost my daughter Rowan, she was full term and my second child, so I knew that my milk was likely to come in within a few days. The hospital gave me no lactation education. I specifically asked when it became clear that the nurse was done giving me my “check out” information without mentioning lactation. What little information she gave me was outdated and unhelpful.

As soon as I came home from the hospital, my dear friend and La Leche League Leader, Melissa Cole, from Luna Lactation, came to my home with herb teas and tinctures--sage and peppermint to help dry up my milk and motherwort to help with the hormonal and emotional changes I would be experiencing. When my midwives asked how I felt about my milk coming in, I thought it would be easier on my already raw emotions if it did not.

My body had other ideas. This was my second child and my breasts remembered what to do. In spite of drinking tons of iced peppermint tea with plenty of sage and motherwort, my milk came in on day three. By that night my breasts were achy and hard. I called Melissa to help me figure out what to do next. She suggested that I pump off just enough to feel comfortable so I would not increase the milk production, and take ibuprofen for the pain. I used icepacks and cabbage leaves to help make me more comfortable, but the milk just kept increasing. My heart ached as I woke every two hours with breast engorged with milk and no baby to drink it.

By three a.m. I found myself emailing Melissa to ask about donating my milk. She had mentioned that possibility and I had already pumped 9 oz in less than five hours. I did not think that a Milk Bank would take my milk because of my allergy medications, but several of my friends had been involved with direct mother to mother donation. Another friend, who gave me a great deal of support through this difficult time, had two adopted sons, and she told me how appreciative she had been for any breast milk she could get for her babies. I realized my milk was going to come in whether I wanted it or not. So I made the decision to pump as long as I needed to and find someone who could use it rather than suffer trying to suppress or dry up the milk.

My sister had a four-month-old baby herself. She had some of her milk stored in our freezer, and when I saw the difference in the color of our milk I knew mine was the “Liquid Gold” they talk about. I wanted to donate it to a newborn who needed the extra nutrients and immunities. As it turned out, I found a friend of a friend who had an adopted seven- week-old baby boy by the same name as my daughter, Rowan. I knew then it was meant to be. I came to love the idea that my baby’s milk could help another baby thrive. I could even write on the freezer bags “Rowan’s Milk” as I had wanted to, and not worry that it would make the recipient mother too sad.

Over the next five or six weeks, I was able to donate about 450oz of milk to “the other Rowan.” My friend Lauren, who was a part of the Oregon Nursing Mother’s Counsel, helped me buy a new Medela Pump In Style Advanced at a discount when it became clear that my ancient pump was not up to the challenge of exclusive pumping. My sister was returning to work in a month, so she was able to use it when I weaned off pumping. Any time I felt full or uncomfortable, I pumped until empty and froze the milk. But as soon as I spaced out my pumping and pumped a little less each day, I was able to wean very quickly without any engorgement or discomfort. I am sure I could have weaned sooner, but I hesitated to give up that one last physical connection to my sweet baby and wanted to give as much milk as I could.

Melissa never stayed long when she visited as she had a newborn herself. Our babies were due only five weeks apart so she did not want to bring her to see me. But I do not know how I would have gotten through those first few weeks after losing Rowan without her expertise and support. I am still infuriated that the hospital allowed me to leave without seeing a lactation consultant or even mentioning that my milk would come in. Most women do not have the resources I do, and I hope to expand the Remembering Rowan Project to find ways to provide resources to those mothers who need them.

I have talked to many other mothers in the past two years and learned that after miscarriage or even an abortion some women may lactate, but no one ever warned them. A friend who lost her baby to SIDS spoke of crying in the shower as her milk went down the drain until a friend finally called a lactation consultant to help her. Sadly, it is not only the mothers who lack this information, but most of the Lactation Consultants, Breastfeeding Educators, and Doulas I have talked to do not know much about how to help their clients who have lost a baby.

When you lose a baby you suddenly discover you are a part of a secret club. Many people do not talk about their experiences until another mother has lost her baby. However, the fact that most women will lactate after losing a baby, even early in pregnancy, is the even bigger secret. Once you have lost your baby, you are given lots of resources on how to deal with the emotional grief but no one warns you about the physical grief. Pat Schweibert’s book, When Hello Means Goodbye, given out in many hospitals, says it well, “My body had its own grief. And its tears were white.”

My New Rowan’s Milk Blog and Survey

As a result of my own experience, I am working toward improving Lactation Education for mothers who experience a loss. I have put together a survey for mothers' experiences with lactation after a loss in an effort to show what is needed and improve the resources available to those mothers. If you have experienced a loss at any stage of pregnancy or during the first year , please follow the link to participate in my brief survey. With your help, we can get the information out in the open so other grieving mothers are not taken by surprise and can get the lactation support they need.

Candles for Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day

2010-10-13T19:31:00.000-07:00

October 15th is Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day.

If everyone around the world lights a candle at 7pm on October 15th, we will create a Wave Of Light in memory of all of the babies that have been taken from us too soon.

The past 3 years I have hosted a candle decorating party with local moms. We used butterfly, dragonfly, and flower rub-ons and stickers to decorate simple glass votives ($6/dozen at Big Lots). The stickers are an easy way for the kids to participate.

The first year we had over a dozen MOMS filling my craftroom to make candles for themselves or give to family. I made one to send to each of Rowan's grandmothers and aunts from here to New York. We were actually in Yosemite National Park the first year, and burned our candle on the table in the restaurant we were having dinner at that night. The groups have gotten smaller each year, as many moms save their candles from year to year. But we have a great, relaxing time, making candles, sharing stories, and drinking coffee.

This year I will be at the La Leche League Area Conference in Seattle on October 15th, so I have offered to host a candle decorating table and to set up a place for them to be burned that evening at the conference. In a group of that many mothers there are undoubtedly quite a few who have experienced a loss.

33 Finished Projects Has September!

2010-10-02T23:28:00.000-07:00

(if you count all the balls of yarn I have spun in the past 2 weeks)

I set myself the challenge last month to complete 30 crochet projects in 30 days. I came very close, but got a little sidetracked with rediscovering spinning yarn at Camp Pluckyfluff. So if you count all of the skeins of yarn I spun by hand this month, I am well over 30 projects!

I finished up quite a few UFOs (UnFinished Objects), and with the exception of 1 ball of gold wool for the felted crowns, all of the new projects used up some of my overflowing stash of yarn.

So here is the final list...

Crochet Projects Completed in September:
1. Teal Granny Square Head Scarf
2. Harvest Cocoon (Inner Hooker Pattern)
3. Blue Chenille Large Baby Cocoon (IH Pattern)
4. Waterfall Fringed Blanket (IH Pattern)
5. Angel White Mohair Cocoon
6. Blue Boucle Cocoon
7. Brown Alpaca Newborn Nest
8. Natural Wool Newborn Nest
9. Gold Felted Doll Crown (may add needle felting)
10. Small Felted Doll Crown (may add needle felting)
11. Scrap Cat Blanket
12. Blue Boucle Hat (UFO)
13. Chemo Cap for 6 year old girl (UFO)
14. Gold Child's Felted Crown
15. Gold Child's Felted Crown
16. Natural Multicolored Cotton Cocoon
17. Brown Wool Millend Cat House
18. Handspun Multicolored Wool Hat (with my 1st art yarn)
19. Tan Fuzzy Cat Hat(UFO)
20. Pink/Grey Fuzzy Cat Hat (UFO)
21. Green Chenille Hat (UFO)
22. Brown Cat Ear Hat
23. Blues Skinny Scarf (UFO)
24. Baby Bib with Crocheted edge (UFO)

Handspun Art Yarn:
1.Nobbly Green/Blue/Black/Rust Plied with Cotton Thread
2.Crazy Carded Reds Navajo Plied "Yarn Puke"
3.Green & Turquoise Corespun Mohair (59 yards)
4.Felt Nubby Teal Plied with Black Chenille (58 yards)
5.Teal & Blue Tailspun Mohair Locks (27 yards)
6.Dark Blues Crazy Carded plied with Dark Blue Mohair (79 yards)
7.Merino Navajo Plied (39 yards)
8.Bright Green & Blues Merino Corespun on Mohair (127 yards)
9.Kelly Green Merino with Green Firestar & Silk Noils (86 yards)

**I promise to post pictures just as soon as I figure out my new laptop, just needed to get these posted before the next week of crafty goodness begins.... Monster Making Workshop on Monday & Candle Decorating for Infant Loss and Remembrance Day on October 15th.

Camp Pluckyfluff!

2010-10-02T21:37:00.000-07:00

I stumbled across Lexi Boeger's Plucky Fluff website about five years ago. After many years of demonstrating basic spinning at the Southern California Renaissance Fair, I was intrigued by the creative possibilities art yarn allows. I was tempted to buy her book but really wanted to attend one of her workshops, better known as Camp Pluckyfluff. So over the years have visited her website watching for a workshop in my area.

I was so excited to discover she was having a workshop in Portland this year the weekend after my birthday. My friend Elsa loaned me her spinning wheel and came to "Camp" with me. We had a great weekend of fun and fiber with a dozen other wonderful, creative women who came from as far as Colorado to learn from this inspiring teacher.

We learned so many fun techniques in just two days, I came home with 5 skeins of art yarn including beehives, granny stacks, crazy carding, navajo plying, mohairing, felt nubbies, fabric, corespinning, tailspinning. I am totally spun on spinning again, and am already considering how to host Camp Pluckyfluff Portland #2 next year...

Handspun Art Yarn (9/18-9/22)

1. Nobbly Green/Blue/Black/Rust Plied with Cotton Thread
2. Crazy Carded Reds Navajo Plied "Yarn Puke"
3. Green & Turquoise Corespun Mohair (59 yards)
4. Felt Nubby Teal Plied with Black Chenille (58 yards)
5. Teal & Blue Tailspun Mohair Locks (27 yards)
6. Dark Blues Crazy Carded plied with Dark Blue Mohair (79 yards)
7. Merino Navajo Plied (39 yards)
8. Bright Green & Blues Merino Corespun on Mohair (127 yards)

Teaching Charity to My Chidren

2010-09-22T16:38:00.000-07:00

A couple weeks ago, Griffin, Willow, Grandma R., and I joined Stephaniejo (creator of the Read Me A Blanket Program) to donate the rest of the cat blankets we collected for Rowan's birthday. We had included a couple crochet swatches for the cats to play with. Griffin got to put one in a cage and he was delighted when the cat began batting at her new toy.

We hung out watching the cats for awhile and noticed that most of their "toys" were simply strips of fleece braided together and knotted at each end. When I told Griffin they would be easy to make from stuff we had at home, he was eager to start.

As soon as we got home, he asked his dad to get out my bin of fleece and wool scraps. With a pair of scissors, he started cutting strips and sorting them by size. Then he helped me tie the ends together, and held them while I braided. We made a total of 15 cat toys over the weekend.

Last week, he was excited to deliver the cat toys himself, in memory of his first baby sister Rowan. When we walked in to the Humane Society, there was a large cat sitting in the middle of the lobby. Griffin cautiously approached the cat, took one the toys from the cardboard box he was carrying, and tossed it in front of the cat. He was an older cat and not very playful, but he did show a little interest, sniffing at the new toy.

I am very excited to find a way to include Griffin in the Remembering Rowan Project. As he gets older, I look forward to finding more service projects he can really feel a part of, teaching him to care for people and animals in need, in his community.

30 Completed Projects in 30 Days?

2010-09-08T23:35:00.000-07:00

In my quest to concor the UFOs (UnFinished Objects) which have overtaken my craftroom, and open my Etsy Store in the next month, I am trying to finish one crochet project every day in the month of September. So far so good. But if I post the list, I am making more of a comitment to following through.

Some are new projects (like my new obsession with cocoons), some UFOs in various stages of completion. Most of the new projects are using yarn already in my stash, also helping clear the clutter. I will keep adding to this note as the month progresses, let's see if I can reach 30. Wish me luck!

Crochet Projects Completed in September:
1. Teal Granny Square Head Scarf
2. Harvest Cocoon (Inner Hooker Pattern)
3. Blue Chenille Large Baby Cocoon (IH Pattern)
4. Waterfall Fringed Blanket (IH Pattern)
5. Angel White Mohair Cocoon
6. Blue Boucle Cocoon
7. Brown Alpaca Newborn Nest
8. Natural Wool Newborn Nest
9. Gold Felted Doll Crown (may add needle felting)
10. Small Felted Doll Crown (may add needle felting)
11. Scrap Cat Blanket

In My Work Basket:
1. Blue Boucle Hat (UFO)
2. Chemo Cap for 6 year old girl (UFO)
3. Child's Felted Crown (in the washer getting felted)
4. Natural Multicolored Cotton Cocoon
5. Bulky Green Cotton Large Baby Cocoon (IH Pattern plus leaves)

Griffin’s Terrarium & Fairy Garden Update

2010-09-03T14:32:00.000-07:00

Before we even started our Fairy Garden, Griffin suggested we make a Terrarium like we had seen on another blog awhile back. A Terrarium is generally a self enclosed little world, but when our neighbor offered us a lovely 5 gallon water jug she had lying around, Griffin had other ideas. His dad was not happy to cut off the top of a jug that would have been perfect for his camping trips, but he did it to create Griffin’s vision. Dad also suggested using the collection of broken toy parts they recently collected around our property, left by the neighbor kid (we like to call him Sid, like from Toy Story). The basil plants I had been meaning to put in the ground all summer make perfect trees for the dinosaurs to roam under and protect the treasure box filled with beads “left by the fairies.”

We also made fairy windchimes (upper right), toadstool caps, and plates we painted and finished with polyurethane to last longer outside. Over the first couple nights, the “fairies” left us a few surprises like tiny silk flowers in the pots we left them, and little white “tables” which Griffin carefully arranged the toadstools around. Our neighbor even got into the act, and hung some strands of beads on the tree. Griffin came in that afternoon saying, “I love checking to see what the fairies bring us for our garden!“

Young Entreprenuer - "Griffin's Goodies"

2010-09-03T10:07:00.000-07:00

We started making more of the stitch markers this week to thank those who completed the 7 in 7 challenge making at least 7 Cat Blankets in 7 days. When Griffin found the earring hooks, he decided to start making sets earrings. Then he moved on to beaded key chains and bracelets. He did the designing and beading, and I just pinched the wires and tied knots in elastic.

He decided that we should put them in a box and go around the neighborhood "knocking on the doors of people we know" to see if they want any of his wares. He brought me a scrap of paper to make a sign reading "Griffin's Goodies" that he taped on the top of his box and hit the streets.

At each house he asked people if they wanted anything. Mostly he just gave them away. But those who asked if he was selling them were told, "The bracelets are one dollar, the earrings are two dollars, and the keyrings are zero dollars." Though I think the last one changed depending on if people said they did not have money at the time.

I told him he could save any money he made, or we could take it to the bead store and he could pick out his own beads instead of using whatever I have on hand. He was excited about going to the bead store, and has been asking to make more things to put in his box for the past two days. Maybe we will come knocking on your door next...

Ribbon Rings

2010-09-02T22:33:00.000-07:00

My neighbor frequently has her three nieces over for long visits, and she quickly runs out of activities to keep them busy. Apparently they have taken to asking if they can come to my house (at 8am in the morning), so I have been trying to come up with crafts for them.

I saw these awhile back on Make and Takes. I already had plenty of ribbon, and recently picked up a couple dozen shower curtain rings at the $Store for a Ribbon Crafting Playdate. But 14 moms with 1-3 kids each (mostly 3 and under) never got around to making the Rings, though we did manage to make a few No Slip Hair Clips that day.

So the other day I invited the girls and my best friend’s daughter over to make Ribbon Rings. With four kids and a baby on my back, I helped them pick several colors of ribbon, cut them to about 4 feet, and helped them tie the ribbons onto the shower curtain rings. Then I trimmed the bottoms so they were more or less the same length, and let the kids run off with them to play with them in the garden.

To use up the short left over scraps, we tied them to stretchy hair ties to make little toys for the babies. We even heat set the ends so they will not fray when they inevitably end up in the mouth. The Ribbon Rings are a lot of fun. But if you are not feeling crafty, you can pick up something similar, with much nicer wooden rings, from my friend over at Green Baboon Designs on Etsy.

Angels & Dragonflies

2010-09-01T21:31:00.000-07:00

Angels, Butterflies, and Dragonflies have taken on a special meaning for me in the past 2 years. They are thought to represent the souls of those children that leave us too soon. Griffin watches for them when we are working on our garden, or riding in the car. He keeps telling me, "Mommy! There's a little white butterfly. Do you see it?" I do not always see them...

When I was looking for little "Thank You" gifts to give to everyone who has helped with our Blanket Project before the first donation, I looked for something that included those symbols. I found some lovely little handmade paper boxes, so I decided I needed something to fit in them. I know, finding something to fit into a specific box is totally backwards, but they are really cute boxes! I even wrote the recipient's name on top, and "Thank You" on the inside, with my "calligraphy" pens (cheater scrapbooking pens that look like calligraphy) and tied them with a ribbon.

After much thought, I remembered I had seen kits for Angel Earrings, and they happened to be on sale after Christmas. I thought they would make lovely Stitch Markers for all of the crocheters and knitters by simply replacing the earring hook with a lobster clasp. I found some extra green skirt and wing beads to mix with the white ones from the kits. I wanted to include green beads in each one, as Peridot is Rowan's birthstone.

Griffin helped me make them all. It was a great activity for practicing pattern recognition once he learned the order of the beads: skirt, wings, head, halo. Then I just bent the wires to finish them up. We also made Hemp Bookmarks for the non-crocheters who helped in other ways, with a Dragonfly on one end and an appropriate Word Charm on the other (Believe, Inspire, Hope, Love, Friend...).

All Wrapped Up

2010-08-29T23:33:00.000-07:00

Griffin had 3 birthday parties to attend in the past week. Animals, Karate, Swimming and Ponies, oh my, and what a lot of presents to wrap. Rather than buy yet another gift bag or more wrapping paper I gave him a roll of plain brown paper to decorate with rubber stamps and stickers. Then he wrapped them himself (with a little help). His gifts were a bit more difficult to open as the thicker paper needed packing tape to keep closed, so the birthday boys had to work for it.

He even made his own birthday cards, and practiced writing his name and his friends’ names. As I am purging and sorting the craftroom I have been collecting stickers for Griffin to use, and found a great unopened package of birthday stickers which made beautiful cards.

With enough stickers and paper, my kid can still be kept busy for an hour or more. At least he has moved on from “sticker artwork” that piled all the stickers on top of each other so you cannot even see half of them. Now he arranges them carefully telling me about the “machine that makes party hats” he is making, and how the “boring” stickers are on the front of his Grandpa’s card “so he will be surprised when he sees the pretty sparkly ones on the inside”.

All in all a great time, breaking his first board and riding a pony all in one day.

I Dream of The Simple Life...

2010-08-13T21:49:00.000-07:00

I just delivered a full van load of stuff to be sold at my MOMS Club's annual garage sale as I do every year. All the proceeds go to support our service project activities throughout the year, including the Remembering Rowan Project. I felt really good driving home without all that stuff we no longer have a use for.

For inspiration, about this time every year I pull out my collection of audiobooks on organization and simplification*, and start watching episodes of Clean Sweep and Clean House. The first year was easy, most of our belongings had been in storage for the first 5 months we lived in Washington, so it was easy to give up those things we did not even miss. Even after our own yard sale, we still filled both the van and forrester (twice!) with the contents of all those boxes we had paid good money to store for months, including the 10 year old wedding presents we had only used a few times.

But this year was harder. After four years, I have gone through the kitchen, the bedroom, and even the craftroom, and gotten rid of most of what I am willing to give up. MOMS Club also had a book drive a few months ago, so I had already purged every bookshelf in the house. I did finally dig out the fondue pot (which I dreamed of using each year), the last of the full size sheets (have not owned that sized bed in years), and curtains that came with the house.

Now it is just a matter of the items we have outgrown. On another organizational show called Neat, they have people sort into boxes simply labeled "PAST" and "PRESENT". Not that I am getting rid of everything from my past, but I like this way of looking at things.

We do not plan to have any more children, so I guess we are done with an entire phase of life, and all the junk that goes with it. Unlike with our first baby, there is no reason to save clothes Willow outgrows. Not to mention all of the big bulky baby containers that have been taking up space in the attic. Now that my 6 1/2 month old has learned she can sit & stand & even jump (all with support), she has no use for the boring vibrating chairs & swings that do not allow her to move around. Besides, without all those bins of tiny baby clothes and big bulky items in the attic, there's much more room for yarn! Wait, I am sure there is something wrong with that logic, but I choose to ignore it.

My Inspirational Audio Library:
*Simplify Your Life, Living the Simple Life, and Inner Simplicity by Elaine St. James
How to Organize Your Life and Get Rid of Clutter by Ab Jackson (most useful)
Stop Clutter from Stealing Your Life by Mike Nelson (more focused on hoarders)

UFOs, UnFinished Objects

2010-08-11T22:06:00.000-07:00

Help! My Craftroom has been invaded by UFOs! I suspect it is my mother's fault. She taught me to sew, latch hook rugs, and start tons of other crafty projects. But not so much to finish them. I wonder how many I.O.U.s we gave family members for handmade Christmas gifts which we started together but probably never quite finished. Although she only had a small set of drawers filled with her various and sundry craft supplies, it was mostly filled with UFOs. She often points out that I actually finish a LOT more projects than she ever does...but that's only because I have drawers and bins filled with UFOs.

Last night, my husband was wondering aloud how many UFOs I actually have tucked away in my craftroom (an entire desk & a couple bins filled with 1/2 finished crochet projects, another bin of just 1/2 finished hats, and we won't even talk about the crossstitches, some of which just need to be framed, did I mention I used to be a framer?). A good friend who heard his comment pointed out that the number of unfinished objects an individual has is in direct correlation to the number of projects they have finished. I just finish more projects than the average person.

I love this idea. It explains so much. But it is not an excuse to keep all those UFOs. Last year when I started making Griffin Playscapes, I used mostly recycled parts of UFOs. It was fun to go through those drawers and bins of projects and try to reimagine them as something else. The start of a tweed green sweater sleeve made a perfect field for his farm yard. A long test swatch made a fun & funky path for his fantasy world. Now if I can just make myself admit that I will never finish most of these. My tastes and priorities have changed. It is time to reuse or release those UFOs to move on to another world.

Serendipity is Elemental

2010-08-10T22:48:00.000-07:00

Elemental by Katie M. Berggren

About a month ago my sister informed me that she had found the perfect gift for me for Rowan's birthday. I knew that she had shown it to several of my friends, but she did a good job keeping her secret.

She came over this morning to finally give me her gift, while my friends were here helping to prepare the 105 Cat Blankets we collected to donate today. Even when I opened the card by a local artist, Katie M. Berggren, whom I have admired for her beautifully touching images of motherhood, I had no idea what the bag contained. I told her that I had just bought her cards for several of my friends, selecting images that best represented each of them and their children. And that I have been thinking of commissioning a piece by her to somehow represent my two living children and my angel baby as well.

I was overwhelmed to find this original piece by the same artist. She had found it at a lovely little store in downtown Camas, The Uncommon Gift. The same store where I had bought my cards. I love how the baby's eyes are closed, just like Rowan's were. In one of the only dreams I had of Rowan, she suddenly opened her eyes in the hospital, and we knew everything would be alright. But her eyes never opened. I also love how it looks like stars and cosmos behind the baby while the mother faces earthy tones, yet the baby is firmly wrapped to the mother's back, just as Rowan will always be a part of me. I never thought I could imagine getting to "wear" my angel baby as I do with my other babies.

Rowan's 2nd Birthday

2010-08-10T09:33:00.000-07:00

Today is our beautiful daughter Rowan's 2nd Birthday, and the 2nd Anniversary of the day she died. In honor of her birthday, I finally wrote her birth story, posted on my friend Arie's Blog, Fierce Mamas.

I will spend the day finishing and delivering the 100+ blankets we collected for the Cats at the Humane Society. Followed by a hike up Beacon Rock with family and friends. Last year we spread her ashes at Beacon, one of her father's favorite rock climbing spots, overlooking the beautiful Columbia River.

Fairy Garden!

2010-08-07T20:14:00.000-07:00

I came across Beneath The Rowan Tree’s posts about making a Fairy Garden last night, and was inspired to make my own with Griffin. So we spent the afternoon arranging, planting, collecting, and decorating to create our very own mini world for the fairies to play in.

Our Garden is not nearly as well planned out as BTRT’s, I just used what I had on hand. As it is late summer, it may not thrive for long. But since we planted it in 2 parts, a chair planter (from Paws & Claws thrift store) and a large white pot (free from my father-in-law), we can move them under more cover when needed. Currently, our Fairy Garden resides in the shade of the large lilac tree in our front yard where Griffin can easily play with it.

Each of the plants we used was a gift, mostly ones I have kept on my kitchen window for the past couple of years, which my husband recently decided needed to be moved outside. Our plants came from my in-laws after Rowan died, my MOMS Club Secret Sister a couple years ago, a friend of Griffin’s when she moved away, my Dad for Mother’s Day, and a miniature daylily from my sister's baby shower. Griffin also recently won a couple of plants at a Master Gardener’s dinner.

While I planted the plants, Griffin went around the garden finding other decorations he thought “The Fairies will like.” He found 2 shiny stepping stones (ideal for standing on while he plays), all sorts of flower and butterfly plant stakes, and a rusty lantern "for the fairies to hang out in". We used an old pail for the pond and river rocks left from our Father’s Day craft to make paths through the gardens. The fairies “sleep” in the larger painted birdhouse I picked up for $5 at a recent garage sale.

On our second trip to the nearby forest to collect moss to cover the dirt between our plants, a neighbor gave Griffin a few tiny pots to add to our garden. Some are too small to actually plant anything in, so we left them for the fairies by the small birdhouse Griffin painted awhile back. He decided this must be their “greenhouse”. Every half hour after we came inside, he went back out to check if the fairies had come to our garden and planted anything in their tiny pots. Must find some tiny plastic plants to surprise him one of these mornings. His dad explained to him that it may take awhile for word to get around to the fairies, like the bird food they have been putting out so now all the birds come here looking for food. Next we will have to try fairy windchimes and toadstools.

Serendipity in Strings

2010-08-06T22:46:00.000-07:00

Two years ago, my Dad played his harp for the Battle Ground Art Alliance’s Annual Spring Show. An artist named Linda McCord took his picture playing the harp. Just a few days ago he received a message that this artist had painted him and wanted to give him a print of the painting. But he would have to go to Longview to her Gallery to pick it up. As it turned out, I was heading to Longview for a root canal the very next day.

As I walked into the Gallery, just five minutes from the dentist, the first painting just inside the door was a beautiful image of my father playing his harp. This was part of a group of musicians, “Sax”, “The Guitarist”… And Dad’s is simply called “Strings”. I had a nice conversation with the artist, and found that we had some things in common.

This is just one example of the serendipity I find in everyday life. I have noticed that the more you recognize and appreciate the serendipity and synchronicity in your life, the more you will experience.

Crochet for Cats

2010-08-02T22:56:00.000-07:00

Tonight 6 of us gathered for the first of several crochet events this week for making Cat Blankets as part of the Remembering Rowan Project. So far we have collected 24 finished blankets. Can you make 7 blankets in 7 days? They only measure 8"x17". I did it, so can you!

In 2008 I taught my friend Carissa how to crochet so she could make blankets for the Remembering Rowan Project. A few weeks ago Carissa forwarded me the newsletter for Vintage Books in Vancouver with a Crochet for Cats event she thought I would be interested in. I went to learn about crocheting blankets for the Humane Society and met Stephaniejo. I invited her to our MOMS Club meeting the following week to tell our Club about her Read Me A Blanket program, letting kids choose a blanket to be donated in their name for every 2 books they read over the summer. At the meeting she met Alicia who recently adopted a cat who came home with a handmade blanket in it is box, made by Stephaniejo. Tonight Carissa and Stephaniejo helped teach our friend Caren to crochet, so she can make more blankets to donate. I love the way the world works. Rowan's legacy goes on...

Griffin’s Superhero Training Camp

2010-08-01T23:22:00.000-07:00

While many of my friends were at Comic Con in San Diego last weekend, meeting costumed heroes, I spent the weekend training 15 2-6 year olds to be superheroes. We celebrated Griffin’s 5th birthday with a Superhero Training Camp for all his friends. With a large yard including 2 play structures and a monster truck tire, not to mention the climbing gym with rope swing, I knew we would have no problem coming up with challenges for the aspiring superheroes.

As everyone arrived on the big day they partook of hero sandwiches and used their powers to change the color of their drink (with star shaped juice & koolaide icecubes). I rounded up the troops for a little calisthenics. Then I presented the Superhero Training Manuals (made by my Sis) which they took to each station to receive a sticker after completing the challenge.

Suddenly two villains (dads) in masks appeared on the roof and rained a shower “rocks” (balloons) down on the heads of our intrepid trainees. Testing their ADAPTABILITY they were challenged to a ROCK SMASH leaving no balloon unpopped. Moving on to the OBSTACLE COURSE, our novice superheroes demonstrated their ENDURANCE climbing, sliding, running, and jumping. This was followed by MARKSMANSHIP, tossing WATER BALLOONS at more bad guys (printouts in Ziploc bags hung along our garden fence so they watered the garden at the same time). Next up, an assessment of STRENGTH with a ROCKET LAUNCH, two different rockets throwing and stomping to see how far they could make them fly. Finally, our apprentice heroes made their way to our climbing shed to exhibit their AGILITY. They were instructed to ROPE SWING over (stuffed) snakes and seamonsters, and ROCK CLIMB up a wall to ring a bell.

Once they had received a sticker for each challenge, their TRAINING complete, the NEW SUPERHEROES came inside (out of the summer heat) to design their own superhero cape and mask. With six cape colors to choose from, they used adhesive felt and stencils to cut a shape and their first initial for the back of the cape. To really make their capes and maskes unique, they decorated both with precut felt stars, flowers and butterflies. Then donned their new uniforms and headed back outside to save the day.

Meanwhile… Venom (our homemade piñata) had eaten all of their SUPERHERO SUPPLY KITS! Our new Heroes took turns swinging a stick until Venom was in pieces revealing all of their goodies. Their KITS included a “Power Ring, Super Sticking Gum, Throwing Disk, Sparkle Floam, and Energizing Tootsie Pop”. After more playing and photo ops everyone headed back inside for a piece of Super G cake and red & blue jello parfait. All in all, a very good day and a very happy birthday boy!

Resources & more pics will have to wait for another post. Still gathering the pics from several helpful friends. Thanks Simple Mama for these pics so far.

Super Quick Cat Blanket Pattern

2010-07-28T15:49:00.000-07:00

Due to a surplus of size P hooks and solid colored acrylic yarns, I have come up with another pattern for making the 8"x17" blankets we are making to donate to the Humane Society, as part of the Remembering Rowan Project.

PATTERN:
Hold 3 strands of worsted weight yarn together, working with a P hook.
Chain 16 (or number of stitches to measure 8").
Hdc in 2nd chain from hook, and each stitch across (14 Hdc).
Repeat for 23 rows or until blanket measures at least 17".
Finish off, don't weave in ends. Adjust.

I finished my first 7 in 7 Challenge on Sunday! Will start another round next week, during my Learn to Crochet Nights and Playdate on August 2nd and 3rd. If you are local and want to join us, message me for details.

Take The Cat Blanket Challenge!! 7 in 7!

2010-07-22T01:13:00.000-07:00

Attention Knitters and Crocheters!
I challenge you to make SEVEN BLANKETS IN SEVEN DAYS!

I am half way there myself with 3 ½ blankets completed in the past few days (between making 2 dozen capes for a birthday party). How? These blankets only need to measure approximately 8”x 17”. That is the size of the box cats are sent home in from the Humane Society.

To Participate in the Challenge, here’s what to do:

Step 1: Find a few balls of leftover acrylic yarn or pick up a fun multicolor to combine with a couple solids. Any machine washable and dryable yarns will do. Great way to use up scraps. I have yarn if you are local.

Step 2: Knit or crochet 1 blanket each day for 7 days anytime in the next two weeks, using any stitch or pattern you like. These approximately 8”x17” blankets made with 2 strands and an N hook or large needles can work up in as little as half an hour. Make them while you watch TV or your kid’s soccer game. You don’t even need to weave in the ends, as the kitties like to play with them!

Step 3: Throw your completed blankets (even if it’s just 1 or 2) in a large envelope or box to mail to the Remembering Rowan Project, c/o MOMS Club of Camas, 3510 NE 3rd Avenue, #103, Camas, WA 98607 before August 10, 2010.

Step 4: Please send an email to let me know how many blankets you are sending, to crochetedcreations-rowan@yahoo.com.

That’s it!
These blankets will be used for THREE different good causes!!! Each Blanket will have a mini Remembering Rowan Project tag ironed onto it, to be donated in memory of our daughter Rowan on her 2nd birthday, August 10th. I like to think she would have liked kitties, as her baby sister Willow does. Then they will be delivered to the MOMS Club of Camas or Kazoodles Toy Store where they will Get Kids Reading by allowing children to choose 1 blanket to be donated in their name for every 2-5 books (depending on age) that they have read this summer. Finally, the blankets will go to the Humane Society here in Vancouver, WA to comfort a cat and go with them to their new home when they are adopted.

Please be a part of this next phase of the Remembering Rowan Project, and challenge yourself to make SEVEN IN SEVEN! Let’s see how many blankets we can collect before Rowan’s 2nd birthday in just 3 weeks.

Simple Crochet Cat Blanket Pattern
Using a size N crochet hook and 2 strands of worsted weight acrylic yarn. Chain 20, turn and work single crochet (sc) into 2nd chain from hook. Work single crochets in each stitch across, chain 1, turn. Continue working 19 single crochets each row for approx 46 rows, or until measures 17".

Crafty Kids - Father's Day Gift Making

2010-06-23T23:41:00.000-07:00

Last week, Carissa and I arranged another Crafty Kids activity for the MOMS Club of Camas. With Father's Day approaching and a little internet search, Carissa found some fun crafts the kids could make for their Dads. Each child got to decorate:
- A Baseball Cap
- A "Dad Rocks" Rock
- and A Father's Day Card
We picked up plain baseball caps and small black river rocks from the Dollar Store, and puffy fabric paints from a craft store. Between us we already had paint pens (for the rocks), and supplies for making simple cards. As I have done with Valentine Cards, we pre-printed small cards with "Happy Father's Day" so the littlest kids could easily glue the message onto their cards and decorate the rest how ever they chose.
All of the children seemed to enjoy the crafts, and I am sure their Dads will appreciate something handmade just for them by their children, instead of yet another tie.

Our Second Blanket Donation

2010-06-18T19:38:00.000-07:00

At Long Last...our second donations are finally ready. They are waiting by my front door to deliver to Legacy Salmon Creek Hospital's NICU and Vancouver Family Services.

Over the past two years many MOMS Club members and friends have made Crocheted or Knitted Blankets, No-Sew Fleece Blankets, Quilts, Memory Boxes, and Hats to donate as part of our Remembering Rowan Blanket Project. With so many new babies among us, it has taken us a little longer than we planned to finish them and get our Remembering Rowan tags sewn onto each blanket and quilt. When we recieved Rowan's quilt in the NICU, the tag read, "Love and comfort to you from Frannielou, Lullaby Quilts, Beaverton, OR". But a search for Lullaby Quilts online only came up with someone else looking for who had made their baby's quilt. My hope is that if someone looks for us they will find us here.

The Final Count
Donated for Babies in the NICU at Legacy Salmon Creek Hospital:
13 Crocheted and Knitted Blankets
8 Quilts
5 Memory Boxes
8 Crocheted and Knitted Hats

Donated for Foster Children through Vancouver Family Services:
11 Fleece Blankets

That makes a total of 82 Blankets and Quilts, 11 Memory Boxes, 21 Hats, and 50 mini cards donated in memory of our daughter Rowan. Thanks to all those who have helped and continue to make this blanket project possible. I hope this project will continue. As I go about my days, busy being a mother to my living children, I will never forget the one who did not come home. She will always live in our hearts. I am so glad to have this small way to continue being a mother to my angel baby.

June Gloom - More Rainy Day Fun...

2010-06-17T13:36:00.000-07:00

Another fine, wet summer in the northwest, what to do cooped up inside once school is out... Griffin decided to break in his new bedroom with a painting fest. He did manage to keep most of the paint on the designated 'drop cloth', painting everything from "an alien" to "a cave and those are the two eyes of a bear peaking out." He just kept painting pages until he had filled up the plastic, then started in on decorating an egg carton to be used for seed starts.

While working on cleaning the Craft Room, we came across a bunch of colorful plastic animal beads. He immediately wanted to put them in something to make a Bead Shaker to entertain his baby sister. We quickly downed a couple of small water bottles, dried them out and began filling them with the animals and various other plastic beads.

When I suggested we make a "Search and Find" bottle he spent the rest of the day collecting small items to include. I told him to look for things smaller than his thumb, and nothing too squishy. Rubber band okay, scraps of paper no. Once he placed his collection of various shaped beads, shells, legos, etc... into the bottle, we filled the rest almost to the top with some rice from the cupboard and glued the lid on. Now he wants to make a card with a list of all the things for people to look for.

This week's projects included finishing a fleece blanket for the Remembering Rowan Blanket Project (he recently learned to tie knots), coloring wooden plant stakes, painting magnets, paperbag puppets, "gooey bugs" in his Creepy Crawler Machine, and collages of pictures of his friends.

Inspite of the chaos in my Craft Room, Griffin is usually very good about only using HIS craft supplies and asking before he gets into anything he is not sure about. But the other day while he and his friend Kate were "huntin' for clues", I discovered a trail of little green and blue foot prints leading into the bathroom (where they were hiding behind the toilet). They had managed to cover their feet in ink while her mom and I were busy in the front of the house with our new babies. What could have been a disaster led to a fun afternoon of water play as they were thrown in the bath, clothes and all, with old bars of soap. The ink wiped right up as well. Now off to Michaels to raid the $1 aisle for more craft projects to keep these kidlets out of trouble... after we finish the coffee filter snow flakes Griffin just decided we should make.

Help! I'm a Craft Hoarder!!

2010-05-20T15:18:00.000-07:00

The other night I was watching Hoarders, Buried Alive on TLC. I saw these hoarders climbing over piles of their belongings, jumbled into a useless mess. I realized that's just how I often feel in my craftroom, especially when I get up into the attic above the Craft Room. In order to have any floorspace in the room to work, the room and attic are full of shelves and piles of boxes, bags, and bins full of more craft supplies than I can ever use in my lifetime.

My do I LOVE being able to complete just about any project I dream up without having to run to the store. But it is time to make a change, time to reassess. My Husband calls my Craft Room the "Crap Room", and he's probably right. I read somewhere that your stash should reflect the crafter or artist that you are today, not who you were 5 or 10 years ago. I still have unfinished projects, including my first quilt and my wedding scrapbook, which were started the year I got married - 14 years next month. Time to finish it or pitch it. I have an entire closet filled with scrapbook supplies, but I'm switching over to mostly digital scrapbooks. With 2 small children I will never find the time or place or energy to finish all the scrapbooks I have started. If I don't use it, give it to someone who will.

Inspired by a book called Organizing Your Craft Space and Studios Magazine, I am now in the process of reorganizing and purging, whenever baby is napping or Griffin is playing in the yard nearby. My goal is to submit my Craft Studio to be featured in Studios Magazine by the end of the year. Anyone willing to spend some time helping me organize the Craft Room can have first dibs on all the goodies I am getting rid of. My dear friend Carissa spent a lot of time helping me last year, and has taken home yarn and sewing projects galore.

There are Monsters Afoot... Rainy Day Fun

2010-04-28T16:12:00.000-07:00

Another dreary day in the norhtwest. Stuck inside with the rain pouring down and a very active 4 1/2 year old. We started with some Tissue Paper Art. I found this sunflower coloring page on kinderart.com awhile back and was saving it for a rainy day, literally. I printed it on cardstock, ran it through the xyron sticker maker to make the entire picture surface sticky. Then we peeled off the backing and crumpled up little squares of colored tissue paper to color in the flower and sky.

Later in the day this tissue paper flower became a key part of his "Monster Traps". You see, with the flower picture taped to the outside of the traps, each "monster" would go right into the trap to smell the flower, only to discover that it wasn't a real flower. But it was too late, they were trapped! For extra security Griffin attached the trap to the floor with "Dragon Proof Tape" (wasting a lot of scotch tape, but worth the fun!).

No Sew Fleece Blankets - Blanket Project Phase 3

2010-03-31T23:18:00.000-07:00

In November, the Camas MOMS Club's "Crafty Chicks" got together to make some no sew fleece blankets which we plan to donate to foster children here in Vancouver, WA. Most of these kids leave their homes with no belongings of their own. Our blankets will go to the office where the kids can choose one, and have one warm thing that belongs just to them.

No sew blankets are the perfect project for all of the members of our Club who are not into crocheting or quilting, or do not consider themselves crafty. It just takes two pieces of fleece 1 1/2-2 yards long and a pair of scissors.

The church where we hold our Club meetings had tables large enough to spread out 3 blankets with about a dozen MOMS working on either side. We worked together cutting fringe along each side and tying the two layers of fleece into warm cozy blankets. We completed 8 fleece blankets in just a little over an hour. Several other Club members and friends took blankets kits to make on their own. Each blanket was finished with our blanket project tags, including the butterfly logo one of our members designed last year.

We are still collecting blankets, quilts, hats, and memory boxes for our next donation. In addition to the fleece blankets, we will be making another donation to the NICU and Bereavement Departments of a local hospital.

Nesting!... It's about time.

2010-03-10T23:17:00.000-08:00

In my first two pregnancies, I went through the usual "nesting" phase. For me it does not kick in until the last two weeks or so. In the two weeks leading up to Griffin's due date, with my Mom & Sister there on baby watch, we tried to CLEAN SWEEP my craftroom. We dragged everything out to the back patio, purged, sorted, and organized all that yarn and craft supplies (note: the craftroom now is about 1/3 the size of the entire house back in LA). Two weeks before Rowan's due date I was in charge of the MOMS Club garage sale. So I madly purged bin after bin of craft supplies, yarn, books, and cleared out quite a bit. Then the week before her due date, I found myself sitting on the floor of the bathroom one evening, surrounded by bags and bins of bathroom detritus that had never been unpacked when we moved in three years ago.

So, naturally I expected to eventually have the urge to purge come upon me at some point during Willow's pregnancy. It never did. I would look around, and know I wanted to do something, but could not get motivated or figure out where to start. I finally concluded that after losing our last baby, I would have no nesting instict.

Now, with a healthy six week old baby, I am finally nesting, literally. Today I bought 15 baskets, 8 decorative storage boxes, and new clothes hamper. Enough containers to build myself an actual nest. Not to mention the bucket with tons of pockets for all my gardening tools I picked up yesterday. I really do have a specific use for each of the baskets (and most of the boxes).

I know, I know, I should get rid of more stuff rather than buy more places to store it. But I really do need containers for those places which always accumulate clutter (which is everywhere at this point). Since we have not actually decorated our house since we moved in, I decided to start with boxes and baskets to coordinate with the wall colors, furniture, and new blinds.

Like I need more new projects...

2010-03-09T22:56:00.000-08:00

With my husband off in So. Cal. for work, leaving me alone with two kids for the first time for a week, I consoled myself this afternoon with a little retail therapy...

Several months ago I saw this book, what shall we do today? 60 creative crafting projects for kids at Lowe's. Every time I am there I look for it. So today, when I went there to buy colorful electrical tape and marigold seeds for two other projects, I finally decided to buy it. After all, I need something MORE for Griffin to do while Daddy's gone...

But right next to it was Amanda Soule's HANDMADE HOME Simple Ways to Repurpose Old Materials into New Family Treasures. I LOVE her blog SouleMama.com, and got her first book, THE CREATIVE FAMILY as soon as it came out a couple years ago. She just has so many fun creative ideas for crafting with your kids, and including your kids in the creative activities you enjoy!

So of course I bought them both. And then there was another filled with creative nature & garden projects intended for Grandparents to do with their Grandchildren. I justified that one as a possible gift for my Dad (once I'm done with it). But can't remember the name as I lent it to my neighbor who has helped me with the kids so much this week.

Like I need more ideas for new projects... On a recent questionaire when asked if I collect anything I answered, among other things, "yarn & craft supplies, books about yarn & craft supplies, baskets & boxes to hold yarn and craft supplies." The last two were added by my husband, but clearly I have a problem, and far more books than I'll ever read. But I LOVE having a craftroom so well stocked that when Griffin wanted to make this felted family nest we saw at Beneath The Rowan Tree last week, and paint with fruits, vegetables and even cars, I had everything we needed on hand!

Maybe tomorrow I'll figure out how to get the pictures of Griffin's recent projects off my phone to post them. But I have decided not to let my difficulty getting photos onto my new laptop keep me from blogging anymore. Now I hope to have a quiet few moments to peruse my new books and enjoy a rootbeer float, before baby Willow wakes up for her next round of nursing.

Special Delivery...

2010-02-14T17:00:00.000-08:00

photo by Marie Pham Photography

Happy Valentine's Day. Our new baby girl is 3 weeks old today!
Willow Elizabeth. Born Sunday, January 24, 1:45pm. 9lb 12oz, 22 1/2lb.

Willow's Birth Story
After several weeks of early contractions I was not sure I was really in labor. Griffin and I baked one last batch of "Cowboy Cookies", which I had been baking every other night since the contractions started. I wanted to have plenty of cookies for my midwives and support people. The contractions started to get stronger about midnight, when I was planning to head to bed. So my Mom and I watched a movie as the contractions continued. I finally went to bed about 1:30am, but just after 2am I got a really strong one and thought, 'if this is really it then this was the first really strong one.'

I continued to doze between contractions and trips to the bathroom. When I got up to go to the bathroom about 5:10, I had to stop several times on the way for contractions. I laid back down for a few minutes, but the next couple were so strong I knew I was not going to be sleeping anymore. I went to the living room for a few more, and realized that if I had to drive anywhere, I had better do it soon. I woke up Mike and started making phone calls.

With the first call to my midwife Katherine we discovered that all of the rooms at the Portland Birth Center we were supposed to deliver at were full. The only open room was at the Tualatin Birth Center, where I gave birth to Rowan in 2008. None of us wanted to be in the same place we lost Rowan, so we had to come up with another location.

Throughout my pregnancy, Katherine kept saying at my appointments, "I keep thinking you are going to have a home birth." To which I would respond, "How would that work? I'm in Washington and you are an Oregon midwife." In the end, we ended up delivering at the home of a friend who lives very close to the birth center and OHSU, in case there were any problems. She is expecting a baby in March, and planning a homebirth. So our birth was a trial run. Once we found an alternative, I felt really good about the idea because I knew it would be completely different from both Griffin's hospital birth and Rowan's birth center birth, so there would be no reminders of losing Rowan.

We loaded up Griffin and headed down to Portland, closely followed by my Mom and Sister, as well as my massage therapist Elisa. When we arrived about 6am, my host's husband and son, were heading out to Walmart (only place open at that hour) and Home Depot to gather supplies for setting up an inflatable birth tub in their living room. For a planned homebirth, all of those items would be gathered ahead of time. But this was unexpected, which turned out to be perfect for me.

We settled Griffin in the guest room with my laptop and some DVDs, but as I moaned louder, he would come in to check on me or help Elisa press the pain pressure points. Another perk to giving birth in a home environment is that Griffin could come in and out, and sit on the couch right next to the tub to read a story or cuddle with Daddy. My sister was there to help Griffin, and the midwives even took turns reading him stories.

I continued having regular, stronger contractions among the hustle and bustle of midwives gathering supplies, setting up and filling the tub. I alternated between sitting backwards on a dining chair, the birth ball with someone putting pressure on my lower back, and the bathroom. I wanted to be sure I was done using the bathroom before I got into the tub. Once I was in the birthing tub I refused to get out. Everything that went wrong with Rowan last time started just after I got out of the tub. So this time, I did not get out of the tub. But now I know why they say to boil water when someone is having a baby. When you spend hours in a tub of water, you need to replace the hot water fairly often.

In my previous labors, most of the contraction pain was at the base of my abdomen. I had a lot more back labor this time because Willow was already so far down and had such a large head. As soon as I got into the water, the pain in the front felt a lot better, but I still needed Mike or Elisa to put pressure on my back during contractions. Before too long, Mike got in the tub with me. With each contraction he put pressure on my lower back, and Elisa continued pressing the pain acupressure points on my hands. We continued like this for a couple of hours until I was ready to push.

Another difference from my first two births is that with both of them I did not know I was in labor until my water broke, and even then it took several hours for the contractions to get serious. This time around my water did not break until about 20 minutes before Willow was born. Soon after the water broke I felt Willow engage and knew it was time to start pushing. After just 3 or 4 long pushes, we welcomed Willow into the world. If I had not gotten Rowan out so fast in the emergency situation, I am sure it would have taken longer. But because of Rowan, I knew that I could do it when the time came.

Mike caught her when she came out and passed her to me. Up she came, floating out of the water, into my arms, eyes wide open and breathing. It was very surreal. She never really cried as she was still warm and comfortable in the water. Griffin joined us in the tub soon after so he could meet his baby sister. After we waited for the cord blood to pulse out, Griffin got to cut the cord, with Daddy's help. A few hours later, a room became available at the birth center and I was able to move there to be pampered while I recovered for a couple days.

The only complication was all of the blood that I lost. The same thing happened with Griffin in the hospital. So my energy has been slow to recover. They say it takes three weeks for your body to replace all the red blood cells, which has forced me to take it easy for the past three weeks and just enjoy our new baby girl.

Learning to Quilt - Blanket Project Phase 2

2009-11-01T22:58:00.000-08:00

Early last summer, the MOMS Club of Camas, WA began phase 2 of the Remembering Rowan Blanket Project. One Friday night, the lovely ladies of the Clark County Quilter's Outreach Program brought their talents and tools to a local church. They provided everything including patterns, sewing machines, irons, rulers and cutting tools. All we had to bring was our donated fabric and ourselves. They taught us a simple "Windows" pattern which started with 9 12"x12" squares.
During the course of just one night, 6 of our MOMS Club members to made 9 simple quilt blocks, which we could then sew into small baby quilts for our next blanket donation. Some of these newbie quilters had never even sewn on a machine before, and yet we all were able to get our blocks sewn together.
We continued working on our quilts once a week throughout the summer. We had a fun weekly playgroup, working on our quilts and drinking mochas while our kids played in the sprinklers, fed the neighbors chickens, and picked our blueberry bushes clean. Our kids had so much fun together that we often found ourselves quilting and hanging out from 10am to about 3pm.
Due to the fact that 1 of our group moved away and 3 of us are pregnant, we did not quite finish our dozen or so quilts in time to donate on Rowan's Birthday in August. But it has been a great project which has inspired me to start a Monthly Craft Club for all my crafty mom friends, as well as Phase 3 of our Blanket Project: No Sew Fleece Blankets starting this month!

Baby Cakes

2009-10-29T12:53:00.000-07:00

A good friend was expecting her 3rd baby boy last summer. Her friends wanted to throw her a baby shower, but knew she didn't need most of the gifts one usually gives an expectant mommy. She already has it all! So they made her shower sort of a 'diaper drive', asking everyone to bring diapers (all brands and sizes). But I couldn't just give a plain old box of diapers, how boring. Just not my style...
I planned to give her some Mama Rose's Naturals baby products, made by a local Mom in Eugene, OR, and a pair of the Fuzzy Feet baby booties I make. Then I came across these instructions for making a diaper cake and got my inspiration. I realized I had everything except the diapers on hand. Gotta love a well-stocked craft room!
I collected diapers from a couple of my friends and realized the lids to my set of nesting hatboxes was the perfect base for creating each tier of the cake. I ended up with 2 cakes... a 4 layer cake alternating the 2 different types of diapers (Huggies Supreme and Target brand with cute blue & green polkadots, perfect for a cake), and a small single layer "whole wheat" cake, in case the baby can't handle refined flours (hehe). It was a great way to use all the tiny newborn brown Seventh Generation diapers my sister gave me.
Both cakes were wrapped in yards and yards of green and blue satin ribbon bows and flowers. I even glued the flowers onto binder clips and push pins so they could be used again. I figure the Mama can use some pretty flowered things with all those boys in the house! And the bottles of diaper care stuff in the middle hold all the layers together, all topped with the pair of pale blue Fuzzy Feet.

There's Something In The Water...

2009-09-07T22:34:00.000-07:00

Babies, babies everywhere. Everyone I know seems to be pregnant. Four of us within a one block radius.

I am now 20 weeks pregnant with my second baby girl. I have not been blogging much this summer, as I was not ready to write about this pregnancy. Although we planned it, and were lucky enough to get pregnant right away, I was not sure how I would feel when we discovered the gender of this baby. We did not find out with Rowan, and the surprise was not all it was cracked up to be. So we wanted to do things differently this time around. I felt like I needed to find out to prepare myself either way.

We just found out Friday that this baby is another girl. I wanted this so much that I did not quite believe it until two different doctors confirmed it. Growing up with one sister and all girl cousins, I always assumed I would have girls. In the past five years, we four girl cousins have had 7 baby boys between us! I do not think I knew how much I wanted to raise a girl until I came so close with Rowan. I never even got to dream of what it would be like because as soon as we saw she was a girl, we realized she was not breathing.

I can admit now that I have a secret stash of baby girl clothes I have bought over the past year. A small "hope chest" which I knew might go to some other special baby girl than my own. It was one of the small things I wanted to do "for Rowan" that I would have done had she lived. I took pleasure in choosing adorable girly outfits in my favorite greens, blues, and purples. No pastels and pinks for my baby girls!

Crocheted Butterfly Pin Pattern

2009-08-09T21:23:00.000-07:00

Butterflies were found all over The Compassionate Friends conference this weekend. They are a very meaningful symbol for bereaved parents. I was inspired to make some little Butterfly Pins to give to some of the people who made my first TCF Conference so rewarding. I came up with a variation on a common pattern for larger crocheted butterflies.

A few people who saw me making them asked for the pattern, so I promised to post it so they could make their own. I will add a picture when I am able, but here is my first attempt at writing up the pattern. Please let me know if it needs any clarification. Have fun!

Use G hook and worsted weight yarn (I used Lion Brand Chenille, but any leftover yarn will do)

Ch 5, join to 5th ch from hook with slst to form ring.

Row 1: Working inside the ring, ch 3, 2dc, ch1, (3dc, ch1) 7 times, join in top of ch3.
Row 2: Slst in next dc, 5dc in next ch1 space, (slst in 2nd dc, 5dc in next ch1 space) 7 times.
Joining: With hook at top, fold in half to form butterfly. Insert hook through same dc as 1st and 5th slst from Row 2, slst through both, finish off. Weave in ends. Insert a safety pin (or metal pin back) through one side of the butterfly, pull through stitches so open part of pin is on outside.

The Compassionate Friends

2009-08-09T18:11:00.000-07:00

I spent the weekend at The Compassionate Friends National Conference. TCF is an international organization providing support for parents who have lost a child. When I discovered that their annual conference was being held in Portland this year, on the weekend before Rowan's birthday, I knew I should go.

It was truly an amazing experience to spend a weekend among parents going through so many of the same feelings and thoughts that I have experienced in the past year since losing our daughter Rowan. Although the majority of these parents lost older children, they all made me feel welcome, a part of this "club" noone ever wants to join. I was actually surprised when a few of these bereaved parents told me, 'I'm sorry you lost your baby so soon. You don't even have the memories that we have.' The compassion and generosity of heart of these strangers was astounding.

This morning my husband, my son Griffin, my father, and my stepmother joined me in the TCF Walk to Remember. Along with hundreds of other family and friends of those who have lost a child, sibling or grandchild, we walked two miles around Portland, carrying banners and bearing signs with the names and photos of our lost children.

More Play Mats... Ocean & Papermache

2009-04-24T22:46:00.000-07:00

Another Easter surprise in Griffin's basket was an Ocean Playmat which I made for a Craft Challenge on DiaperSwappers.com. Every two weeks they choose a different theme. When I saw the Ocean theme I raided my craftroom and came up with 3 different Ocean themed craft ideas, just using the materials I had on hand (okay, I'm a hoarder and have a huge craftroom, but at least I am using what I have).
This Playmat began it's life as yet another unfinished hat project. I added some waves and light blue ripples, along with a touch of white foam in the pull string around the outer edge. Of course it needed an island, made with chunky cotton.
The ocean is inhabited by a felt & wire mermaid and her fishy friends. She was totally inspired by Princess Nimble Thimble's marvelous bendy dolls on Etsy. She is the first bendable doll I have tried to make. The Ocean Mat pulls tight into a pouch to carry the mermaid and her friends for travel.
Griffin also made a Playscape himself over Easter weekend. With a little help from Mom, he taped foam peanuts and balls (cut in 1/2) onto a piece of cardboard, along with a cardboard tube and a wavey scrap from someone else's creation. Then paper mached the whole thing with recycled newspapers and newsprint. The next day we painted and decorated his creation. When asked if he wanted his world to have aliens or dinosaurs, he responded, "Aliens AND Dinosaurs!"
As soon as he got home, Griffin lined up all his playmats on the couch to play with them.

The Bunny Cometh

2009-04-16T23:04:00.000-07:00

Every Easter we spend the weekend at Norwescon a Science Fiction and Fantasy Convention held in Seattle. A somewhat odd tradition, but Griffin still gets his Easter Basket (in the hotel room) and an Easter Egg Hunt (in a hotel conference room with toadstool pillows to hide eggs under).

I got to attend a lot of interesting panels on writing, costuming, and a few crafty projects for the kids. But the best panel of the weekend was the Monster Mash. Where I took a perfectly good bunny, lopped it's legs off, and hand-sewed on the legs of a pastel fuzzy lochness monster type creature, added on the pointy tail and sparkley belly from said creature (Griffin noticed the sparkly belly first thing Easter morning). Then the trunk of an orange elephant, sewn on upside down. And the picture was before I finished the orange wings...made from the hair of a Power Puff Girl!

This "Bunny Monster" appeared the next day in Griffin's Easter Basket, along with 2 new crocheted playscapes (pictures coming soon!) and several books. Mimi, who led the Monster Mash, posted more pics of the crazy monsters created by my cohorts. She collects bags of old stuffed animals from thift stores & hosts Monster Making Parties at her house - I love this idea. You never know what you will get!

How do you explain death to a three year old?

2009-04-14T11:14:00.000-07:00

After posting about Griffin's reaction to donating our blankets, I thought I should re-post the essay I wrote for Mindful Mama Magazine's essay contest last October. I was one of the runner ups, and won some great stuff, coupons for Happy Baby frozen meals & snacks, tshirts, Fresh Start baby food making kit, and even a signed copy of Dr. Sears' Vaccine Book. I know it is rather personal, but it was already posted on a public forum. Writing is a craft too, so here is what I wrote...

Posted on October 10, 2008
Two months ago today (at 2:05am), I gave birth to my daughter Rowan at 40 weeks and one day. Everything was normal until the end. As labor intensified her heartrate got erratic and my midwives called the paramedics. With the paramedics in the lobby of the birth center I managed to push her out in just five pushes. All babies come out blue and wrinkly, but she never turned pink, she never breathed on her own. There was a kink in her cord. After transports to hospital then NICU, we sat grieving the daughter we had to let go. But we also had to think of our other child, 3 year old Griffin waiting at home to meet his baby sister.

At first we were not sure he should come to the hospital. But as they were wheeling me back to my room in the Family Birth Unit, I saw other siblings there to meet their new babies. I knew Griffin needed to meet his baby sister. He was so excited. He was in the waiting room when his cousin was born just a few months before, and he knew what was supposed to happen. I realized he would be REALLY confused if he did not get to meet his baby sister.

He had spent the day with his Grampa, and he brought Griffin down. It did not seem like enough to try to tell him when we came home without a baby, especially after 4 false alarms. We timed it just right. They removed all her cords and IVs, except for the breathing tube, and the nurse helped us wash and dress her. Then we got to sit and hold her for awhile before they removed the breathing tube so Griffin would not be scared by the tube.

My dad brought his harp and played for quite awhile in the NICU... then "played her out" while we said goodbye. As one friend put it, "she got to experience something beautiful in the world, even in her short life."

Griffin was tired, subdued and confused, having just woken up from a nap. I held the baby, and he crawled into Daddy's lap. We introduced him to his baby sister, and tried to explain that his little sister was very sick and she was not going to be able to come home with us. I explained that since she could not be with us she was going to be an angel and have wings to fly and watch over us. I figured a 3 year old needed a concrete image to understand where our baby has gone.

I had him come into my lap with Rowan in my other arm and let him hold her, touch her little hand and foot, and give her a kiss on the head. I pointed out a little angel ornament they gave us that hung over the bed she had been on. He kept looking back and forth between the angel and the baby, clearly trying to understand. She just looked like a sleeping angel in her little white dress. Eventually he said, "Your baby (he paused) ...MY baby's going to be an angel.” After awhile I asked if he wanted to take a walk with his Uncle and he left while the rest of the family each held her and said goodbye. Then the nurse check for her heartbeat and verified that she had passed on.

Griffin came back just as they were wheeling me out of the NICU, and he asked, "Mommy, Where's your baby?" I had him climb on my lap to ride back to my room and tried to explain that she had to stay there because she was so sick. He was still a little confused, and I remembered that he had been talking to his Grampa the week before about his dog Angelo who died. He had asked him a lot of questions about death then.

So I reminded him of Angelo, and told him our baby had died like Grampa Lloyd's dog. It seemed easier to tell Griffin that he might still have someone to be a big brother to. So I told him 'Someday we might have another baby, but not for awhile. Remember how long it took to grow this baby in Mommy's tummy? But someday we might have another baby.” He asked, "And that baby won't be dead?" That was when I knew he understood.

That night I had to stay at the hospital so Griffin slept with his Daddy in our bed at home. When I called as they were settling to bed my husband put Griffin on the phone to say good night. He said, "Good night Mommy. How are you doing at the hospital Mommy?" I said, "I'm feeling good. I'm just going to bed too." He said, "I miss my baby sister Mommy." I said, trying not to cry, "I miss her too." He said, "Daddy misses her too. And Grampa misses her too." He was talking about Rowan for about half an hour that night before he finally settled down to sleep.

The nurse made 3-D molds of her hand and feet. When I got home we made a special shelf at Griffin’s level with his hand and foot molds from when he was 2, along with his Wishing Bowl with wishes from his fairy godparents, Rowan's hand and foot, and a plaster heart with the soles of her tiny feet. Each time I show one of my friends the molds Griffin tells them, "That's my baby sister's foot and hand. She's gone now to be an Angel."

His uncle (who became a dad just 5 months before) told me later he and Griffin talked about Rowan during their walk. He told Griffin that Mommy and Daddy were going to be sad for awhile but we both love him very much, and he was going to have to be very brave and give mommy lots of hugs. I think Griffin took it to heart. He has always been huggy and cuddly, but in the weeks that followed he loved crawling up in my lap and telling me how much he loved me.

Griffin frequently requests that we read him the books he was given to help him understand, "No New Baby" etc... We both tear up every time, but realize that is what he needs from us because he is grieving as well. When we look at pictures of her he says right away, “That’s my baby Rowan!” When we saw a baby on TV the other day he was very quiet (which is unusual for him), so I asked if he was okay, and he tearfully said, “I miss my baby sister.” I said I did too and asked if he wanted to look at pictures of her. We found the framed ones we have and he placed them in the middle of the living room where he could see them. He will always remember he had a sister.

We also planted a Rowan Tree during a memorial service in our backyard, and created a little garden around it filled with pansies. Griffin sat on his Daddy's lap, solemnly staring at the picture of his baby, and eagerly helped everyone plant pansies when the time came. The service was followed by a "Party for Rowan" inviting a few of Griffin's friends to come play with him after the service. Now Griffin and I periodically go out to weed her garden or sit together on a bench to look at it.

The other day when I gave him paper and markers, he began telling me everything he was drawing. “I’m drawing my baby sister Mommy. This is my baby when she was in your tummy. This is my baby when she was an angel.”

I have started a project with my MOMS Club to make and donate blankets and quilts to local NICUs in memory of Rowan. I love sharing my passion for crochet with others, and plan to teach anyone in our club of 65 members who is willing. In the hospital we were given a crocheted afghan and a beautiful quilt. For parents in my situation, these blankets are the only things we have to take home and cuddle to remember our lost babies. Starting this project gives me something positive to focus on, and honors my daughter in the best way I can.

I sometimes have to remind myself that when Griffin begins crying like his world is ending because he did not bring home the balloon he got yesterday, it is not about the balloon. He cries, “I miss my Balloon.” In the exact same way he tells me, “I miss my baby. Mommy, why did our baby die?”

Our First Donation!

2009-03-31T21:06:00.000-07:00

10 Crocheted & Knitted Blankets, 25 Mini Cards for a lock of hair to SW Washington Medical Center's Labor and Delivery Bereavement Dept.
14 Crocheted Blankets, 10 Hats, 6 Memory Boxes, 25 Mini Cards for a lock of hair to Legacy Salmon Creek Labor and Delivery Bereavement Dept.
26 Crocheted Blankets, 3 Hats, 8 Moon Rattles to Legacy Salmon Creek Neonatal Intensive Care Unit

We made special tags with our butterfly logo that read, "love and comfort to you, Remembering Rowan Project, MOMS Club of Camas, WA". The quilt we were given when Rowan was in the NICU read "Love and Comfort to You, from Franilou..." The rhyme was cute but I love the sentiment. After many hours of hand sewing on our tags with the help of my sister and my friend Carissa, we delivered our first donation to the hospitals today.

My friend Michelle has helped the project as our "Hospital Liaison", contacting the hospitals when I found it difficult to make those calls myself. As it turned out, her husband is doing his nursing internship at one of the hospitals, and she has a friend who is an L & D nurse at the other one. Michelle also lost a baby several years ago, and she wished there was something nicer than the little baggy for the treasured lock of her son's hair. She made 50 little cards to donate with our blankets with a tiny ziploc bag inside for holding a lock of the baby's hair.

Today we met to bag each of the blankets into extra large ziploc bags, and delivered the first box to Southwest Washington Medical Center. Michelle then took the other 3 large plastic totes full of blankets to deliver to her nurse friend for Legacy Salmon Creek.

On the way to the hospital my son Griffin was asking about the "dead babies" who were going to give our blankets to. He asked, "We made the blankets to remember our baby, right Mommy?" I tried to explain that most of the sick babies do not die, but he was clearly thinking about it all day. As we walked into the hospital my 3 1/2 year old talked with Michelle's 5 year old about how "some babies die and turn into angels." Later this evening he was playing a game where he was "taking the sick babies to the doctor." We all process grief in different ways. It might be easier to not talk about our loss, but by making the blankets and talking to others about this project we will always remember Rowan.

Lasagna in the Garden

2009-03-30T15:48:00.000-07:00

Ingredients:

1 layer Old Phone Book Pages, Newspapers or Cardboard Boxes
1 layer Recycled Egg Cartons & Christmas Tree Branches
1 layer Horse Manure
1 layer Dried Leaves
1 layer Compost
1 layer Hay
1 layer Top Soil/Sand Mix
Sprinkle some Coffee Grounds and Egg Shells in between the layers

Add plants and grow!

We doubled our vegetable garden space last year, but no amount of rototilling will get rid of the grass and weeds. So we are trying a Lasagna Bed on top to smother the weeds. Griffin had a blast tearing up old phone books to make "a blanket to keep our garden bed warm". Not to mention the benefit of finding a use for my ever increasing piles of phonebooks, empty egg cartons, newspapers and cardboard boxes.

Playing With Dolls

2009-03-28T13:50:00.000-07:00

I have been having so much fun making dolls lately. As I was finishing an Elf Boy for Griffin after the felting workshop I went to last month, I realized that I had sewn, crocheted and felted dolls, just in the past month! First I helped my friend Bambi throw a Yo Gabba Gabba birthday party for her two year old. Along with Carissa, we had a "sweatshop" going in my craftroom that week, preparing kits for each kid to build their own Monster Dolls inspired by the birthday boy's favorite show. The kids stuffed their monsters and stuck on eyes and mouths cut from sticky felt. Then the moms sewed up the side seam and they were done.

Then I whipped up a couple of crocheted "Bella & Edward" dolls for Bambi's birthday. Inspired by a book called Creepy Cute Crochet, I made them my own by adding a tailcoat (proper for a turn of the century vampire), as well as Bella's dress, braided hair and saphire & silver hair combs, as described in the Twilight book series. My 3 1/2 year old insisted the vampire needed a little blood by his mouth. (Is it wrong that he can tell you what vampires and zombies eat?). And finally, my needle felted Elf Boy. This was the second workshop I have gone to with haddy2dogs, and my first time trying needle felting over a wire frame, so his arms and legs can bend. As soon as he was finished Griffin took his Elf Boy to play with, so I was only recently able to get photos of him. I now have materials to make 2 completely different types of dolls which I hope to make in the next month... so stay tuned for more...

Our Article in the Camas Post

2009-03-20T23:41:00.000-07:00

The Camas Post Record featured a full page article about the Remembering Rowan Blanket Project a few weeks ago which included several photos. Since The Post does not keep their articles online for more than a week I wanted to share the article here. Unfortunately my name was misspelled throughout and there were a few other inconsistencies. But overall it was a lovely article which I matted and framed.

** NOTE: Words in italics were changed or added to correct misspelled or misquoted information.

Remembering Rowan
Camas MOMS Club members crochet afghans

for local hospital intensive care units

Story and photos by Danielle Frost, Post-Record staff

It was every expectant mother's worst fear.
On August 10, 2008 Laurinda Reddig gave birth, expecting to bring home a baby. Her daughter Rowan lived only one day. She was born blue and unable to breathe due to an umbilical cord problem that cut off her oxygen supply. Lifesaving efforts failed. There was nothing the doctors could do. Reddig made the heart wrenching decision to take her baby off life support.

Rowan was wrapped in a handmade afghan. The nurses made clay molds of her hands and feet. Reddig's 3-year-old son Griffin was brought in to say goodbye to his baby sister. She was bathed for the first and last time, and cuddled until she passed away in her mother's arms.

Reddig was given the handmade afghan and a quilt to take home. "These are the only things that parents in this situation get to bring home and cuddle," she said.

Through her grief, Reddig saw a way to help others. She is administrative vice president for the Moms Offering Moms Support Club and the group was looking for a service project.

"It is my job to come up with projects that give back to our community," she said. "I knew the club was looking for a project that had personal meaning to our members. I saw the blankets and thought that this would be something we can do."

Reddig, who has a passion for crocheting, brought her idea to the club. The response was overwhelming. "This is an activity that has encouraged both moms of young children and those who have older kids to get involved," she said. "This is something that everyone can be a part of and it is neat to see how much everyone has gotten into it.

Reddig hosted a "learn to crochet" event at her house for mom's night out. One of the participants was Camas MOMS Club president Trisha Brotherton.

"I am not a crafty person at all, but I've really enjoyed learning how to do this," she said. "It has been so good for us as a club. Laurinda's been an inspiration to us. It's so bittersweet because you are giving a blanket to someone whose baby has died. But at the same time, this has helped Laurinda through her grief."

Brotherton said that members of the MOMS Club were especially supportive of the project because it has such a personal meaning. "Any mom recognizes that losing a baby is a possibility, and we all want to help those whom it's happened to," she said.

Although the six months since baby Rowan died have been difficult, Reddig has found healing through the crocheting project. "This gives me something to focus on and a way to spend my 'unexpected free time,'" she said. "This has gotten me back into teaching crochet and I love sharing my passion for something with other people. I was just overwhelmed by the support that came pouring in from the MOMS Club."

Since the club began the project, MOMS clubs in northwest Vancouver and Spokane have agreed to make blankets to donate in memory of Rowan. Quilts will be the next phase of the project.

The club is hosting a "Remembering Rowan" baby blanket open house and reception at the Camas Public Library on March 10 to celebrate the first phase of the project. The event is open to the public.

"We decided it would be nice to have all our finished blankets on display so our members and those who have donated supplies for the project can view the blankets," Brotherton said.

Camas MOMS Club member Carissa Reid has crocheted two blankets since getting involved in the project. "I thought this was a really good thing for Laurinda to do after losing Rowan," she said. "This seemed like a very sweet way to channel our energies to help other parents.

Reid said that it was a bit awkward at first because no one knew for sure what to say or do. "This was a great way for us to get together and let whatever feelings there were about it to come out," she said. "It's been an awesome project and I'd like to see it continue."

Reddig agrees. Although the project idea came from the heartbreaking loss of a child, it will be a comfort to parents who leave the hospital with nothing to hold onto but dreams. "This project is something that moms can take part in and feel good about," she said. "And I want to thank everyone for being a part of it.

Blanket Showing Reception

2009-03-11T23:14:00.000-07:00

I have been overwhelmed by the support for my Blanket Project. Last night MOMS Club of Camas hosted an Open House Reception in honor of the Remembering Rowan Blanket Project. MOMS Club Members, family, friends, and a few strangers who read about our project in the newspaper a few weeks ago, came to view the 44 crocheted (and a few knitted) blankets we have completed so far. We will be making our first donation to local hospitals as soon as we have attached the custom labels we made.

We have such a talented group of MOMS! Not just the talented crocheters, knitters and sewers making so many lovely blankets (and hats too!). One of our moms designed our new logo for our labels and blog header (notice the 2 Rs in the butterfly's wings, so perfect!), and did face painting for the kids who attended.

Another one baked an amazing cake draped with fondant blankets and inspired by the blue and lavender butterflies on one of the blankets I made.

Yet another created beautiful invitations and tags we tied on to each of the blankets to indicate who made or donated them.

The kids were fascinated by the lovely harp music my Dad provided, just as he did in the NICU as we said goodbye to Rowan on the day she was born. My friend Eva said it best, "His music allowed her to experience something beautiful in her short life." Providing comfort to other parents with these blankets is another beautiful thing inspired by and honoring her brief time with us.

It was an amazing celebration of our project. Thanks to all of those who have made it possible!

Showering the New Mother

2009-02-23T13:35:00.000-08:00

Last month I helped throw a "Mother Shower" for a dear friend up in Seattle. This is her first baby, and I think it is important to acknowledge her transition into motherhood. So instead of the typical Baby Shower games and activities I pulled a lot of ideas from the Blessingways book.

We started with a good old fashioned Slumber Party with a small group of women the night before the Shower. We pampered the expectant Mama with Spa Treatments (using Mama Rose's Naturals products), Henna tatoos, and a Belly Cast. In the morning Mama was treated to a professional massage. Meanwhile my co-host prepared a Proper High Tea, complete with cucumber sandwiches, and I set up for the various activities.

I always like to have a Mini-Photo Album for guests to write a message or wish for the baby, leaving room for photos to be added later. I include a quote from the story of Sleeping Beauty and ask guests to wish a quality on the baby like Sleeping Beauty's Fairy Godmothers. I also provided Gift Certificates for guests to fill out indicating Gifts of Service they were willing to give the family after baby arrived (meals, dishes, etc...)

As the guests arrived and partook of their tea and yummy cakes they signed the Guestbook and filled out Gift Cards. We then moved on to other crafty activities.
Each guest made Something for Baby: A one-of-a-kind Decorated Onesie.

Something for Mama: A fimo bead stamped with symbols representing wishes for the mother, to become a Birth Necklace.
Something for the Birth: A birth or Intention Candle carved with celtic runes representing hopes for the birth (strength, protection, speed...), which guests took home and lit when Mama went in to labor to help speed her on her way.

I have done all these activities at showers in the past to great success. I knew that neither the Guest of Honor nor many of the guests would be into playing the typical baby shower games, so this was a great alternative. Great fun was had by all.

Felting Soap

2009-02-12T23:43:00.000-08:00

Last Friday was my friend Carissa's birthday. Our Playgroup thought we should celebrate. Carissa happened to mention recently that she loves handmade soaps, so I thought she would enjoy doing something with soap. One of the other MOMS suggested Felting Soap as a great activity to do with the kids.
This seemed like a great idea since I have a couple bins of wool roving from my days of Spinning Yarn at the Southern California Rennaisance Faire, as well as some bits of bright colors from a Needle Felting class I took last year with haddy2dogs. (I just found out she is doing another workshop in a couple of weeks & can't wait!)
I made a special trip in to Portland Thursday to get some lovely handmade soaps from a local mama who will be selling her soaps soon. I found a GREAT How To Felt Over Soap tutorial online and we went for it. We did not quite manage to get additional colors to felt on to most of our soaps. But the stringy bits leftover were perfect for needle felting onto a couple wool balls I made. This has got to be the cleanest craft project ever!