Monday, March 28, 2011

Feeling nipped by a freeze...and adding some COLOUR to your LIFE!

The plants in my gardens were peeking up their lovely heads with recent warm tempuratures and rain, and then received a shock this week...cold temperatures...to freezing, after eighty degree weather last week. They seemed to have tucked their little heads and stopped growing for a bit.

Mmmmmhhh! Much like the enemy of our souls...we push up some growth through the Word and the Spirit of God, and along comes the enemy trying to "freeze us out!"

Not to worry, the energy at the roots is building and while the showy part of the plant doesn't get much attention during a freeze, the growth at the roots has not stopped! How's the energy at your roots? If you're not feeling too "showy" let your roots feed on Truth and Love, and wait for the sunshine!

Sunshine and color...yes! Two of my favorite things.  Here is a link to a blog about some soft color pencils...one of my favorite links of the day:

http://www.lovepencils.co.uk/post/2011/03/28/Card-Making-with-Coloursoft-Pencils-by-Sarah-Hurley.aspx

Details and Repetition...

It is good to come to the end of a thing...something you have desired and want to see completed...yet, anything worthwhile takes some labor and time.

Details and repetition cannot be avoided in daily life, nor, I have found, in crocheting lovely lacey Pineapple Doilies... :) 

If  I don't pick up crochet hook, and thread and pattern, but rather sit and curse the doily...that it is not done...it will never be finished. So it is with life...the things we curse don't change (except for the worse). What are we subconsciously "cursing" today? Perhaps we could find the courage to "pick up the hook and thread" again, and by the Spirit of God and His Word allow good change to come through the meditations of our heart and the words of our mouth today.
Whether we use our hands to craft something beautiful or we use our faith to change something negative...there is a labor for us to do...

I am making progress on the doily for the bed table of a family member, enjoying every stitch as I think of the end result...

So it is with waiting for change in our lives, we wait rejoicing and in faith (laboring with the Living Word), knowing that we are laboring each day for a good result.



When things we don't like seem to persist in our lives, we find comfort in the book of Zechariah 4:6 "So he answered and said to me:   “This is the word of the LORD to Zerubbabel: ‘Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit,’  Says the LORD of hosts.
It is not in our strength that change comes, but by knowledge of the Word of God, and faith through His Son Jesus, that we are able to receive the life changing power of the Holy Spirit upon us and those we love...and in our communities.

We labor WITH the Word of God, the changes comes by His Spirit of Truth, Love, and Life upon that Word that is in our hearts and mouthes!

Be blessed this Monday, in the work of your hands, and the meditations of God's Word in your heart and in your mouth.

Hebrews 4:12 "For the Word that God speaks is alive and full of power [making it active, operative, energizing, and effective]; it is sharper than any two-edged sword, penetrating to the dividing line of the breath of life (soul) and [the immortal] spirit, and of joints and marrow [of the deepest parts of our nature], exposing and sifting and analyzing and judging the very thoughts and purposes of the heart." (Amplified Bible)

Sunday, March 27, 2011

Freezing fronds...and warm friendship!

I am regretting that I uncovered so many lovely plants from their mulch covering last week. The view from my window? Well, I didn't even bother to pull back the glass and screen when I took this picture, it is MUCH too cold!  We plunged from 80 degrees F. to just 32 degrees in just a few days.  My little plants are freezing their friendly little fronds this morning! My iron cowboy on the patio is none to happy either! (smile)



Actually, the plants should be fine, as these temperatures will not be sustained, and I am happy to be getting back to my crocheting after spending some days pulling weeds, and planting Astilbes; however, I will be ready to delve into the dirt once again...hopefully soon!

We are getting rain, which is wonderful, and it isn't technically freezing, although it certainly feels that way! :) Wishing you a warm hearth and hope in all you do this week!
Oh! I've been visiting "friends" via the internet this morning...checking out blogs that are new to me...here are two that I really enjoyed... a mum from England and one from Australia! Aren't we glad we can all really be neighbors now, with the web?

Here is Laughing Purple Goldfish:
http://laughingpurplegoldfish.com/

and here is Bunny Mummy:
http://bunnymummy-jacquie.blogspot.com/2011/03/recycled-crochet.html

One of the projects I will be working on this morning is a request from a family member...a lavender doily for their bed table...oh, the joys of lavender!

I am on round 9 of this little gem!

Happy rounds to you crocheters today, wherever you are!

12:14 pm Sunday Afternoon....a few hours after this original post...

the doily is growing!



Saturday, March 26, 2011

The View From My Window and a Recipe, too!

Rain and cold have dared to approach us this morning! Good excuse to pull out the steel crochet hooks and cotton thread, and cozy up on the couch with my favorite patterns from my Grammy's 1940's crochet books.
A Rainy Day and COLD!
I'm going to get back at the dreary weather and make homemade cinnamon rolls ... the smell of cinnamon brightens the mood, and the taste of homemade anything speaks for itself!

Oh! Don't forget to take a peek at the Lemon Buttermilk Sheetcake on my Recipe tab at the top of this page! You'll love this bright tasting lemon cake.



Before i bake, though, I'm going to spend some time creating. How about you, do you have a favorite go-to crochet pattern book or source on the internet?

Here is a fun pattern for your favorite little girl, to celebrate Spring. The colors put me in a good mood as i work each stich:
http://www.freevintagecrochet.com/dolls/little-bo-peep-doll-pattern.html
Today I am sharing some of my favorite website that offer free patterns:
http://www.purplekittyyarns.com/

http://www.antiquepatternlibrary.org/completelist.htm

http://www.crochetpatterncentral.com/directory.php

Actually, I needed a break from gardening.
Lavender cotton thread, and steel hook...here I come!

Enjoy.

PS Click on the "Flowers" tab at the top of this blog, to see my favorite Rose...you won't be disappointed!

Friday, March 25, 2011

The "stirring of the pool" for our neighbors!

I added four new pages to this blog today:

Africa ... Afghanistan ... Bolivia ... and India!

I have spent some time during the past 1 to 2 years getting to know missions that are making a difference, and I wanted to share them with you today.

I believe anyone who wants to make a difference in the nations will be able to do so now, there are so many opportunities. I am looking for ways to become involved with more than dollars...but with talents and crafts that can help people who are searching for a way to provide for their families.

Peruse the websites and Facebook pages I have listed under each location, and see if you find inspiration to use your craft and help someone this year. Baby steps are a beginning that can lead to much!

We can all be missionaries now...from our laptop and our craft room or art studio!

I want to encourage anyone who has a viable ministry to also have a website with a "media" page, where pictures and text can be copied to blogs...so we who are helpers can make known the works that are being done!

Missionary: You can email me at dhindman06@aol.com to notify me of your site's media page or if you have an idea how I can help with crochet or needle arts in your area.  As my business and strength grow, I am looking to support missions as the Holy Spirit leads. 

It is well to say: "When life is not just about 'me,' it is so much more fun! But you need Jesus to come by and be that stirring, much like the lame man at the Pool of Bethesda. When you pray, He stirs the pool!

The "stirring of the pool is not a place now, it is a person!"

John 5: 1-8 1 Afterward Jesus returned to Jerusalem for one of the Jewish holy days. 2 Inside the city, near the Sheep Gate, was the pool of Bethesda,[a] with five covered porches. 3 Crowds of sick people—blind, lame, or paralyzed—lay on the porches.[b] 5 One of the men lying there had been sick for thirty-eight years. 6 When Jesus saw him and knew he had been ill for a long time, he asked him, “Would you like to get well?”
7 “I can’t, sir,” the sick man said, “for I have no one to put me into the pool when the water bubbles up. Someone else always gets there ahead of me.”
8 Jesus told him, “Stand up, pick up your mat, and walk!”

God's word to me several years ago, was "I want to bless the work of your hands." To me that meant giving of His creativity through me rather than money. That is where my heart is, to use His creativity to bless others as well as to support missions with dollars!

If you, like me, have battled a chronic illness, standing in faith for healing and health, you may still find something in your hand to do at this late hour...and be healed as you go.  Pray much, Jesus is at hand!

Antique Crochet Patterns!

Soon, I hope to be able to list crochet patterns from antique crochet pattern books that I inherited from my Grammy Venus...more later! Here is a sneak peak of a bedspread I am LIVING to crochet! (smiles)


Perhaps we could do something like, "Bedspreads for Missions" ... getting crocheters to crochet and send blocks to complete one bedspread to sell for each mission mentioned on this blog...how fun that would be! :)  I may set up a Ravelry.com group for this!

Grammy's antique crochet bedspread pattern.

To the best of my knowledge this pattern is in the public domain.

Sew for Africa!

I have asked Rachel, of "Little Dresses for Africa," to share some pictures on my blog.  As soon as I hear from her, I will post the pictures, and patterns for those of you who are interested in sewing "Pillowcase Dresses For Africa!" Here is her link:

http://www.littledressesforafrica.org/blog/?page_id=477

We had pea-sized hail last night!

While watching "The Virginian" western series last evening, I heard thunder, then a few moments later what sounded like pebbles landing on the sidewalk...looked out, and lo and behold it was hailing! It really looked like sleet, but it was too warm outside to call it that. The patio and yard were covered in "white" much to my dismay.  But it only lasted a moment...didn't hurt any of the recently uncovered garden treasures, and then it rained and they soaked up some much needed moisture.

Pea-Sized Hail Last Evening!

Thursday, March 24, 2011

The Astilbes are UP...Along With Various Other Green Treasures!

Are you crocheters/gardeners like me this week? I cannot seem to get back to crochet, at least for a few days now. Spring planting, and outdoor work is taking my time and interest.  The Astilbes that we planted last week have peeked their heads up through the cool soil and we will soon be planting Hosta next to them.

The Astible rhizomes are up!
Speaking of cool dirt, I love sticking my bare hands in a  flower bed, moving leaves and finding surprises! Yesterday I uncovered a Clematis vine that I thought had expired in the August heat last year.  It felt like a resurrection as I gently pulled the vine up through a pile of dead leaves!
A Surprise Clematis!

I also love taking care of my indoor plants. I have this amazing house plant that is woody and viney, and once a year it blooms purple! I don't know what it is. Anyone have any ideas?

Woody vine, blooms purple, anyone know what this is?

I take a tour through the yard most every morning, checking to see what "new" thing I can see. This morning I found blooms on the Crab Apple tree we planted last Spring!
Little Crab Apple Tree!

Love these little ornamental trees! Crab Apple.

We took some time yesterday to pull weeds, place stones and rocks around a new flower bed, and trim back the non-producing (otherwise known as dead) limbs on the roses and dwarf Red Barberry bushes.  It is looking much greener and neater in our yard now. 

Are you like me? I think my love for propagation of plants is a little obsessive. When I was in my twenties I signed my mom and myself up for a local continuing ed plant propagation course, and now I recently am going through another course; and pondering starting a mini-green house soon, and selling "line plants."  Soon for me is within five years! (smile) We will see where that goes. Using knowledging of propagation for your own yard is worth spending time gleaning a professional thing or two from a good teacher.

Here are the pictures I took while "uncovering" my treasures from their winter mulch today!

Garlic Chilves
Painted Daisies
Purple Asters
Columbine
Shasta Daisies
The weather has turned a bit cooler, so I'll be taking a day or two off from my treasure hunting. If it is warmer where you are...happy hunting!

Tuesday, March 22, 2011

Pillowcase Dresses!

What an idea! Can you imagine...you can clothe little girls in impoverished nations in beautiful "pillowcase dresses" ... so simple and lovely...the wee ones can be clean, and lovely, and happy, and comfy in these dresses...

http://www.prudentbaby.com/2010/03/diy-pillowcase-baby-dress-pattern.html
http://www.littledressesforafrica.org/blog/wp-content/uploads/2009/08/Pillow-case-pattern-with-sizes-LDFA1.pdf

http://ourtaiwaneseadoption.blogspot.com/2009/09/pillowcase-dress-patterns-and-food.html

http://www.jenleheny.com/pillowcase-dress-instructions
Take a look at the above links and see the dresses and patterns!

Favorite Greenhouse -- Dutch's, and a Loopy Conversation!

My very favorite greenhouse ever is Dutch's in Wichita, Kansas...this picture is from last summer...but soon it will be time to purchase Marigolds for a border in my front yard! What's your favorite border plant? I have mixed Knockout Roses with Ornamental Grasses and then the Marigolds line the walkway. I have full sun in the front, so I plant something hardy, that doesn't require a lot of maintenance...that would be Marigolds!



Tune in to Mary Beth Temple, crochet yarncaster on iTunes or at this site: http://gettingloopy.com/ to hear the latest Getting Loopy yarncast!

Mary Beth's Hooked4Life site:
http://www.hookedforlifepublishing.com/about.html

Monday, March 21, 2011

It's time for Resurrection Sunday (Easter) Hats!

How Crocheting Became a Part of My Life!

A few years ago I was stopped in my steps by chronic fatigue and needed something to keep my hands busy.  I had previously tried crocheting, but never stuck with it.

One day, suffering with fatique and boredom from lack of activity, I decided to try crochet again.  I went on a search in my "stuff" for Grammy Venus' crochet patterns. Along with the patterns, I came across a little doll dress she had crocheted for me when I was a 3rd-grader many moons ago.  I also discovered a towel basket and trim that she had crocheted for our bathroom when I was a middle-schooler in the 70's. 

Later, I went on a search for the pattern for the little 7" doll dress and was surprised to find it on the web.

I have since re-created the little dress...and discovered a surprise...


As it turns out, it is a Little Red Riding Hood outfit!

Here is the link to the entire ensemble...you will enjoy crocheting this one I found on FreeVintageCrochet.com... The Purple Kitty Crochet site!
http://www.freevintagecrochet.com/dolls/little-red-riding-hood-doll-pattern.html

Edgings are fun to crochet!

You can crochet edgings while watching a movie or visiting with a friend, they are so repetitive but fun! Recently I crocheted edgings for a plain lapshade...i was please with the results...it just needed a little "sprucing up!"
I found this edging pattern in one of my Grammy's antique crochet pattern books.

Lamp shade edging was glued on...



You can find free antique crochet edging patterns at this site...
http://www.antiquepatternlibrary.org/


Working on hankie edgings...very relaxing to crochet and works up quickly. Nice gift for friends to enjoy...they will think warm thoughts of you with a gift like this! :)




A Pineapple Filigree Centerpiece to share!

Pineapple Filigree Centerpiece...finished (all but the blocking)...
This was a fun pattern (from Leisure Arts book) "Pineapple Doilies" a "little book!"

I think this would make a great Christmas gift for a friend!





This is a valuable link to the past. Patterns are free and there are MANY!

Enjoy!

http://www.antiquepatternlibrary.org/completelist.htm

Saturday, March 19, 2011

So many projects? Don't despise the day of small beginnings!

Has spring got you spinning? So many projects...the winter ones aren't completed and now the outdoor work begins for you? Veggies, annuals, planting perennials? Still...take time to share your knowledge with those you love. You can make a stranger a friend by knowing what to share and when.

"A true measure of your worth includes all the benefits others have gained from your success."
Cullen Hightower



Take time to smell the roses, and plan your time...you'll get through it!

Measuring Tape Cover:
Pattern available in "Scrap Crochet" by Annie's Attic

http://www.amazon.com/Scrap-Crochet-Great-Projects-Annies/dp/1596352892/ref=sr_1_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1300573097&sr=1-2


http://www.crochetliberationfront.com/2011-flamie-award-nominees/


Don't despise the day of small beginnings!






I've got that "Seventies" feeling!

Macramé was something my co-workers and I learned on our lunch breaks at Southwestern Bell Telephone Company, back in the seventies when I was an accounting clerk at the 105 E. 2nd office in Wichita, Kansas.

We accomplished many crafty tasks during our lunch hours, making friends with many of the 200 accounting-types who joined us in our creative endeavors, which included oil painting, crochet, paper mâche, and plant propagation. We had a marvelous boss, Dolores, who put up with our antics and even enjoyed our silly chatter and fun. She never crafted though. Looking back, I doubt she took lunch "hours."

I'll never forget my hands-on macramé friends and the projects we completed, mostly bead and picot decorated plant hangers that held our cherished strawberry begonias and green and white striped airplane plants (otherwise known as a spider plant). So, when my mom and I tried, to no avail, to find plant hangers last summer, to show off our growing potted plants around the house and yard, I offered to make some. Well, here we are almost one year later, and just now getting the first one completed. Finally, I set today aside to re-learn the knots and find patterns from long ago.

Perusing the web today, I came across a variety of sites that offer free macrame patterns and knot-tying instructions, you will find them listed below.

It's always fun to remember the fun you shared being crafty. Take time today to create a memory, and ask someone to join you!

Thank you for perusing my blog today. Come back again soon and bring a friend with you!



Okay, cord on ring, ring on toe, square knot with a pretty picot! 
Oh, my! This takes us back to the seventies: re-learning macrame today! 
Relaxing and fun, 
and u'll have a plant hanger when ur done! :)

Links:

http://www.macramelovers.com/blog/

http://www.free-macrame-patterns.com/basic-plant-han



First attempt at macrame since the seventies. If I had known mom would want it hung in her bedroom, i would have made it longer and added beads! Well, that's for another day. This was a practice one! :)

Cheers, friends!
 

Beginning AGAIN!

I've begun blog posts in the past, a couple of times; however, this time IT IS WORKING! Well, at least I keep coming back to post, and that's a big start. Previous blogs were left behind in the blogosphere (I probably should go back and delete them, or something), but for now I will just keep going with this one and see where it leads.  Right now, I think I am the only one reading them.  LOL! Oh, well, one must start somewhere.

If you, like me, have made several attempts at online writing, try again. Next time you just might be successful and enjoy the "right time" for you.

Please feel free to share this blog with your crafty, homemaking friends. We can share and learn together.

Friday, March 18, 2011

Astilbes! Spires and Spires of Color!

First planting of the season? Astilbes! Love the ground cover-like foliage and spikey colorful bloom-spires reaching three feet up to the sky in red, pink, white, and lavender! Will post pictures later in the season....

We reached a high of 80 degrees F. yesterday in Kansas! Ah, spring!

Today we are back to the fifties...March is so un-reliable!

Spring makes me think of lavender and lilies, so...

...yesterday, I went to my crafty room and pulled out my stash of colorful size 10 cotton crochet thread and a size 8 hook, along with Grammy Venus'  1940's and 1950's crochet pattern books, and downloaded some more modern crochet bookmark patterns.

I was on the hunt for patterns for flowers that will make lovely bookmarks for friends...so, the doily I began this week will have to wait, while I make time for growing and crocheting...spring flowers!

Here's a few links from Etsy that you mustn't miss...if you, like me, love bookmark flowers!

http://www.etsy.com/listing/64779017/handmade-crochet-bookmark-white-daffodil?ref=sr_gallery_27&ga_search_query=crochet+bookmarks&ga_page=18&ga_search_type=handmade&ga_facet=handmade

http://www.etsy.com/listing/64759951/crocheted-flower-bookmark-great-teachers?ref=v1_other_2

http://www.etsy.com/listing/70257317/sale-crochet-rose-bookmark-necklace?ref=sr_gallery_27&ga_search_query=flower+bookmarks&ga_search_type=handmade&ga_facet=handmade