Deb's Crafts

Time to Get Back to Work

2011-12-25T09:47:00.000-06:00

Kids blanket for Project Linus, maybe?? Using the Bouncy Ball Baby Blanket pattern with an extra round,

Guess what? I'm on Etsy

2010-07-16T05:16:00.000-05:00

I finally did it. I've been saying for awhile that I was going to. Although I may be selling some handmade items (I would rather do most of my crafting for charity) I will be concentrating mainly on supplies. I come across a lot of stuff when I'm out searching for yarn at all the thrift stores, yard sales and such. Sometimes I pick it up sometimes I don't. From now on I will. LOL

Right now I have some sewing patterns and lace up for sale but there will be much more to come. You need to check out the pattern for the pet carrier. It's really cute!

My Etsy Shop

The Winner for the Red, White and Blue Contest

2010-07-04T09:22:00.000-05:00

Wow, thank you all so much for all the squares, I was able to complete 3 RWB lapghans for veterans at my local nursing home! I would have taken a picture but was a little pressed for time. So sorry, no pic of the finished lapghans.

Now to the drawing, I gave everyone a number and wrote that number on slips of paper, 1 slip per square and then had my son draw a number and the winner is #5!!!! You say you want to know who #5 is?? Hold on, let me look at my list. #5 is Suzanne from WA!! Congrats Suzanne, for some rerason I didn't write down your last name so if your reading this could you email it to me at debsstuff5 (at) yahoo (dot) com. I have your address so it probably would get to you anyway but I don't want to take any chances.

Square Makers Unite!! And Other Things to Talk About

2010-07-01T17:45:00.002-05:00

The last week has been hectic. I was busy enough trying to get my son moved back in with me after college but then my old faithful car had to be put out to pasture. It's funny how things work out sometimes, on the same day my mechanic told me the bad news I was able to find another car that I could afford. (and it even runs!!)

About the squares, I have enough for now, but I found another great place to send them. Share a Square is collecting squares to make blankets for a summer camp for children with cancer sponsored by The American Cancer Society. For all the FAQs visit This Eclectic Life.

Anyway I have lots of things to take pictures of to show everyone, I'll try to find time to do it later. I did finish 2 RWB lapghans and have another one almost finished. I also received two more envelopes full within the last couple days. I will be doing the drawing in a little while.

I received more chemo caps from the members of Crochetlist, too. There's a drawing involved there also so I need to get on it!

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More Wonderful Chemo Caps

2010-06-24T09:19:00.000-05:00

These come from Linda G., another member of the Crochetlist Yahoo group.

Bouncy Ball Baby Blanket Free Crochet Pattern

2010-06-19T08:24:00.004-05:00

I had made squares similar to these before to send out to joiners in some of the groups I belong to. It's a seven inch square when finished and the perfect size for what was needed at the time. However, I had never actually made a full blanket out of them. I used two skeins of each color in Red Heart Super Saver but the next one I'm working on is using scraps of pastel colored yarn. It's a great way to use up bits and pieces. Here's the pattern:

Bouncy Ball Baby Blanket

Two skeins of each color in Red Heart Super Saver
J hook

The squares:

Make 24 (for a rectangular blanket 4X6)
or make 25 (for a square blanket 5X5)

Triple Yo Yo
Chain 4 and join to make loop
Rd 1: ch 3 (counts as dc) 11 dc in loop and join to top of ch 3 (12 dc)
Rd 2: ch 3, dc in same space, 2 dc in each dc around and join (24 dc)
Rd 3: ch 3, 2 dc in next dc, dc in next dc around ending with 2 dc, join and end (36 dc)
The count is important, make sure there are 36 stitches

The Border
Using the contrasting color join to top of any dc
Rd 4: Ch 1 and sc in same space, *1 sc in each of next 3 dc, hdc, dc (2 dc, ch 2, 2 dc to make corner) dc, hdc, sc, repeat from * around, join to first sc
Rd 5: dc in each stitch making corner (as above) in each ch 2 corner space join and end
Rd 6: repeat round 5

Join squares with your preferred joining method

Border is three rows of single crochet putting sc, ch 2, sc in the corners

More Great Chemo Caps from the Crochetlist!

2010-06-17T17:54:00.002-05:00

Another member of the Crochetlist Yahoo Group sent me these lovely chemo caps! Thank you so much Ramona S. from Alabama!

I'm also getting quite a collection of red, white and blue squares for the veterans lapghans. I have one finished, another almost done and I almost have enough squares for the third! Thank you so much Alma, Suzanne and Michele!! Don't forget you can win a $10 Subway Gift Card, go here for details!

Another Donation - 3 Chemo Caps

2010-06-11T17:33:00.002-05:00

I received these three chemo caps for my nursing home/hospice project from a Theresa G. in IL. She is part of the Crochet List Yahoo group who have chosen one of the places I donate to, a cancer resource center as their monthly charity.

One of my readers asked about a pattern for the middle one and Theresa was happy to provide it: Crochet Beret.

Celebrate the Red, White and Blue, Contest for a Subway Gift Card

2010-06-03T09:14:00.006-05:00

I was thinking that it would be really nice if I had some red white and blue lapghans to give to the veterans in my local nursing homes for the 4th of July. I started making some squares but it's slow going because of other projects I'm working on, work and other commitments. Alone I might, if I'm lucky, get two or three done. Since so many people have been so generous with their donations, I thought I would make this request into a contest.

So I have a $10 Subway Gift Card for one person who has sent me a RWB 6" granny square that I have received by June 30th. I do have some requirements, they MUST be a traditional granny have 5 rounds and be 6" square for ease and speed of joining. I can join a lapghan like this in one or two evenings. Please keep in mind the American flag when choosing your yarn colors.

I'm getting some questions, here are the answers:

1. You can find the pattern for the classic granny here.
2. Worsted weight acrylic only
3. Variegated is fine, so are solid color squares
4. I use a I hook but I crochet tightly
5. Please don't wait until the last minute if you can, I need to get as many as possible joined by the delivery date which is July 2nd. rd it, send them as you get them done.
Several disclaimers, Subway in no way has sponsored this giveaway, I just happen to have the gift card. On the other hand if they (or anyone else) would like to sponsor a similar giveaway I wouldn't mind.

Although the squares are being asked for a specific use, any leftover or received too late may be used for a different purpose. Be assured though that it will be a charitable donation to some cause (Project Linus being my other main cause but I do contribute to others).

Of course any other donations will still be gladly accepted, click here to read more about it and see what is needed, but it's just the RWB squares that will earn contest entries.

You will get one entry for the gift card for each square you send me. Please take the time to let your friends know about this contest, I will give an entry for posting about this giveaway on their blog, facebook or whatever, a link to check it is required.

Contact me at debsstuff55 (at) yahoo (dot) com for address to send to or any questions.

May 2010 Donations

2010-05-30T19:59:00.002-05:00

I'd say I'm going to do this every month but if I do that then I won't. So let's just say for May these are the things that were sent or taken in, not just finished.

Project Linus
Dropped off five blankets I made. Two of them I showed you not too long ago, here. The other three were ones I had hanging around here just needing ends worked in. I also dropped off one made by one of my helpers.

Frederick Memorial Hospital w/Carewear
Seven Newborn Hats

Lil'Troopers
Six Newborn Hats

Troy Manor (nursing home)
12 Wheelchair totes, 8 from Lynda and 4 I made

AmHeart Hospice
2 Lapghans made from donated squares

More Great Donations!!

2010-05-28T18:26:00.002-05:00

Sandie P. from Crochet Cabana sent me these great squares. She also wrote the tutorial on the continuous join that I've been using (and adapting) to join the squares.

Chris H. sent me a bagful!! Thanks so much Chris!!

Joyce sent in these beautiful 7" squares. I asked for 6" but there's enough there for an lapghan so that's great. (That's a hint!)

{I worded that wrong, Joyce had asked me if I would take these squares before she sent them. I made it sound like she made a mistake, She didn't, I knew they would be 7". The point I was trying to make was that if you have enough for a full lapghan or blanket, they don't need to be 6"}

I know all three of these ladies from the Bev's Charity Challange Yahoo group. These squares will make some beautiful lapghans!!

And last but far from least Margaret from NJ sent me these great Chemo Caps!! She even donated the yarn she had leftover!! I can always find a use for yarn!

If you would like to join us and help the elderly, ill and disabled in my area you can get more information here or email me at debsstuff55 (at) yahoo (dot) com.

Making Progress - Finished Projects

2010-05-23T09:07:00.004-05:00

I've been working hard this past week and a half, even with my youngest graduating from college last Saturday. As well as the projects I have pictures of below, I've finished about half of the hug pillows I had cut out, a couple of baby hats, and several squares to add to the ones my great readers have been sending for my nursing home project.

I finished crocheting the borders around the squares Lynda sent. They were several different sizes and I love how the lapghan came out. The different sizes and patterns really adds to it.

I wanted to make one for a man so I chose squares I thought would work well for that goal. This one is entirely made up of squares that were sent for this project. If you sent me squares see if yours were used! If not, well I have many more lapghans to make. keep checking back! If you would like to contribute to my nursing home/hospice project, email me at debstuff55 (at) yahoo (dot) com

I also finished the eight girls skirts I was making for Kenya, too. I'm just waiting for the address for where to send them.

Another Great Donation!!

2010-05-21T17:26:00.001-05:00

Alma from Alma's Blog sent me these beautiful squares and chemo hat! They're a little blurry in the picture, my camera isn't working too well. If you would like to help contact me at debsstuff55 (at) yahoo (dot) com.

What I'm Working On... Stretching Myself Too Thin

2010-05-13T19:41:00.004-05:00

I just have way too many things going on, I got tired of taking pictures so I'm only going to show some of them. Lynda from Delaware sent me this squares that she had sitting around in hopes that they would become a lapghan for my local nursing homes. There were several different sizes so I'm putting a border on them to make them all the same size.

These squares are finished, all I have to do is sew them together and make a nice lapghan for the nursing homes. If you would like to donate to the nursing homes see this post for what's needed.

I've been working on this one for awhile, these are Never-Ending-Blanket squares for a never-ending-blanket done in red, blue and purple. I just keep adding to it whenever I feel like it and have enough scraps of yarn. This blanket will end up going to Project Linus.

On to the sewing, I usually sew at home and crochet when I'm staying at my son's apartment. These are going to be skirts for little girls in Kenya. They just need the elastic and hems.

Wheelchair and walker totes, just waiting to be stitched up!

And the hug pillows, lots and lots of hug pillows. These are finished, it just didn't seem right to show a stack of fabric rectangles.

AND There's MORE

Purse Projects - I always carry around yarn in my purse. Lately I've been making baby hats. I'm also doing a never-ending-blanket in baby sport weight yarn. I just add to the squares until they're big enough (5 rounds) as I finish the baby hats.

Small Amount of Yarn projects- I make yo-yo's and grannies daughters, I either keep these for future projects or send them to someone who makes other items with them.

Leftover Fabric- Gets cut up for strip pieced quilts, I make the squares as I go, adding a strip or two to the squares in between other projects. Here's a tutorial I made some time ago about making these quilt blocks.

And Waiting in The Wings- I have some more 6" grannies just waiting for someone to send some that want to play with the others to make more lapghans for the nursing homes.

Little Girl's Skirts for Africa

2010-05-08T17:06:00.002-05:00

This is one of the things I've been working on today. The skirts are being made for little girls in Africa but I'm still not sure where exactly, this is the monthly project for one of my charity groups on Yahoo, AC4C. They have been having trouble contacting the charity handling it so we are currently holding off on shipping. I have two skirts finished and 3 more cut out, with fabric for some more set aside.

I've also been working on the walker totes for our local nursing homes and could still use some help with that project (details here). When I'm not sewing I'm busy crocheting lapghans for that project, also.

Sona came over and cut out some more hug pillows today so I have to sew them together, going to be shipping what I done have soon.

Charity Sweatshop #1 Has Been Completed

2010-05-04T09:21:00.002-05:00

I conned my daughter Jenny and my friend, Sona into coming over for pizza and put them to work in my charity sweatshop. I've referred to them previously as my neophyte crafters, neither knows how to sew, crochet, knit etc. so I decided to start with a simple project. We made hug pillows for the labor and delivery department of Cooper Hospital in Camden, NJ. These are small pillows for those having a C-section to hold over their stitches when they cough.

I had pulled out a bunch of fabric to work on (it hardly made a dent in my mess... I mean stash) and set the girls to work. I had Jenny ironing the fabric and after a quick lesson with the rotary cutter, I had Sona cutting them out. I manned the sewing machine and we got almost 75 of them done. We don't stuff them here, they do that in NJ, but with the 75 or so more we have the fabric for and the 50 I already had done I should have about 200 to send them. This is an ongoing need since they use around 60 every month.

The best news is I have 3 more slaves (I mean volunteers) for the next session!! Next time I'm hoping to get some girls skirts done for Kenya,

Nursing Home Donations

2010-04-28T20:09:00.000-05:00

I want to thank all three of these wonderful women for their donations.

Alma, who writes Alma's Blog sent these wonderful squares and a pretty yellow chemo cap.

Lynda sent three very nice wheelchair totes and some very pretty squares!

And Robi sent these 12" squares, they look much prettier in person, I couldn't get the color right in the pic.

If you would like to help the list of what we need is on this post.

Readers Projects: Big Old Blocks Afghan

2010-04-25T06:27:00.000-05:00

Beth posted this afghan on Ravelry that she made from my Never Ending Blanket Square. I loved it and wrote her begging for permission to use the picture here. On Ravelry she says she just used yarn she had on hand, but the color combination works so well doesn't it? Thanks for letting my other readers see your great work, Beth.

Ummm.... HELP!! (Re: Local Needs)

2010-04-23T07:13:00.001-05:00

Oh my, what have I done, what have I done?? LOL I stopped at several more places (it's actually part of my job and while I'm there anyway...) asking about their needs and now I think I'm stretching it a little too thin. You should have seen the administrators and social workers eyes light up when I told them what I wanted to do. So now I and my two neophyte crafters have two nursing homes, a residential care facility and two hospices to craft for. I left my number for the responsible person at another nursing home and another hospice and am waiting to hear from them about their needs.

Anyway the list of needs haven't changed much but it has expanded, if you could please take the time to make a few squares or a tote I would sure appreciate it.

We need:
6" or 12" squares for lapghans (may also be used for Project Linus blankets), if you have some of other sizes I will also take them.

Lapghans, lap robes or blankets A good size for lapghans is about 3' X 4' or somewhere in that vicinity.

**Wheelchair or walker totes** (This is what really made their eyes light up) Here's some links to patterns.

Activity aprons (see this post)

Summer weight Chemo Caps

The residential care facility asked for hats, scarves and mittens for next winter.

One nursing home also asked for items that could be sold in their Country Store, the proceeds go to their activity fund.

Donation of 30 6" Squares

2010-04-21T17:12:00.001-05:00

The first donation of squares just arrived for our blankets and lap robes for our local hospice. Linda B. from Virginia sent these 30 lovely squares. Thanks so much Linda!! If you would be interested in helping out see this post for the list of things we need for our local programs.

I just finished my first wheelchair tote and as usual I'm not satisfied with it. I'll post more about them when I get the kinks worked out!

Local Needs, Would You Like to Help??

2010-04-16T17:35:00.000-05:00

I made the rounds today and although I didn't get to see everyone on my list I did have several requests, I have two women working with me but we are only three so if you can help I'd appreciate it, here's what we are making and collecting:

Local Hospice: I was told the ladies love the crocheted lap robes and blankets so 6" and 12" squares or the completed items would be great! Also light weight summer chemo caps.

Local Nursing Home: They are overstocked with laprobes and blankets but could really use wheelchair and walker bags. Also activity aprons for their dementia patients. These are aprons that have various "activities" such as buttons, zippers, velcro tabs, laces etc. for the patient to fiddle with. Use different textures and your imagination to make these as varied as possible. They also said they can use anything handmade that can be sold in their "Country Store", all proceeds go back into the activities fund for the patients.

Project Linus: 6" and 12" squares in pastels and brights. One of the ladies who works with me is a novice crafter but she can whip stitch squares together.

I still have several places to check with so I'm probably going to be adding to this list. If you can help please email me at debsstuff55 (at) yahoo (dot) com

Working on a New Baby Hat Pattern

2010-04-10T08:02:00.003-05:00

These baby hats are the start of my next pattern. I thought I'd give you a sneak peek at the research and development stage of making a pattern. It, of course, starts with an idea. I wanted a baby hat with lots of texture. The hat on the left was the first one, I must have ripped out the first couple of rows of pattern a dozen times. Even so, when I finished it, I wasn't real happy with it. It just didn't "pop" the way I wanted it to. If you look at the one on the right you can see the "bubbles" are much more pronounced. But I am still not done. The way I started some of the rows is going to be hard to understand so I have an idea that I want to try in the next hat. I also want to try to change the spacing of the "bubbles" to see if it would look better. So that's at least one more hat and possibly two before I get it the way I want it.

So, that's the usual process, sometimes it comes out the way I want it on the first try but that is rare. Both of the hats I made are good hats, they'll be donated to some organization soon, but they weren't what I was trying for. So I'll be posting the pattern someday when I'm happy with it. I also have a couple of adult hat patterns I'm working on, but I'm not having a lot of luck with them.

Finished Blankets for Project Linus

2010-03-26T17:03:00.004-05:00

I decided to try to finish up some of my (many) unfinished projects. The peach and white one wasn't too hard to finish, I was close to being done, but the pink and white one had to be frogged and started over so I pretty much did it from scratch! In case you didn't know Project Linus is a nationwide organization that provides security blankets to ill and traumatised children. It's a great way to become involved in charity crafting so check them out and find a chapter near you. Both blankets were made with the Never Ending Blanket Square pattern.

Readers Projects: 4th of July Sweater!

2010-03-13T09:12:00.005-06:00

Isn't this great?? My facebook friend Denyse made this for her grandson. I love the way she used the colors in this Baby Bumpy Sweater. Especially the white band where the "bumps" are. I love seeing all the projects everyone makes from my patterns so maybe I should have another contest? I'll tell you what - I'll do it for the month of April. I'm working on another baby hat pattern, still have a few kinks to work out. I'm also working on a few more baby blankets for Project Linus and have talked a friend into joining me.

We Have a Winner!!!

2010-03-01T07:15:00.002-06:00

Using a random number generator I have chosen the winner and it is Cindy who made the beautiful baby blanket I had posted earlier this week. Congratulations Cindy!

I still would like pictures of projects you have made with my patterns, so please send them in at debsstuff55 (at) yahoo (dot) com.

Reader's Projects: Beautiful Baby Blanket

2010-02-27T09:46:00.005-06:00

My reader Cindy made this gorgeous baby blanket using my Never Ending Blanket Square. She has another picture on her blog Gardner's Ramblings. She donated it to her local pregnancy resource center.

Readers Projects - Manly Man Slippers

2010-02-12T08:17:00.004-06:00

The first two entries for my contest were both the same pattern! Both readers had made my Manly Man Slippers for the men in their lives.

Tanya made these and says "I have used your Manly Man Slipper pattern to make my hubby's slippers. Loved the pattern It was quick and easy. He wears them all the time too, and he is picky"

This pair was made by Marie in NJ who says "I made another pair of your manly man slippers for Josh...he loves them because they are so warm. I used 1 strand of worsted weight charcoal gray, one strand black, gray, white variegated, and one strand of Symphony, I think the color was persimmon...kind of the colors of his favorite hockey team (Go Flyers!!). This is a fantastic pattern!!

To find out how to enter my contest for some beautiful cotton yarn go here.

Have You Made One of My Patterns? Do you have a picture? Contest!

2010-02-05T08:43:00.006-06:00

I would love to feature pictures of my readers projects and have asked for them before. I got some and showed them off, but I need more!! I also have more of this yarn to give away. I have 8 skeins of this 100% Mercerized Cotton from Greece. It says Tahki Imports on it. Each hank is 50 grams (74 yards) and it says it's machine washable. The colors are deeper and richer than the photo shows, must have been the lighting when I took the picture. So send me a picture at debsstuff55 (at) Yahoo (dot) com for an entry! If you post your project on your blog (with a link to the pattern) and then comment on this post with the link it will count as 2 extra entries. Contest ends February 28th so if you haven't checked out my patterns you can try one and send me the pic! I will probably start showing off the pics before that but the winner will be drawn from a hat (actually it will probably be a plastic container) on March 1st.

Mittens to Go with the Baby's Hexie Hat

2010-01-10T15:36:00.003-06:00

A reader, Candace, posted this pattern in the comments section so I am making a post so everyone can find it. These mittens were meant to go with my Baby's Hexie Hat. I haven't tried it yet so someone tell me how it worked out.

G hook

chain 4 join to form a loop, chain 3, counts as 1st dc, 15 dc in loop, join (16 dc)
row 1 starting v, dc in each of the next 3 stitches, *v in next stitch, dc in each of the next 3 stitches,* around, join
row 2 -4 sl in v-hole, starting v, dc, dc dec, dc, *v stitch in v hole, dc in next stitch, dc dec, dc next stitch,* around join
row 5 ch 3 only this one does not count as first stitch, do V-stitch dec, dc in next 3 stitches around and join
row 6 and 7 ch 3 dc around join

girl
row 8 ch 2 hd around join
row 9 4 dc in each stitch around join and end

boy
row 8 and 9 ch 2, 1 dc, 2dc, around join end

run a ribbon through row 7 and tie in a bow

A Blanket for a Charity Auction

2009-11-02T17:39:00.009-06:00

I've been working on this for what seems like an awful long time. I'm making it to donate to a local Meals on Wheels program to auction off. I need to get back to work on it because the auction is the end of this month. The pattern for the square can be found here.

The Yarn Contest Winner

2009-10-11T13:47:00.002-05:00

I called up my super wonderful grandson and asked him to pick a number between 1 and 58 and he choose # 57 which turns out to be Dave in Texas! Dave please email me at debsstuff55 (at) Yahoo (dot) com with your address and I'll get it in the mail to you!

Another Great Craft for Charity Contest to Enter

2009-10-07T18:16:00.002-05:00

Kathy B. works in a NICU and they have been having trouble getting enough preemie blankets so she is having a contest for all who wish to contribute a blanket 9" X 13" or smaller for these tiny babies. She needs to have the blanket by November first but hasn't decided on the prize yet. Visit her at Irisheyes Knitting Blog. I'll see you all later, I need to go check my stash.

A Hat for Warming Families

2009-10-03T11:24:00.004-05:00

I love this yarn it's so soft and warm. I won this yarn in a drawing at AllCrafts4 Charity, a Yahoo group that I belong to. They hold a drawing every month for those who contributed during the month.
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Warming Families is a charity that delivers blankets and other warm items to the homeless and displaced, is having a Hat Challange so I decided to use this wonderful yarn for a nice, warm hat!
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The yarn is Patons Melody Quick & Cozy and really worked up nice. I used my Quickie Chemo Cap pattern but went down a size for the hook so this is a child sized hat! I made this hat this morning and the most it took me was two hours. I didn't really time myself so it might have taken less. So can you spare an hour or two to make a hat for this wonderful charity?

Here's a Real Contest for You! Beautiful Cotton Yarn

2009-10-03T07:48:00.008-05:00

My Grandson choose # 57!! so the winner of the yarn is Dave in Texas!!

I feel so bad about cancelling the other contest that I thought I'd just start doing giveaways, I'm not going to promise every week or even once a month but I will have a series of giveaways!

This yarn is one of the nicest, most lucious cotton yarns I've ever seen. I have more of it, a lot more, so I figured I'd share. I never made anything out of it because it was so nice I wanted whatever I made to be special. Anyway, it's 100% Mercerized Cotton from Greece. It says Tahki Imports on it. Each hank is 50 grams (74 yards) and it says it's machine washable. The colors are deeper and richer than the photo shows, must have been the lighting this morning.

Here's how to enter(1 entry for each comment):

1. Just make a comment, tell me if you craft for charity or not. (Will not in any way affect your chances for winning).

2. Blog about this contest. Please make a separate comment and link back to your post.

3. Blog about Deb's Contest Blog, again make a separate comment and post the link.

4. Follow either blog (or both, still counts as one entry) and post another comment. Current followers are eligible but you MUST leave a separate comment about it to qualify.

5. Join me on facebook and link to either blog and leave another comment. For this one you also need to leave me a message on facebook so I can find the post.

So there you have it, 5 ways to enter. Contest ends at midnight Oct. 9th Central Time and I will choose the winner with the tried and true, ask the grandson to pick a number method and announce the winner that weekend.

Six Inch Squares for Pine Ridge Reservation

2009-10-02T17:45:00.003-05:00

Here's the squares I made for the Pine Ridge Reservation. Here's the details if you want to get in on the contest. The pattern I used is, of course, my never-ending blanket square. I think I'm in a rut, gonna have to come up with a new pattern. Now I'm on to my own projects again, just wanted to show you theses squares.

A Contest for Charity!

2009-09-26T18:37:00.004-05:00

I usually post the contests on my other blog, Deb's Blog Contests, but this one involves charity crafting, I'm entering it and I really wish everyone would. The prize is CHOCOLATE and a $50 gift certificate to Knit Picks. Awesome isn't it? All you have to do is knit or crochet 6" or 12" squares for Pine Ridge Reservation. So what can be easier? They don't even want you to work in the ends, couldn't be better! Contest details can be found at The Weaving Inn. Check out my Never-Ending Blanket Square for a good solid granny crochet pattern.

And the Winner is...

2009-09-20T06:52:00.003-05:00

Well, I still haven't decided on what to do with the blog backgrounds, it's been a real busy week so I haven't had much chance to think about it. But my grandson choose #8 and that comment belongs to The Fam who said...

Folded stacks of color coded fabric is very easy on the eyes, it is clean and lends itself to viewing text overlayed. I'm sure you have numerous photo opportunities for this!

So I need to know fabric or yarn??? Please let me know that and the address at debsstuff (at) yahoo (dot) com

Blog Backgrounds?? Let's make it a Contest!!

2009-09-10T20:19:00.006-05:00

I love the new background I downloaded for my Deb's Blog Contests blog. It's kind of crafty and it just fits. With a little work with the header and the colors I think it looks, clean uncluttered and cute.
So I decided to find one for this blog, my Deb's Going Green blog, and my Deb Cooks blog (both of which I intend to start posting to on a regular basis again). I couldn't find anything I liked!! I need help, I want the backgrounds to be somewhat themed, not just flowers or shapes, I'd like something like yarn for this one, healthy food for the cooking one and maybe something crafty and green for the going greeen one.
Halfway through writing this post I decided to make it a contest, so please help me find a background, make a suggestion on how I could improve any of my blogs or just tell me what you would like to put on it if it was your blog, I need some serious help here!!
I will use one of my private random # generators (I call them my grandsons, I just call and have them guess a number) to chose the winner. Entries will close at midnight September 18, 2009. The winner will be chosen that weekend.
Wow, I almost forgot the prize, I need to destash so I will fill a flat rate box with as much yarn and/or fabric (your choice) as I can get into it!

Progress on my Sunflower Baby Blanket

2009-09-06T18:23:00.004-05:00

I have reached the point I HATE!! It looks great from this side but the back has tons of ends that need to be worked back in. I used my Sunflower Lapghan pattern for this, just making 25 blocks and arranging them 5 X 5 instead of the 4 X 6 needed to make the lapghan size. I really like the Red Heart Delft Blue for the background, makes it much more baby friendly than the darker blue, don't you think?

Charity Highlight: Newborns in Need

2009-09-06T17:57:00.003-05:00

You can help this organization provide needed items for babies born into poverty or facing critical illnesses. Newborns in Need has chapters across the United States that collects handmade knit, crocheted or sewn items for these infants. You CAN make a difference at the very beginning of these babies lives!

Newborns in Need

Reader's Projects Wash Cloths!

2009-08-27T19:28:00.006-05:00

This weeks reader's projects are all wash and dish clothes! The crafter who made this dishcloth had forgotten all about it, when I asked if I could use the picture she told me I must be mistaken. I had to give her the link to her own picture! This is a gorgeous example of my Deb's Flower Dishcloth pattern. I absolutely love the colors!

A friend of mine made this Deb's V-Stich Granny Dishcloth. Vicki is a fellow charity crafter from the Crafting for a Cause Yahoo group!

The crafter who made this one said this about the Round Baby Washcloth with Picots:

Thank you for contacting me! I just started crocheting, and making wash cloths was a great way to practice new stitches and different techniques. The best part is the immediate gratification of a pretty item, in little time!
My sister-in-law was looking for washcloths for her new baby girl. I looked for interesting patterns and found yours. I’m still learning about gauge and hooks, so the washcloth might be smaller than originally planned, but it’s perfect for a baby’s bottom!

Crazy Couple of Months

2009-08-27T07:21:00.002-05:00

Things have been so crazy around here the last two months, my sons' father died in June and I've been running back and forth to St Louis (an hour drive) to help them settle his affairs. They also both lived with him so they had to find other places to live. They're not children even if I still think of them as such. My youngest is still in college though and now I have to help him pay rent and other expenses because his school loans just won't stretch that far. We are moving my older son into his new apartment this weekend so it's almost over.

I've almost got my Sunflower baby blanket done. All I need is to tuck in the ends. Of course with so many color changes that's going to be a chore. I always tell myself I'm going to do it as I make the squares but never do.

I finished some George the Hairy Monster Finger Puppets for another project but now I can't remember where I put them. I'll take some pictures as soon as I find them.

I'm thinking about having another contest but I'm not really sure what to give as a prize. I'll have to check my (sadly neglected) craft room and figure it out. Meanwhile, have you checked my Contest Blog where I list all kinds of craft related contests, you need to check it out! Let me know how you like the new look, I'm thinking of changing this one, too.

Cindy's Sweater's from My Newborn Sweater Set Pattern!

2009-08-21T05:43:00.003-05:00

Cindy is a facebook friend of mine who has been using my Newborn Sweater Set pattern to make lots of little baby sweaters for people she knows and charity, this is what she says:

I started crocheting when I was 10 yrs old so I would have been crocheting 40 yrs if I hadn't took a break. I love to crochet and my evenings are spent crocheting.

There are a lot of babies being born all around me so some of the sweaters will go to them and the rest will go to a charity. At this time I don't know what charity but I would like it to be a local charity.

Readers Projects

2009-08-10T19:16:00.005-05:00

The featured pattern today is the newborn sweater set again, it's one of my most popular patterns so a lot of people have made them!

"I made it for my daughter, Siobhan, who was born mid-April and wore it plenty of times before outgrowing it…
I, myself, have been knitting/crocheting/sewing since I was about 6… so, 20 years. :P I am a mom of three and live in the Southwest and am studying to be a Middle School teacher… "

"A little about me: I’m Kate, from Alberta, Canada. Been crocheting regularly for about 3 years now and LOVE it! I mostly create things to give away (baby blankets, baby hats, caps for cancer patients, etc.), but I’ve been working on some things for myself lately and have been enjoying that too. I love exercising my creativity! :) This sweater set was actually the first thing I created for the son my family was going to adopt this spring. Unfortunately for our family, the adoption fell through, so this little set will be donated to a charity auction a friend is involved with down in the states to help raise money for a hospital’s neonatal ICU. Thank you for allowing me to be a part of your new project! Kate"

Knit a Bear! Mother Bear Project

2009-08-07T05:53:00.002-05:00

Here we go for a project for the knitters out there. This charity accepts knit teddy bears and distributes them to children affected by AIDS in emerging nations. It sounds like a wonderful cause , so those of you that (hopefully) can knit a bit better than I can, they provide the pattern all you have to do is kit the bear!

Mother Bear Project

Warming Families

2009-08-02T07:12:00.005-05:00

Warming Families is having a hat challenge! The goal is to have between 15,000 & 25,000 hats donated to homeless and needy families across the US. Hats can be anywhere from infants to adult sizes. Can you help? Please take the time to knit or crochet at least one hat. Check out the website to get more information.

They are also in need of more chapter area volunteers, if you have the time and are willing to help read this page.

My Hat Patterns!

Baby Hexie Hats

Kids Bumby Hat

Hillary's Girly Girl Hat

Quickie Chemo Cap can be used for more than chemo

And the hat from my Newborn Sweater Set

I'm working on another one so please check back!

Amy's Newborn Cardigan Free Crochet Pattern

2009-07-25T19:10:00.008-05:00

My friend Amy needed a newborns cardigan pattern and I had just finished one and told her I'd post the pattern. It started out as the sweater in my Newborn Sweater Set then I added a button band, sleeves and a collar.

I used an H hook and sport weight yarn and get 4 dc = 1 inch.

This sweater is newborn size.

V stitch: dc, ch1, dc in same stitch

Ch 52, you are starting from the neckline

Row 1: dc in forth chain from hook,(Ch 3 counts as 1st stitch here and in every row), dc in next 5 chains, V st in next ch, 9 dc, V st, 14 dc, V st, 9 dc, V st, 7 dc
Row 2-6: ch 3, dc in each dc and V stitch in each V stitch.
Row 7:(forms the armholes) ch 3 and turn, dc to first V stitch, folding so 1st and 2nd V stitches are together dc in both to join them, dc to next V stitch and join 3rd and 4th V stitch in same manner, dc to end
Rows 8-16: ch 3 and turn, dc in each dc

Button Band:
Row 1: without breaking yarn, ch 1, *going up the front of the sweater, 2 sc into the side of each dc and ch 3. [Do not just go around the dc or ch 3, but put the hook into the stitch]
Turn the work and sc back down the front or if this is the side you want the button holes, sc, sk 1 st and ch 1, 4 sc down front for 3 or 4 button holes and then sc the rest.*
3sc in corner at bottom, sc in each dc across bottom 3sc in corner and repeat from * to *

Sleeves:
Going through both V stitches where the sleeves were joined in the underarm, join yarn, if you don't do this there will be a hole in the underarm
Rd 1: ch 3, dc in each stitch, Check to make sure you have 22 stitches and join
Rd 2-10: ch 3, dc in each dc and join
Rd 11: sc around and end

Collar:
Row 1: At the neckline, join in side of single crochet for button band and ch 3, dc in side of second sc of button band, dc in each stitch of the starting chain across ending with a dc in each sc of button band.
Row 2-3: dc in each dc

Sew on buttons to correspond to the button holes

A Tutorial for my Sunflower Lap-Ghan!

2009-07-23T19:36:00.005-05:00

This is so awesome. Mikey made a video tutorial of my free pattern for the Sunflower Lap-Ghan. I really feel honered. You need to check it out if you have any problem understanding written instructions or even if you don't.

A New Scarf for Me, Me, Me!!!!

2009-07-23T17:37:00.005-05:00

I bought this yarn last year thinking I would make a scarf for myself. I don't make myself much but I have a friend who has this awesome scarf and I thought I could do something like it. Unfortunately, I couldn't get it to come out right and put the yarn away. I was thinking about something else the other day when the thought suddenly occured to me that my Homespun Scarf Pattern would be perfect. Of course this isn't Lion Brand Homespun but I already love the way it's turning out. Much better than what I had come up with earlier. I'll show you the scarf as soon as I'm finished!

Reys Of Hope Project

2009-07-21T20:22:00.003-05:00

This charity is from "back home" for me. I grew up in South Jersey and I know all the places they're talking about. They need all kinds of new and gently used clothing, baby supplies and toys. They don't say anything about hand crafted items but I really doubt they would turn them down!

Reys of Hope

Hilary's Girly Girl Hat Free Crochet Pattern

2009-07-17T19:28:00.006-05:00

OK, that's not Hilary, that's me, Hilary is much younger and prettier. I also did not make this hat for Hilary, it will be going to some as yet undetermined charity. What I did make for Hilary's mother is this pattern so she could make Hilary this hat. Hilary's mother (aka my cousin Marie) showed me a pattern for a baby hat and wanted to know how to re-size it for an adult. I told her I could do even better, I'd do the whole pattern. She also mentioned that Hilary was a girly girl, hence the name of the hat. So now I'll share the pattern with everyone for free:

You will need 4 ounces of worsted weight yarn and an I hook. If I seem to be using an I hook all the time it's because it's one of the few I can find. Someone told me to blame my cats and they're probably right.

Rd 1: Ch 4 and join, ch 3(counts as first dc here and throughout) 14 dc into loop and join, 15dc made
Rd 2: Ch 3, dc in same st, 2 dc in each stitch and join 30 dc made
Rd 3: Ch 3, *2dc in next dc, dc in next dc, repeat from* around and join 45 dc made
Rd 4: Ch 3, dc in next dc, * 2dc in next dc, dc in next 2 dc, repeat from * around and join 60 dc made
Rd 5 thru 15: ch 3, dc in each dc and join
Rd 16: 4ch (counts as dc and ch 1here and in next row), in same stitch dc, ch 1, dc, ch 1, *in next stitch dc, ch1, dc, ch1, dc, ch 1, repeat from * around and join
Rd 17: sl st to first ch 1 space and ch 4, ch 1, *dc in next ch 1 space and ch 1 around and join.

Easy, huh??, Hope Hilary likes her hat!!

My Readers Projects: Newborn Sweater Set

2009-07-14T20:35:00.011-05:00

I decided it was about time to show everybody some of the great projects made out of my patterns. I asked these ladies if I could use their pictures and if they could tell me a little about themselves and who the sweater set was made for. This is my Newborn Sweater Set pattern which I first put on my blog back in January of 2008. I plan to do this on a regular basis. If you've made one of my patterns, send a picture and a little bit about yourself and who the item was intended for. Send it to debsstuff55 (at) yahoo (dot) com.

My name is Julie im an Aussie, its the first piece of clothing i made, other than scarfs, i made it because it was worded clearly and as a beginner i could understand, Keep in mind i was translating UK terms to US as well.. i gave it to my husbands cousin for her little girl Cooper.

Your sweet sweater set was intended for an unknown baby in the Tulsa area. I sew, knit, and crochet baby items for Newborns In Need, and belong to the easter OK chapter of NIN. All of our items go to area hospitals, medical centers, crisis centers, etc. and a couple local cemetaries that try to provide for the bereaved. The biggest concern for NIN is the vast number of preemies born that require special sizes of caps, booties, gowns, mittens, isolette mattress covers, etc. and unfortunately, also burial layettes. There is also a huge demand for the healthy, but needy newborns - they require receiving blankets, quilts, sweater sets, going-home outfits, diaper bags - and everything that goes in them! Everything we make for NIN is on a volunteer basis and the cost comes out of our pockets - unless we’re lucky enough to get donations! I am always looking for free patterns that will make up quickly, as “quantity” is of the essence - but I don’t want to sacrifice “quality” - and your pattern is just the ticket! On a personal note, I am a 66 yr old gramma of 3; spend my days babysitting all 3, making things for NIN, and creating knitted items for myself and gifts - shawls being my favorite!

My name is Kellie and I was born and bred in the suburbs of New Orleans. Like nearly all true south Louisiana families, my family loves to follow LSU sports!! So, I am always on the lookout for cute patterns that easily incorporate multiple colors for team-themed gifts. When I got my invitation to my cousin's baby shower, I knew she would love a baby girl gift with Tiger flair!! I made this sweater set using the newborn sweater pattern and using Red Heart yarn in amethyst and gold. My only alteration to the pattern was to add "LSU" to the hat by making three scrochet chains and sewing them on to make the letters. It was super quick and easy so I have this pattern tagged in my notes for future use!!

Crocheted Babys' Hexie Hats Free Pattern

2009-07-14T07:15:00.010-05:00

I've seen many baby's hats called roundie hats because their made in round rounds. These hats start with a hexagon so I'm going to call them Hexie Hats. I made a little girl's version and a little boy's version. I'm sure you can figure out which is which. I'm not sure which charity they are going to but I'm sure something will turn up soon. It always seems to when I make something with no specific destination in mind.

Hexie Hats

You will need:

Small amount sports weight baby yarn

I hook

Gauge: The first two rounds should be close to 3" across

Starting V stitch = ch4, dc in same stitch

V stitch= dc, ch1, dc in same stitch

Triple decrease= Do dc but leave last two loops on hook, in next stitch do dc leaving last loop on hook (now 3 loops), dc leaving last loop in next st leaving last loop (now 4 loops) on hook, yo and pull through all 4 loops on hook

V stitch decrease= In last stitch before ch 1 of previous row V stitch, do dc leaving last 2 loops on hook, in first stitch after the ch 1, do dc leaving last loop on hook (now 3 loops), yo and pull through all 3 loops

Directions are for newborn size, size 3-6 months is in (parenthesis)

Rd 1: Ch 4 and form loop, ch3 (counts as first dc here and throughout pattern), 11 dc in loop and join, (12 dc)

Rd 2: Ch 3, dc in same st, 2 dc in each dc and join

Rd 3: Starting V-stitch, *3 dc, V stitch, repeat from * around and join to 3rd ch of starting V-stitch

Rd 4: sl st into space of first V-stitch and do a starting V-stitch, dc in each dc and V-stitch in each V-stitch around and join to 3rd ch of starting V-stitch

(Rd 4A: larger size only, repeat Rd 4)

Rds 5 - 9: sl st into space of first V-stitch and do a starting V-stitch, *2(3) dc, triple decrease, 2(3) dc, V-stitch, repeat from * around, ending with 2(3) dc and join to 3rd ch of starting V-stitch

Rd 10: ch 3 only this one does not count as first stitch, do V-stitch decrease, dc in next 5(7) stitches around and join

(Rd 10A: larger size only, ch 3 dc around evenly spacing 6 decreases around)

Rd11: Ch 2, hdc around

Girls version
Rd 12: Ch 3, 4 dc in each stitch around and join

Boys version
Rd 12 - 13: Ch 2, hdc around and join

Please Join Me on Facebook

2009-07-12T06:40:00.001-05:00

I want to talk to all my readers and friends on facebook. Keep them up to date on what I'm working on and just have fun! Please click on the icon at the top of the right hand side and join me!

Knit Your Bit Scarves for Vets

2009-07-11T06:58:00.003-05:00

The National WWII Museum is collecting knit or crochet scarves for veterans. During World War 2 knitting was a way for Americans on the home front to help the war effort. Socks, vests and other warm clothing were knit to send to our service men over seas. The museum has been collecting scarves and distributing them to veterans in honor of this effort. They are taking gender-nuetral scarves and squares to be joined into blankets.

Knit Your Bit
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Back in the Swing of Things (so to speak)

2009-07-04T18:06:00.003-05:00

Between yesterday and today I've made 6 saltines, 2 yo-yos, finished a wool hat using my Kid's Bumpy Hat pattern I started ages ago and started a new hat, that if it works out will be a new pattern. I't's looking pretty good so far. It's a baby hat made from sport weight yarn so get the yarn out and get ready. It uses an H hook if you want to get that ready, too. Of course it may turn out to be a complete bust and then I'll have to try again. I mean, now that you have the yarn and hook ready I need to come up with something, right?

My Garden and Other Stuff I've Been Doing

2009-07-03T17:30:00.002-05:00

OK, so what have I been doing? Playing on facebook, gardening and working. I just posted about my patio garden on one of my other blogs if you want to take a look. I've also joined face book, I'm going to be posting a "badge" I think they call it and anyone who wants to friend me over there make sure you tell me your coming from my blog. Unfortunatly, you'll probably learn all my deep down secrets there but what the heck, the more the merrier.

I may have to give up my craft room for a little bit. My baby boy, all six feet and 200 pounds of him, may be moving back in for a little while. I have no idea what I'm going to do with all that yarn and fabric! I guess I better get to work doing some serious stash busting.

Wow, It's Been a Long Time

2009-06-30T11:20:00.003-05:00

I really don't know what happened. I just haven't been able to do much crafting lately. I pick it up and try to force myself to do something but it never works. It's not that I'm going to stop altogether, I think I just needed a break. Maybe if I buy myself some fancy new yarn I'll feel more like doing something. So to all my loyal readers, I will return.

Help Me Fight Alzheimer's Disease

2009-05-20T13:44:00.007-05:00

I know I've mentioned it before, but I work for a company called Comfort Keepers out of St. Louis, Mo. We do in-home care for the elderly and many of our clients have Alzheimer's. I have seen first hand how devastating a disease this can be, not only to the patient but for their family and all the people who care for them. I am participating, with Comfort Keepers, in The Memory Walk to help end Alzheimer's Disease. Please consider making a donation through our page. Just follow the link below.

Help End Alzheimer's
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A Quick Note

2009-04-18T11:41:00.002-05:00

Unfortunately my crochet funk is still going on, I did manage to get a couple squares done here and there. I've got projects with deadlines so I have to pull myself out of it.
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The deadline for the current Afghans 4 Afghans campaign is May 15 so I have to get to work on the baby blanket I'm making. I ordered the yarn specifically for this project and I'm almost done, but just can't seem to work on it for more than a few minutes at a time.
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I'm also trying to get some squares done for my All Crafts 4 Charity Yahoo group in baby colors this month. Like I said I've got a couple done but that's all.
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I'm also in the middle of a kids blanket for my local Project Linus.
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All of these projects are in bags in my craft room just waiting for me to get back to work. I've been sick this week and have barely managed to drag myself back and forth to work. I'm just staying home this weekend and (hopefully) crocheting. Or maybe I'll get some sewing done, haven't done much of that lately either.

Winner of Find Me a Pattern Contest

2009-04-02T09:30:00.003-05:00

I called my eight year old grandson and asked him to pick a number and he picked 8! Imagine that. I need to tell him to be more creative. The winner is Rachel and this was her comment

WOW that is really nice shade of blue! Where is a capelet pattern from my blog that I think would look great with the yarn you bought! http://www.crochetspot.com/crochet-pattern-knot-stitch-capelet/I can't wait to see what you decide to make!

I STILL have not decided what to make but her pattern is in the running. Thanks to everyone for their suggestions, the patterns are all beautiful. (I'm also leaning towards some fingerless gloves, there were several suggestions for them.)

Find Me a Pattern Contest!!

2009-03-22T09:30:00.008-05:00

OK, here's the story. JoAnn's is having a sale on yarn (it's still going on as I write this). I wanted to buy some wool for a baby blanket for Afghans for Afghans. When I totaled the order up I saw that I only had to buy a little bit more to get the free shipping and actually save money. So I bought two skeins of bamboo silk blend yarn. I thought, wow, I might actually make something for me for a change. So that's the plan but I have no idea what it is that I want to make. Here's the contest:
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Find me a pattern for something I can make myself with two 85 gram balls of bamboo, silk blend yarn. It has to be an Internet pattern that I can get for free. Yes, I know that I could find something myself. Yes I know that there are sites such as Crochet Pattern Central and Bev's Country Cottage. I just thought this would be a fun idea for a contest. The winner will be drawn at random and won't necessarily be the pattern I like the most. I will consider knitting patterns but would prefer crochet.
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To relate this to charity the prize will be a $10 gift certificate to the Crafting 4 A Cause web store. They've added a lot since my last contest so check them out!

Please do not copy and paste the pattern. A link to the pattern is all that's needed. Copying and pasting breaks copy right laws. I just rejected a comment with the pattern copied from another website. If that person would resubmit it with only the link I would appreciate it.

Contest ends March 31st.

Wow, I'm way behind

2009-03-21T09:54:00.002-05:00

I just realized I haven't posted anything for almost two weeks! Sorry about that, but I haven't been doing much either. I've been sidetracked by that insidious addiction of computer games. Yes I will admit it, I am a computer game addict!
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I have gotten something done, in little bits and pieces of time I've managed to make quite a few hair pretties for my Lenten challenge. I think I have over a hundred but I need to make 235 and I don't think I'm on track for that. I also pledged two granny's daughters a day and I'm behind on them, too.
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I'm blowing the stash busting, too. I bought more yarn! This time I bought new stuff. JoAnn's online had a sale on Paton's wool and I thought I'd stock up for a future Afghans for Afghans project. I also bought two skeins of bamboo/silk blend yarn. I love the feel of it. I was going to make something for myself but I'm not sure what yet.
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I took my son and grandson to the World Bird Sanctuary in St Louis last weekend for Eagle Day and it was awesome. We had a lot of fun and the grandson loved it! They deal mainly with raptors but they had other birds there, too. My son took a lot of pictures but hasn't sent them to me yet.

George the Hairy Monster Finger Puppet

2009-03-09T17:53:00.009-05:00

Isn't he a cutie?? You all should know by now that I have a thing for finger puppets. I was experimenting with different yarns and came up with this little monster. The first way I tried it ended up being turned into a kitty toy. Smokey and Sami were happy about that but it just wasn't what I was trying for. So I kept trying. I've named this guy George just because I thought it looked like a George I used to know. He's really easy to make so even the beginner crocheter can do it.

You need:

Small amount Sport weight yarn

Small amount fun fur (or eyelash) yarn

J Hook

2 googly eyes

Holding both yarns together

Ch 4 and join to form loop

Row 1; 8 sc into loop, sl st to first sc

Row 2; ch 1, sc in each sc and join

Repeat row two until you have 10-12 rows or until George is as big as you want

After you finish the last round ch about 7 to form tail

Glue googly eyes on and George is finished!

Now if you have some pink fun fur you can make Georgette

Of course if you want you can stuff it and sew it closed and make a kitty toy. Just don't put the goggly eyes on it.

Springing Forward

2009-03-08T09:56:00.003-05:00

Wow, it was a great day yesterday here in Missouri.
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The Missouri National Guard troops that were in Kosovo came home. For those of you that have followed my blog for awhile, you know that this means my friend Dave, who was my point of contact for the collection of hats and scarves for the school children in Kosovo, is home. We still have some stuff to send, I just recieved another box of items last week but according to his wife we have a new address to send them , too.
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Dave and his wife Jackie own the St. Louis francise of Comfort Keepers, an in home caregiving company for the elderly. I've worked for them for over five years. I love my job. I used to take care of the clients but since last summer when I broke my wrist, I've been working in the office. I didn't go down to meet him because that is family time, Jackie has been so excited about him coming home!
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The temps were in the seventies and I picked up my boys and took off for Forest Park in St. Louis. Number one son and I went to the Art Museam which had an exibition on the Ming Dynasty. Number two son took off for the zoo. He's studying anthropology and his study subjects this semester are the lemurs and he has to spend an hour or more every week studying them.
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The exhibition was stunning! It's amazing how bright and vibrant most of the colors were. These items were all between four and six hundred years old! They had several items of clothing there, too and these were no exemption. The embroidery was exquisite. It was so beautifully detailed.
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I also stopped at my favorite recycling store, Leftovers, Etc in St. Charles, MO. I did a horrible thing, too. I bought a bagful (I'm talking large brown grocery bag here) of yarn, like I needed more. I'm supposed to be stash busting here. (sigh) I had changed my goal for the year for stash busting to 250 full and partial skeins rather than by the bagful so I could keep better track. So I had to count all the small balls and partial skeins and add it to my stash busting goal. There were sixty of them in that bag so now my goal is 310 for the year!
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When I was driving home I saw all the traffic signs that usually tell you when there's a lane closed or something. They all said Welcome Home Troops!

Homespun Scarf Free Crochet Pattern

2009-02-28T17:09:00.006-06:00

I spent awhile today making my grandson a cape so he could go to school as the character from one of his favorite books. Not having any idea who "The Ranger's Apprentice" was so I kind of had to wing it. He had to go home before I got a picture of it. That of course has nothing to do with the scarf pictured above so I guess I'd better give you the pattern.

A lot of people don't like working with Lion Brand Homespun and I understand that. I'm making these scarves for a group called The Woven Lotus who distributes them to victims of sexual abuse and assault. They have to be soft and Homespun certainly fits the bill. I wanted to find a pattern that minimized the hassles of using Homespun and came up with this. Most of the stitches go into spaces and makes it a lot easier to work with. One six ounce skein will make two six foot (including the fringe) scarves.

Homespun Scarf

Lion Brand Homespun or similar yarn

Size N crochet hook

Chain 16

Row 1: Double crochet in 6th ch from hook,* ch1 skip 1 ch, dc in next ch, repeat from * ending with a dc

Row 2: Ch 3 and turn, dc in first sp, *ch 1, dc in next space, repeat from * across, dc in 4th chain of starting turning chain.

Row 3: Ch 4 and turn, double crochet first space,* ch1, dc in next space repeat from * across, dc in last dc
Row 4: Ch 3 and turn, dc in first sp, *ch 1, dc in next space, repeat from * across, dc in 3rd chain of turning chain

Repeat rows 3 and 4 until scarf is about four and a half feet long, ending with a row 3.

You can make it longer if you wish but you might not get 2 scarves out of one skein.

Cut yarn into 16 inch lengths to make fringe.

Noble Retrievers Where are You?

2009-02-27T07:29:00.001-06:00

You won my last contest but didn't give me anyway to contact you. Please email me at debsstuff55 (at) yahoo (dot) com to claim your prize.

Lenten Challenge

2009-02-25T07:26:00.002-06:00

Do you remember the Lenten challenge last year where I pledged to make a preemie hat for every day of Lent? Well I didn't make it because sometimes life just gets in the way. This year however I'm determined to do it. I'll be doing an average of five hair pretties a day for every day of lent. That's a lot of hair pretties. We are doing it in the Bev's Charity Challenge Yahoo group and several others are doing hair pretties, too. Be prepared for lots of pictures of hair pretties and maybe a new pattern or two, we'll see what happens.

Shawls from Granny's Daughters

2009-02-21T13:23:00.012-06:00

I've shown you the Granny's Daughters, also called Saltines, I've made. So with Lynn's permission I'd like to show you the beautiful shawls she makes from them. Aren't these gorgeous?? Lynn and I both belong to the Crafting 4 A Cause Yahoo Group and these awesome shawls are sent to the different charities the group supports. To see more you can visit Lynn's album.
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I love making the Granny's Daughters, which are just the first two rows of the traditional Granny square. They go so quickly and I can use the yarn balls that are too small for anything else. I just sent Lynn a bagful and already have another bagful to send. Most of these were from the contest I had last weekend. I had a lot of fun with that and will be doing something like it again soon.

Make A Blanket Day

2009-02-21T12:03:00.003-06:00

This is Project Linus' Make A Blanket Day. My Chapter (St Louis) has something going on at a Hancock Fabrics down in the city but I won't be going. Instead I'm staying home and working on squares and a blanket. Are you participating? Please take a minute and leave a comment to tell us about it. Also if you don't feel up to making a blanket, I'm collecting squares to join into blankets. See the post below this one.
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I didn't make this blanket today but I did finish (and about 5 others like it) it by tucking in the ends. They are all just one large never ending blanket square made very large. The yarn I used was Red Heart Baby Clouds. The blanket is sooo soft.

I am also working on another blanket today in peach and white. That one will be made from 9 squares and I'll show it to you after I'm done.

Project Linus

2009-02-19T17:35:00.004-06:00

Do you have a Project Linus near you? If you don't I will gladly accept any blankets to contribute to the St Louis Chapter. Right now I have a bunch of blankets that I need to work in ends, I made many of the blankets over a year ago and put them away when our Chapter coordinator stepped down. We've had a new coodinator for several months now and I have even volunteered to be the drop off point for my county. So I will be making regular trips with blankets to our new coordinators and will be glad to drop yours off, too.
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I have also decided to accept 12" squares to join into blankets for the same cause. Please contact me at debsstuff55 (at) yahoo (dot) com if you are interested in donating.

What I Did This Weekend

2009-02-15T20:52:00.006-06:00

I was able to use up 15 partial skeins and balls and 1 full skein in my crocheting marathon. This is what I was able to make: Twenty four yo-yos and forty five mini squares.

and forty nine saltines or Granny's daughters.

Three 7" squares, thirteen hair pretties, and four finger puppets.

The grand total is 138 which the winner hit right on the head. Noble Retrievers is the winner with her (his?) guess of 138. Contact me at debsstuff55 (at) yahoo (dot) com to find out how to redeem your prize.

My Resistance is so Low

2009-02-15T12:32:00.003-06:00

I had to go to WalMart today to buy some googly eyes for finger puppets. I swore I wasn't going to buy any more yarn. I really did, I don't need anymore yarn, I've been trying to do some serious stash busting. Odds and ends of partial skeins and small balls have literally taken over my craft room, it's getting difficult to walk among all the boxes of yarn in there. Every drawer and shelf is full of yarn and fabric. I have bins and boxes and bags full of supplies. So I really don't need any more, BUT I have this project coming up to make scarves for victims of sexual assault and abuse and needed something really soft for that. I don't really like working with Lion's Brand Homespun but I love how it feels so I just had to buy a skein for that project. I bought a really nice blue and lavender variegated that I think will be perfect. Warmth isn't a factor for this project so I'm looking forward to doing some scarves that are different from what I usually make. If you would like to help the links are below.

Threads of Compassion

Woven Lotus
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Quickie Contest

2009-02-14T10:20:00.005-06:00

The contest is over. The grand total is 138 which the winner hit right on the head. Noble Retrievers is the winner with her (his?) guess of 138. Contact me at debsstuff55 (at) yahoo (dot) com to find out how to redeem your prize.
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I'm going to spend the weekend making small projects such as yo-yo's, granny's daughters, mini-squares and finger puppets and maybe some 7" squares. I might also sew up some little hug pillows. The contest is to guess how many items I will make by Sunday night and leave your guess and a way to contact you as a comment. The person coming the closest will be the winner, in the event of a tie the person who posted their comment first will win. I can't tell you how much time I will have because I don't know myself. Family, cats and work seem to have a way of intruding on my crafting time, but I don't really have anything planned for the whole weekend. The prize will be a $5 gift certificate to the Crafting 4 a Cause webstore. They have added lots of new things since my last contest so check them out. All proceeds go to the Pine Ridge Reservation propane fund so even if you don't win, please consider buying something.

Crafting 4 A Cause Webstore
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Pretty Bird Woman House

2009-02-13T11:42:00.003-06:00

One of the charities that is supported by my Crafting 4 A Cause Yahoo groups is the Pretty Bird Women's Shelter. They have recently posted on their blog, an article that is both interesting and disturbing. It is a long article but you really need to read it all the way through.

Pretty Bird Woman House Blog
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January Stash Busting Part 2

2009-02-01T18:58:00.006-06:00

I took this picture last week and only added a couple more hair pretties. So this and the picture before is the result of my stash busting for January. I have filled up the bag again. (I recieved and bought a bunch of small balls and partial skeins so I added them to the bag) So the bag is full almost to bursting and I get another chance to try to empty it in a month. I wasn't able to do it in January and the bag is actually fuller now so I better get to work.

Bundles of Love Donation

2009-02-01T11:22:00.004-06:00

For January the All_Crafts_4_Charity Yahoo group was making items for Bundles of Love in Minnesota. I am packing up these items to send to them today. First is a sweater set made from Lion Brand Baby Boucle, sort of a combination of both my Newborn Sweater Set and my Bumpy Baby Sweater. I will actually have to make the sweater again so I can write down the changes. The blanket to match is made from nine Never Ending Blanket Squares, made without changing colors. As well as the set I made two washcloths and two bibs, The patterns were developed specifically for this project. I will be packing this up today (and may throw in somes hats if the box isn't full) and mailing it out tomorrow.

A Friend Quilted My Quilt Top!

2009-01-31T17:17:00.003-06:00

I sent a friend from All_Crafts_4_Charity a quilt top I had finished last year. She has a long arm quilting machine (I'm sssso jealous) and had agreed to finish it up for me. I left it up to her to decide where to donate it. It's still not bound but it is quilted. The picture is on her blog, my quilt is the top one.

North Hills Quilter

Round Baby Wash Cloth with Picots Free Crochet Pattern

2009-01-25T19:43:00.007-06:00

OK, like I said the challenge was for bibs AND wash clothes so of course I had to do a baby wash cloth too. Here's the pattern:

Materials

Worsted weight cotton yarn

J hook

Ch 3 and join
Rd 1: ch 3 (counts as first dc) 14 dc into ring (15 st)
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Rd 2: ch 3 (counts as first dc) dc in same st, 2dc into each dc (30 st)
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Rd 3: ch 3 (counts as first dc) *2 dc into next st, dc into next, repeat from * around ending with 2 dc in last st (45 st)
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Rd 4: ch 3 (counts as first dc) dc in next st, *2 dc in next st, dc into next 2 st, repeat from * around ending with 2 dc in last st

Rd 5: ch 1, *2 sc in same st, hdc, dc, ch 3 and sl st in first ch (picot made) dc, hdc, repeat from * around join to first sl st and end

Circle Baby Bib Free Crochet Pattern

2009-01-25T08:38:00.006-06:00

My All_Crafts_4_Charity Yahoo group is making baby items for Bundles of Love in Minnesota. This weekend they put out a challenge for baby bibs and wash clothes. I did a search this morning for a baby bib pattern I liked and couldn't find anything. Well, we know what that means don't we? Deb had to make her own. This is a small bib, 5" X 6 1/2", suitable for an infant. I used Peaches & Cream worsted weight cotton yarn.

Materials

Small amount of worsted weight cotton yarn

H hook you can crochet a larger bib by using a larger hook

Ch 3 and join

Rd 1: ch 3 (counts as first dc) 11 dc into ring (12 st)

Rd 2: ch 3 (counts as first dc) dc in same st, 2dc into each dc (24 st)

Rd 3: ch 3 (counts as first dc) *2 dc into next st, dc into next, repeat from * around ending with 2 dc in last st (36 st)

Rd 4: ch 3 (counts as first dc) dc in next st, *2 dc in next st, dc into next 2 st, repeat from * around ending with 2 dc in last st

Row 5: ch1, sc in next 3 stitches, hdc in next 2 stitches, *2 dc, ch 2, 2 dc into next stitch (makes corner)*, dc in next st, hdc in next 2 st, sc in next 4 st, hdc in next 2 st, dc in next st, make corner in next st, hdc in next 2 st, sc in next 3, slst into next stitch, then turn and sl st back to corner

Row 6: 2 dc into corner space, hdc in next 3 st, sc in next 6 st, hdc in next 3 st, 2dc in corner space

Row 7: ch 3 and turn, hdc in next 3 st, sc in next 8 st, hdc in next 3 st, dc in last st, do not end

Chain 50 for tie, and end, attach to top of chain 3 in other corner and ch 50 and end

work in ends and tie a knot at the end of each tie

Easy Crocheted Pony Bead Schrunchie Free Pattern

2009-01-18T09:07:00.004-06:00

I had a Fairy Godmother from Crochetville send me a package of yarn, chocolate and pony beads. I've been wanting to make some hair scrunchies with beads and this is what I've come up with.

You will need:

Hair elastic

Small amount light worsted weight yarn (I used Caron Simply Soft)

About 15 pony beads (I didn't use that many that's just to be on the safe side)

H hook

Thread the 15 beads onto the yarn

Attach the yarn to the hair elastic with a slip stitch ch1, sc onto elastic band, *ch 2, slide bead up next to hook and ch around it, ch1, 2 sc onto band, repeat from * until band is full, make sure it's completely covered but stretch the band to add more, end with* ch 2, slide bead up next to hook and ch around it, ch1* Join to first sc and end. Work in the ends and you're done.

I used 12 and 13 beads in the ones above, they were different size bands. How many beads you will use depends on the size of the elastic. It's better to have more beads ready then not enough.

Finger Puppets Again!

2009-01-15T19:37:00.002-06:00

I've been making more finger puppets, no new patterns (sorry) but these are all based on my stripey worm pattern. I'm not really sure where they are going yet but I'm sure I'll find them a good home.

Fur Babies

2009-01-14T19:18:00.002-06:00

Just had to show off my furry ladies. Sami (black cat) is on her favorite perch on the sofa arm. How she can be comfortable there is beyond me. Smokey is all about comfort, she's sleeping on her favorite fleece blanket.

January Stash Busting Part 1

2009-01-11T12:10:00.003-06:00

This is what I've made so far from the bin of yarn I showed you before the beginning of the year. I might have been a little too ambition. Although I've made a lot of items (68 if you count each yo-yo and saltine) I still have a lot of yarn left. It's no longer in the bin but now it's a large shopping bag. It's working out better for me than the bin so I'm going to be stash busting by the bag from now on. There's one scarf using my Too Easy Scarf pattern. There are two kids chemo caps I made by using a less bulky yarn for my Quickie Chemo Cap pattern. Eight 7" squares, most of them using my Never Ending Blanket Square. One of the five baby hats is my Kid's Bumpy Hat infant size. The rest of the items are hair pretties, mini-squares, yo-yos and Granny's daughters.

And the Winner is..

2009-01-03T19:48:00.004-06:00

I called my eleven year old grandson and asked for a number between 1 and 26 and he choose 11, imagine that! LOL
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So the eleventh comment is CNuland, please contact me for your gift certificate instructions!
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debsstuff55 (at) yahoo (dot) com

Too Easy Scarf

2009-01-03T08:04:00.004-06:00

I love how these scarves turned out, all of them are done with one strand of variegated yarn and another of white or black. I call it my double strand, double crochet almost too easy to call it a pattern pattern, the Too Easy Scarf for short. There are a lot of variations possible, my Thumbs Up scarf uses two strands that are very close in color giving it a tweedy look, this scarf used a strand of bulky in off white and a strand of self striping baby yarn to get an interesting effect.

Too Easy Scarf

Materials

Size M or N hook, two skeins matching or contrasting yarn (I'm going to guess about 3-4 oz each)

Ch 14

Row 1: dc in 4th chain from hook, ch 3 counts as dc, dc in each ch (12 stitches)

Row 2: ch3 and turn (ch 3 counts as dc) dc in each dc across

Repeat row 2 until your scarf is as long as you would like

Cut yarn in 12 inch lengths for fringe, attach and trim

Told you it was too easy, perfect for the beginner or if your trying to teach a child to crochet.

Scarves from Squares

2009-01-01T21:35:00.002-06:00

Just wanted to show you the two great scarves I made from the squares Joyce from Louisiana sent me. These will be going to Kosovo with the next shipment.

Looking Back at 2008

2008-12-31T16:02:00.002-06:00

It's been an interesting year. Even with breaking my wrist I was able to make over 800 items for charity. I will admit that some of the items were pretty small like granny's daughters and yo-yo's.but I also finished blankets, sweaters, hats, scarves and more.
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I started off the year making lots of sweater sets for South Africa, more sweater sets and hats went to the Inuits in Canada. I sent more items to Pine Ridge Reservation and Cooper Hospital in Camden, NJ. I made squares for blankets and until I broke my wrist I was joining squares for my All_Crafts_4_Charity group.
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As the year ended I was collecting hats and scarves to be sent to Kosovo. I have pictures of the children in their new winter wear here.
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On a personal note, my older son graduated from college and starts his new job next month. My baby boy has another year to go. My grandsons are growing like weeds (I broke my wrist at the youngest ones eighth birthday party, those kids probably heard a few words they shouldn't have but I really can't remember, I was in a lot of pain). My daughter and son-in-law helped a lot during my convalescence as did my youngest. One of these days I'm going to get them all together for a family picture and I'll be sure to post it.
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Wishing you all a Happy New Year!!

My Mess

2008-12-28T09:49:00.003-06:00

My craft room is a horrible mess, I've really got to do something about it. I have so many small balls of yarn and partial skeins it is unbelievable. This bin is only a small part of it. Part of the problem is that I buy most of my yarn at thrift shops. I also get donations from other crafters of their partial skeins. My favorite place to "shop" for yarn is a place called Leftovers which recycles other crafters leftovers i.e. partial skeins.
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So my goal for 2009 is to use up as much as I can. Since I am setting my charity goal for 2009 at 1000 items and I can make small items like yo-yo's and granny's daughters a lot of these can be made with all these small balls. Maybe I should make a separate goal for the little things? Anyway I am going to break up the goal and say I am going to use up a binful every month! Not only that but I'm going to cheat and start on January now.
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Someone asked about Leftovers, they do not currently sell online but they have an online catalog under developement. If you live anywhere near St Charles, MO be sure to check them out. They have a website you can check out.
Leftovers Etc.

My Where to Donate Blog

2008-12-26T16:12:00.003-06:00

One of my readers just wrote and asked me if I knew of anything near Syracuse, New York such as a childrens hospital to donate to. I don't know about anything for sure so if anyone knows please email me at debsstuff1955 (at) yahoo (dot) com. If you know of any local charities you support I'd be more than happy to add them to the list!

Where to Donate

Merry Christmas!

2008-12-25T09:47:00.002-06:00

A very Merry Christmas to all my readers who celebrate the holiday! On this holiday while we open presents and spend time with our families, let us not forget those who are less fortunate than ourselves. There are so many worthwhile projects to craft for. No matter what your craft or what you like to make there is a need for your items somewhere. Maybe you can take this time between Christmas and New Years to decide what your goals are for crafting in 2009. Perhaps decide which charities you want to donate to or just decide what you'd like to make and find where the needs are as they come up.
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I haven't yet acheived my goal for 2008 because a broken wrist put me out of commission for three months but my goal was 1000 items and I've made over 800 so that wasn't too bad. I'm setting my goal for 1000 items again and hoping that I'll be able to reach it. I did make an awful lot of small things, hair pretties, squares and granny's daughters to get it that high and probably will next year, too. So a thousand isn't quite that daunting!

Pictures from Kosovo

2008-12-22T17:23:00.003-06:00

Here's the first pictures from Kosovo that Dave sent. Many of the children have recieved a hat, scarf and/or mittens from the items we were able to stuff in Dave's duffle bag. See if you can see the things you donated! If you can't find your items they may be in the batch we're shipping.

I want to thank everyone again who has sent warm items for the kids. We are still collecting warm hats, scarves and mittens to send over so if you would like to contribute please email me at debsstuff55 (at) yahoo (dot) com

New Contest!!

2008-12-21T19:30:00.003-06:00

The winner has been chosen and posted here.

One of the online charity crafting groups I belong to, Crafting 4 A Cause, has a store that members contribute craft supplies, hand crafted items and more, to be put up for sale to earn money to buy propane for the families on the Pine Ridge Reservation. This contest is a very transparent ploy to bring attention to that store. The prize will be a $5 "gift certificate" to the Crafting for a Cause store. To enter all you have to do is browse through the store and tell me in a comment to this post what you liked the most or what caught your attention. On January 3rd I will choose one entry to win the "gift certificate".

GRADUATION!!!!!!

2008-12-20T19:16:00.003-06:00

I know I don't talk about my life or my kids often but I also know I've metioned that I have two boys in college. Well, now it's only one, today was the big day and the end (almost) of all the hard work. Today my son Sean graduated from the University of Missouri with a degree in Urban and Population Geography. Although I'm still not quite sure what that is, obviously his new employer does and finds it of value. I am so proud of him, he worked very hard to reach this point.
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That's one down and one to go. My youngest, my baby (Ok so he's 21 and 6' tall, he's still my baby), graduates next year.

On Their Way to Kosovo!!

2008-12-16T17:55:00.006-06:00

Dave and all the donations are on their way to Kosovo! They had a short layover in Germany which is where they are right now and will soon be flying to Kosovo. Here's some pics of the last four donations: Chris in Utah sent these great crocheted scarves!!

K. P. in Michagan sent a couple knit hats and some school supplies.

These neat knit hats and awesome scarf are from Cindy in Florida!

And this great collection of hats, with a pair of mittens and a neck warmer come from Susan in CA.

And More Donations!

2008-12-10T20:44:00.005-06:00

Kathleen in MD sent these very warm looking hats, and yes Kathleen we will continue mailing things at least through January.

Joyce F. from Louisiana sent these great squares for me to join into a scarf as well as a very purple hat and scarf set!

A Swing Set for the School

2008-12-09T18:06:00.002-06:00

The next project for the soldiers in Kosovo, after building a woodshed and painting the school, is to build a swing set for the school house. The problem is they can't get the nuts and bolts they need in Kosovo. Dave and several others who will be going back to Kosovo carrying the nuts and bolts they need for this project. So Dave will be taking nuts, bolts, hats and scarves back with him. Everything he can't take back with him we will be mailing. The post office has a special rate for Priority Flat Rate boxes that are going to our military members overseas so we will be seeing just how many hats and scarves we can stuff into a box! We are hoping that we will have another POC after Dave has come home so we can continue to send things over for the school.

More Hats!!!

2008-12-09T18:01:00.003-06:00

These hats were sent by Connie in MN! I can't find her email address so I hope she sees this so she knows I recieved them. They are really nice and comfy warm hats. Thank you so much Connie!

More Donations for Kosovo Kids

2008-12-07T15:02:00.002-06:00

Jennifer from Nebraska sent these two great hat and scarf sets. Thank you so much Jennifer, they're very warm and toasty.

Jane K. in Florida sent these awesome items. A beautiful blanket, sweater and four great hats. Thank you Jane.

Cherri in NY sent these beautiful items. A hat and mitten set, a scarf and more hats all really nice. Thanks Cherri!

Dave is Home from Kosovo

2008-12-06T11:47:00.004-06:00

His wife, who just happens to be my boss, is very, very happy. And as we all know, when the boss is happy, everyone is happy! He looked over what we have collected already and liked it all. He was telling me it was -2 degrees F when he left there. He also said that these kids really do walk to school in several feet of snow, just like our grandparents claim they did. These kids really do need the hats, scarfs and mittens that we are sending them and I would love to be able to send enough so every child in that school would have something! Dave will be going back next Sunday with as much as he can take but we will still be sending packages to him until his tour of duty is over, I will probably be mailing up to the end of January, so if you can find the time to make just one extra scarf, hat or pair of mittens for these kids it would be great!
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Please email me at debsstuff55 (at) yahoo (dot) com