And now there's five...

I think with the amount of background to be done it is about 2/3 finished? Can't wait to get it framed and hung! I'm very impatient that way.
I completely forgot to take pictures of the doily and bookmarks before I mailed them.

Today's CatStuff: only the thread kind!
Today's CraftyStuff: Gotta get busy on some WIP's and get them finished up
Today's PuterStuff: Found lots of frames to play with for my PSP 8, I appreciated the talented people who can do that and all I have to do is adopt them!

Designs--framed?

OK, I'll quit playing...I finally figured out how to frame my pattern exports pictures so people could see what they might look like in "person". Been having fun with it, but have learned that I need a BIGGER selection of frames! So...the hunt is on.








Today's CatStuff: They certainly miss me when I'm gone, KW too, its nice to have 3 animals so excited to see you when you get home!
Today's CraftyStuff: Working on Cat's Eyes, and my sign. Also crocheted for a while on a scarf, and finished a doily.
Today's PuterStuff: Going searching for PSP frames!

My poor car!

An uninsured motorist ran a stop sign and crunched my car! Of all things! How did he get his registration without insurance? And he's diabled, AND he's unemployed...do you think he'll pay for this? NOT!!!! argghhhhhhhhhh!!









Not a lot else happening at this end of the world. Been doing some crocheting, almost through with this current project, picture coming soon! Also working on a couple of counted cross stitch, tho right now concentrating on an Olympic CHallenge piece...supposed to be done by the time I watch the closing ceremonies....not sure that that will happen!
Today's CatStuff: not much, cats is cats
Today's PuterStuff: nothing new there either
Today's CraftyStuff: step by step!


My sign, will go in my office, eventually will read "Put on your big girl hat and DEAL with it!"








A crochet exchange gift I received from Rhonda. The earrings are crocheted with wire...I have GOT to try this!! Thanks, Rhonda!

Slowly she stitched...

...step by step, inch by inch! One thing about crochet that is nice is that after I've worked several hours I have inches of work to show for it. A few hours of counted cross stitch can result in ONE inch of work! Had to frog the lower part of cat #4's face last night. Takes as long to get those stitches out as it did to get them in there...longer actually!

I love BIG cats, too. This is a pattern I'm currently editing for counted cross stitch. What a great cat!










Today's crafty stuff: Will be working on a Valentine's Day project this evening, need to get it mailed in a day or two, then working on either the Cat's Eyes or cross.

Today's puter stuff: Looking for some sort of program that will put a frame on my cross stitch patterns. Virtual frames, I guess.

Today's cat stuff: Not much...cats is cats!

Crochet Slump

Ever just get in a slump, and have to MAKE yourself do something...even something you love to do? Can't get motivated to crochet. I need to finish designing something I started, and it just lays there, waiting to be finished. I have been stitchin', just not with hook and yarn/thread.

So...making a little progress with this pattern. Cat's Eyes.

Today's Crafty stuff: Not much, someone talk me into crocheting!!

Today's Puter stuff: Designed a bookmark for my friend/co-worker

Today's Cat stuff: Bitty Kitty is about to go get f-i-x-e-d, shhhhhhhhhhhhhhh, don't tell her!

HUGE ambition!

I have 18 species of hummingbirds that I am graphing for counted cross stitch. Each species will live in a square on an Anne cloth, 18 count, for a counted cross stitch afghan.
I may be through with this piece in 2010..what do you think? I think its a HUGE ambition, as my title says...but ambition is something I'm full of. I'm just not FULL of time to finish all my projects. Maybe when I retire?? I'm still editing almost all of the pieces. Calliope is finished, and about six others.

WIPs for 2006--CXS

My sister's cross (above). My pattern, a picture of an antique masonry cross. On black aida, 14 count.

A "just because", for me. Working on 22 count aida.

Finished 2005

My very first finished counted cross stitch
(My pattern)

Okay, okay...

...its not a cat! But, I've been laughing so hard, I decided to post a picture. My sister-in-law got a new Chihuahua puppy, and of course it was freezing. So crochet hook to the rescue! Got some worsted weight and some eyelash-type yarn and went to work.
Now, I have cats (they wouldn't be caught DEAD in a sweater) and a big, hairy dog (no sweater required) and so I'm thinking "how hard can this be?" The sweater turned out so CUTE...til I tried to put the thing on the puppy! It was like stuffing a pillow into sandwich bag! By the time I was through dressing the poor thing she was exhausted and so was I...from laughing so hard.
So its back to the drawing board...don't make dogs one piece sweaters that you THINK they will just slip into...ain't gonna work!

Projects done, un-done, and undone!

Finished the Retriever counted cross stitch for my mom, sorry about the glare on the glass. So will be trying to get my OTHER Christmas project finished as soon as I can, had to tell my sister I wasn't finished with hers, cause it took so long to finish this one.
Also didn't finish the star afghan...so will give my nephew the giant granny meant for another family member...and finish the star for later.


Why does it get so hectic at Christmas? My nerves were really frazzled this year, and the PEOPLE everywhere. I didn't find any Grinches while out and about, but cannot figure out where they all CAME FROM!

Projects for the New Year??? Oh yeah, as soon as I finish projects for 2005! The only plans I have are for an afghan, made from an Anne Cloth, counted cross stitch. It will eventually be someone's but its first purpose will be the San Juan County Fair in August...bet get started ASAP

Today's cat stuff: You should have seen, or not seen, the cats last night. We had 25 people here to presents and dinner...the only one who braved the crowd was the dog! The cats just conveniently disappeared!

Today's handy stuff: Absolutely NOTHING!!!

Today's puter stuff: Just this quick update! Oh, and a picture of BittyKitty...thought I'd better get a "middle" teen picture in here...she will be a full year on Easter!










Guess I should leave out the other either! Jazz and Libby here enjoying my crocheting...at least someone loves it! They think I crochet in order for them to have a comfy place to nap!

hours, and hours, and hours

I can't even count the amount of time I have worked on this project. You can see the last picture below. This is an update. After quite some time. And other than the nose being "darker" I can't see a lot of difference in the thing! However...I am DETERMINED that it will be completed, and framed, before Christmas. I better get OFF here and get back to work, don't you think??






Today's Cat Stuff: They're still here. They're still spoiled. BittyKitty will be going to get f-i-x-e-d next month. Joy
Today's Puter Stuff: Trying to get ready for Christmas, ebay and I are friends right now!
Today's Craft Stuff: The afghan for Josh is coming along, the surprise for my sister is coming along...IS THIS DOG COMING ALONG?????

Current Projects!

Bitty Kitty thinks she's a bird...she has to "perch" on things, or she's not happy!










This is the golden retriever picture I'm making for my mom for Christmas. Counted cross stitch, my own pattern. Think I'll get done before the big day?











This is the afghan I'm making for my nephew for Christmas. It is Beth's Little Star afghan, in black and brights using 4 ply worsted weight yarn, and will be huge...my nephew is 6' 4" tall! Its about half done, I guess.








CatStuff: Nothing new, which is usual
PuterStuff: Working on the Men cxs series of earlier post
CraftStuff: As seen above!

A "Side Trip"

I've been missing in action! Work's been crazy, home life's been crazy, too! Crocheting is happening....slowly. In my almost-non-existent-spare-time I'm working on some counted cross stitch patterns.

So what do you think of "The Men"? Don't know what I will call the series, yet. They are 100 stitches wide on 18 count aida cloth. All will be on black.

CrochetStuff: Working on C-H-R-I-S-T-M-A-S, don't say that TOO loud! And a few squares, a couple of my own design.

CatStuff: BittyKitty is growing...so are Jazz and Libby. I swear I'm gonna have the 3 fattest cats in town!

PuterStuff: Not enough time to do the computer stuff I want to be able to do! The story of my life!

Hometown Square--12"

I've been neglecting this blog. Been ill, busy at work, busy at home...you know things pile up quickly when you're not paying attention to them!

Today's Handistuff: adding an original pattern, a 12" square, which is one of my favorite things to do!

Today's Catstuff: I have a major disaster in my craft room, thanks to BittyKitty. She knocked about 20 inches of stuff off a bench...and it went everywhere! Beads, cards, thread, pictures, CD's...you name it, its in the floor now.

Today's Puterstuff: just emailing some friends, doing some looking at patterns (like I might NEED one!), I need to get up and get busy!!

















Hometown Square
12"

Small amount 4 ply worsted weight yarn
H crochet hook

Ch 5, join with sl to make loop.

1. Ch 3 (counts as first dc now, and throughout), 19 dc in loop, join in 3rd ch of beginning ch 3 (20 dc)

2. Ch 4 (counts a dc, ch 1), dc, ch 1 in each dc around, join in 3rd ch of beginning ch 4 (20 dc, 20 ch-1=40 stitches)

3. Ch 1, sc in same stitch, *2 sc in next chain one space, sc in dc* around to last ch 1 space. 2 sc in next ch 1 space, join with sl in beginning single crochet (60 sc).

4. (WORKING IN FRONT LOOP ONLY OF THIS ROW) Ch 1, sc in joining stitch, *skip next sc, 3 dc in next sc, skip next sc, sc in next sc* around, joining in first sc of this row (15 shell stitches, 15 sc, 30 skipped sts)

5. (WORKING IN BACK LOOP ONLY OF ROW 3, and behind shells of row 4) ch 3, dc, ch 2, 2 dc in same stitch (corner made),* sk next sc, dc in next 2 sc, hdc in next 2 sc, sk next stitch sc in next 2 sc, sk next sc, hdc in next 2 sc, dc in next 2 dc, sk next sc, 2dc-ch2-2dc in next st *, repeat from * to * 3 times, until last 2dc of set, join with sl to 3rd ch of beginning ch 3. (44 stitches)

6. Sl in next st and into next ch 2 space, ch 3, dc-ch2-2dc in same space, *dc in each of the next 14 dc of prev row, *2dc-ch2-2dc in next space* 3 times, join with sl in 3rd ch of beginning ch 3 (4 corners, 56 dc)

7. Sl in next dc and into the next ch 2 space, ch 3, dc-ch2-2dc in same space, dc in next st, *ch 2, decrease dc over next 4 sts, close with an extra ch that does not count in your overall stitch count* 4 times, ch 2, dc in next st, 2dc-ch2-2dc in next ch2 space, repeat on each side, join with sl in 3rd ch of beginning ch 3 (4 corners, 16 "peaks", 20 ch 2 spaces, 4 dc)

8. Sl in next dc and into the next ch 2 space, ch 3, dc-ch2-2dc in same space, dc in next 3 dc *skipping all ch 2 spaces across, 4 dc in the top of each "peak" of the prev row, dc in next 3 dc, corner in corner, repeat across each side, join with sl to the 3rd ch of beginning ch3.

9. Sl in next dc and into the next ch 2 space, ch 3, dc-ch2-2dc in same space, dc in each of the next 26 dc, corner in corner around, sl in the 3rd ch of beginning ch3. (4 corners, 104 dc)

10. Repeat row 9 with 30 dc across

11. Repeat row 9 with 34 dc across

12. Sl to corner space, 3 hdc in corner, hdc in each stitch across, repeat around. (4 corners, 38 hdc)
finish off

Mary McKnight
FroggieDezigns
Copyright 2005

Cherries Jubilee 12" Square

Cherries Jubilee 12" Square

Designed by Mary McKnight
Copyright 2005
FroggieDezigns



Size H hook
4 ply worsted weight yarn (soft/off white and dark red)


Special stitches:
Beginning cluster: ch 2, holding last loop on hook of each stitch, dc in same space 3 times, then yo and pull through all 4 loops on the hook.

Cluster: Holding last loop of dc on the hook, 4 dc in the same space, you and draw though all 5 loops on hook.

Fptr (front post treble): yo 2 times, perform treble around the entire post of the indicated stitch, finish the treble as usual. Note: I have done my fptr’s in stitches two rows below the one that is currently being worked.

(With soft white)
Ch 6, join with sl st to first chain to form loop
1. Ch 3 (counts as first dc), 19 dc in loop, join with sl st in the 3rd ch of the beginning ch 3 (20 dc).

2. Ch 3, dc in same stitch as joining, 2 dc in each stitch around, join with sl st in the 3rd ch of the beginning ch 3, finish off white (40 dc).

3. Join dk red with sc in any stitch, sc in same stitch, sc in next stitch, fptr in the corresponding stitch in row 1, *2 sc in next stitch, sc in next stitch, fptr in the corresponding st in row 1 (do not crochet in the top of the stitch that you did the fptr in front of!) Continue around, join with sl st in the first sc of this round, finish off dk red yarn (40 sc, 10 fptr anchored in every other dc of round 1)
(Corrections added on 10-17-2006. Thank you to Linda H., I appreciate your input!! :) )

4. Join soft white w/sl st in any stitch of row 3, complete beginning cluster (see above) in this stitch,* ch 3, skip 2 st’s of round 3, complete cluster in the next st of round 3* Repeat from * to * to the end of this round, ending with ch 3. Join with sl st in the top of the beginning cluster of this round. (20 clusters, 20 ch 3 spaces)

5. Sl st to next ch 3 space, beginning cluster-ch 3-cluster in the same space (corner made),* ch 3, cluster-ch3 in the next 4 ch 3 spaces, cluster-ch3-cluster in the next ch 3 space* 3 more times, cluster-ch 3 in the next 4 ch 3 spaces, join with sl st into the top of the beginning cluster of this row. (16 single clusters, 20 ch 3 spaces, 4 corners)

6. Sl st to next corner space. Ch 3, dc, ch 2, 2 dc in the same space, *dc in next cluster and 2 dc in next space, hdc in next cluster and 2 hdc in next space, sc in next cluster and 2 sc in next space, sc in next cluster, 2 hdc in next space, hdc in next cluster, 2 dc in next space, dc in next cluster, 2 dc-ch 2-2 dc in next space*, repeat from * to * around, ending with 2 dc in next space, join with sl st to the top of the beginning cluster of this row. Finish off soft white. (Correction made to this row on 12-30-2006, thanks Brenda!)

7. Join dk red with a sc in an ch 2 corner space, ch 2, sc in same space for the corner. * Sc in each stitch across, sc-ch 2-sc in corner*. Repeat from * to *. Join with sl st to beginning sc of this row. Finish of dk red.

8. Join white with sl st in any corner, ch3, dc, ch 2, 2 dc in same corner. Dc in each stitch across, 2 dc-ch 2-2 dc in corner, continue around join with sl st into 3rd ch of the beginning ch 3. Fasten off Soft white. (Correction made to this row on 12-30-2006, thanks Brenda!)

9. Join dk red with a sc in any corner ch 2, sc in same space. Ch 3, skip 2 dc of previous row, sc in next dc, repeat across to corner, sc-ch 2-sc in next corner space. Continue around ending with slip stitch into the first sc of this row.

10. Sl st in next sc, and into the next corner space. Ch 3, dc, ch 2, 2 dc in same space. 3 dc in each ch 3 loop across to corner, 2 dc-ch 2-2 dc in that corner. Continue around ending with sl st into the 3rd ch of the beginning ch 3.

11. Sl st in next dc, and into the next corner space. Ch 3, dc, ch 2, 2 dc in same space. Dc in each dc across to corner, 2 dc-ch 2-2 dc in corner. Continue around, ending with a sl st into the 3rd ch of the beginning ch 3. Finish off dk red.

12. Join soft white with a sc in any corner, 2 more sc in same space. Sc in the next 5 stitches, fptc around the post of the corresponding stitch on round 10 (2 rows down), sc in next 2 stitches, fptc in the next stitch 2 rows down...continue to the last 5 stitches, 1 sc in each of those 5 stitches, 3 sc in the next corner. Continue around ending with a sl st into the first sc of this row. Finish off soft white.

13. Join dk red with a sc in any corner, 2 more sc in the same space. Sc in each stitch across, 3 single crochet in the next corner. Finish off

Copyright 2005
FroggieDezigns

Schoharie Spring 12" Square pattern

At left: Schoharie Spring 12" Square
Designed by Mary McKnight
FroggieDezigns 2005

Today's Handistuff: not much, beaded doily coming along slowly.

Today's Catstuff: Looking at ASPCA web site, following efforts to rescue animals after Hurricane Katrina.

Today's Puterstuff: Learning my new symbol crochet program. Well...trying to learn it!





Schoharie Spring 12" square

Materials:
Small amount of 2 colors of 4-ply yarn
H crochet hook

ch 9. Join with sl st to form ring.
1. 16 sc in ring, sl st in first sc made.
2. Sc in same place as sl st, * ch 5, skip 1 sc, sc in next sc. Repeat from * around, ending with ch 5, sl st in first sc.
3. Sc in same place as sl st, * 2 sc in ch-5 sp, ch 4, sc in next sc. Repeat from * around, ending with sl st in first sc.
4. To 6. Rounds incl: * Sc in next sc and in each remaining sc of sc group. 2 sc in ch-4 sp, ch 4, skip first sc of next sc group. Repeat from * around (6 sc in each sc group on last rnd). Join as before.
7. Sc in next sc and in each remaining sc of sc group. 2 sc in ch-4 sp, ch 2 (not 4!), skip first sc of next sc group. Repeat from * around .
8. Ch 1, sc in same stitch, and in each remaining > stitch and ch, sl st in first sc of this round. Stop here and count! (72 sc)
9. Ch 3 (counts as first dc this round), dc-ch 3-2dc in the same stitch as joining. *# Dc in each of the > next 3 sc, hdc in each of the next 3 sc, sc in each of the next 5 sc, hdc in each of the next 3 sc, dc > in each of the next 3 sc#, 2 dc-ch 3-2 dc in the next stitch to form the next corner.* Repeat from * to * twice more, then # to # once, join with sl st in the 3rd ch of the beginning ch 3.
10. Sl st into next corner. Ch 3, dc, ch 3, 2 dc in corner. Skip one stitch of next row, dc in next to stitches, fptr in the skipped stitch two stitches back, repeat across, corner in corner, and repeat on each side. Sl st in the 3rd ch of the beginning ch 3.
11. Ch 2 (counts as first hdc this round) Hdc in each stitch around with the corners being made by 2 hdc-ch 3-2hdc. Join with sl st to the 2nd ch of the beginning ch 3.
12. Sl st into the next ch 3 space, ch 3-dc-ch 3-2 dc in the same space. *#Ch 1, sk 1 hdc of previous row, dc in next hdc, across#. 2 dc-ch 3-2 dc in corner* Repeat from * to * twice more, and from # to # once. Sl st in the 3rd ch of the beginning ch 3.
13. Sl st into the next ch 3 space. Ch 3-dc-ch 3 in the same space. Dc in next dc, ch 1, sk next dc, dc in next SPACE, ch 1 across, 2dc-ch 3-2 dc in next corner space. Continue this side as the previous row, except start and end with a dc. Sl st in the 3rd ch of the beginning ch 3.
14. sl st into the corner space. ch 3, dc-ch 3-2 > dc in same space, ch 1, sk 1, dc in next dc (or space) across, 2 dc-ch 3-2 dc in corner. repeat around ending with ch 1, sl to into the 3rd ch of the beginning ch 3.
15. Ch 2, hdc in each stitch and space, using 3 hdc in each corner space around. Sl to in the 2nd ch of the beginning ch 2.
Finish off
Copyright 2005//FroggieDezigns

Finally!

I finally finished this doily. I REALLY enjoyed this pattern, found it on one of the Russian crochet sites. Now that its finished, I think the varigated thread is a little BUSY, but I still love the colors. I will definitely be keeping this one to make again. There are many, many crochet patterns out there, but very few make it into my "LIKED-IT-ENOUGH-TO-MAKE-IT-AGAIN" folder!

Today's handistuff: Packing things to take with me on a "shorty" vacation. Gotta have something to do while we are traveling. Planning to crochet myself a backpack. Found the pattern at HappyHooker!

Today's puterstuff: just this, and email

Today's catstuff: Getting the cats ready for me to be gone a few days, too. Cats are so easy! Of course, they'll be glad to see me when I get home, but they will ACT like they are peeved because I was gone. Gotta Luv 'Em!!

The Endless Search....ENDED

Just a little picture of BittyKitty's "thumb"












I FINALLY found the pattern for the spiral doily...after months of searching. It can be found here: http://www.devichnik.ru/2002/08/spiral.phtml
This is a foreign language site, but amongst all the things you MIGHT not be able to read, there are 3 blue "clickable" words. "Noaia" 1, 2, and 3...click on them and you will find the crochet diagram for the doily, and its joining.

Today's catstuff: Just being cats. Woke up several times last night because a cat "touched-down" in the middle of me as they were flying through the house. Must have been some catnip growing outside the windows last night.

Today's handistuff: Got some MAJOR work done on the counted cross stitch I'm working on the last couple of days. Working on the finishing rounds of the beaded doily, and getting some squares ready to mail to others.

Today's puterstuff: Just email, and directing other people to the pattern above. My mom finally bought a new computer yesterday, and I spent a while setting it up for her. Its a beautfy. She will love it.

Small FO

I finished the cross for my sister. Its from a free pattern on the web, and the original had poinsettias. I placed tiny white roses...hard to see, but they are there.

Today's handistuff: working on my mom's cross stitch, and thinking about working on a beaded doily.

Today's puterstuff: Catching up on emails, group stuff...been working nights which REALLY puts a cramp on my style!

Today's catstuff: Weeeellll...at least we are sleeping at the same time now!

Just a picture!

Beaded doily I'm working on. Beads "un-strung"

Hmmm...that's a pretty terrible picture. Will try again later!