Pictures

This girl is so unusual, I had to take 2 photos of her.

 I hope you had a lovely weekend!  Dawnie

Reviewing.................

I made this baby hat with ears a couple of months ago.  I made it according to the vintage directions.  It just would not fit right.  It was made too tight around the neck.  I took those stitches out and made ties instead of a strap ans a button.  The back has two seams and it does not look as nice as it should.  Any seam will take away from the beauty of a handmade item.  I went over the top of the seam with a crocheted slip stitch and gave the seam a little gathering.  This helped the seam look much better. 

When I made package decorations a few months back, I know you thought I was nuts to make this one.  Well here it is on a gift box.  I think it goes splendidly with the box.  The materials I used to make the decorations are re-cycled magazine cut outs, scrap-book paper cut outs, and a decorative brad in the center.  I used glue dots for attachment to the boxs.

Inspiration for the next project.

 

This and That and a Little More

I have 4 friends and relatives expecting babies before the first of the year.  Three of the babies are expected to be boys and the fourth is unknown as of this date.  I like to make a little something for babies, especially if they are family or close personal friends.  I made a few hats earlier this year---before I went on the pot holder binge.  I am not on the baby bootie binge.  So far I have only made two pair of booties. What is on your knitting needles or crochet hook?

I ordered a large yarn order and it arrived today!  I like to work with cotton yarn in a lighter weight, but not in the crochet cotton weight.  This is the type of yarn I use for pot holders, some baby clothes, wash cloths or dish cloths.  I like to use bright colors so brands without a bright pretty cotton candy pink are not contenders.  I also do not like yarn to split when knitting or crocheting with it.  If there are several plies twisted together and one strand does not get picked up with the needle or hook, there will be a stray strand poking out of my work.  The yarn is not as strong when it is missing a stray strand.  I have been using Catania Yarn.  They have the best pink, even though they call it orchard.  LOL

Do you remember a few years ago I blogged about a pair of tennis shoes on a stump in the back yard of a house that neighbors my place of employment.  This same pair of tennis shoes is still there on the stump in the back yard.  When the lawn is mowed, they mow around the shoes.  What would be the purpose?  I guess they would work well as bird feeders. 

Ball

I hope you have a ball this fall!

May God Bless you and yours!  Dawnie

Free Range Bunny

The last two days have been a little cloudy and rainy.  Yesterday, I photographed the girls out enjoying the day, even though it was sprinkling.  Do you see the extra one in the photo?  It is not a chicken.  It is a cotton tail bunny.  The bunny has been hanging around the girls for about a month.  I am not sure where she lives, but it must be in our back yard or one of the neighboring yards.  

 Have a wonderful week!  Blessings to you and yours!  Dawnie

Dawn's Flower Pot Holder

one version during practice--full of petals

A version of my pot holder, but it is much fuller.

I like to use the pot holders under tea pots.  This potholder reminds me of the fall.

                                                                 

I've been doing the domestic goddess thing around the house this week. I am still on the potholder making kick.  Most of them are being given away or will be given away.  Eventually I will place a few on the website.  I made one using red as the base color and on the last row and the center row.  It is very bright, but I like brightness in a dull day, especially when the winter is here and all of the exterior natural beauty has become dull and dormant in the winter.

I have pumpkin spice fragrance melts transporting our home to fall.  Bruce is eating Snickerdoodle ice cream.  It is going to be fall soon and we are in the mood.  I made a batch of peach butter and a small batch of bread and butter pickles so far this weekend.   I will be canning tomatoes next.

I wanted to show you how I make my crocheted flower potholders and provide you with the pattern in case you wish to make one.  I have tried several ways, experimenting with colors, fullness, and method.  My favorite method is the following one:

Dawn's Flower Pot Holder

Materials:  I am using a fingering weight cotton and a size E crochet hook, but use the size you are comfortable with.  There is not a gauge to this pattern.  If it is too big, leave off the last 2 rows.  If it is too small, add two more rows.   If you want a less crowded look between the rows, make triple crochet stitches instead of double crochet stitches on the base of the potholder.  I can't tell you how many yards of yarn you will need since it depends on the way you wish design the colors.

I start with a chain of 6 and I slip stitch it together forming a circle.  You are making the base of the potholder with these 10 rows.

Flower potholder base.

Flower potholder base up close and personal.

Second row of petals.

Third row of petals.

Fourth row of petals.

Last row of petals and the loop.  Next to new batch of bread and butter pickles.

Back .  The back is lacy looking and as pretty as the front.

If the potholder does not lay down well enough, add a little steam from your steam iron, or place a hot pot of tea on top.

Row 1:  In this circle, chain 3 and follow this by 13 double crochet stitches.  Like usual, the chain 3 will count as the first double crochet stitch.  Slip stitch into the top of the chain 3, completing the circle.

Row 2:  Chain 3 and single crochet in that same stitch,  double crochet two stitches in each of the nest stitches.   Slip stitch into the top of the chain 3 stitch, completing the circle.

Row 3:  Chain 3 stitches, skip one stitch and slip stitch into the next stitch.  This will form a loop.  Continue this all of the way around the circle making loops.  You should have 14 loops.  If you make a mistake and end up with an extra stitch, just make one loop longer or shorter.  Not all flower petals are the same size and shape.  Relax and enjoy the process.  Don't just focus on the product.

Row 4:  In the next row, slip stitch around the corner of the first chain, going into the center of the and slip stitch into the first skipped stitch.  Chain3.  Double crochet two more times in this same stitch.  *In the next skipped stitch double crochet three times.  Continue from the *throughout the row.  Slip stitch into the top of the chain 3 stitch, completing the circle.

Row 5:  Repeat row 3.  You will have 21 loops.

Row 6:  Repeat row 4.

Row 7:  Repeat row 3.  You will have 31 loops.

Row 8:  Repeat row 4.

Row 9:  Chain 4 stitches, skip two stitches and slip stitch into the next stitch.  This will form a loop.  Continue this all of the way around the circle making loops.  You should have 21 loops.

Row 10:   In the next row, slip stitch around the corner of the first chain, going into the center of the loop and slip stitch into the first skipped stitch.  Chain3.  Double crochet one more time in this stitch. In the next slipped stitch make two double crochet stitches.  Now you will *go on to the center of the next loop and in each of the 2 skipped stitches, make 2 double crochet stitches.  Continue from the *throughout the row.  Slip stitch into the top of the chain 3 stitch, completing the circle.

Row 11:  Repeat row 9.  You should have 28 loops.

You have completed the base.  At this time, clip off and tuck in or weave in the ends.

Center of the flower:  You can skip this step or even sew a button on the center of the flower.  Choose the same color as the base or use a contrasting color.  Attach yarn around one of the post of one of the center 14 double crochet stitches on the front of the potholder.  Chain 10 stitches and slip stitch around the center of the next double crochet post.  Chain 10 stitches and slip stitch around the center of the next double crochet post.  Continue in this manner all the way around the circle.  Clip the threads and tuck in or weave in the ends.

The petals:  Each petal will be made in the loops.  Each petal may be made the same color, or  you may want to change colors in every row.  If you really get brave, switch colors after completing half of the petals in a row, or switch back and forth with two colors throughout a row.  Each petal is made the same way, the only difference is the amount of the center stitches.

First petal row:  Attach the color you desire to the first loop on row 3.  In this loop and every loop on this row, you will make one single crochet stitch, one half double stitch, 4 double crochet stitches, one half double stitch, and one single crochet stitch.  Do the stitches in the order listed.  Slip stitch into the first petal to form a complete row.  Clip the threads and tuck in or weave in the ends.

Second petal row:  Each petal should be made as follows:  one single crochet stitch, one half double stitch, 5 double crochet stitches, one half double stitch, and one single crochet stitch.

Third petal row:  Each petal should be made as follows:  one single crochet stitch, one half double stitch, 6 double crochet stitches, one half double stitch, and one single crochet stitch.

Fourth petal row:  Each petal should be made as follows:  one single crochet stitch, one half double stitch, 7 double crochet stitches, one half double stitch, and one single crochet stitch.

Fifth petal row:  Each petal should be made as follows:  one single crochet stitch, one half double stitch, 8 double crochet stitches, one half double stitch, and one single crochet stitch.

Clip all loose threads and tuck or weave in the ends.

Loop:  The loop is optional.  You may choose to make a chain loop by chaining 14 stitches on the last row after you finish the last petal and slip stitch into the beginning of the first chain.  I like to use plastic rings.  I sometimes sew them on and at times I single crochet around the ring and fasten it on the outer edge of the potholder.  My brother prefers not to have the plastic rings because he feels they will melt during use.  If you plan to use this potholder as an object of desire and do not wish to use it.  I would add the ring for hanging and also for dangling a charm.

I hope the directions are understandable.  I try to be specific when writing out patterns so less experienced crocheters will be able to understand the directions.  If you find a mistake or have a question, please give me an email.  dawn@custercottage.com

Please let me know what you think of my blog and/or pattern.  What would you be more interested in, if this post is not helpful in some way or at least an interesting read?

I should sign off like my son does.  It just makes me chuckle a little.  " I am there for you if you need something or just want to talk.  Good night to all of my friends and Facebook fans."


Thank you for viewing!  Blessings to you and yours!  Dawnie

Our Peach Harvest

Earlier I showed you peaches I picked from my peach tree.  Several years ago squirrels planted a seed from a neighbor's peach tree and this developed into a tree.  This year is the first harvest for us.  The tree was loaded!  The peaches are small compared to what we have purchased at the grocery store, (store bought in Kansas farm language).  I will be making jam soon.  Don't tell anyone, but it will be Christmas gifts from my family.

My sister gave me a trivet.  We attended an auction in Smith Center.  I had eyes on a trivet, but I could not stay for the whole auction.  She bought it for me and left it at my mom's home for me to pick up.  I was at my mom's this weekend, so I have it now!

I hope you had a wonderful weekend!  Blessings to you and yours!  Dawnie

Tomaters

This year I purchased some tomatoes.  Half of my purchase consisted of yellow/orange tomatoes.  These were so beautiful!  The white and green area under the stem was very small and therefore I had little waste when this area was removed.  I canned chopped tomatoes and seasoned them with Italian seasonings.

I found these hanging tomatoes many years ago at Hobby Lobby.  :-).

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Autumn is a coming!

Enjoy your last days of Summer!  
Sunday,  September 22, 
is the First Day of Fall,
or the First Day of Autumn,
or the Autumnal Equinox, 
or the  September Equinox. 
How do you refer to the season?  
To me, Autumn sounds more refined.   
Autumnal Equinox or September Equinox confuses people, even though the meaning is the same.   Where has this summer gone?   A couple of weeks ago, it felt like fall was around the corner due to cooler temperatures and rain.  Today, it was just plain hot!  

Do you have traditions you like to do this time of year?  I think many of us are canning or putting up  food for the winter.  We may not be squirrels, but we are still nesting.  I am looking forward to the apple harvest!  I love the smell of applesauce cooking on the stove.  Does this season bring back distant, happy, memories?  

My grandmother canned a relish using carrots as just one ingredient.  The relish is the best I have ever eaten.  I have misplaced the recipe.  Does anyone have a recipe similar to share with me?  


Soon we will be dusting off our teapots and pouring a hot cup of comfort!  I would like to remind you to view my website and see all of the Tea Cozies and Sunday Undies available.  I will take 10% off of every item ordered during the month of September.    http://www.custercottage.com

Enjoy the season and take time to savor every good smell and memory!  Blessings to you and yours!  Dawnie 

Pour a cup of kindness!

Back in Action

 Do you ever have one of those days that turns into one of those weeks and then one of those months.....  Actually I am referring to my electronics.  My computer finally had to be replaced.  It has too many issues to list.  Then my camera memory card got stuck inside my camera.  A new memory card did not work. On the bright side, I only lost a couple pictures.  I finally replaced the camera, so you will see pictures again.  Lucky you.  LOL

I have continued making pot holders for crafting pleasure.  I plan to sell and gift most of them.  I use a thin cotton yarn to make them.  The yarn is a bit thicker than what grandma used, but it is not thicker worsted weight yarn. 

 

Today was Glenn's moving day. 

A few years ago the squirrels planted a peach tree in my front flower bed.  I let it grow, but kept the side trimmed and away from the driveway.  It is an odd shaped tree, but this year we have several peaches.  The peaches are smaller than the store bought ones and they are not as ripe.  I had to brag a little about having my own peaches.

 I hope you had a wonderful Labor Day!

Thank you for viewing.
 

 Blessings to you and yours!  Dawnie