Sunrise in Bermuda 

Dockyard in Bermuda 

Shelly Bay Beach Bermuda 

Okay, so I lied-really last post til next week

Okay, I lied. I did fully intend for my last post to be the last til I left, but then MAIL GOODIES!!!! Beth, I cannot thank you enough for the wonderful belated birthday surprise! I am so excited. First of all, she sent 400 yards of the delicious Carnival yarn! This is a yummy blend of silk and rayon, like a happy rainbow in a yarn cake and I have the pattern picked out! Dawn's Keyhole Scarf! Beth also sent a set of smaller (sizes D-H) Brittany wooden hooks, to complete my set in a nifty case.


Thank you so much my dear-after my self-imposed yarn diet this was double exciting for me, but you know you didn't have to!

I love ya and thanks!!!!

Last Post before Bermuda

We're leaving tomorrow, around 11:00 AM to drive to Baltimore for the cruise ship. No, I'm not packed yet-did you think I would be?????? Of course, my crochet tote is packed already, can't forget any of that.

Laundry is in the dryer now, soccer clothes washed for next week and some other stuff is done-no worries here.

Elena did fine at the sleepover, too fine. She didn't want to leave and go to soccer. They had their first game this AM and three kids on the team didn't show. Of course that meant no breaks for the kids playing. Around 10 minutes before the end of the game, Elena looked at me and said "You are embarrassing me-can't you embarrass someone from the blue team?" (we are the orange team). About a minute later she burst into tears and ran off the field. Apparently 5 (or less) hours sleep, and probably not good sleep, does not agree with her. She literally had a meltdown, as did another little girl who was at the party on the other team. It was so muggy and warm, all the kids were tired. We went home and Elena got out of her soccer clothes and literally passed out on the couch for about 3 hours. Poor baby was so tired-rightfully so. We did win the game, although technically all games are supposed to end in a tie, the other team couldn't catch up.

Mike checked the weather forecast for Bermuda, chance of showers for the next ten days. Of course I wouldn't catch a break would I? I don't even care, truth be told. There's enough on the boat to do. Mike downloaded some stuff and there is a public park with a public beach on one of the bus routes we can get to once in Bermuda. I want to sit on the beach a day. Then the other day we can shop at the tourist trap shops set up in port. I'm looking forward to some quiet time with no phones (or computer) for that matter.

I'll be back next weekend-Happy Hooking!!!!

"Snuggly" Scarf Pattern (or one skein Homespun Scarf)

Snuggly Scarf
This scarf is super soft, super warm and works up in a jiffy!
Measures 5 1/2" x 60" (this version-you can make it any width, length you desire)

Now, I've had some questions, so I hope this clarifies some of them for you.

You can make this any size you want. Just make sure the starting chain is a multiple of 3 (eg-16=3 x 5 +1) and add 1 stitch to the starting chain.

Materials needed:
1 skein of Lion Brand Homespun Yarn-6 ounce skein, 185 yards (you will have a little left over)
M hook
Blunt needle to weaving in ends

Stitches Used:
Chain (ch), Single Crochet (sc) and Double Crochet (dc)

Directions:

Chain 13

Row 1-*Sc, dc, dc* in second chain from hook (all three stitches in same stitch), skip two chains and repeat from * to * ending with a sc in last chain. Chain 2 and turn.
In second chain from hook, do one single crochet and two double crochets, all in the same stitch. Skip two chain and do one single crochet/2 double crochets in the next stitch across. The the last stitch, skip two chains and do one single crochet in the last stitch, chain 2 and turn.

This row may look wonky, it'll work out in the next row and you will see the pattern

Row 2-?: 2 dc in same stitch as sc in last row, *sc, dc, dc* in sc of previous row across to end, end with sc in last chain, ch 2 and turn.
Now, do 2 double crochets in the single crochet from the last row. This will be the first stitch. Then continue with skip two chains and single crochet/2 double crochet in next stitch (this stitch with be the single crochet from the previous row).

Just continue this pattern until it's the size you want, for as many rows as desired. You can make it wider and longer, bu using more yarn or thinner and longer, etc. It's your call. The one I made measures 5 1/2" x 60 and used up almost a whole skein of the Homespun. I did the fringe for the ends and still had a little left over.

You can leave it as is, it won't curl or add fringe across ends, knotting ends of fringe to prevent fraying.

You can use a few strands of thinner yarn held together for a different look, smaller hook/thinner yarn, etc. Just adjust your starting chain according to the instructions and this scarf can have a million different looks.









Images are clickable

Copyright 2005 Deneen St Amour, please don't swipe this as your own and sell this pattern. Pattern may be linked only. Pattern cannot be sold, but scarves made from it may and all that other legal stuff!

Edited 12/09/05

Finally Finished "Blues" Shawl

For some reason, this was slow going. It was an easy pattern, but whenever I feel rushed, I make stupid little mistakes (like forgetting the chain 2 in between and going around for another round before noticing it), etc. I also used the aluminum K hook with the Rainbow Boucle cause I hated the squeaky noise the damn yarn make on my Crystallites hook. Anyway, it's this pattern. I did the full 28 rounds and then finished the neckline as it said to. Since I doubt the rainbow boucle fringes well, and I wasn't about to try it on this one, I did a shell stitch edging around and the second round a chain stitch from shell to shell.

I am now stuck with 1/4 ball of Rainbow boucle and have no clue what to do with it? I want to make a few scarves perhaps, but want to work them so it's tonal like this and not gradiated color. That would mean a granny square type round, which I hate making. This shawl was done from the middle out and it is kinda granny square stitch. Anyway, any ideas or pattern suggestions would be nice!






Other news, the Back to School night went well, which I knew it would. Elena really adores school, which is cool. Anyway, in kindergarten they are keeping journals using a writing method which goes by what they hear. An example would be: I am a grl for "I am a girl". Since I volunteered to be a helper at the school, they asked me to come in and help out with the journal writing. It's pretty time intensive and they have a teacher and two aides work with the kids, but with 16 of em, it takes a while. Of course I said yes. I also decided to lead a Daisy Girl Scout Group. It's every other week. We can do it at the school or the firehouse. Now, it all sounded great til I realized I needed "training seminars and CPR certifications". It's all making me double think this. I thought it would be fun for Elena to do that and then Brownies. I never did either, but was a Girl Scout for a few years. Of course, my mom never was a leader, but I thought it would be good for Elena since soccer is done the end of October and twice a month seems easy. I'm already scratching my head over this decision.

I have to really pack up a bunch of stuff today for the trip. I do have to do laundry tomorrow too cause I need the clothing in the hamper for myself for the trip, as well as need to wash Elena's soccer uniform for next Saturday.

Elena has her sleep over party tonight and I am nervous about it. Just nervous she'll be scared and too embarrassed to have them call me to get her. Nervous she'll avoid the bathroom at all costs. Okay, just outright nervous. My husband is anxious for the time together alone tonight, but I know both of us will be fretting and waiting for the phone to ring.

I decided to take a ball of wool and my felted tote bag pattern. I can't full it there, of course, but it'll give me something easy and mindless. I may take the bowl pattern and give it another go with different wool too.

Well, I'm off to do some stuff around here. Have a nice day!

Quack! Waterfowl!

Everyone else was a cuddly kitten, then Stacy was a farm animal, but a cute one and me, waterfowl!

You Are A: Duck!

Found in many lakes and ponds, ducks are a common site the world over. Known for their famous quack, ducks tend to congregate in flocks or go off on their own in pairs. As a duck, you may seem friendly at times but will not hesitate to bite if someone is bothering you. Your love for travel and your ability to swim are some reasons why you are a duck.

You were almost a: Bear Cub or a Kitten
You are least like a: Groundhog or a ChipmunkCute Animals Quiz

As seen on Kari's, Lori's, Andrea's and Stacy's blogs!

"Marvelous" Fulled Mini Tote Bag

Inspired by Marvie, tested by Heather and now Annie Modesitt approved. Here's the pattern (this is also available as a Free Ravelry Download found here and includes instructions for using Lambs Pride Bulky wool and other pictures):

Marvelous Felted Mini Tote Bag

Materials needed

3.5 ounces of worsted weight 100% wool (not superwash). Paton’s Merino Wool is a perfect example.

Size K crochet hook

Blunt needle for weaving in ends

Washing machine for fulling/felting

No sewing involved

Bag size after felting/fulling is 8” across and 10” high from bottom to tip of handle.

You can try using a J hook if you are a loose crocheter or hold two strands of yarn together with the K hook for a stiffer bag.

Stitches Used

Chain (ch), slip stitch (ss), single crochet (sc) and half double crochet (hdc)

Instructions

Chain 4, join with sl st to form ring

Round 1-Ch 2, work 9 hdc in ring, join with sl st in top of ch 2 (10)

Round 2-Ch 2, hdc in same space, work 2 hdcs in each st around, join with sl st to to of ch 2. (20)

Round 3-Ch 2; hdc in same stitch, hdc in next stitch (2 hdc in next st, hdc in next stitch) repeat around, join with sl st in ch 2. (30)

Round 4-Ch 2, hdc in same stitch, hdc in next 2 sts. (2 hdc in next stitch, hdc in next 2 stitches) repeat around, join in sl st in ch 2 (40)

Round 5- Ch 2, hdc in same stitch, hdc in 3 sts(2 hdc in next stitch, hdc in next 3 stitches) repeat around, join in sl st in ch 2 (50)

Round 6- Ch 2, hdc in same stitch, hdc in 4 sts(2 hdc in next stitch, hdc in next 4 stitches) repeat around, join in sl st in ch 2 (60)

Round 7- Ch 2, hdc in same stitch, hdc in 5 sts(2 hdc in next stitch, hdc in next 5 stitches) repeat around, join in sl st in ch 2 (70)

Round 8-Ch 1, hdc in each stitch around in BLO (back loops only), join in 1st hdc. (70)

Round 9-22 – Ch1, hdc in each stitch around and sl st to first hdc (70)

Round 23-24 - Ch 1, sc each stitch around (70)

Round 25 – Ch 1, sc in next 13 stitches, chain 15, skip next 9 sc and sc in next sc from the skipped 9 sc (10th stitch) (this is the handle), sc in next 25 (total of 26 sc), ch 15, skip next 9 sc and sc in next sc from the skipped 9 sc (10th stitch) and sc in remaining and sl stitch to first sc (should be 13 sc).


Round 26-29 – Ch 1, sc each stitch around including handles

Round 30-Sl st each ch around., fasten off, weave in ends

I also did a slip stitch around the inside of the handles to make them sturdier.

For two colors, I did my changes in round 10, round 17 and round 23

Felting Instructions

Place bag in a mesh sweater washer bag, tied pillowcase, etc. Fibers will clog washing machine.

Use hottest water setting and set control for small load. Add a splash of some laundry detergent or vinegar (this changes the pH and allows fulling to happen). Toss in a couple towels, canvas sneakers, pairs of jeans (that you want to wash in hot water) and run through cycle. Check back. If not fulled, run through cycle again til bag is felted/fulled to your liking. Allow to air dry a day or so.

I found if I had trouble fulling wool, I add double the soap needed for a small load. This helps, but then you must run through another cycle to make sure it’s fully rinsed out.




Two color fulled bag using Lambs Pride Bulky



Single color fulled bag (photo courtesy of Heather Balletto)



Pre-fulled bag (Photo courtesy of Heather Balletto)


Copyright 2005 to Deneen St Amour. This is my own pattern, not to be posted (unless linked back here), sold or distributed by anyone but myself and all that other good stuff. Basically, don't steal it as your own or I'll have to come and beat you with a rubber hose!

Updated on 08/25/09

After fulling 

Heather's pre-fulled bag 

Scarf/Wrap from Ro 

Moonlight Mohair

Well, I bought the yarn. I had a $30 gift card, a 40% off coupon, a 50% off coupon and bought four skeins and am praying it's enough. It was $9 a skein, which for Lion Brand anything seems high, but how I wanted it. I picked it up and put it down no less than 4 times. I went through all the other yarn there and couldn't find anything even close to it. I may try the trellis shawl (which may not work out, I may have needed more yarn) or the mohair shawl from Crochet Me!, which uses 440 yds of mohair, but has ginormous tassels, which I wouldn't make. I have 340 yards, which with the discounts still cost $28.00. I really want a gift card to eBay to get the rayon silk yarn, a whole 2 lbs. for $13.00. There's always Christmas!

This is the yarn I bought and the color is Rainforest, which is definitely prettier than the picture.

On to other things, my pattern tester Heather, found a huge goof in my Marvelous Felted Tote pattern. I left out 9 sc! Eeeks! Thank goodness I had people testing. The bag was accepted yesterday to the calendar from pictures, I told Annie the pattern was being tested and she asked to see it to try it out with some wool she had in her stash. Of course, I sent her the correction, but of all times to have a correction, it had to be with her.

The cookout was fab yesterday, fun was had by all. Today we plan to have a cookout with shrimp, Dungeness crabs, stuffed clams and Jersey white corn. Kind of a "end of summer", just Mike, myself and Elena (not that Elena will eat any of it, but still).

Tomorrow school starts. I am nervous and excited all at once. My mom took the day off to see Elena off too, as well as Mike. I plan to finally get the pool lounge set up and hang out there one day, alone! It even has a drink holder, so I'm psyched for the time. The house is actually clean, just the playroom and office are horrendous. I can work on it next week, I am so looking forward to quiet and a shower without interruptions, I may just burst from the excitement.

Have a good holiday!

Another pattern for next years calendar....

I just heard from Annie Modesitt and my Snuggly Scarf has been accepted into the calendar. I promise to post pics and the pattern soon. You see, I made one for my scarf swap partner and a set for Lori and don't want to post til they get them. Now, if I could only start getting paid for these patterns...........(LOL)

"Marvelous" Felted Mini Tote Bag

Marvie had done a similar one some time ago and, of course, didn't write up the pattern. I decided to give it a try and even wrote out the pattern-perhaps a submission for the 2007 calendar. Anyway, it's named for Marvie!

I used the wool my secret sistah sent and probably should have doubled it up to make it firmer, but it's fine for toting around a crochet project, as long as it's small.

I am looking for testers, I did post a call on Crochetville, but of course, you guys can test too.

I used about 3.5 ounces of ww wool and a k hook.

It's not completely dry, so measurements weren't done. It's actually blocking on my head mannequin right now. I realized a few changes I should have made and rewrote the pattern.

Here's a few pics:





Before fulling





After Fulling