Busy Busy Busy

I am sorry I have not been posting regularly.  I am working full time now and it really takes a lot my time and a lot out of me.  I do have some projects on the back burner, but sadly, it is on the back burner.  I am trying to get into a regimen of allowing some "down" time so I can get back into my crochet.  By the time I get home from work, take Zeus for his walk, get dinner, it is 8PM and I am so tired, I cannot get myself motivated to do anything.

So with that I will say, keep an eye out.... I plan on returning with some new goodies. 

New Projects

It has been a while since I posted anything.  Hope everyone had a fun and safe Halloween.  I have been really busy with work and life in general.  I did, however, complete a few projects.

This is Crocheted Holiday Pumpkin Trio. The pattern includes all three pumpkins.

This is the Large Crocheted Harvest Holiday Pumpkin.  This is a large pumpkin, great for Thanksgiving centerpiece.

Both patterns are available as a free download through Ravelry.  If you are not a member of Ravelry, send me an email and I will email the pattern to you.

More to come shortly!

Happy Crocheting!

Chelsea the Cat

As you all know, I love to receive and post completed projects from my readers.  Here is Chelsea the Cat done by Karen.  Isn't she just adorable?  Job well done Karen!

Keep those pics coming and I will post. 

Have a safe 4th!

AXELROD'S BUDS

Here are a couple of completed projects from one of my readers.  Although he just started crocheting, his projects are great.  Nice job!  Here is Axlotl and Meep.

This is Axlotl.

 And this is Meep.

I apologize it took me a while to post these, I have been really busy.  Keep up the great work, well done!

Graduation Kitty - Download Link

The free pattern download link is in.  Just click on the pattern of your choice and the download option should appear.  If you encounter any issues or problems with the download link, send me an email and I will email the pattern to you and correct the link.

You can find all of the free download links on the right side of my blog, under the header of "Free Pattern Downloads."

Enjoy and Happy Crocheting!

Graduation Kitty

I get so involved with day to day things (like working full time, lol), I kinda put my love for creating on the back burner.  I forget how therapeutic it is.  I had a request from my friend to make something for her daughters graduation.  So, I put on my thinking cap and tried to come up with something that was handmade, would convey the love and effort I put into creating it and hope it would be appreciated.  Well, she loved it!  I was very happy and decided to share the pattern here. 

Here it is.... my newest addition to my Kitty series - Graduation Kitty.  I have not put the download link in yet, so if you would like it, drop me a line (email) and I will gladly send you the pattern.  Or, if you are a member of Ravelry, you can download it there free (Iam Armina911 in Ravelry).  Kitty measures 3-1/2" tall, was really fun to make.  The pattern includes instructions on how to made the diploma, graduation banner and the graduation cap.

Enjoy and Happy Crocheting!

INCREDIBLE DISCOVERY

The last two weeks, I have been spending time in the garage organizing and purging.  All the boxes were stacked on top of each other, a real mess.  It took me 2 1/2 years to do this but it was well worth it.  My move was so sudden and so quick, it was quite traumatic and I just could not bring myself to get to this deadly chore.  But I do have to say, once I got started, I kept discovering things I forgot I had.  Some were keepers, some were trash and others bagged for Goodwill.  And, in my keepers, I came across my very first knitting book.  Back in the day, I did not have all of the luxuries we have today to learn a technique or a craft.  We solely depended on books and skill.  Today we have the internet, and a plethora of information available at our fingertips, just a "google" away.    I sat and stared at this book and said wow, this was the book that started it all for me.  Now I am on a mission.....  I am looking for my first how to crochet book.  I felt like I hit the lotto! 

                                                               The Right Way To Knit

                                                            Pay close attention to the date.

 Wow this really makes me feel old, lol.  I just had to share this.

FREE PATTERNS - UPDATE

I have calmed down since my last post.  I did contact that website in question (which will remain nameless for now) and they did remove the listing.  I can't blame the website, they can only take the individuals word for the item(s) in question.    I think what really upset me was not only is the pattern posted here on my blog for free, that person took it upon herself to use my photo as well.  Sigh.....   I apologize for my rant earlier, but I was a tad upset.

FREE PATTERNS

I am a little upset - a reader emailed me and notified me that someone was selling my pattern on another website.  I do on occasion give permission for the item to be sold, but not the pattern.  What was really bothersome was the pattern in question is posted on my blog and is free!   Please contact me if you want to sell any items made from my patterns, but please, do not sell the pattern itself.    Not only did that individual infringe on the rights of my pattern, that individual used my photo, as it appeared from my blog!  A little professional courtesy and respect for one's work is always appreciated.

I will get off my soap box now.  Thank you.

PATTERN DOWNLOADS

I have had several requests for patterns from my blog.  All of my free patterns are available as a free download.   There is a link to the right of the blog with all of the patterns listed.  Just click on the pattern you want and the it should download.  If you encounter any difficulties with any of the download, let me know and I will correct it.  Or, if you would like a specific pattern and the download link is not available, send me an email and I will be more than happy to send it to you.

Thanks and Happy Crocheting!

Homemade Twinkies Recipe

I had a request from a reader for the Homemade Twinkies Recipe I posted a while back.  Here is my recipe:

HOMEMADE TWINKIES
Yields:  16 Twinkies

Golden Sponge Cake:

6 large eggs, separated

1-1/2 cups cake flour, sifted twice

1-1/2 heaping tsps baking powder

Dash salt

1-1/2 cups granulated sugar

1/3 cup + 2 tbsp water

1 tsp vanilla

1.         Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

2.                  Separate eggs – whites in smaller bowl and yolks in a medium sized bowl.  Make sure bowl with egg whites is dry and clean.

3.                  Sift flour, baking powder and salt twice.  Set aside.

4.                 Beat egg whites until stiff.  Set aside.  With same beaters, beat egg yolks and sugar until golden lemon color.  Add water and vanilla.  Beat until blended.

5.                  Add flour mixture and beat until blended, DO NOT OVER BEAT.

6.                  Fold in beaten egg whites.

7.         Spray 2 Twinkie cake pans with cooking spray.  Spoon batter into prepared pans 2/3 full. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until top springs back when lightly touched.  Remove from oven.  Immediately invert onto cooling racks and cool cakes completely.

 Whipped Cream Filling:

16 oz Whipping Cream, chilled

3/4 cup powdered sugar

Beat whipping cream and powdered sugar in large bowl until stiff.

To Fill Twinkies:

1.  Fit pastry bag with writing tip.

2.  Fill pastry bag with whipped cream.

3.  Insert tip of decorating tip and squeeze whipped cream into twinkie.  You will have 3 holes – one each end and one in center.  As you squeeze the pastry bag, the whipped cream may overflow to the top.  After you are done filling, use a knife and scrape off excess.

4.  To keep fresh and store easily, individually wrap in plastic wrap and chill.

Keep refrigerated.

Twinkie Pan by Norpro - I purchased mine from Amazon.com.  For this recipe, you will need 2 pans. 

Baked Twinkies cooling on wire racks.

Baked Twinkies filled.  I wrapped them individually with plastic wrap and keep them refrigerated.









These are delicious and disappear quickly.  Enjoy & Bon Appetit!

Happy New Year!

WOW!!! 2013, cannot believe how quickly the time goes.  It has been a while since I posted anything, just been so busy.  I am working full time now, so it gets a little difficult for me to find the time.   I did want to take this opportunity to wish everyone a very healthy, happy, peaceful and prosperous new year.  I do have some project lurking in the background, hopefully will get some spare time to get them done.  Again, Happy 2013!

BEEN A WHILE

It has been a long time since I posted.  I have been so busy with my job I have not had much time for anything else. 

A reader posted a comment on Mr & Mrs Mouse, asking about the blush I use for my Amigurumi.  I use regular human face blush, applied with a Q-Tip.  Nothing expensive or fancy.....  I purchased mine from my local 99 Cent Store.  Any face blush will work, just apply lightly. 

Also, I wanted to share these photos.  This is Gerry the Ami Goat with Geri.  How cute are they?
Great job!  I love it.

Happy Mothers Day

I want to wish every Mom and Mom To Be a very Happy Mothers Day.  It should be Mothers Day every day lol.

Happy Mothers Day!

New Projects - Patterns

I have been busy - finished some new patterns and wanted to share them with you.  Here are a few of the patterns:

This is my Crocheted Matryoshka Babushka Dolls - Large measures 5-1/2". Medium measures 4" and Small measures 2-1/2".

This is Sam the Sock Monkey.  He measures 12".  Child safe, no removable parts.

These two cuties are my Crocheted Tiny Tot Baby Twins.  Each doll measures 7".  Child safe, no removable parts.  The toy pacifier is optional.

This little guy is Crocheted Tiny Micro Bear.  He measures 2-1/2".

This is Crocheted Hilda The Hippo.  She measures 7" long and 7" tall.

This is my Witty Bitty Collection - Witty Bitty Gerry the Goat.  He is the small version of my original Gerry The Goat pattern.    Lil Gerry measures 4-1/2" tall and 4" long.

This is the original Gerry and Lil Gerry together.

All of these patterns are available at my Etsy, Artfire and Ravelry stores.

Happy Crocheting!

Questions

I wanted to pop a quick note - if you have a question about any of my techniques or my patterns, it is easier for me to respond via email.  Drop me a note and I will respond.  It is difficult to answer your questions through my blog.

Thanks!

My Three Angels

I am still adjusting to losing my Hollywood this past weekend. He has joined his buddies - Midnite on left, passed at 17 years of age, Baby in Center, passed at 15 years of age and Hollywood, on right, passed at 15 years of age. They are in Kitty heaven, together again.
Zeus seems a little disoriented, he lost his playmate.


Zeus and Hollywood together, a loving moment.

Rest In Peace Hollywood

Hollywood, 1998 - 2012. I loved you dearly and you will be missed. You were a special cat, in many ways, brought such joy and warmth in my life. My heart is heavy with your loss, but I know you are no longer in pain. Rest in Peace Hollywood.

Lend Me A Kitten

I will lend to you for a while
a kitten, God said.
For you to love while he lives,
and mourn after he’s dead.

Maybe for twelve or fourteen years,
or maybe just two or three.
But will you, ‘till I call him back,
take care of him for me?

He’ll bring his charms to gladden you
and should his stay be brief,
you’ll always have his memories
as solace for your grief.

I cannot promise he will stay,
since all from earth return.
But there are lessons you can give
I want this kitten to learn.

I’ve looked the whole world over
in search of teachers true,
And from the folk that crowds life’s land
I have chosen you.

Now will you give him all your love,
nor think the labor vain?
Nor hate me when I come to take
my kitten home again?

And my heart replied,
“My Lord, Thy Will Be Done.”
For all the joys this kitten brings,
the risk of grief I’ll run.

We’ll shelter him with tenderness,
we’ll love him while we may.
And for the happiness that we’ve known,
forever grateful stay.

But should you call him back
much sooner than we planned,
We’ll brave the bitter grief that comes,
and try to understand.

If by our love we’ve managed
your wishes to achieve,
in memory of his sweet sweet love,
please help us while we grieve.

And when our cherished kitten
departs this world of strife,
Please send yet another needing soul
for us to love all his life.

Author Unknown

More New Porjects

I am on a roll.... I have all these ideas floating in my head, not enough time to get them all done. Here are few that I did finish. All new additions to my Witty Bitty Collection.


This is my Witty Bitty Baby Panda, 3" tall.

Witty Bitty Hippo Twins, sitting Hippo is 3-1/2" tall and standing Hippo 3-1/2" tall and 3" long.


















And this Witty Bitty Baby MollyMoo. This one happens to be my favorite. She is the smaller version of my large MollyMoo the Amigurumi Cow. Baby MollyMoo measures 4" tall and 3-1/2" long.

All of these patterns are available at my Etsy and Artfire stores and also in Ravelry.

My brain is on an overload right now, more new goodies to come!

Happy Crocheting!

New Projects

Well here I am, after taking a hiatus from my crafts. After my move, I was so disoriented with a lot of my things in boxes. I think I am finally coming around. So, with that said, I want to share some of my new projects. I will be posting pattern information soon. So here they are:

This is Roley Poley Easter Bunny. Bunny measures 6" tall, from base to tip of ears.




This is my Crocheted Baby Rag Doll Anne and she measures 9" tall.


My Witty Bitty Rag Doll Annie - she is a tiny one and measures 5" tall.


And my last one, my Witty Bitty Piggy Twins, each is 3-1/2" tall.

Pattern info will be coming soon!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

I wanted to take this opportunity and wish everyone a very Healthy, Happy, Peaceful and Prosperous New Year. Another year is passing, and as I reflect on 2011, I am hoping 2012 will be more fruitful. I have been so busy with so many things this year I feel I did not have a productive year as far as my crafting goes. I am hoping 2012 will be better. Stay tuned for some new patterns! Stay safe.

Happy New Year!

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

Wishing everyone Happy Holidays! May your days be filled with family, friends and loving memories.

Merry Christmas!

More Projects

It has been a while since I posted, I have had so many things going on, not enough time in the day to get them done. But I do have some completed projects from my readers which I felt was worthy of sharing. And here they are:



This is Ellie, the Crocheted Poodle.



This Peanut, the Witty Bitty Elephant.



And this is the Crocheted Shell Bookmark.

Aren't they beautiful? Thank you for letting me share these. Let me see your wonderful projects and I would love to share them with all my readers.

Happy Crocheting!

Another Winner!

Shannon from El Paso, Texas finished Snoopy for her son. I wanted to share this with everyone. How cute is that?!? Her son loved it. Thank you Shannon for letting me share your Snoopy with everyone. Great job!

2012 Crochet Calendar Update

I had a few readers email me asking which of my patterns were published. Here is a list:




Pugsly The Puppy
May 2

















Witty Bitty Baby Lamb
October 17













Witty Bitty Baby Elephant
June Bonus















Egbert The Elephant
August 17











Roberta The Rabbit
November Bonus














Crocheted Neck Cozy
July 13











Witty Bitty Baby Kitty
September 5











There are rumors that the Crochet Calendar will discontinue, but from what I have heard, there will be a 2013 calendar. My only suggestion is to write Accord Publishing and voice your options in continuing with this wonderful calendar. My guess is that if they see there is a large popular demand, the calendar will definitely continue.

I want to thank everyone for all of the wonderful positive comments. Happy Crocheting!