I’ve been working on a Yo-yo flower afghan for the past few months, but I’ve avoided crocheting granny square afghans…
Most of the ones I’ve seen, have looked nice but I wasn’t interested in making those. I wanted an afghan with lots of flowers, and the look I wanted… well, I wasn’t seeing.
I eventually knew I’d see a granny square afghan pattern that would be saying, “Come on Opal, crochet me!”
Well that’s happened…
A few days ago, Pammy posted this crocheted floral afghan on her site Scotty’s Place. I think it’s gorgeous. Look at all those flowers! We have a large and small flower gardens scattered around our property. So yes… it’s safe to say that I adore flowers.
I believe this week, I’ll learn how to make granny squares. Pammy was kind enough to send me a video tutorial of the joining method, and there’s always YouTube if I run into any issues. And… my mom is the queen of afghan making. So I should be set, right?
This week I’ll start on a small granny square project. Perhaps a granny square pillow?
Next, I’ll have to decide on the color scheme for this afghan. My colors will differ from the ones pictured in this photo. After that’s sorted, I’ll head to my local yarn store and purchase the required yarn for the afghan. I’m actually excited about this crochet project. It should keep me occupied for a while.
Initially, I was trying to decide who should I give the completed floral afghan too? But, the more I think about it… I believe I’ll keep the first one. It most likely will grace my daughter’s bed. She loves bright colors as much as myself, so there’ll be plenty of those colors on display with the first afghan.
The second one I crochet will be gifted to someone special. I just don’t know who will be the lucky recipient…
Despite my love for all things fiber; fabric or yarn, I rarely purchase items on a whim. I need a place to live, right? Based on my recent “crochet amigurumi” posts that might not be possible if I go on a yarn binge…
After church yesterday, my daughter, and stopped by Michael’s. We browsed for a few moments, before I purchased embroidery floss. When I got home, I had a chance to get a good look at it; this floss is dull not glossy. I can’t use this floss. Since I haven’t opened the floss, returning the items shouldn’t be an issue.
I’m fond of DMC embroidery floss, and have been using it for about 25 years. I do test out other brands, but DMC is my favorite.
Although I know I can use other store coupons at Michael’s, I do believe I’ll pop into AC Moore. Why? It’s been years since I’ve been in the store, and I want to check out their selection of yarn…
As I mentioned in an earlier post, I normally use the cheaper acrylic yarns when I’m working on “test projects.” Acrylics have come a long way and work up quite nicely in completed objects. Also, there are several reasons why some would choose acrylic over others; allergic to animal fiber, vegan, and cost, are a few reasons. I use all types of yarn, but I don’t mind working with acrylic.
Speaking of test projects…
I’ve only participated in one crochet pattern testing (thus far) I frequently create my own patterns for projects. Which isn’t surprising, since I’ve done the same with cooking, jewelry making, knitting, and sewing? While I appreciate an occasional pattern, I do enjoy creating my own too. I’m sure as with my other crafting projects, once I get to a certain level with my crochet, I won’t use patterns as much… But as with my other hobbies, I’ll still follow those that I like, since I’m also inspired by others creativity.
And sometimes… ‘l’ll take bits and pieces from other designs and create my own.
In other news…
I’m happy to see that Nicole is back online. I recently discovered her site, and have been enjoying her crochet and knitting adventures. Welcome back, Nicole… you were missed.
It seems she’s created a play, and has given me (and her grandparents) tickets to the upcoming attraction. Which will be held this Saturday. My daughter has quite the imagination, and it’s something I’ve encouraged her to develop at a young age.
At the age of four, I’d regularly alternate between reading stories with her, and having something I called “creative story telling.” During creative story telling, the story teller was given two topics, and we’d have to create a story from that. The topics could be about anything. My daughter generally gives me generic or obscure topics (one time she asked me to write a story about banana and pink) and expected me to start creating a story as soon as she revealed them.
My stories are usually dark…
Edgar Allen Poe and Stephen King both were big influences on me as a child. Partly because I was drawn to sinister tales, and I do enjoy their writing style. By the time I was nine, I’d read all of Poe’s writings. I can still think of how my mother would tried to suppress my desire for these books, by monitoring what I got from the library. That didn’t work too well. My father had the complete collection of Edgar Allen Poe, and he wouldn’t take those away from me.
Initially, in our storytelling, I changed my stories, they weren’t as grim, although elements of my style could be found within the story if you paid attention, but I modified them a lot/ Because I knew they’d be too scary for her. Trust me, I know, I told her one after she’d begged and although she liked it, it scared her a bit.
initially I was the main one weaving stories from the two topics. However, in those early days, I’d draw my daughter into the story, by asking her opinion on what should happen, and eventually asking her to continue. When she’d stumble, I’d offer suggestions familiar to her, and sit back and listen as she’d take off; occasionally I’d give her helpful suggestions, and I always praised her efforts. As her confidence grew, she no longer needed me to assist. She would make up a story as soon as she knew the topics.
I must say it’s nice to see my daughters writing get to the point where she’s actually writing plays. It’s not the first one I’ve had the honor of attending either, and hopefully it won’t be the last. Although I wasn’t expecting this additional mother day gift, I must say I’m thrilled. It’s so nice to see her take advantage of her God given talents
These days my daughter likes my darker tales, and begs me to tell them. Currently I’m working on a series with her, and writing down what I’ve told her immediately after she falls asleep. My daughter becomes animated while writing her stories, as she told me, “It’s as if I’m actually living it, mommy.” I know what she means; I feel the same way when I’m creating stories.
But back to Mother’s day…
Giving gifts from my stash of crocheted items
You know… I almost forgot one mother, and that was my daughter’s piano teacher. Whoops!
Fortunately, I have crocheted several items over the past month or so, and a few items I’d made with her in mind. These items; kindle covers, phone cases, facial scrubbies, and additional bookmarks. Were made without patterns. Well, I take that back, these patterns came from my head. In fact, with a few I’d drawn out sketches, and just followed those to make my “pattern”. I didn’t frog (rip out) these crocheted items, since by the time I made these items, I wasn’t making mistakes with my finished crocheted projects. I’m very critical of myself. Much harder on myself than others are if I’m to be honest, so I knew I wouldn’t be ashamed to give my crocheted items to others.
I made another mothers day present for my mother…
This afternoon, when my daughter, and I returned inside from being outdoors. I thought of an additional present I could give my mother, and so I took out one of my crochet hooks, and made her a phone cover for her android phone. She recently got a smart phone, and hasn’t purchased a phone cover for it; now she doesn’t have too. I used the star stitch. I’m a fast crocheter, and before long I had completed the crocheted phone cover. I didn’t take a picture before I gave it to her, but I’ll be making more in this way, since it turned out so nicely.
You know what I’ve been thinking about? Knitting, mainly so I can make the teeny tiny sweater from Coraline the movie. But, I’m still having a lot of fun with crochet, and my knitting needles are set to the side collecting dust.
Why should I knit? I know how to do it, and do it well. Crochet is the new craft, so I’m devoting my free time and energy to that. There will be plenty of time to pick up my knitting needles again. Which will most likely happen when autumn is on the horizon, after all I still have a gorgeous cardigan that I want to knit, and few knitted socks that I want to make for myself and others….
Throughout my life I’ve interacted with the traditional mothers, those who’ve had their own or adopted children. I’ve also met plenty of women who didn’t have children of their own, but they surely nurtured and acted motherly to those they’ve interacted with.
In honor of Mother’s Day, there will be a special service at out Lutheran church. Several children’s choirs, including the one that my daughter’s is in, will be singing.
I received my Mother’s Day present a day early…
Yesterday my daughter handed me the gifts she’d made, and told me, “Mommy, I couldn’t wait until Mother’s Day!” Which was fine by me, I don’t get into the holidays too much but I still will do things for others because I know some do recognize them. My daughter made me two gifts; one of her drawings, she’s such a talented artist. A few of her pictures have been featured locally, and she gave me a coupon “chore book.” How thoughtful!
It will be a relaxing day for us. Yesterday, I completed a lot of yard work including mowing down an area that was wooded. I thought it would make a nice spot to sit when the fireflies finally make an appearance. Today it will feel great to relax, while hanging with my daughter. Perhaps… I’ll even get to work on my crocheted Coraline.
Father’s Day will be here soon… I’m tempted to stop by the local yarn store and see whether they have a specific yarn available. I know they have a special sale for this day. Naturally, I don’t have the yarn in my little yarn stash, to use for my dad’s Father’s day project, so my daughter, and I will most likely stop by the store on our way home from church.
I was able to complete all my Mother’s Day gifts, on time; they were all handmade, even the cards. The recipients actually love hand crafted items, and I know what they like, so these gifts won’t be wasted.
Hopefully I’ll be able to share some of the photos this coming week.
It’s a little after 9:00 am, but I’ve still accomplished a lot around the house. All the inside work has been completed, and now my daughter and I are moving outside to complete a few projects.
Naturally, my daughter is looking forward to this, since it means more outdoor playtime for her. I’m looking forward to getting my hands dirty in our garden, and walking around barefoot. Something I typically do when it’s nice outside.
Last evening, we watched the movie; Coraline again, and one day soon, I’m hoping I get a chance to write my thoughts about the movie. In some ways it was similar to the book Coraline by Neil Gamon, but a lot had been changed. Regardless, I still liked the movie, and will be purchasing it for our collection.
This evening, I’ll be putting aside my crocheted Coraline, while I work on last minute items for Mother’s Day. My daughter’s children’s choir will be singing in the Contemporary church service, at our Lutheran church, and I’ve decided to make another crocheted necklace. And I think I’ll make a few more hand-made Mother’s Day cards.
If I have time, perhaps I’ll make something for myself too.
Question: Are you doing something special for Mother’s Day?
Today, is a big day at my daughter’s school. It’s time to put the textbooks aside, for a bit, and go outside and play for several hours! It’s Field Day.
Field day, is conducted outdoors, if the weather is nice. And it encourages the children to exercise in an entertaining way, the various obstacle courses encourage the children to keep moving, work on fun games as a team, and participate in a little healthy competition also. Regardless of who receives the most points; they all seem to have a great time, and are disappointed when Field day comes to an end. I’ve participated with this activity, and many other school related functions, since my daughter was in kindergarten.
My daughter looks forward to me coming to school, and so do some of the children. Many of them know me from the various activities I’ve volunteered with. I must say that I’m curious to see what type of physical activities their gym teacher has cooked up for today’s adventures.
I most likely won’t be putting anything up for the Finished Object Friday link party, but I’m sure I’ll be posting things I’ve made during the coming weekend. Mother’s Day is the second Sunday in May; this Sunday. I do have completed crochet amigurumi projects to share.
When I first started blogging in 2004, I was using Akismet, it did a great job of rounding up the obvious spammers, and tossing them into a the marvelous anti-spam pit; never to resurface again.
A few years ago, I changed to Defensio. I liked it a lot… On average, Celebrate Life receives about 400 or more spam comments daily. Of course, none of them ever make it live, since the anti-spam plug-ins do a great job of trapping them.
I didn’t have a problem with Defensio, until the last WordPress update, which went live a few weeks ago. After that, Defensio would occasionally mark legitimate comments as spam. I could have lived with that, but when I’d approve the comment, it would disappear. The comment was gone, poof, deleted….
I’ll give you an example, although, Nicole of D’Nali, had already commented a few times, after the WordPress update it saw any of her comments as spam. To make it worse, when I approved her comment, stating it wasn’t spam, Defensio thought it’d knew better and would just toss her back into the spam pile, but with a new title; very spammy. If I tried to approve it again, poof comment was gone for good.
For the most part, Defensio still did its job, and only acted temperamental with some commentators. The instant it started behaving badly, I’d simply disable Defensio, approve the comment, and then go back and enable Defensio. Yeah, that wasn’t annoying… <sarcasm>
The next reader to receive this treatment was Teeni from Aunty’s Tea Room. I guess Defensio needed someone new to torment, since Nicole’s has been silent because of computer issues.
Between you and me… I think Defensio was trying to punish Teeni for shutting down her old website. 😉
Yesterday, I pulled the plug on Defensio, and this is why…
Every single comment by Teeni would end up in the spam folder. I went through the extra steps of approving her comment, and then went on a search for a new anti-spam plugin. About an hour later, I decided to check my comments…
Guess what?
Defensio decided it wasn’t happy with my decision…
And I found Teeni’s approved comment, tossed back into the spam corner, but this time it has been upgraded to “very spammy”, and she brought friends! Hooray for Teeni! 😉 Approved comments, you know the ones that had already gone live on my site without landing in the spam box, were now hanging out with her in her “very spammy” corner. Guess what? Some of my comments were there too!
Defensio was disabled after that. I really loved their anti-spam WordPress Plugin, and only started having issues after the last WordPress update. I will be following up with Defensio to see what the issue could be. In the meantime, I’m using Akismet.
There are other anti-spam plugins available, like the CAPTCHA plug-ins, which I absolutely loathe. Some of those words are hard to read, why torment your readers with them! Also there’s GrowMap Anti-Spambot Plugin, but that requires Javascript to be enabled. The majority of people will have this enabled; but there are some who don’t. Addons such as NoScript ( a plugin that I use) turns off all scripts. You can manually enable scripts.
Also, a few of my blog visitors are blind. I want their experience to be enjoyable, and I don’t want them jumping through a lot of extra hoops. The American Federation for the Blind, is an amazing organization, over the years they’ve opened my eyes to many things that seeing people take for granted. They’ve written a few articles about making sites easily accessible for those who are visually impaired. I’ve included them below.
