Planning Projects?

Wait, people make plans before they start crocheting? They read patterns, check for correct yardage and yarn type? They purposely sit down and have a vision before they start chaining?

NO. WAY.

Okay, so I'm not a big planner of projects....I pin a ton of projects, save them on ravelry, and buy insane amounts of yarn...but generally when people ask at the checkout, "what are you going to make with that yarn?" My reply is, "You're supposed to have a plan? It's pretty..that's my plan."

I've gotten slightly better...saving color combo boards on Pinterest, experimenting with different patterns...(and I still don't gauge swatch. Sorry, I just don't.) I've been pinning color combo ideas for a year now. One of my favorite blankets is the Sunburst Granny Square I did along with InnerHooker for one of her Crochet A Longs. Well, it made it in the beginning of my hooker career (oh so long ago...in 2011....) and it was before I had learned how to secure ends, particularly the CENTERS of squares, properly. So my beloved blanket is coming undone in the centers and I feel like I want to do a new one..with better yarn.

 My beloved beginner blanket....now falling apart in some centers.

The good thing is Knit Picks has a yarn called Palette, that is, you guessed it, nearly every color you can imagine. I drool over it every time I get the catalog. I'm currently working on a Tunisian crochet blanket, but I want to think long term. (I'm also ignoring the two granny stripe blankets and one granny mandala blanket in progress in the blanket basket...all in good time, dear yarn...all in good time. I burned myself out on the Queen Size granny stripe blanket on my bed.) So I'm plotting...what colors...this is the funnest part I think..the color choosing.

So I've created a Pinterest board of course...just for this afghan color choosing. Yes I'm THAT serious. (and I'm also very happy this is my most pressing current decision. I am blessed.)

You can see the contenders here: http://pinterest.com/mamaslilmonkeys/sunburst-granny-afghan-color-ideas/ but here are a few...I'm sure I'll be adding more.

Please feel free to hop on the board and "like" your favorites, as I am curious on what color combo's others find appealing.

Again....I am blessed. Those of you with the yarn and fabric addiction like me know how this feels though and can appreciate the indecision. Plus aren't the colors just FUN!?

~~Create On~~
Amy

The Big 0-5

I can't believe my baby is turning 5. I know soon I'll be adding a 1, or 2, or 3 in front of that and saying the same thing...but still..my baby...growing up! Here's a little journey of my baby boy :)

Happy Birthday E!! I love you, even when you drive me batty and test my limits!
~~mommy

I am Thankful.....

• For healthy children and family
• For a place to rest my head
• For a husband who loves me despite my flaws.
• For a faith so strong that I am comforted even when one thinks I should be lost.
• For a country that can and will fight it's way back to being what it once was.
• For the freedom of speech and creativity to do what we love and what we are talented at.
• For the ability to make my own decisions...if they are wrong, then it's on me.
• For the smell of coffee brewing...bonus points if it's accompanied by the smell of gluten free cake baking.
• For Black Fridays Sales---from the comfort of my PJS! (Buy Handmade!!)
• For my friends near and far, even those I've never met who make life a little easier each day.
• For the smell of a baby after a bath
• For a pile of uncut fabric...it's just so pretty.
• For America and those who hold it dear.

May you have a safe, happy, healthy and thankFULL thanksgiving!!!

~~Amy

If only hubs would take me out...

Then I could buy and wear this..



I am looking at this while listening to Jack Johnson woo me with his sexy voice and I'm wondering why hubby and I don't go out alone as much as we used to!? Oh right, kids, money, work..that stuff. Well I think if I slipped into this lovely shrug I could get my sexy back and have some fun!! (After carefully hanging it up!) :)

You really must check out this shop, it is full of lovely work! Simply click the pic to get to it!!

Happy Memorial Day

As this Memorial Day Weekend approaches, I would like to share a few things. First, this lovely spotlight featuring some Patriotic inspired items!



Secondly, despite the many Memorial Day sales, picnics, vacations, etc; I challenge you this Memorial Day to truly recognize what the day means. I really don't care what your political beliefs are. I don't care if your right, left, middle of the road, hanging from an overpass..whatever. No matter what you believe in and whether you support the war or not, I feel you should support the TROOPS in this war. Let's not squabble over why they are there for one day, let's just show them the respect and appreciation they deserve, because let's face it, they don't HAVE to be there! There is no draft. They are there because they WANT to serve our country, are proud to do so and many die doing so. They protect this land from people who's only goal in life is do us harm. And for that I will constantly and always respect and appreciate them.

So I challenge you this Memorial Day to take a minute and THANK a veteran who served, pay your respects to those who died serving our country, and take notice of this beautiful land in which we live. Have you ever really stopped and looked at all the beautiful American flags flying? Really thought about what it means? Really respected what has gone into building this nation of ours? No matter what you think of any administration, current or past, soldiers have been dying for our land for a LOOOONG time now. Do we really respect that?

So take some time from your busy weekend to show some respect and appreciation to the men and women who serve us so faithfully and those who have served their time. Perhaps you can donate something to a military family? There are spouses and children who wait patiently and nervously for their loved ones to come home. Maybe those children could use a lovely new play thing? (Trust me, the military does not pay great.) Maybe there is a Vet in your neighborhood who needs help around the yard? A mother who lost her son to war who misses him dearly this time of year? Could you pay her a visit?

No matter what you do, and who you spend time with this weekend, you should appreciate them. Hug them, love them, and tell them how much they mean to you. They won't be here forever.

HAPPY MEMORIAL DAY!! God Bless America!

Wordless Wednesday

Photo: Copyright, Amy Dutsch