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Monday, May 02, 2005
I've heard it said that all good things must come to an end and so it has. Mom has decided to go home "for awhile". She said she's coming back but she doesn't know when. She said, "I'm unpredictable". She's been gone from her home since September and now she's really wanting to see her friends and family she's been with most of her life. I don't blame her for wanting to visit them, but I think she's going to be very disappointed in what she'll find at her home.
I had a long rant all worked up and ready to spew it out here, but decided I'd just say her home life is miserable, living with her baby boy, the 35 year old mooch/bum, who keeps her broke and is mean to her. She was in pretty bad shape, nerve wise, when she got here, but since she's been here she's learned to relax and I'm afraid she's going right back into a very bad situation. Probably worse now, since I've heard he's selling off her household items to live on while she's been gone. Oops, I guess I spewed out a little rant any way. Sorry.
I'm going to miss her and I'll worry about her so much until she gets back here. She won't sell her house because then baby boy won't have anyplace to stay, but I'm hoping she'll come back here for good once she's visited for awhile.
I have no idea how Spike is going to take this, I haven't told him yet. I'm sure he's going to be one unhappy little Chihuahua. He adores her.
OK, I'm done now. Later.
Posted at 10:10 am by Dot
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Tuesday, April 26, 2005
It's hard to believe I've had this blog for a year and a few days. April 12th was my first blogiversary and I let it pass me right by without even a thought. It's funny how hard it was, in the beginning, to pull myself away from the blog and get back to crocheting and now, it's hard for me to make myself sit down and write an entry. The reason I started a blog in the first place was I had made up a pattern for a ponytail hat and I wanted a place to show it off. I started to say "share it", but I don't think that was even in my mind. I think showing off is a better name for it. I was so proud of that hat pattern. I had never made anything before without following a pattern.
OK, it just dawned on me the reason it's so hard for me to blog. Every time I start to write something, it just looks like I'm bragging. Oh, well, it's my blog and I guess I'll brag if I want to. So, here goes. In the last year I've "made up" 30 hat patterns, 7 ponchos, and 8 miscellaneous other patterns. I've even sold one pattern that will be published in a book sometime in October (I think). I had no idea at all that I could create patterns and I'm surprised every time I finish an item that actually looks good. I hope whatever is giving me the ability to write patterns doesn't dry up. I'd be very sad because I live for the compliments I get when someone likes what I've done. I need a button that says "I work for compliments".
THANK YOU to everyone who has left me a comment. I love reading and answering them.
THANK YOU to everyone who visits here and doesn't leave a comment. I love showing off for you.
THANK YOU to all of you who use my patterns to donate to charity. That touches my heart in a way I didn't know it could.
Posted at 04:36 pm by Dot
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Monday, April 18, 2005
If anyone is interested (and I think you are) the game I'm hooked on is called Shisen-Sho. It's just a simple matching game, like Concentration, but I absolutely get stuck playing it. Example, this afternoon when I made my last post, I was going to put a link to the game but instead, when I went to the site, I downloaded a more current version of the game and played it until my hind end went numb. I have not touched a hook at all today. Oh, well, I promise myself I'm absolutely going to crochet a poncho tomorrow. NO MORE GAMES!!! Well, maybe just one more.
Posted at 08:53 pm by Dot
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JUST AN ENTRY...NO PATTERNS INVOLVED
Mom has decided not to go home. She's going to stay with me and just visit her friends and family in Washington from time to time. She knows she's loved and wanted here, and she's safe. I couldn't be happier.
Now, about crocheting, I've decided to enter the Ragshop contest, and I've been pretty busy trying to get ready to send my entries off. I've done one and have one more to do. The deadline for entering is the 30th of this month. Wish me luck.
I've been spending a lot of time reading blogs and forums and playing computer games. Now I remember why I hid the computer games from me, I don't know when to stop playing. I'm the energizer bunny, I just keep going and going and going and I keep saying just 1 more, ok, now, just 1 more, I mean it this time, just 1 more, that didn't count, I lost too fast, so I'll play 1 more time and then go to bed. I've played it so long, my arms are aching and it's 3:30 in the morning. I have GOT to take that thing off my desktop so I can move on.
OK, bye for now, I'm actually going to crochet some before I'm tempted to open up that darned game again. Bye!
Posted at 12:22 pm by Dot
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Saturday, April 09, 2005
GENTLE RIPPLES
copyright © 04/09/05 Dot Matthews
 
Size – Adult, up to 2x
Gauge is approximate: 13 sc measured at end of round 4 = 4"; 1 arch measured from the top of the V stitch to the bottom of the 7 dc's = 2"; 1 arch measured from sc to sc = 3". Your gauge my not be exactly the same as mine because I may have stretched mine more or less then you.
Materials: K hook, 3 6 oz skeins Red Heart Super Saver yarn (approximately 700 yds), blunt needle, scissors
TIP: I used 2 full 6 oz skeins and a small amount from a third for the neck edging, you will have a lot of the 3rd skein left over.
Stitches Used: slip stitch, chain, single crochet, double crochet,
Crossed Bar Stitch - yo, insert hook in st or sp indicated, pull up a loop (3 loops
on hook), yo insert hook in next st or sp indicated, pull up a loop (5 loops on
hook), yo draw thru all 5 loops on hook, chain 1 - crossed bar stitch made.
Double Treble – wrap yarn around hook 3 times, insert hook in designated stitch or
space, pull yarn through stitch or space, 5 loops on hook, (yo, pull yarn through 2 loops)
4 times.
Picot – chain 3, slip stitch in first chain.
V stitch – double crochet, chain 2, double crochet all in same stitch.
Abbreviations used:
beg – beginning
cbs – crossed bar stitch
ch – chain
ch-# – chain, followed by a dash, followed by a number, refers to a chain made in
previous round. Example ch-5 refers to a chain of 5 sts.
dc – double crochet
dcs – double crochets
dtr – double treble
sc – single crochet
sk – skip
sl st – slip stitch
sp – space
sps - spaces
st – stitch
sts – stitches
INSTRUCTIONS
ROUND 1: ch 78, join with sl st to form a ring. Be careful not to twist ch. Ch 1, sc in
same st as join, ch 1, *sk 1 st, sc in next st, ch 1. Repeat from * around. Join in first sc. (39 scs and 39 ch-1 spaces)
ROUND 2: sl st in next ch 1 sp, ch 2, CBS, in spaces around. Join in first sp. (39 cbs)
TIP: CBS - yo, insert hook in st or sp indicated, pull up a loop (3 loops on hook), yo insert hook in next st or sp indicated, pull up a loop (5 loops on hook), yo draw thru all 5 loops on hook, ch 1- crossed bar stitch made.
ROUND 3: ch 7 (counts as 1 dtr & 2 ch), *dtr in next sp, ch 2. Repeat from * around.
Join in 5th ch of beg ch. (39 dtr)
ROUND 4: ch 1, sc in same st as join, 3 sc in next ch-2 sp, *1 sc in next dtr, 3 sc in next ch-2 sp. Repeat from * around. Join in first sc. (156 sc)
ROUND 5: ch 1, sc in same st as join, 1 sc in next 2 sts, ch 4, sk next 3 sts, *sc in next 3 sts, ch 4, sk next 3 sts. Repeat from * around. Join in first sc. (26 ch-4 spaces)
ROUND 6: sl st in next sc, ch 1, sc in same st, sk next sc, 7 sc in ch-4 sp, *sk next sc, sc in next st, sk next sc, 7 sc in next ch-4 sp. Repeat from * around. Join in first sc. (208 sc)
ROUND 7: ch 1, sc in same st as join,
*ch 2, sk next st, dc in next st,
ch 2, sk next st, V st in next st,
ch 2, sk next st, dc in next st,
ch 2, sk next st, sc in next st.
Repeat from * around. Join in first sc. (130 ch-2 sps)
TIP: V st – dc, ch 2, dc all in the same st.
ROUND 8: sl st in next 2 ch, sl st in next dc, sl st in next 2 ch, sl st in ch-2 sp of V st, *3 sc in ch-2 sp of V st, ch 5. Repeat from * around. Join in first sc. (26 ch-5 sps)
TIP: place a marker in first sc of round to mark beginning of round.
ROUND 9: sl st in next sc, ch 1, sc in same st, 7 dc in next ch-5 sp, *sk next sc, sc in next sc, sk next sc, 7 dc in next ch-5 sp. Repeat from * around. Join in first sc. (182 dcs)
ROUNDS 10 thru 24: repeat rounds 7, 8, and 9 5 times.
ROUND 25: Repeat round 7.
ROUND 26: ch 1, sc in same st as join, (ch 1, sc in next sp) twice, *ch 1, (sc, ch 2, sc) in next sp, (ch 1, sc in next sp) 4 times. Repeat from * around, end with ch 1, join in first sc.
Fasten off, weave in ends.
NECK EDGE
With right side of poncho facing, attach yarn in any ch-1 space on neck edge.
ROUND 1: ch 2, cbs in ea sp around. Join in first ch-1 sp of round.
ROUND 2: ch 1, TURN, sc in same sp as join, ch 3, sl st in first ch (picot made), *sc in next sp, picot. Repeat from * around. Join in first sc.
Fasten off and weave in ends.
Posted at 10:44 pm by Dot
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Monday, April 04, 2005
DIAMONDS AND LACE PONCHO
copyright © 04/03/05 Dot Matthews
NOTE: correction made, in red, to neck edge, round 1 to add "ch 1".
Thank you Melissa, for informing me of this error.
ADULT SIZE: 1 size fits most up to 2X. Approximately 18" from neck edge to
bottom edge.
Stitches used: chain, single crochet, double crochet, crossed bar stitch,
Materials: J hook; Red Heart Super Saver yarn, 2 8 oz skeins, yarn needle, scissors
ABBREVIATIONS LIST
beg = beginning
cbs = crossed bar stitch
ch = chain
ch-# = chain, followed by a dash, followed by a number, refers to a chain made by a number of
chains made. Example ch-5 refers to a chain of 5 sts.
ea = each
inc = increase
sc = single crochet
scs = single crochets
sk = skip
sl st = slip stitch
sp = space
sps = spaces
st = stitch
SPECIALTY STITCHES INSTRUCTIONS
Crossed Bar Stitch - yo, insert hook in st or sp indicated, pull up a loop (3 loops on hook), yo insert hook in next st or sp indicated, pull up a loop (5 loops on hook), yo draw thru all 5 loops on hook - crossed bar stitch made.
Increase Cluster – yo, insert hook in st or sp indicated, pull up a loop (3 loops on hook) yo, insert hook in same st, pull up a loop (5 loops on hook) yo, draw thru all 5 loops on hook - cluster made.
Beginning shell – ch 3, dc in same st, ch 1, 2 dc in same st
Shell – 2 dc, ch 1, 2 dc in same st.
INSTRUCTIONS:
ROUND 1: ch 70, join with a sl st to first ch to form a circle. Be careful not to twist chain. Ch 1, sc in same st as join, ch 1, *sk 1 st, sc in next st, ch 1. Repeat from * around. Join with slip st in first sc. (35 sc and 35 ch-1 sps)
ROUND 2: sl st into next ch-1 sp,
ch 2, yo, pull up a loop in same ch-1 sp,
sk next st, yo, pull up a loop in next ch-1 sp,
yo, draw thru 5 loops on hook,
*ch 1, yo, pull up a loop in same sp as last st,
sk next st,
yo, pull up a loop in next sp,
yo, draw thru all 5 loops on hook*
Repeat from * to * around.
end with yo, pull up a loop in same sp as last st,
yo, pull up a loop in same space as FIRST ST of round,
(ignore beginning ch 2),
yo, draw thru 5 loops on hook.
ch 1, join in first ch 1 sp. (35 cbs)
Tip: Start the first cbs of every round in the same st as the join. The next
cbs always starts in the same stitch (or space) where the previous cbs
ended.The final cbs of the round ends in the same stitch as the first cbs of
the round.
ROW 3 (increase row): ch 2, yo, pull up a loop in first ch-1 sp,
yo, pull up a loop in next ch-1 sp,
yo, draw thru all 5 loops on hook (crossed bar stitch made)
ch 1, (yo pull up a loop in same sp as last st) twice
yo, draw thru 5 loops on hook (increase cluster made)
ch 1, pull up a loop in same sp as increase cluster
yo, pull up a loop in next ch-1 sp
yo, pull thru 5 loops on hook (crossed bar st made).
*ch 1, increase cluster, ch 1, crossed bar st*
repeat from * to * around
end with yo, pull up a loop in same sp as last st,
yo, pull up a loop in same space as FIRST ST of round,
TIP: When you come to the beginning chain 2, place your hook between
the chain 2 and the first cbs stitch, then complete the stitch. This will hide
the chain 2.
ch 1, join in first ch-1 sp. (count cbs and inc clusters – 68 )
ROW 4 (even row): ch 2, crossed bar st, ch 1, in each sp around,
end with yo, pull up a loop in same sp as last st,
yo, pull up a loop in same space as FIRST ST of round,
yo, draw thru 5 loops on hook,
ch 1, join in first ch-1 sp (68 cbs)
ROUND 5: ch 1, sc in ea cbs and ea sp around. Join in first sc.(135 scs)
ROUND 6: ch 3, dc in same st as join, ch 1, 2 dc in same st (beg shell made). ch 5, *sk 4, shell in next st, ch 5. Repeat from * around. Join in 3rd ch of beg ch. (27 shells)
ROUND 7: sl st in next dc, sl st in ch-1 sp of shell, beg shell in same ch-1 sp, ch 5, *shell in next shell, ch 5. Repeat from * around. Join in top of beg ch. (27 shells)
Tip: shell in next shell = shell in ch 1 of next shell
ROUND 8: sl st in next dc, sl st in center of next shell. Beg shell in same shell, ch 2, *sc in 3rd ch of ch-5 2 rows below. (SEE PICTURE) ch 2, shell in next shell, ch 2. Repeat from * around. Join in top of beg ch. (27 shells, 27 sc)
ROUND 9: Same as round 7
ROUND 10: Same as round 7
ROUND 11: Same as round 8
ROUND 12 thru 23: repeat rounds 9, 10, and 11.
Tip: for a shorter poncho, do fewer rows, for a longer poncho, continue
repeating rounds 9, 10 and 11, end with round 11.
ROUND 24: ch 1, sc in same st as join, 1 sc in ea dc, 2 sc over ea ch-2 sp, 1 sc in ea sc, (sc, ch 2, sc) in center of ea shell around. Join in first sc.
FASTEN OFF, WEAVE IN ENDS.
NECK EDGE
Attach yarn in any space on neck edge.
ROUND 1: ch 2, (work in ch-1 spaces) cbs, ch 1, around. Join in first ch-1 space.
ROUND 2: ch 1, sc in same sp as join, sc in ea cbs and space around. Join in first sc.
FASTEN OFF, WEAVE IN ENDS.
Posted at 03:29 pm by Dot
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Monday, March 28, 2005
PRETTY AS A PEACOCK STOLE
copyright © 03/27/05 Dot Matthews
 
Materials: K hook; 16 oz Bernat Super Value, 1 oz contrasting yarn for trim.
Stitches used: chain, single crochet, slip stitch, treble (triple)
This pattern stitch is called "peacock stitch" and is found on page 76 in "The Crochet Stitch Bible", by Betty Barnden.
Abbreviations used:
ch = chain
sc = single crochet
sl st = slip stitch
sk = skip
tr = treble
ch-# = chain followed by a dash, followed by a number, refers to a chain made in the previous round. example ch-3
Size: 21" x 63" rectangle
Gauge: 4 rows = 3" each scallop = 3"
Gauge and size is approximate. When measuring, please take into consideration, your stole and my stole may not be EXACTLY the same size. Mine might have been stretched a little more, or less, than yours when measured.
INSTRUCTIONS
ROW 1: ch 181, sc in 2nd ch from hook, *sk 4 ch, 9 tr in next ch, sk 4 ch, 1 sc in next ch. Repeat from * to end. Turn.
HINT: skip 4 stitches, place a marker in the next stitch, across the chain to keep from losing stitches.
ROW 2: ch 4, 1 tr in first sc, *ch 3, sk 4 tr, 1 sc in next tr, ch 3, sk 4 tr, 2 tr in next sc. Repeat from * across, end with 2 tr in last sc. Turn.
ROW 3: ch 1, sc BETWEEN the first 2 tr, *sk ch-3, 9 tr in next sc, sk ch-3, 1 sc BETWEEN the next 2 tr. Repeat from * across, end with 1 sc BETWEEN last tr and turning ch. Turn.
Repeat row 2 and 3 to desired width. End with Row 2.
Fasten off, weave in ends.
TRIM
With right side facing, attach contrasting color in top of beginning chain of last row completed. (this is the top edge)
ROW 1:
TOP EDGE: ch 1, 3 sc in same st as join, sc in next tr, *3 sc in next ch-3 space, 1 sc in next sc, (1 sc in next tr) twice. Repeat from * across top edge, end with 3 sc in last tr of top edge.
SIDE EDGE 1: *3 sc in side of next tr, 1 sc in side of next sc. Repeat from * across side edge, end with 3 sc in the corner.
BOTTOM EDGE: *3 sc in next ch-3 space, 1 sc in the bottom of the next tr cluster, 3 sc in next ch-3 sp, 1 sc in next sc, repeat from * across bottom edge, end with 3 sc in the corner.
SIDE EDGE 2: Repeat side edge 1. Join in first sc.
ROW 2: ch 1, sl st in same st as join, *ch 1, sl st in next st. Repeat from * around, join in first sl st.
Fasten off, weave in ends.
Posted at 09:36 am by Dot
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Tuesday, March 22, 2005
Let me show you what cute, sweet, adorable, Spike did while I was out today.
 
This is what happens when I leave him alone with my projects. He moved my project from the table next to the bed to the middle of the bed, removed all the paper wrapping, shredded it into tiny little pieces and shook the skein until it was in a pile to his liking. Then he has the nerve to get his chew bone and lay next to his handiwork and act like he hadn't done a thing wrong. He has been in rare form all day today!
The actual project is not harmed, but I don't know how long it'll take me to untangle the yarn. Oh, well, I needed something to keep me busy.
Posted at 08:00 pm by Dot
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Saturday, March 19, 2005
Sorry, no new patterns, I'm still stuck in a NO CROCHET ZONE. I hope I break through soon, but in the mean time, I'm just updating my side section with some links to learning sites and a great pattern site.
Posted at 05:55 pm by Dot
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Thursday, March 17, 2005
Posted at 12:41 pm by Dot
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