Craft Books

Am I the only one, that's been living under a rock? I didn't know that Mark Montano wrote a craft book. Check that, he wrote 2 craft books! And now I want them. Both of them!



Yes this book looks amazing! Those pillows on the bottom left, caught my eye. I'm not going to lie. They did. :) So did those dolls on the top left.



Everything about this second book, looks so fun! Do you think Santa reads my blog? I hope so! Craft books would be the perfect Christmas present! ♫

Polka Dottie Blankie

I don't know what is more precious, the baby in this picture, or the blanket. Honestly, both are making my heart smile. But back to the blanket. It's a crochet blanket! No lie. Isn't it just too cute?

I'm working on 7 separate ones. For some very precious baby girls. Yes, I know it sounds a little crazy. But it is so much fun. I just love this pattern. All those "polka dots." Since I couldn't find a pattern, I made up my own. And it's going surprisingly well.

Mi Princesa is also a big fan, of this fun pattern. Oh yes she is! I think it's the texture, that gets people interested. And Mi Princesa may have hinted at a new blankie. You know, to match her "Nap Mat" for school. I just might be able to squeeze that in! ;) Nah, she's not spoiled at all! ♫

Victorian Cape

A friend of mine, forwarded this to me today. The Victorian Cape. For a baby. The best part, it's today's free pattern from Free Crochet. I can just imagine the perfect little baby, all wrapped up. So sweet! I just might have to start making one, or five! Because this would be absolutely perfect, for a wintertime Baptismo. ♫

Little Owl Purse

My friend D, brought her kids by my office, at The Ranch today. And as I was quickly doing a search for crochet patterns, this one popped up. D's oldest daughter just fell in love with this Owl. Her little eyes just lit up!

I just couldn't say no. So I downloaded this pattern, and hopefully, will have this owl finished by Monday. Honestly, how could I say no? That adorable little face. She's 100% little girl. Loves her some purses. And shoes...

Who knows, I might just love this pattern. And I might make a couple, for a future Craft Fair or two. Now I'm off to hunt down some cute baby patterns. You know, I've got a bunch of Baby Showers coming up. I need to get busy making presents. ♫

Oh Boys!

It just seems like the big events, like babies and marriages, come in groups. I have a few friends, and cousins, who are expecting baby boys. Or have recently had a cute little boy. So I've been searching high and low, for the perfect crochet patterns. It's so tough to find little boy patterns. But I've found some cuties!



Seriously! Does it get any cuter? I just love this little hat. A "little man" hat. I don't know if it's the hat, or the baby, but it sure makes me smile!



And these booties. Too cute for words. I've never seen any crochet patterns quite like this. But I'm loving these booties!

So now that I've found some cute patterns, I'm crocheting like a mad woman! So many babies. So little time. Seriously, one of my cousins had her baby in May. I'm still working on the gift! And I'm going to a Baby Shower next weekend. I need to get some serious crocheting done! ♫

For the Royal Familia G

I'm pretty sure that I've mentioned it on here, my friends, Familia G, are going on "bacation." They're heading to Disney World, and on a Disney Cruise. They leave on Tuesday. And I'm not sure if I'll be back, before they leave....

But I've been trying to help my Commadre, get ready for their trip. Lots of work goes into a 3 week long trip. With 5 kids! All under 5 years old!!!

Yesterday after church, my Compadres invited A and I over. For dinner. And yum! It was delish! But while we were waiting, A and I were exploring the internet. We may or may not have gotten on facebook. Yes, I started one, to communicate with mi familia. My FB page, for my friends, well that will stay private. Ya, some things are better left that way. :)

Anyway, A and I are Mi Princesa's Godparents. And she is super excited about this trip. Being a princess and all. I may or may not have made her a few "special" outfits. And A...well he is sending her off with a few hundred dollars. Yes, for a 4 year old!!! What is he thinking?!?!?!

Now you can probably imagine, why people think, that she is our kid. But it's the truth. We spoil her to death! And after some FB time, we decided to hunt for some "princess" stuff. Our Princesa joined us. And we found this...



Mi Princesa gave me "that look." And I folded. I went to my car and dug out some lavender yarn, and a hook. And I got to work. By dinner time, it was nearly done. And when her sisters came in, they wanted one too!

After dinner, I set to crocheting. A was entertaining all of us. Reading the ninitos books. Amazing voices and all! He pulled out his guitar, and serenaded us. Which I'm sure, my Compadre just loved!

An hour after the ninitos bedtime, and my Compadres had finished the dishes, A had gotten all into a PBS special...well, I finished 5 crowns. 5 different colors. You know, Familia G has a "color system" for their kids. So the crowns had to be 5 different colors. But it was fun!

I'm sure they will all have a great time! And I'm glad I could add to the "magic" of their trip! It kills me that I can't go to! Who wouldn't want to visit the "Happiest Place on Earth?" Especially when O offered up his house. Yes, Familia G is staying with him. And there is still plenty of room for a few more amigos. Too bad I have to work...and I still don't have any money.

And to top it all off, A just called. He's heading out with the guys. They're flying to a gig. He joked with me, that the entire Mariachi wanted a crown. What is that you say? 20 crowns for grown men? I just might have to go to the Dollar Tree. Because those are the only crowns they're getting from me! Happy Friday! ♫

Fairy Godmother???

That is what my Commadre S called me today at church. Why? I've agreed to do 2 things for her familia. What? Help her package up some fun and inexpensive toys, for her 5 kiddos. They're heading off, to the most Magical Place on Earth...Disney World. And a Disney Cruise!

They leave the day after Father's Day. And well, with 5 little ones, and 2 parents...they've decided, that they need to pack some stuff to keep the kiddos entertained. So my Compadres went out and bought some "travel appropriate" toys and snacks. I'm going to package everything up for the trip.

And I may have promised Mi Princesa a little something too...



This darling little outfit. The one that we spotted together...let's just say...it's been a few months. So off to the fabric store I go. I need to have it done by Thursday. Because I'm going out of town!

Fairy Godmother? I'm not sure. But I'm trying to help out my friends. I know that they're going to enjoy their trip. Their 3 oldest girls, well they can't stop talking about all the fun they're going to have! I'm so happy for them. :)

Now I just need to sit and sew. Never mind, that I'm still trying to recover from yesterday's wedding. And I have a HUGE yard to clean. I need to make Tinkerbell's outfit! Because Mi Princesa needs something special to wear, you know, for when she meets all her favorite princesses. ♫

I LOVE this Apron!

This picture instantly made me smile. And it got the wheels turning in my head. Like...I can make this. By know, you should know about my "love affair" with aprons, crochet, and all things vintage.

This picture, well, it just sums up everything. All together, in this little image. And those creative juices, well, they are begging me to create something like this. Maybe in a fun pink color. With a touch of lime green. Or teal with red. The possibilities are endless!

As the weather is getting warmer, I want to be "nesting." Have this urge to really make my house feel like "home." And I want to fill my home with lots of handmade things. If you could see my list, you'd just laugh! It's that long. :) Happy Monday! ♫

Beautiful Blooms

For months now, I've been wanting to make these beautiful blooms. I've seen them made into everything from pins, to hairbands, to wreaths. I'm just in love with their delicate structure.



I can just imagine all the possibilities! Finally a use for so much scrap fabric. You know, I've got more than enough of that. :)



Maybe I can make a few. And give them as gifts. You know, I'm a little behind on Mother's Day presents. And these blooms can be made into some beautiful gifts.



Now to just find some time. You know, to make a little magic. I'm so inspired. All I want to do is sit down and make beautiful blooms. Happy Wednesday! ♫

My Little Monkey

Something that you might not know is, Mi Princesa, she is IN LOVE with monkeys! All and any monkeys. I'm not lying.

So recently, I shouldn't have been too shocked. I was looking fro a new sewing project. And Mi Princesa saw this picture. Needless to say, she requested that I make her a monkey. Just like this one! Because "Nana, you can make anything!" :)




I love this little girl. And if it's a monkey that she wants, it's a monkey that she'll get! I've got tons of scrap fabric. I just need to find some time to sew. You know, before finals take over my life! ♫

Crafty Ideas

I've seen wreaths like this, all over "Blogland!" All over. With so many different color pallets. And I want to make one. First things first, you should know, I change my door wreaths every 2 weeks! Yes, I'm one of "those people!" :)

But there is something fun, vintage inspired, and unique about these wreaths. And let's be honest here, I don't need to buy much to make one. I have the yarn. Believe me. I have plenty of yarn! And tons of felt! All I need is the wreath form.

I'm thinking one in a more pleasing and neutral pallet. Maybe various shades of white. No bead. Just yarn and felt flowers. That sounds so nice. I better pack my felt. I can make tons of these flowers while I'm in Tucson! ♫

Can I Make One?

If you talked to anyone out there that knows me, and you ask them what one "Signature Style" item is, they'd tell you a scarf. Yes, I wear them daily. For at least 10 months a year!

I'm not picky. I'll wear the $5 scarves from Wal-Mart. The BOGO scarves from the Street Markets. Or, I'll make my own. Seriously, I'm not picky. I just like scarves.
my ever growing collection, well I think it says it all!



And now, I'm evolving. I'm really enjoying cowls. I found this picture while doing a Google search for a crochet scarf pattern. And I'm in LOVE! I'm going to try and make one. Make up my own pattern as I go. What do you think? Can I make one? Will it turn out OK? Will I use it? ♫

Bear and Blanket

I just LOVE this pattern! Everything from the blanket to the bear is so cute! :) I found this pattern on Free Crochet. And I'm going to try and make 2 sets before our Craft Fair. I'm so excited about this pattern. ♫

Christmas Crafts

This is what I'm working on. I bought this pattern a few years ago. I've managed to make a set for myself, Dr. S's wife, and my little 'Rella. But my Mom and I are going to be doing a Craft Fair soon. And it's all about Christmas Crafts. So I've decided to make a few of these. I just need to go and buy some little safety eyes. ♫

Pretty Patchwork

This is the free pattern today from Free Crochet. It's simple. But beautiful. And it reminds me of Springtime. My favorite time of year. Did I mention my 2 favorite colors? Oh yes, this is definitely going on my Project Lists. I can't wait to make it! ♫

Thanksgiving Cornucopia

I found this pattern at Free Crochet. I'm so excited! I'm definitely going to be making this. I want to use it to decorate the shelf in my dining room. And I'm probably going to make My 'Rella one too! She just loves toys like this. Oh, I just LOVE Fall!!! ♫

Abby Cababby

If you are a parent, or spend time with little ones, you'll know who Abby Cadabby is. She is one of the characters from Sesame Street. She is Mi Princesa's favorite character to be exact! And I'm trying to come up with some craft ideas. All based on Miss Abby Cadabby. Something to make for Halloween. And I'm coming up empty handed. Please leave me some suggestions. I could really use them... ♫

Fall Wreath

Since it's November 1st, I'm thinking about Fall. And Fall decorations. Yes, I'm sick as a dog! I can barely lift my head up. But this pattern is just screaming at me! It wants me to make it. It's from Free Crochet. Yes, I'm going to make it. As soon as I can sit upright. And you know, stop coughing. Happy November! ♫

Do You Boo?

That's the little "Boo" poem. I had never heard of "Booing" until I moved out here. From the very 1st Halloween I spent here, I began to "Boo." I read about it in my local newspaper.

Basically, you put together a small package of goodies. It could be Halloween candy, little toys, whatever you'd like. And you include a copy of this poem. But the whole idea of booing, is based on delivering your gift, without your neighbor seeing you.

I just finished my packages. Just for a couple of neighbors and friends. I just have to wait for the perfect time to deliver them. So, do you "Boo?" It really is a lot of fun! ♫

For a Walk Down the Aisle

Like I said in my previous post, V is getting married next year. She is a really good friend of mine. One the first people I met in the Nutrition Program. We became really good friends, along with E. And although, we've all lived in different states for the last few years, we've gotten so much closer.

V has not only asked me to be her "Maid of Honor." But she's also asked me to help here in a few things. I'm more than thrilled to help her. So she's been sending me a few pictures, of things she'd like to have. This pillow, is the main item she'd like.



Isn't it just beautiful? With a really fun and "vintage" feel. Definitely homemade, but filled with love. Something I just might be able to pull off.



All I have are these pictures. No pattern. But it looks like this pillow is made using a doily. So I'm thinking, I can make a round doily. Then make a pillow. And then figure out how in the world to put it together.



First of all, I want to make a doily with hearts. Something like this one. Which happens to be today's Free Pattern of the Day from Free Patterns. Second, V wants it to be lavender. The color of the wedding. Third, I just might be able to pull it off! :)

Yes, I'm getting excited. I'm 95% sure I can make something nice for my friend. Something that feels like it's from a time past. An accessory that will add to the "vintage" feel of the wedding. Now I just need to find all the perfect supplies. That is definitely going to make the entire project work. ♫