Yard Sale Yarn Afghan

I've been finding lots of yarn at yard sales- usually only a skein of each color. So, I decided to try making an "afghan of many colors".

Start by chain stitching about 38 stitches. Turn and single crochet back across starting in the second chain from the needle. When you get to the end, add three chains and single crochet back across the bottom of your piece. You should end up with a skinny rectangle.


Then take a new color and attach it anywhere on the rectangle- chain three and then double crochet in the next stitch- continue double crochet stitching all the way around the rectangle-


(when you come to the corners put three stitches into one of the single crochet stitches, mark center stitch, and then continue around).


When you get back to the beginning of that row attach sides together with a slip stitch and tie off.

Pick a new spot on the rectangle and slip stitch on a new color. Chain three and then double crochet in the next stitch and all the way around. (don't forget the three stitches in the corners). Repeat.

If you feel like one you'd like longer sides add a few stitches to those edges. Just make sure that you add the same number on the parallel side.

Every now and then single crochet around instead of double- just to mix things up a bit.

I'm sorry. I know these directions aren't that clear- it's really an easy project!! You just wing it. It's great to work on while the kids are around because you don't have to remember a stitch progression or where you left off.

Have fun!

Fall, Candle Holder 2

This candle holder was made with the same two vases. One larger and one smaller that fits inside. I purchased both of those at Dollar Tree and these little pumpkin "gems".


I just poured the gems in the big vase, placed the smaller one inside, added the candle an a ribbon and it's all done- 10 minutes max. Happy Fall!

Fall Candle Holder

Here is another version of the two, stacked vase candle holder. The gourds are from Dollar Tree as well.

Halloween Candle Holder 2

Here is another version of a candle holder made from stuff at the Dollar Tree; glass vases, candle and candy corn.

Dollar Store Halloween Craft

My daughter found these really neat candle holders with jars underneath to hold all kinds of fun things at Ross. I liked them so much that I went to the dollar store and came up with a less expensive version. Dollar Tree has tons of glass vases right now- so mix and match. I have several versions to show you- today is the spooky version. Buy two vases that fit together, skeleton heads, spider webs and candle.

Fill larger vase with skeletons, spread spider web over top,


slip smaller vase inside the larger one and pull web so that it drapes down the side. Add spider and candle and you are ready to go. If you can't find a purple or black candle you can paint your own. You can bring this up a notch by adding white glue and clear or black glitter to the skeleton heads, let them dry and then place them in the jar.... go crazy!

I guess this week will be the week of candle holders- I'm leaving town again next week so I'll set up a few posts to hit the screen while I'm gone. Hope they are a little inspiring.

World's Cutest Grandson

I had so much fun seeing my first grandbaby. His parents are amazing. He is adorable! It was a precious experience to be with him. I'm so grateful for answered prayers and modern day miracles!

Blogging Time Out

Hurrah! I get to go and spend some time being a grandma and holding my first grandbaby- be back in a week or so.

Liberty Fabric & Nike Shoes

I love fabric. I've seen so many Liberty fabrics that I just love- haven't splurged on any yet- but someday. These shoes, made with Liberty fabrics, are just FUN! I think every quilter and seamstress should have a pair!

Great Finger Nail Polish

Yeah, no t-shirts this week!

My husband is mortified that I mentioned dumpster diving and actually I'm very new to it- motivated by the amazing creative people on the web that take a throw away and make something lovely. I have found three things that I really wanted- a real wood dresser, a Texas style smoker/grill, and two matching dressers- but I didn't do the actual diving because I didn't have anything to haul them in- and they were so cool!


A quick product review- love my elf nail polish. You can buy it online or at Target. I have a pale pink, number 71029, named light pink, (looks more like the new version of fair pink) that is great! I use one coat and it goes on clear with just a hint of pink that makes my nails look really healthy and pretty. It stays on wonderfully and only costs $1.00. Love it.

T-Shirt Makeover 2

I found this shirt at a thrift store- and despite what the photo shows- loved the PUMPKIN orange on a very light brown background. I loved the ruffle at the collar too. Ruffles are everywhere this season. But when I got home and put it on it looked like I had a feminine noose around my neck- not so good! What's a girl to do? I stay stitched around the base of the collar, cut off the offending ruffles, folded the fabric under and stitched it in place- now it is much better.

Dumpster Diving

I'm not really a car person- no secret longings for a certain model. When hubby asked me what my dream car was I said, "maybe a Jaguar"- that's one of the few cars I know the name of!


However, having left more than one treasure behind at a yard sale or dumpster dive I've decided I need this


It's perfect. No more calling a friend to use their truck- no more taking the legs off of furniture to try and fit it into my trunk.... see, perfect.

While we are slightly on topic a friend told me she has the best dumpster dives on college campuses the week of finals. She said kids are anxious to head home and don't have a place to store their stuff- so it is just dumped. She has found great TVs, small refrigerators, and some decent furniture.

Another place to look is around apartments the last day or two of the month. Again, people on the move trying to eliminate what they'll have to haul often discard some diamonds in the rough.

Where do you find your treasures?

Not my photos, pictures from here.

Embellished T-shirt #3

Once again I was inspired by a J.Crew shirt (and no, I am not affiliated with that company in any way :o) ) this shirt gave me an idea. I'm not a glittery girl in most cases so this is the conservative, grandma version of the above T (with just a little bling). Again, I found a great deal on a t-shirt at Kohls and a few sequins, seed beads and faux pearls later I have my version of the glitter T.


I know they are very different, but that is the fun of creating- you get to craft as you sing, "I did it my way!"