Halloween top Hat

 It began with a simple orange crocheted top hat.

Next a plain black crocheted band.

Then I added a pair of crocheted flowers with a few beads.

Last came the netting which took me a bit to decide exactly what the hat was calling for.

Yes, I was following a pattern, as I usually do.  

But still each item a person makes,

like paintings,

reflect the maker/artist.

And a lovely model!

October's Walker Decor

I found this pattern online at goodknits.com

Not a very good photo I'm afraid

but a good size and easy to add an elastic hairband for fastening.

Halloween Bat

would also look good in the hair or on a napkin ring.

Fall Leaves for Mom

It still feels like summer here but September always reminds me that fall is just around the corner.  So for this month I chose to crochet a few brightly colored leaves to decorate mom's walker.  I told her my plans and she is looking forward to seeing it.

Walker Decoration

I am still crocheting doilies for my son's wedding in the bits of spare time I find,

But decided to whip up a flower to decorate mom's walker.

I just tied it onto a hair elastic and fastened that around the top bar.

When the residents go to meals it looks like a mini parking lot of walkers and wheel chairs at the ends of the dining room.  Now at least it will be easy to spot mom's!

I hope to change it out each month or at least each holiday.

Gulf Coast Shrug

How could I pass up making a shrug titled "Gulf Coast Shrug" 

living as I do, on the Gulf Coast?

Well of course I couldn't.

And I had some yarn I liked for it though I did not think it would be enough.

I was right.  On both counts.

The good news is I did not like the sleeves 

which meant I had just enough!!!

Yep, meant to be.

I think it goes well with the dress I made 

two years ago.  Wow, I can't believe it has been that long!

This button came from my button jar.  

It is so old I cannot even remember what it came from originally.

But I think it is a great accent.

I just love reusing great buttons!

Styling for Mother's Day

For Mother's Day this year I got my mom a couple of outfits.

Then crocheted a pair of matching flowers which went onto bobby pins for her hair.

And lastly crocheted her a shrug as she is always cold.

I got them all wrapped and boxed and ready to mail today but last night got an email from my brother who informs me that in the last three weeks mom has lost a full size!

I am so jealous!

That meant a trip to the mall to exchange the clothes.

Lucky me, I found the same and nearly the same so the things I crocheted still matched!

At least I found out before I mailed them!

And this gave me a chance to take photos that I forgot to take before.

Now to get them boxed up - again.

Dual Duty

I finally got around to photographing these hanger covers.

They are a fairly simple and quick little project and great to keep straps up on the hanger.

I have a few of them hard at work in my closet.

But then one day in the store I saw these nifty metal scarf hangers.

I took a closer look thinking I could really use one or two...

But upon inspection I was disappointed to find rough edges that could easily snag delicate fabric.

Of course I thought I should be able to come up with a better and cheaper version.

And here it is.

Free.

Adjustable.

No snags.

And it can come in any color in your stash.

Unless of course you are willing to spring for a skein of yarn!

Remember May Day?

When I was a little girl,

I remember taking little paper nut cups

and adding a little handle made from paper strips

or ribbon or pipe cleaner

then filling it with fresh violets I picked.

I loved to pick flowers.

It was even better when I had permission and did not get into trouble for it!

The best part though was taking our little baskets of flowers on May 1st;

setting one on a porch,

and ringing the door bell

before running to hide.

Great childhood memories.

Made possible by my mother.

I would love to bring my mother a May basket of violets this year

but living so far apart makes that impossible.

So when I saw this pattern for a crocheted violet nosegay I simply could not resist.

And quickly made one up with a pin back added,

so mom can wear it for May Day.

May day baskets.

Nosegays.

Maybe I am giving away my age here

but they are still great memories.

Butterflies

These little butterflies were so simple to make, though I did adjust one stitch.

I guess I just can't help myself when I see an easier way!

Just little bits of crochet thread is what I used while the pattern used embroidery floss.

I have plenty of that too but the thread was easier to get to and I knew I had this glittery lavender.

It is a perfect match for the pants I just got for mom 

so I will add them to the box that I send for her.

For St. Patrick's Day

Here is a little something I whipped up for St. Patrick's Day this year.

Not sure who the lucky recipient will be yet.

Personally I think a lighter shade of green for the inside would have been nicer but this is what it called for and also what I happened to have in my stash.

I also made a mat for the occasion using the Love and Money Loom.