Copying and reposting patterns on the web

I shouldn't be having to post this but am having to update my sites with this note.... Any patterns posted on the net may NOT be reposted elsewhere without the express permission of the owner, even with their name attached. I am finding versions of my patterns posted on Ravelry and other places, with revisions I didn't make (incorrect by the way) and pictures I didn't take that don't even look like the project. Even if you add the designer's name it is NOT OK to do so without their permission. Only 2 people have permission to repost my patterns- Bev of Bev's Country Cottage and Carol Green of Relief Share. The same should be true for any designer. If you like a pattern or think it would be good for charity, LINK to it, do NOT repost it even with the designer's name without their permission.

Marla
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I am slowly but surely adding a few patterns to Ravelry, some paid and some free.  Take a look when you get a chance under Marla Caneer Potter. I am also on facebook under the same name.


Marla
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New Ravelry Shop

Hi All,

Just a note to let you know I now host a pattern Shop on Ravelry under Marla Potter Designs. I only have a couple of patterns posted at present, more will be added as time allows. Thanks everyone for looking and you can see me on Facebook under Meow Creations. Thanks everyone for following- I do check in with your blogs, just don't post much since Google messed this format up. Later all!!


Marla
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Hi all!

Summer is unofficially here- 90's out there! Don't forget to look on Etsy and Ebay for crafting needs- they can b e cheap this time of year. I also have some things listed on Etsy under MeowCreations and on Ebay under MeowCreations2011 to try to offset the costs and pay some bills associated with Scott's upcoming hip surgery. Hope you're getting your craft on! Several of you have already shown your projects in your blogs and they are great! Happy Summer!

Don't forget your charities- they need extra help in the summer months too!

Marla
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Buyer Beware on Etsy

Heads up for those buying "American" or "Made in USA" flag or patriotic items on Etsy- I have found several listed as "vintage" or "Handmade" That are the same ready-made items I saw with the same brand names in Walmart yesterday meaning someone has bought these to re-sell and tried to pass them off as handmade or vintage.

Marla
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Happy Memorial Day

Happy Memorial Day Everyone! While you're celebrating remember our veterans, past present and future with a prayer. Most of them are, have been or will be someone you know or someone in your family and all of them are keeping you free. We stuck a flag on my grandaddy's grave last week when I replaced the flowers (I'm the only one who does so anymore so it's up to me) on my grandparents' graves and We went and put a flag out on Pappy's (my dad's dad) today- both were WWII vets. So along with your BBQ, be sure and thank our veterans - all of them!

Marla
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Etsy Shop and Specials

Check out my Etsy Shop or facebook page under Meow Creations to find out what's new in my shop! I've got a new listing or two of Dryer Balls plus several knitting/crochet pattern sets/books listed. Plus a Special in honor of the AQS Quilt show in Paducah this next week!

Marla
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Anyone else hate the new Blogger format? I will check into mine from time to time but if they don't go to something reasonable in a very short time I will be looking for a new blog home. I'll keep everyone posted!

Marla
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Getting Scott's hip fixed

Marla
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Hi Everyone, we went to a free screening today that WBH had for hips and knees and they have referred Scott to a very nice surgeon everyone says is very good to get the ball rolling on getting him a total hip replacement. For those of you who don't know my husband, he was born with hip displacia (sp) which means that the ball socket in his hip came out either at or shortly after birth and later di...sintegrated. So he has lived and walked with a bad limp all his life because the two bones are rubbing against each other and the joint has collapsed. For whatever reason this wasn't fixed as a child so I am glad to see him finally getting something done about it at 45 years old. Please pray everyone that this works out and is a success, also that the insurance will cover at least most of it- it won't be possible if it doesn't. Thank you in advance everyone for your prayers!

Dick Clark Dead at 82

How Sad... Dick Clark is gone.... we've lost another entertainer.
Dick Clark dead at 82


todayentertainment.today.msnbc.msn.com

Famed television personality Dick Clark died of a heart attack Tuesday morning in Los Angeles. He was 82. Clark is best known for hosting long-running television shows such as.....
 
 
Marla
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Heads up!

Michaels is having a huge sale on craft things including YARN!! Impeccable, simply soft, sugar n cream and several others. Lots of other crafty stuff too! Check it out if there's one near you!

Marla
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Relief Share needs

Hi all,

I am having a hard time, as are a lot of people right now keeping up with my charity work due to other financial needs in this economy. If any of you can and would like to do some charity work my favorite Charity, Relief Share (reliefshare.org) is badly needing help. Here's their latest post. Most of their needs right now although all donations are welcome are for baby needs. Please consider donating to them if you can do any extra donating at the moment.

Relief Share charity – urgent needs – spring 2012

Relief Share charity efforts are focused this spring of 2012 on the most urgent needs – and right now they are for babies. Here is a brief list of supplies and items needed the most, however, we accept all donations of any kind.



Supplies needed: – jumbo rick rack for the edges of the receiving blankets (lots of it – it takes 2 packages per receiving blanket), The rick rack helps the blankets last longer on the edges as it stabilizes the fabric and adds a pretty edging.



- flannel for baby layettes, quilts and blankets



- sewing thread, serging thread, embroidery thread, tatting thread, quilting thread – yes, any kind of thread We go through a lot of it.



- fabric – baby print, minky, chenille, flannel, knit, cotton, pastel – any kind of fabric is used, right down to the scraps. We do whole cloth quilts, scrap quilts, patchwork quilts, baby clothing, diaper bags, etc. Think soft and think baby colors.



- yarn – all colors, all kinds for hats, layettes, blankets, toys, etc. – ribbon for baby taggie blankets and burial layettes



- trims for baby clothing and blankets (bias, twill, rosettes, appliques, etc)



- scissors, rotary cutters, tools, knitting needles (circular needles are the best), crochet hooks, felt, craft supplies, sewing, crochet, crafting, beading, embroidery, tatting and knitting supplies.



Items needed:



- baby clothing such as onesies, layettes, sleepers, gowns, hats, booties, socks, hats



- baby accessories such as diaper bags, hygiene items (diaper rash lotion, shampoo, soap, lotion, baby powder), formula, diapers (cloth and disposable), pacifiers, bottles, nursing pillows – anything a baby needs.



- baby afghans, baby cocoons, swaddlers and baby afghans remain our number one most requested items. Keeping little ones warm and snuggled for healing and growth is very important.



Relief Share has 3 locations to ship donations to:



Relief Share, 6078 Lundy Rd, Houston, Missouri 65483-2225



Relief Share, 6200 N River Pointe Dr C208, Garden City, Idaho 83714



Relief Share, 2399 S Orchard St #201, Boise, ID 83705



Thank you for your supporting our cause. We love the babies and their families and it feels wonderful to help the sick and needy. Relief Share is a non profit charity registered with the IRS and charity reporting agency, GuideStar. All donations receive a thank you letter and tax deductible letter – please put a note in the donation boxes with your address so we can send you your thank you letter.



President Carol Green

www.ReliefShare.org

info@ReliefShare.org – email us – we’d love to hear from you.


Marla
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Dryer balls tonight

Giving my hands a break from crochet and knitting for the night I'm frogging a wool sweater for a set of dryer balls. That should put a dent in my mess... er... stash of sweaters and things and a little boost on my Etsy page. These will be some kind of earth tones as the sweater is a mix of tan, greys and black. I also have a couple of others to do if I get this one done in the next day or so.

Seems not all but most of my people looking at my Etsy page are looking at dryer balls and my crayon art. But seems sales have been slow. A couple of pieces of vintage jewelry have sold but it's been few and far between. Takeoff on my Etsy page has been slow on Facebook too. you can also look me up on facebook on my personal page, marla Caneer Potter if you like and follow as it's mostly public.

Later all- suppertime then back to ripping out a sweater!

Marla
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Prayers needed

Hi Everyone,

Please keep my good friend Mimi and her family in your prayers- they need all they can get right now. Both her parents and her husband's are elderly with health problems including cancer, her dad is in the hospital about to have a huge tumor removed and Mimi is recovering from health problems herself. Please keep them all in every prayer you say. Thanks Everyone!

Marla
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Knitting and crocheting

Hi all,

What's everyone been up to? Blogland is sure quiet this morning. Mostly quiet lately as a matter of fact. Must be all the kids on Spring Break.

Me, I've been running my tail off and crocheting/knitting when I can sit down. Working on some baby stuff for charity. Mostly Cocoons and hats. A few other little things. Here's the crochet pattern to the cocoons I've been working on. Now, if I could just sit still long enough to get one finished!

Preemie/Small Newborn Baby Cocoon Pattern




In reading Relief Share and other charity blogs, I've found that the pattern I have made for a cocoon is more for a 8-10lb baby or 0-3mo size. So I've sort of amended my pattern for a large preemie or smaller newborn as follows:



Materials:



SOFT worsted weight yarn or double baby yarn,

6oz worsted for 5-6lb

size H hook.

Note: Do NOT turn after Joining. Ch 2 at first of round counts as a DC. If you have counted correctly your 2dc space with be made in the first stitch of the 2dc stitch on the row below.



Chain 3



1: Dc 11 times in the end chain. Join with a slip stitch. (12 Dc made)



2: Ch 2, DC in same space, 2dc in each stitch around. Join. (24 DC made)



3: Ch 2, Dc in same stitch, (Dc in next stitch, 2 dc in next stitch) around. Join. (36 Dc made)



4: Ch 2, Dc in same stitch, (Dc in next 2 stitches, 2dc in next stitch) around. Join. (48 Dc made).



5: Ch 2, Dc in same stitch, (Dc in next 3 stitches, 2dc in next stitch) around. Join. (60 Dc made)



6: Ch 2, Dc in NEXT stitch and each stitch around. Join.



For 5-6lb size:

Repeat Row 6, until cocoon reaches about 17-18″



Add Edging if desired.



You may adjust pattern if needed or hook size so that cocoon measures 8" across (16" around) by 18" long.

Marla
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Meow Creations Facebook Page Correction

Hi All

I announced that my Etsy Shop Meow Creations is now on Facebook; please look me up under facebook as Etsy.com/meowcreations. Hope you'll come visit. I plan to do some showing there as well new items etc. from my shop.

Marla
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Addi Turbo Click Interchangeable Knitting Needle Set WANTED

I have a dear friend who runs a charity and constantly knits and crochets for the needy. She is looking for a set of the Addi Turbo Click interchangeable knitting needles but can't afford the $159.95 price tag... if anyone has a set they are willing to sell cheaper, trade, or donate to her 501 c 3 charity please contact info@reliefshare.org.

here's here plea from facebook:

ADDI TURBO CLICK INTERCHANGEABLE KNITTING NEEDLE SET - okay so I really really want a set for my charity work for ReliefShare.org but can't pay the $ the website is wanting, they are so expensive. I am putting this 'out there' on my facebook because out of 4,539 facebook friends I am praying SOMEONE will either have one or know of someone who has one that would be willing to sell cheap, trade, donate or share their set with me. Pretty pretty please......I knit every single day and they would get well used. I need the Addi Turbo because my hands are tiny (ring finger is a 3 3/4) and I can knit like the wind with them. Right now I have a circular needle set but not enough sizes to handle all the weights of yarn. Hoping......can you help me?





Marla
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Outside

Hi all-

Something I don't do very much- get outside and just sit. However the weather is great today so I'm outside with my laptop catching up, sitting on daddy's patio just me and the dog. She has her own chair, mind you. I don't generally take my knitting and crochet outside because the tables and all are covered in green pollen right now. YUCK! I had to clean off a place to sit and to sit my computer and all.

I may have some tah-dah's when I get my camera out and catch up on pictures- have some knitted hats almost finished if I can figure out the decreases on them. Knitting in the round, although fairly easy, is new to me so I'm catching on.

Speaking of which, I'm gonna go knit some more, my battery is getting low and since Daddy is off cutting my grandmother's grass, I guess I'm charged with giving the dog her slice of cheese for lunch. She's not letting me forget what time it is.

Later all! Gotta plug my laptop in.

Marla
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Some scrap bits of crochet and a bit of knitting

Hi Folks,

Sorry so long between posts, seems as though I'm seldom sitting down long enough to post when/where I have computer access and lucky if I get time to crochet or knit lately. If I do it's usually at home in the wee hours of the morning where I DON'T have internet access.

I've been desperately trying to use up some of my spare yarns and gotten into scrappy projects lately. Baby hats are a good one, as are dishcloths, coasters and using my yarn winder from Boye to wind up spare yarn. Ripple or two afghans in the works just to use up some of that!

I've been knitting a bit (I know- knitting doesn't use as much yarn...) trying to get down the pattern for some simple baby hats and a few cocoons and things. Remember, my knitting skils are very beginner compared to my crochet skills. If you have time this spring be sure and pack a box crocheted goods or not and send to your favorite charity. Relief Share is my favorite and gets most of my goodies.

Here's a list of some of my favorite patterns lately:

Baby cocoon (knitted)
Baby Top Knot hat (knit)
4am Ripple (crochet)
Project Linus Granny Ripple
Project Linus Easy Ripple in DC

I also Recommend Crochet World's 50 Scrap projects and The Crochet Dude's Use Up That Yarn! books- lots of scrap patterns there and of course tons more on the internet. The big colors around here lately? Murray State's (University) Blue and Gold and University of KY's Blue and White. Their basketball teams are tops so everyone is nuts for both.

Well now I'm off to do some kniting on a cocoon I started. going well but small stitches mean slow going. Liking it though but with my slow knitting it takes a while.

Marla
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80 Here Today

After the warning of more storms, it's a beautiful sunny 80 degrees here today! And wouldn't ya know it I gotta work later. Off tomorrow but it's supposed to be back to 50-60. Was gonna crochet some and post some more items to Etsy but no such luck. Maybe a little tomorrow but by the time I get done with appts half the day will be over. Those that have beautiful weather, hope you get to enjoy it!

Please pray for Harrisburg IL and other areas affected by the storms and tornados. Everyone I know is OK and no big losses but so many lost everything. We were lucky to have missed it in Paducah and Calvert City.
Well mostly anyway. There was some damage out past KY Oaks mall along the McCracken/Ballard Co line that turned over a trailer and some other damage but I think everyone got out OK. Nothing like Harrisburg which was just short of being like Joplin MO a year or so ago.

Soon as I get time to stop a few min, my next project will be the Owl mug cozy on Red Heart's Site. Just looking for a few min so I can stop and make one, eyes and all!
Marla
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Eye candy for you

Hi all-

the last few weeks have been rather crazy and have taken their toll on me and my energy, so now that I have a bit of energy back, thought I'd make a good old fashioned blog post I seldom have time to do. I have done a bit of crocheting here and there and will show off a litle bit as well as some goodies from my latest shopping trip last week.

My good friend Mimi did turn me on to these atkins shakes with a ton of vitamins and very little sugar and a lot of protien which is good for not raising my blood sugar. The strawberry arent bad but I've become addicted to the chocolate. I can't say that I'm bouncing off walls as Mimi puts it but I can tell I have a bit more energy.

I even pondered a trip to Hobby Lobby this afternoon but since things are so crazy around town and so many people out I decided against it- I hate it when there's too many people to look around and pleasure about as I like. I did get there and Michaels last week. I've been making cotton dish and face cloths among other things, decided to do some Easter Eggs. Therefore here is my loot:

A great magazine full of scrap projects. Lord knows I need to use up scraps!



For Face Cloths




For Easter Eggs




Beginnings of a newborn hat




A couple of Dishcloths now on my Etsy Shop




One of the Dishcloths soon to be in my Etsy shop as one of a set.



One of another set of Dishcloths soon to be in my Etsy Shop


And How do ya like my new Coffee Mug? I got it super cheap on sale- had been an expensive mug. I think it's so cute and have been taking it to IHOP with me in the mornings!

Speaking of IHOP, there is a husband/wife couple working there, they've both been there a while and got married last fall after dating some time. They just found out they're expecting!! Since it's way too early to tell the sex of the baby, I'm already plotting colors and what to do for them. I can't wait either!

So in my spare time I am trying to work on a few crochet projects for my Etsy shop. A few new projects should pop up soon so stay tuned!

Marla
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Newborn Earflap Hat with Braids Pattern

Newborn Earflap Hat With Braids Pattern

Size: 12" around, 5.5" tall
With Chunky or Doubled Yarn: 13" around, 6" tall. Use an H Hook.

F or G Hook
Sport weight, cotton or baby sport yarn (not fingering)
For WW, Sport or Cotton use an F hook
For Baby Sport yarn use a G hook
You may adjust hook size to whatever gives you the size you need.

Magic ring or chain 3 or 4 and join.

Row 1: 8 hdc in ring. Join with a slip stitch.

Row 2: 2 hdc in each hdc around.  Join with a slip stitch.



Row 3: 2 hdc in first hdc, 1 hdc in next hdc. Repeat around and join with a slip stitch.

Row 4: 2 hdc in first hdc, 1 hdc in next 2 hdc's. Repeat around and join with a slip stitch.

Row 5: 2 hdc in first hdc, 1 hdc in next 3 hdc's. Repeat around and join with a slip stitch.

Row 6: 1 hdc in each hdc around. Repeat around and join with a slip stitch.

Repeat row 6 until you have a total of 13 rows or 5.5" length.

Ear Flaps:

Row 1: Attach yarn on first side and hdc in 10 hdc's. Turn.

Row 2: hdc decrease over first two stitches, 1 hdc in each stitch to the last two stitches, hdc over last two stitches. Turn. (9 stitches)

Repeat Row 2 Until You have a total of 6 rows.
Fasten off Earflap.

Join 11 stitches past the end of the first earflap and repeat for 2nd earflap. The earflaps should be 11 Stitches apart in the front. This will leave them 14 stitches apart in the back. This is done purposely for the spacing of the earflaps.

Edging: Sc in each stitch around (I use a coordinating color for this) and join with a slip stitch. Fasten Off.

Braids: Cut 3 strands of yarn 9" long each. Insert them into the center stitch of the last row on the earflap, Pull so the ends are even. Now separate into 3 double strands and braid leaving a 1" tail and knot securely.

This pattern is my own created 1/25/12 and may not be sold or reposted. You may link to the pattern and you may sell finished items from it.


Marla
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Baby Granny Ripple Afghan Pattern

Baby Granny Ripple Afghan

35 " Wide (36" if you want to add a Sc Edging.)
I Hook, WW yarn
Chain 133

Row 1: 3dc in 7th chain from hook  sk 2 chains * (3dc in next stitch, sk 2 chains) twice,  sk 5 chains, (3dc in next stitch, sk 2 chains) twice, sk 2 chains, (3dc, ch 2, 3dc) all in next chain. Repeat from * across. Ch 5, turn.

Row 2: Make 3 Dc in the first ch-3 space; *3dc in the next two spaces between the 3dc clusters on the row below.  Skip the next space between 3dc groups, Make a 3dc group in the next two spaces between 3dc clusters; (3dc, ch2, 3dc) all in the next ch 3 space. Repeat from * across. End with a 3dc, ch2, 3dc in the turning ch 5 from the previous row.

You can add a border of your choosing if you wish. I think a Sc border makes it look neater.



Marla
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New Dryer Balls in Etsy Shop

I finally got that set of dryer balls listed in my Etsy Shop- pictures taken and all. Pink Camo and Green. Kind of neat looking, more importantly I've saved a ton on fabric softener since I started using dryer balls- I don't buy it anymore! Now if I can just get my hubby to leave them in the dryer....

Marla
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Just Ramblin'

Wow Blogland is dead lately! Where are all my regular blog buddies? I miss you guys!I myself have been busy with work hours increasing after the January slump, and my husband's decreasing which means he is home more, thus I am getting less done.

I have been doing a little crochet work lately trying to work out the prototype for a 2-3lb burial gown, actually two different ones but that is really slow seeing as I'm not getting a lot of crochet time. Had to put a lot of projects on the back burner with everything else going on around here.

I burnt up a vacuum cleaner yesterday so that means a new vacuum. Just as I really started to clean the place out/up of all the cat hair and dust that had accumulated too- it was about 3 years old and we wear out one every 2-3 years so it was about time I guess.

I did sell a piece or two from my Etsy shop which has been dead even though I've run sales like crazy. I'm trying to come up with some new pieces but like I said time has been short. I do have a new set of dryer balls ready to go if i can just get them photographed and listed.

Then there's this thing called work, since they don't pay me for staying home I'm going to have to get going soon. It's been hell on wheels this week- busy as crap and full moon and all. Later Everyone! Soon as I have pics you'll get some!

Marla
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Superbowl sale and crochet

Hi all-

What've I been working on in my spare time? A few things.... Patterns yet to come, and creating a couple charity patterns. I'm also having a superbowl sale this weekend- 20% off everything in my Etsy shop including things already on clearance.

Last week I've come to realize that although I have several preemie patterns, I've yet to design any burial layettes. So the last few days since a preemie in my friend Mimi's family passed away, I''ve dedicated myself to writing out patterns for a couple gowns for preemies, now to make the prototypes and design bonnets and blankets and possibly a memorial toy to go with it. I have one gown half done, after frogging and changing my idea a couple of times. Plenty of girl ideas, needed one for boys that wasn't too "girly". Soon as I have one made and written out of each you'll have pictures and the patterns. The gown is important but the whole ensemble is really needed- the gown, booties for the feet, a bonnet for the head and a blanket to wrap them in or the parents to keep. Also a memorial item is included so the parents can have something to hold on to. A teddy bear, bunny, toy or angel is a nice touch. Work gets so in the way of my crocheting time.

So I'm off to work on one of my gowns in the crochet time I have left for the night. Night all!

Marla
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Ship takes out Bridge in Kentucky- go see for yourself!

We had a ton of excitement around here Thursday night- about 20 mi from me anyway. A large ship carrying Rocket parts for Nasa crashed into and took out most of a bridge at the other end of Marshall Co KY, just on the other side of the county from me.

I was at work about 8:15 when a customer said her hubby just texted her and said according to the scanners a boat hit the Eggner's Ferry Bridge in Aurora KY and it fell. I'm thinking "OK this could be just gossip" until a few min later another regular said his daughter called him who works on the boats and said the same thing.

Luckily all cars made it off the bridge safely and noone was hurt. This bridge had 5 huge sections and the boat took out two. Trust me, it's amazing to see- go to http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/01/27/eggner-ferry-bridge_n_1237222.html?ref=mostpopular to see the story and pics. They're copyrighted so I can't post them here but it shows the half bridge, the boat with most of the bridge laying on it roadway and all and everything.

It's a miracle noone was hurt or killed.

Marla
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Patterns coming... just be patient

Sorry to keep you in suspense LOL but These patterns are waiting on the sample items to be finished from them and pictures made of them. I have 2 baby patterns written out, for the most part at least. One is a blanket and the other is a hat. That's all I'll say for now!

One of my next projects will be a sweater from a pattern I received from a dear friend, I can't wait to try it but the only thing that bothers me is this pattern is for 6mo and up. I like making mostly newborn stuff. After I get this pattern down I may find a way to minimize it for Newborns or at least 0-3mos. Will all depend on time.

Now off to crochet a bit before I have to go help my dad take the dog to the groomer's then work later.

Watch for these patterns. I'll post them soon as I can get samples made of these patterns!!

Marla
Meow Creations Etsy Shop- Supplies and Crochet
Marla's Nursery
Gifts of Love

Cup Cozies

 My good friend Mimi at http://mimisgotyarn.blogspot.com/ was kind enough to feature the cup cozies she made from my pattern. I love her examples! Go take a look at her pictures. She is VERY creative!

The pattern can be found a few posts back at http://marlashouse.blogspot.com/cupcozypattern. If you don't have the time check out my Etsy shop (link at the bottom) as I have several made up or can make one up for you!


Marla
Meow Creations Etsy Shop- Supplies and Crochet
Marla's Nursery
Gifts of Love

The 2 Year Old Bag of Doughnuts

OK now that I have your attention.....

We just came back from Walmart as Scott was nice enough to take me after dinner to get the colors of cotton yarn I needed. I got them all for $1 plus a few extra just to spite Michaels who never restocks or orders more of something while it is on sale. Did I mention they burn me up??? Anyway I got my yarn for the $1 price. SO THERE MICHAELS!

Anyway While there I see Scott talking to one of the other cashiers. He has several bags of those snack cake type doughnuts in his hand.

"What have you got hon?"

"This Bag of doughnuts is 2 years old!!"

"It's WHAT???" I know this is not possible as this is my store I work in.
"LEMME SEE THAT!"

Apparently after the due date of Feb 5 there is some 5 digit serial no ending in 2010. It took the service desk and 2 CSM's to convince him that this was not the year of the expiration date and that the number had nothing to do with the expiration and that the doughnuts were NOT 2 years old.

MEN!!! I love him but I have no idea what to do with this one of mine. I told him if he wanted to look like an idiot that was fine but don't do it in my store or with me with him so I don't look like an idiot. I'm headed home shortly and he is already home after he dropped me off no doubt enjoying his 2 year old bag of doughnuts. I'm going home and enjoy some of my yarn.

Marla
Meow Creations Etsy Shop- Supplies and Crochet
Marla's Nursery
Gifts of Love

Yarn Shopping Day and Michaels

What a day- I spent several hours today yarn shopping directly or indirectly. First trip after a late breakfast was to Michaels. Well guess what? I struck totally out. Monday their Sugar N Cream yarn went on sale for $1. I got in there super early Monday. I got a few skeins but the bins were about half empty to begin with. And our store here is BAD about not putting out more of what's on sale and not restocking or ordering more. So by today they were out. Completely empty. Even though they do have good sales sometimes, I often hate our store for stunts like this. I will have the last laugh- Walmart carries the colors I was after anyway. All I have to do is show Michaels' ad (and they usually don't ask for the ad) and get what I want for $1. So There Michaels!! :0P-----

So- on to the interesting parts. I got a couple of colors Walmart doesn't carry at Hobby Lobby. They weren't on sale but I got what I needed to finish some projects. I like HL Better anyway. They have a much better selection. They don't always run as good of sales but I can depend on them to have it or the employees know me well enough they will go to the back to find it for me. So... Total of six skeins from HL.

Then on to Goodwill. How is this yarn shopping you ask? Ahhh If you haven't followed my blog and projects, I often take sweaters and other items and recycle the yarn from them. So I found 3 or 4 sweaters to take apart for the yarn and a couple tops for me. Plus a little baby jacket to donate.

Haven't hit Walmart yet but will finish my Sugar N Cream stash there.

May post later.... hoping to post a pic or two of my dishcloths I'm working on. About supper time- gonna grab a bite with Scott, my dad and grandmother. Later all!

Marla
Meow Creations Etsy Shop- Supplies and Crochet
Marla's Nursery
Gifts of Love

Dishcloth Bliss and Pattern and an Almost Day Off

Today my friends, is an *almost* day off as I just have a short shift tonight. Great in the free time category, not so much in the pay category. Don't forget Michaels still has the great sale on many types of yarn including super cheap Sugar N Cream and Impeccable! I plan on going back tomorrow morning (If I'm lucky I can get Scott to take me while he's off this weekend) and getting a few more of the $1 Skeins. I'm into cotton lately. Not that I like it that much as it shrinks but people seem to like it as gifts and it sells better if you're making items to sell.

Today I'm making Dishcloths. Just standard dishcloths and loving it. No complicated pattern to follow and they seem to be all the rage on Etsy. I prefer acrylic in my kitchen as it is much softer and doesn't shrink but making some cotton to give away and put in my Etsy shop.

My Standard simple pattern?

H Hook
Cotton yarn about 2oz with some left over

Chain 30

Dc in third chain from hook and each chain across. Ch 2, turn. Ch 2 counts as first stitch in each row.

Dc in second Dc from hook and each chain across. Don't forget to Dc in the Ch 2 from the previous row- it counts as a stitch.

Produces a 8.5" Dishcloth using cotton yarn and H hook.

You can edge yours if you wish- sometimes I do and sometimes I don't. Depends on how fancy I want it.

Later all- gotta get back to crocheting before I have to get ready for work tonight!

Marla
Meow Creations Etsy Shop- Supplies and Crochet
Marla's Nursery
Gifts of Love

Shower Scrubbie Free pattern

I made up  my own scrubbie pattern for the shower scrubbie things. I only made a small one so far. This should be a simple pattern but does get bundlesome as the scrubbie gets bigger so I wouldn't recommend it for beginning crocheters.

Shower Scrubbie (Small one shown in Picture Made of Cotton yarn) J or K Hook
2-2.5oz of yarn (I prefer acrylic but you can use cotton or a blend or whatever you wish that is washable)

You should know how to make a Double Crochet and a Front Post Double crochet around the post of the Double crochet on the row below.

Ch 30 (Or However long you want your hanging loop)

Join with a slip stitch to form a loop. Ch 1

Row 1: 15 Dc in the last Ch1 then join to first Dc with a slip stitch.
Push the loop behind you as you work keeping it at the top.

Note: It helps to mark the Ch 2 of Round 2 in each round with a safety pin or stitch marker so it is easier to keep up with where to join.

Row 2:  Ch 2, Make 4 FRONT POST Double crochets around the post of the first dc in the round below. Move to Next Dc of the round below, Make 5 Front Post Dc around each Dc in the Round Below.  Join with a slip stitch.

Repeat Round 2 for a Total of 3 Rounds for a small or Child's Scrubbie.

Repeat Round 2 for a Total of 4-5 Rounds for a large adult scrubbie.


There you go- good luck! They aren't hard but like I said they do get bundlesome after the first couple of rounds.

Marla
Meow Creations Etsy Shop- Supplies and Crochet
Marla's Nursery
Gifts of Love

A Quick Pattern for you- Cup Cozy

I thought I'd share a simple pattern with you, for the crocheted cup cozies or sleeves I've been making for To-Go cups. These take almost no time at all to make. No time to make one? Visit my Etsy Shop- I have plenty made up or can make you a custom one.

Cup Cozy

G Hook
Worsted Weight yarn
Chain 30 (35 for light worsted or sport weight)
Join with a slip stitch. Be careful not to twist the chain.

Half Double crochet in first chain (instead of chaining 2) and each chain to the end.  From here you can either mark your first stitch and crochet in a spiral or join rounds with a slip Stitch.

Repeat for 5 Rounds, you will have 6 rounds total.

Edge in Sc or Embellish with buttons or appliques or whatever you wish. This should fit those to-go coffee cups either from restaurants or the reusable ones.

Marla
Meow Creations Etsy Shop- Supplies and Crochet
Marla's Nursery

Gifts of Love

New Project Pictures for you

Here's some of the stuff I've been working on- these will go in my Etsy Shop for sale.

Here's the bath set:

And a Couple of Cup Cozies

OK back to crocheting- got a couple of shower scrubbies and a market bag on the hook. If I decide I may post a couple of my own patterns later. Still deciding what to post and what might go as a pattern for sale in my Etsy shop.


Marla
Meow Creations Etsy Shop- Supplies and Crochet
Marla's Nursery
Gifts of Love

Back home again and Eco Friendly projects

Well the truck is fixed and I'm back home again- glad to be back home but that means not as much internet exposure either. I'd love to move (let's just stop at move) to some place where I could get internet a little cheaper. There's only one carrier that comes thru for high speed where I live and they want an ungodly amount for their internet service, never mind the phone line. I could do dialup cheaply at home but that takes FOREVER and is always cutting you off so it isn't worth having.

In between working and cleaning my stuff out of my house and my dad's den where I was staying and always keep a little something to work on, I've been working on a few Eco-Friendly projects. I've got one set done with a shower scrubbie (small one), washcloth and face scrubbies that will go in my Etsy shop and working on a market bag. Along with the cup cozies I've already got in there. I need to work on some mug cozies- I need one of my own to take to IHOP in the mornings with me, that coffee cup is hot when I first grab it.

I'd like to be working on my own pattern for a market bag of some kind, I have some ideas but haven't got to sit down and do it yet. Pictures to come of some projects soon as I can get them taken and posted. Etsy has been dead lately.

Should be back later with a pic or two or more. Eye candy coming!

Marla
Meow Creations Etsy Shop- Supplies and Crochet
Marla's Nursery
Gifts of Love

Thank you Everyone!

Thank you to all my friends who left comments or emailed me. I really appreciate your condolences on the loss of Angel. She was my baby and is missed, but she is in a better place, as insensitive as it sounds to say that. She had been in failing health for the last year or two and really wasn't the same cat. Though I loved her it was her time to go.

Thanks everyone!

Marla
Meow Creations Etsy Shop- Supplies and Crochet
Marla's Nursery
Gifts of Love

My Beloved Angel and Heads Up $1 Sugar N Cream yarn!

Before I rave about the big sale, Those of you who have followed my blog know I talk about my cats. You've seen my posts about Angel, my white cat. She was MY baby. My beloved Angel passed away last night at the age of 9 while I was staying at my dad's. I'm glad in a way- she was getting in bad shape and I didn't really want to be at home to watch her die. I'll miss her but I know she's better off.

Really not in much of a mood today but I did want to pass along the Email I got from Michaels- Their sale next week includes $1 Sugar N Cream Yarn. Here I come!! I normally hate cotton but it is good for some projects and those who are "natural freaks or eco-crazy" seem to love it.  Good for some of my reusable projects.

I've gotten into making some scrubbies and washcloths and reusable projects lately. I love acrylic for some of these as it is easy care and the project is still reusable but some people seem to hate it because it isn't natural like cotton or wool. Doesn't make a difference to me on some things. I like the feel of it for washcloths and dishcloths and I even found a couple who agree with me it's better for shower or face scrubbies.

But I will still make cotton for my Etsy shop and gifts for those who prefer it. I'm off to do a little crocheting before I have to get ready for work. Just wanted to let you all know about Angel and the sale next week.

Marla
Meow Creations Etsy Shop- Supplies and Crochet
Marla's Nursery
Gifts of Love

What's wrong with this picture? You tell me.....

This is so ridiculous to a knitter or crocheter it's almost funny. OK this is an actual listing from Etsy.... What's wrong with the listing and picture? Any yarn artist should be able to tell. In case you can't scroll down for the answer.

Crocheted Reusable Dish ClothsFrom MadelynVintage


A must for the eco-friendly kitchen!



Set of 4 reusable dish cloths. Crocheted squares made of soft cotton yarn in a earthy blend of shades: off-white, teal, sky blue, moss green.



Each cloth is 9" square.









The answer?? In case you can't tell these are KNITTED NOT CROCHETED!!! The seller most likely bought these somewhere and tried to pass them off as her creations. If you are going to steal someone else's work at least label it appropriately! LOL Geez talk about dumb. I almost had to laugh until I realized it wasnt just a mistake she had probably stolen someone else's work and tried to claim it.

Marla
Meow Creations Etsy Shop- Supplies and Crochet
Marla's Nursery
Gifts of Love

Surviving on yarn and crochet and Angel

Well it's been almost a week and I'm surviving here at my dad's. At least I have my crochet and computer to keep me company. I'm missing Scott and the cats though. Speaking of cats, I will soon be down to 4- my poor baby Angel has just about seen her last days. She's almost 9 and has had kidney problems for a long time. She's lived a very spoiled life, and until recently slept or sat with me every minute. I finally had to keep her off the bed or furniture due to her not always making it to the litter box on time. In a way, I'm hoping she passes before I get back home. That sounds bad but it's not something I want to see. I sure will miss her- we have 4 others but none has been my baby like she has. Here's an older pic of her. She was pretty when she was younger. Still was up til a couple or three weeks ago.



I've been surviving on yarn... making some cotton things to put in my Etsy shop and didn't like any of the patterns out there for a Shower Scrubbie or Pouf so I'm making my own. Gotta get ready for work in a bit. I hate having to depend on someone else to take me and pick me up. Hopefully my truck will be ready soon. Have a great day all!

Marla
Meow Creations Etsy Shop- Supplies and Crochet
Marla's Nursery
Gifts of Love

Post-Christmas cleanout and Lavender Washcloths

I'm stuck at my dad's for the week while my truck is being fixed from a deer running into it back in Oct. So, along with some crochet, I'm helping him today go thru some of the massive Christmas stuff my Mom had amassed and seeing what we will never use again or neither of us wants to keep. She would never go through it and there's stuff that was outdated years ago.

I've also been working on a dishcloth/washcloth and discovered the purple cotton yarn I'm using is also lavender scented. This will go more than likely in my Etsy shop along with my other goodies, things are slow right now after Christmas. I like the scent but think it's stopping me up a bit. Haven't decided, may make some scrubbies or a spa set out of it.

Hours are short at work during Jan. and while I'm enjoying the extra time off it isn't good on my pocketbook or paycheck. Thank Goodness Scott is getting Overtime til further notice. Like I said good time to get some crocheting done and do some cleaning out on the house this month. I've gotten a dent made but that's about all. Should be more posts to come this week.

Marla
Meow Creations Etsy Shop- Supplies and Crochet
Marla's Nursery
Gifts of Love

New Year's Purging- No kidding!!

I'm off back to the house today (I don't have internet at home) to do some serious purging of JUNK around the house. All the trash laying around, junk, empty boxes, etc are going BYE BYE. Hubby may have a heart attack when he comes home and all his plastic bottles etc. are missing. Maybe even some of my stuff may go. I haven't been able to do much since he's been on vacation last 2 weeks and the house shows it. Well, no more!

Crocheting etc can be done tonight. Gonna make or finish a project to be a blanket for that litttle puppy I was talking about. Poor baby. Later all!

Marla
Meow Creations Etsy Shop- Supplies and Crochet
Marla's Nursery
Gifts of Love