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Tuesday, October 26, 2010

Fingerless glove pictures..... Finally!!!

I finally got the pics taken of the fingerless gloves I've been promising. Took forever but here they are:




The Neopolitan pair.... ALL MINE


The Cinnamon Alpaca pair.... For Sale on Etsy- Come take a look!
In case you missed, the top pair is what I made out of some of the yarn my hubby got on his first yarn run LOL Not bad huh? 
Marla
Meow Creations Etsy Shop- Supplies and Crochet
Marla's Nursery
Gifts of Love

Alpaca yarn

I got a skein of Alpaca yarn at HL, had never worked with it before but it wasn't bad after I got past the first few yards which appeared to have either been broken or cut in places so I lost several yards of the yarn. I made a warm pair of fingerless gloves and since I got the yarn inexpensively these will be fairly cheap on my etsy shop too. I was going to keep them but seems the alpaca yarn makes my nose run. They're very warm and look really good- will post pics this afternoon sometime. Along with the neopolitan ones I've been promising.

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

Monday, October 25, 2010

More destashing

I did more destashing the last couple of days.... several patterns and sets and crochet accessories listed on my etsy shop; some crystalites hook sets, Little Box of Crochet for Baby, In All Caps by Drew Emborsky, a couple of other things. I'm also offering free shipping til the first of November. Take a look if you're interested. Haven't had much time to make anything.

I badly need to clean out more of my yarn/craft stash with the house for sale but who's had time.... Scott and I are working our tails off and it is already spent before we get it.... we rarely get to see each other for one or the other or both of us working but heck we need the money badly so our time together, crocheting, cleaning out the house, and computer time has suffered.

I'm still promising a show and tell of those neopolitan fingerless gloves- just gotta get someone to take a pic for me!! Hopefully soon!!

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

Saturday, October 23, 2010

Fingerless Gloves

That's what I've been into making the last few days. The Neopolitan yarn Scott got me? Part of it went into a pair of them for me but I don't have pictures yet. Soon as I get someone to take a pic of me wearing them... I'll have a show and tell.

In the meantime, here's a pair I put up for sale on my etsy shop along with several other patterns and crochet items:




Pretty neat once I have the pattern down I can make some fancier ones. These are just a basic green pair made from some extra yarn I had lying around. I didnt like the patterns I'd seen so I sort of created my own. These fit my small hands a little loosely so they should fit the average (older) teen to adult hand.

Hopefully I'll get pics of those neopolitan ones I did soon that are ALL MINE... I really like how they turned out. When I do I'll share!


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

Wednesday, October 20, 2010

More yarn I didn't need and My Birthday

I did it again- I overbought on yarn for a project (seems like I'm always doing that) so the remainder 2 skeins of the Hobby Lobby Epais yarn in Camo Rose wound up on my Etsy shop. I can't think of anything else to do with yarn like that at the moment. It's like Lion Brand Homespun so its soft and bulky. Oh well some lucky person will get it for less than I paid for it.




One skein is pictured but I listed the two together if anyone is interested.

I've enjoyed these last two days off- crochet, computer and not doing a whole heck of a lot. It's been great other than having to get up early both my days off. Back to work tomorrow- UGH- but I'm off Sat so we're going to celebrate my birthday Sat. night. My birthday is actually Sunday the 24th but since I have to work.... Sat. night we will probably go to dinner at Logans then whatever I can talk Scott into doing assuming he got the night off.

Enjoy the rest of the night all!!

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

Monday, October 18, 2010

Hubby Goes on a Yarn Run.... ROFL

Morning Everyone.....

I finally had Scott all to myself this weekend- first time he'd had more than one day off a week in forever. After a bout of stubbornness on his part over finding a new cell phone for him and a huge fight that followed, I guess he decided he'd better make it up to me. I reminded him (among many other things LOL) how he'd only been working or sleeping with me seeing and talking to him about 15 min or so a day if we were awake at the same time. For the last month or two mind you.

That was Saturday morning. Sat. night I came home from work to find that he had not only vacuumed (well, part of the house anyway LOL), changed the sheets on the bed, found a pink glove I'd been searching for for over a year...... and had me a sandwich from McD's ready when I got home. I must've hit a nerve... LOL

So then Sunday I asked him to run down to Michael's for me and check the door. Since about Oct 1 or so they've had a Halloween display of HUGE spiders posted at the door. I am not only terrified of the things, I have nightmares.... unrealistic type nightmares. I half wake up to turn over etc and think I see 8 or 10 on the ceiling, or one on the bed, or crawling up the wall...... you get the idea. So I've sent him down 2 or 3 times to see if the display is down yet. It hasn't been.... probably not til Halloween is over. He wanted to know what was so important down there anyway.... I was looking for a skein of their Impeccable yarn in Neopolitan. I told him I was going on to take a shower before work, just let me know if the Spiders were still there or not.

I get out of the shower, dry my hair, get dressed and when I came in the kitchen, guess what I found on the table.... ROFL




I had no idea he even knew where the yarn was in Michaels much less what I was talking about ROFL. I wonder how much help he had finding this. I wanted one skein for some possible mittens.... I got 2. I wish I had been a fly on the wall to see him trying to pick out yarn he knows nothing about LOL.

These two definitely won't be on etsy like some of my spare skeins of yarn..... they'll be made up pretty quickly. Have a great day all!!

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

Wednesday, October 13, 2010

Show and Tell Day

Here are a couple of the items I've made recently to take a break from Charity Projects:

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Victorian Ombre Stocking














Coffee/Tea Trivet and Coaster Set


 









These are both for sale on my Etsy Shop under MeowCreations.
Marla

Tuesday, October 12, 2010

Charity Projects

When doing charity projects for this fall and winter, Don't forget the littlest ones in need, Newborns, Preemies and Toddlers. Marla's Nursery, Bevscountrycottage.com are great places to start looking for new patterns or patterns you haven't thought of or seen in a while.

Remember- that weather is turning cooler fast!!

Marla
Marla's Nursery
Gifts of Love

Monday, October 11, 2010

Where is Everyone and Etsy

Where is Everyone? Seems like not many people blogging the last few days. Mimi? Pammy Sue? Anybody?? Sure seems quiet around here.

Well, I finally did it- I went and opened an Etsy shop. I don't have much on there right now, just some supplies until I can get some of the things I've made photographed and/or finished. I'm listed under MeowCreations on Etsy if you want to drop by. I listed some cotton yarn I have no idea why I bought, and some craft trim that looks more like plastic canvas yarn. A Pattern book and a couple of stockings will surely follow soon as I get Scott back to work (He was off last night after working 11 nights in a row so I spent the time with him) so I can get some stuff together and get photographed.

I decided this year since time was so short to forego trying to list any Halloween stuff and go straight to Christmas more or less. I want to see if there's going to be any success at all on Etsy before I go listing a bunch of stuff.

Well I'm off- gotta see if I can find an affordable cell phone for Scott since his is about shot and it's essential since we don't have another form of communication for me to check on him and his blood sugar. Also gotta go take my dad to pick up one of his trucks being (or has been) worked on. Everyone keep posting those ideas- I love seeing them!!!

Marla
Marla's Nursery
Gifts of Love

Sunday, October 10, 2010

Etsy

I've been poking around on Etsy just seeing what is for sale on there and while I've seen a lot of good stuff on there too, there's a lot of... well.... overpriced crap to put it politely. Among the good stuff is stuff I wouldn't give you 10 cents for nor would I post it with my name under it, much less expect a customer to pay for it. That's my main pet peeve- Patterns and creations that look like a 2 year old could do better.

*Off my soap box now*

I do have a shop set up  but dont have anything listed yet... that will come as time allows. Have any of you had any luck on Etsy? Please leave me a comment.

Have had to take it easy on the crochet lately- arms, hands and wrists are sore more due to work and an abundance of crochet work lately than anything. Have a great day all!!

Marla
Marla's Nursery
Gifts of Love

Thursday, October 07, 2010

Sock Monkey and Hat link

I finally found a crochet pattern for free for a sock monkey toy from Red Heart. Their free pattern site isn't working so you'll have to follow the link Sock Monkey Toy and Hat.

Since Cash is tight right now I skipped my Hobby Lobby trip this morning to run errands and use up some of my stash. That dang propane bill really did us in- another reason I want to sell the house and move- Natural gas I can pay by the month according to the amount I use and don't have to worry about it running out in the winter or refilling it when it does.

I've been making stockings from various patterns, some to give away but one or two I may sell, we'll see. Gotta get a jump if I'm making Christmas things this year.

Not much going on on the internet today or in blogland either. Looks like everyone is busy or working too much. Til Next Time.

Marla
Marla's Nursery
Gifts of Love

Wednesday, October 06, 2010

Halloween Layout

I got bored- the result; a new layout for the season. I don't like anything scary or NO SPIDERS but I had trouble finding something cute that the print would show up. I found some great seasonal layouts on pimp-my-space.com and plan to use some of them from time to time. What ya think of my candy corn??

Got a good part of a sock finished yesterday and part of Doreen's afghan. Now my right hand/arm is sore (more than usual) so I may have to take a day off from crochet and visit Hobby Lobby. I also finished a stocking last night... well except the top edging. My day off so I'm going to relax and do pretty much whatever I want. Off to Hobby Lobby!! Happy Halloween everyone!

Marla
Marla's Nursery
Gifts of Love

Tuesday, October 05, 2010

Show and Tell

Just take a look at this granny square afghan I found in a consignment shop... lots of work involved for only $13. Lots of work I didn't have to do or squares I didn't have to Join LOL



Seriously it's in a very pretty Aqua, Rose and Wedgewood (Red Heart Colors) so it will go great with my living room. Just as I was thinking of breaking down and making a Granny Square afghan..... I love making the squares but hate the joining and edging of each little one. If I did make one I'd use the Grandala Square pattern on Alice's Crochet with Raymond blog.

I'm also thinking of opening an etsy shop for my extra supplies, etc but have to get a few extra things together, everything in order, my old paypal acct in use again or create a new one..... still in the thinking stages at this point.

Brrr it's a nippy 50-60ish degrees this morning and Everyone still has the dang air conditioning on!! Geez these people must think we live in the desert!! I'm off to try to work on Doreen's afghan and those warm socks before work!!

Wish the weather would make up it's mind... 60's or 80's?


Marla
Marla's Nursery
Gifts of Love

Thursday, September 30, 2010

I want new projects!!

Wah! I want all these new projects I see...... got a ton of them in mind but I have so many WIP's right now and there's only one of me and since I have to do this thing called work for a living..... crochet often gets put aside. I gotta finish these WIP's that are driving me nuts so I can start on some new things. Here's what's waiting to get finished:

Doreen's afghan
Rainbow wool sock
Primary colors square baby blanket
Sugar plum stripe baby blanket
Scarf at home on the couch on knitting needles

And I have not cleaned my house (other than little tidbits) or decorated for fall yet... just not in the mood. In the mood to shop and look at and pick up new things and get ideas, yes.... but to actually clean up to put it out.... No. I've had a hubby off half the week being a pain in the butt, now he's back to work and my days off were spent keeping up with him.

I have several WIPs in mind, including a stocking or two for Christmas decor but I gotta finish a few things first. I'm also toying with starting another blog to post all my zany adventures at work. I do have some hilarious stories to tell.

If you have new projects or esp holiday projects/patterns, post them on your blogs- I'd love to see them!!

Hope everyone is well and keep that yarn moving!!

Marla
Marla's Nursery
Gifts of Love

Tuesday, September 28, 2010

A WIP Pic for you ..... Early

OK So it's not Wednesday for about 2 and a half hours yet... I'm putting this on while I have a chance to get the pics posted. The first one is a sock I started (who knows when it'll get finished) out of bargain bin Rainbow Wool Yarn from Hobby Lobby. I hit the jackpot the other day and they were in the process of marking some other yarns way down when I left today... stuff like $5-10 sock yarn, wool yarns, baby yarns etc for $1.50 to $3 or so.... boy how I wish I had an unlimited bank account!!! Anyway here's the starting of the sock out of one skein...















And an apple pic I found on the web to enlarge for our friend Doreen who lost all her apple kitchen stuff in a fire, save a few dishes. Her afghan I showed last post is still in progress.

















Marla
Marla's Nursery
Gifts of Love

Wednesday, September 22, 2010

Current WIP

I realized I hadn't posted in a while so I thought I'd post my current wip.... I did make a boo boo on an end but didnt notice it til several rows later but I think I can fudge it and make it not noticeable when I do the edging.



A full size afghan (or will be) I'm making for Doreen, the lady I mentioned who waits on us at IHOP; her trailer burned Labor day and she's already gotten some help and is back to work but I'm going to try to get this done before cold weather. Right now she's living in an RV where her trailer was, no air, heat, electric, water etc. Hopefully she can get back on her feet enough to get her another trailer or apartment.  That trailer looked like it was barely big enough for one person much less her and her son before it burned anyway. Hopefully she can get something a little better.

It's humbling to know that someone you see every day could be living in such bad shape and it not be obvious. Shows you never know someone's situation just by looking at or talking to them, and the amount of people out there that need help yet it's not obvious. She never would have asked for help otherwise if she hadn't lost everything.

So most of my baby blankets etc. have been put on hold until I finish this one. Maybe a small project here and there but this one comes first.

Marla
Marla's Nursery
Gifts of Love

Wednesday, September 15, 2010

Nashville

Here's a few pics from my trip I promised well over three days ago...




ATT Building AKA the Bat Building
















Hard Rock Cafe Nashville- LP (Titans) field in background





Wildhorse Saloon Hostess Stand



















Wildhorse Dance floor- Line dancing lessons in progress



My friends Tammy and Lisa


Sorry guys the few concert pics I took turned out crappy.... we had great seats, about 30-40ft from the stage for George Strait and Reba but my camera isnt equipped for concert photos. The two of them were great as usual.... I'd never seen George before but he was very enjoyable if the music had been turned down about 20db or so.... and I'm literally deaf without my hearing aid and it was still too loud once he went on.

Lee Ann Wommack Opened for them and I thought I'd enjoy her show as she's normally a very pretty girl with a nice voice.... her performance was cut short and what she did was so bad half the people walked out til the next act went on. Her normally pretty hair was unkept and very stringy, not stage like or professional at all and her clothes were worn, baggy and sloppy. Not the norm for this lady at all- I hope the people seeing her know she can do much better and not hold a bad performance (I hope it's just one) against her.

Other than a respiratory infection I still can't get rid of the last of, it was all a very enjoyable weekend. Hope you enjoyed a few pics!
Marla
Marla's Nursery
Gifts of Love

I'm Too Sexy....

For those of you with dirty minds thinking this post is dirty.... I'm not the one thinking I'm too sexy.....


 



Looks like Miss Ginger needs to learn some manners....

Marla
Marla's Nursery
Gifts of Love

Roses and Angels

I'll get to the pictures I still need to post later but for now you must hear this odd story.....

My 59 year old uncle passed away a year ago at the end of this month at the same time I was in the ICU with my diabetes. He lived 2hrs away in Nashville, rarely came in to see my grandparents and us, wouldn't stay more than overnight when he did, but called them to talk every morning. We didn't find out until he died that he didn't want the family to know he was more or less an alcoholic. When he was dying for a brief period my aunt asked my dad to come down there and he was about to, then I got sick and there was noone to take his mother since she won't stay with just anyone.

My 91 year old grandmother lives with my dad, last night they were at Cracker Barrel eating and this older gentleman was sitting by himself just having coffee while they were eating. My dad kept noticing he was watching them, and finally the old man left smiling then about 30 minutes later he  reappeared with a dozen roses in his hand. My dad told my mom, "Someone's having a birthday". Suddenly the older man came back to my parents' table and said "I hope you don't mind but I bought her some roses, she's as beautiful as ever". Puzzled, my dad said that was fine and thanked the man and asked if he knew my grandmother from somewhere, the older man replied "I never got to say goodbye, mother.", handed her the roses and walked away.

I have to wonder if that wasn't my uncle checking on my grandmother in some form of an Angel. Even if not, I do believe in Angels. The last one I saw was when my grandfather died, I didn't tell anyone for ages thinkjing they'd think I was crazy, until one day my grandmother mentioned "the man standing by the bed when Pappy died".  I questioned her about it and she said "There was a man wearing a white gown standing by the bed when Pappy died." She went on to describe exactly what I saw three years ago now when her husband died. I can't help but wonder if this was her son visiting. If that was you Rendy, we haven't forgotten you.


Marla
Marla's Nursery
Gifts of Love

Saturday, September 11, 2010

Headed to Nashville

Hi All- will try to post some pics soon as I get a chance, I'm headed out to Nashville for a reunion with a couple friends and a good concert. Everyone say a prayer for my safe trip and return and also in remembrance of 9/11 and those who died and lost loved ones.

Talk to you all soon!! Hopefully with pics!

Marla
Marla's Nursery
Gifts of Love

Friday, September 10, 2010

Where's Noah when you need him??

We need old Noah here to build us an ark. It's been raining since yesterday afternoon, now a soggy, wet mess. not fit for man or beast. Supposed to go to a concert in Nashville this weekend and meet a couple of friends and it's turning out to be a real disaster. First they moved the date, one friend isn't even staying with us (after that was the original plan) and the other friend is running straight into town then straight out after the concert.... not much to do in Nashville right now since Opry Mills is closed and most of the rest of the stuff is on the other side of town. Thanks a lot Gaylord for selling Opryland.... I could get lost in that place.

I've been having trouble finding padded hangers lately.... the type you'd hang a robe or lingerie on as our stores here don't carry them much anymore. They're the type I like to crochet around but they're scarce anymore.

Oh well looks like not many people on here today either.... gonna run do some crocheting before I gotta get stuff ready to go tonight so I can leave in the morning. May post from Nashville if I get bored.

Marla
Marla's Nursery
Gifts of Love

Wednesday, September 08, 2010

A pic I missed somehow ....

This pic was the main reason I posted the kitty pics..... I have NO idea how it got missed.... maybe blogger failed to upload, can't remember.  Anyway here's the missing one. I managed to catch 4 cats sound asleep all in a row...... From Front to back.... Cracker Jack, Harley, Shadow and Ginger.

Spoiled brats were all spread out between the kitchen and Living room so you couldnt get through without stepping on at least one of them. It's rare to catch them together like that. Only Angel was asleep by the door a few feet away, not part of the "pile".



Oh well at least they weren't on top of my crocheting!!

Marla
Marla's Nursery
Gifts of Love

Some Labor day pics for you

I did manage to catch a couple of pics on Labor Day... Although none of me or crochet. This is all you get right now since I've been busy working and fighting a nasty respiratory infection that isn't going away.

My ornery hubby  who hates having his picture taken..... finally got him to cooperate.


And a rather large leaf hopper crawling on the glass door.... couldn't get as good of a pic as I got a view of him from the inside but not bad.....




Now working on an afghan for a lady who waits on us at IHOP nearly every morning; her house burned on Labor day and was pretty much a total loss. Wish me luck as I'm slow at getting full size afghans done. I picked a pretty Mixed Berry color in HL's I Love This Yarn and a label pattern sort of a shell pattern. Only a bit fancier. May take a day or two off work and see if I can get rid of this nagging sinus/cough. Would give me some extra time to work on it anyway.

Marla
Marla's Nursery
Gifts of Love

Sunday, September 05, 2010

Some Pics For You

Hi Everyone,

I have a few pics for you.... but still forgot to take the pics of the mittens before they're put together. Anyhow here are a few I caught of my meow babies, and the work in progress on the square blanket. I'm getting bored with these colors now so I started a new one as this one is almost done.

Here's the kitties, my co-hosts.  Here's Mr. Harley about 4 mos old now....

Mom please.... you're interrupting my nap time.


Shadow: Alright Mom but hurry it up will ya?
Harley: You called, Mom?

Ms. Angel Asleep by the door



and last but not least here's the pic of the square blankie I've been working on. The yellow stripe was an accident but I like it. I thought I had bought mismatched skeins of yarn so I started on the yellow then after a couple rows found more of the crayon color to finish it that I knew I bought in the first place. Starting on a girl's version now. The pic doesnt really show the colors as well. Now if I can just remember to get a pic of those kids' mittens and post the changes to the pattern.....


Marla
Gifts of Love

Wednesday, September 01, 2010

Mittens in progress

The pattern is my own for Warm Snuggly Mittens found at http://giftsoflove.bravehost.com/ and I've tweaked it a bit to make them smaller for kids. If the adjustments work they'll be added to the pattern. Pictures to come! I didnt realize I didnt have a picture of them up. Soon as they're together I'll get a pic up and one on the page.

Marla
Marla's Nursery
Gifts of Love

New Solid Square Blanket pattern - testers welcome

This may have been thought of before but I had to add some things to make it work and not curl on the edges as with traditional solid square patterns. I've made one or two but not finished with the current one.... if you test this please send me a picture of yours. If you make this please make one for a baby in need as well.

Solid Square Blankie

H Hook and Baby yarn for Preemie or newborn
J hook for Baby/Toddler or larger.

Ch 3, join to form ring.

Row 1: Ch 2, 11 dc in ring. Join to ch 2 you first made. (12 dc)

Row 2: Ch 2, Dc in same stitch, 2 dc in each remaining stitch around. Join. (24 dc)

Row 3: Ch 2, dc in next 2 stitches, *2 dc in next stitch, 3 dc in next stitch, 2 dc in next stitch (corner made), dc in next three stitches, repeat from * around. Join to first ch 2.

Row 4: Ch 2, *dc to 3dc group (corner), 2 dc in first stitch, 3 dc in next stitch, 2 dc in next stitch, dc in each stitch to 3dc group and repeat from * around. Join with a slip stitch to first ch 2.

Repeat Row 4 to desired size. If desired you may do the last 3 rows in a coordinating color for edging. A great way to use up scraps or solid colors. If you make one for personal use or a gift please make another one for charity as cold weather is coming up.

Testers are welcome- please do send me a picture as the one I'm working on isnt finished yet.

Marla
Marla's Nursery
Gifts of Love

Friday, August 20, 2010

200 posts and Padded Hanger/washcloth patterns

Hi Everyone-

This is post #200, a milestone I never thought I'd reach. I noticed this by accident today as I started to post these patterns. There's been several weddings at church lately and these are very quick to make up. There are three hanger cover patterns and a washcloth pattern. Enjoy and pass the link to this post along rather than the pattern please.

Saturday, July 09, 2005


Padded Hanger Cover W/Flower















F Hook

2oz WW Yarn in main color, small amount flower color

1 15"(approx) padded clothes hanger



Hanger cover:



Ch 4

Row 1: 11 dc in 4th ch from hook, join w/sl st.



Row 2: Ch 2, DC in same Space, *Skip next st, 2dc in next st, repeat from * around. Join with sl st. (12 dc, 6 ch-1 spaces made)



Row 3: Ch 2, CD in each st. and ch-1 sp around. Join w/ sl st. (18 dc made)



Note: Somewhere around 6 or 7 rows, slip your hanger cover on hanger and begin working around hanger.



Row 4-36: Ch 2, dc in each st. around, join w/sl st. (18 dc)



Row 37: ch 2, hdc in next st, *dc next 2 st. together. Repeat from * around. (6 dctog clusters)



Row 38: Ch2, dc in each st. around (12dc), join with sl. st.



Fasten off and weave in tail well.



Optional Hook Cover:



Ch 28



Row 1-5: Sc in 2nd ch from hook and each ch across. Ch 1, turn.



At end of row 5, join both sides to form a tube as follows: Slip st. through booth thicknesses, pulling yarn through both loops of one side and only one loop of the other. Slip over hook and join with a slip stitch in 2 or more places to hanger cover.





Flower:



With Flower Color, ch 8 and join to first ch to form a ring.



(Ch 4, 2 triple crochet, ch 4, sl st) 5 times in ring. Join with a slip st. to base of first ch 4. Fasten off. Slip gently over hook cover.







V Stitch Padded Hanger Cover















F Hook

1oz WW Yarn

Row 1: Ch 4, 7 dc in 4th ch from hook, join w/sl st.

Row 2-41: Ch 4, dc in same st.,* skip next st, (dc, ch2, dc) in next st. Repeat from * around. Join w/ sl st to beginning ch 2.



Row 42: Ch2, hdc in same ch-2 sp. (dc 2 together in each ch-2 sp) around. Join to beginning ch 2 and pull tight to close end.





Peek a Boo Padded Hanger Cover















F hook

1oz WW Yarn

Row 1: Ch 4, 11 dc in 4th ch from hook, join w/sl st. to 3rd ch of beginning ch-3.

Row 2-37: Ch 2, dc in next st., ch 1 *dc in next 2 st, ch1. Repeat from * around. Join w/ sl st to beginning ch 2.



Row 38: ch 2, hdc in next st, (dc next 2 dc together, skip ch1 sp) around. Join to first st. and pull end tight. Fasten off. Weave in tail well.






Ladies' Washcloth














F hook

1oz WW yarn



Shell=5dc in same stitch



Ch 45

Row 1:DC in 4th ch from hook, (Shell in next ch. Sk next 2 ch, DC in next ch, Sk next 2 ch) across to last 7 chains. Skip next 2 chains, Shell in next ch, sk next 2 ch, DC in next to last ch and again in last ch. Ch 2, turn.



Row 2-18: Shell in each ch and dc in 3rd dc of each shell across. Dc in last dc. Ch 2 and turn at end of each row except last one.



Fasten off and weave in tail well.
 
Enjoy!!
 
Marla
Marla's Nursery
Gifts of Love

Monday, August 16, 2010

Missing Kids and Jiffy Blanket

I've added 2 links to my blog and hope you'll pass them along. Even if you can't help, maybe someone else can. One is BringKyronHome.org, a website set up to help find Kyron Horman. In case you haven't followed the news he's the 7 year old boy who mysteriously vanished from his school in Oregon. No I don't live anywhere near but I follow the news stories especially of missing kids- the most vulnerable of crime victims.

Another is Missingkids.com, it is the website of the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. Look at your local Wal-mart stores too- pictures of missing kids are posted there as well. You never know when you might spot one of these missing kids.

As you can see, kids, especially the youngest ones are my main passion. That's why I'm involved with charities for children and babies. The Jiffy Blanket is going slow- mostly the main foundation row done but is my only real project right now.

I think we've found the houses we'd like to consider since there's not much new popping up on the MLS in the area we're looking at but we've got to sell ours before we can consider either of them. Please pray for ours to sell so we can move.

Thanks everyone for your words of encouragement regarding selling house and moving- I'm wearing myself out trying to figure out what to do next!! Love to everyone!!


Marla
Marla's Nursery
Gifts of Love

Thursday, August 12, 2010

Jiffy Shell Blanket and houses

Hi all,

I've slowly in between house preparing and hunting been working on a shell blanket with Jiffy yarn. When the cats will let me that is. They see me crocheting and automatically my lap is to be theirs, and of course can't have cat hair on crochet so unless they're put up..... But I'd like to get this finished before cold weather. I already know of a baby or two on the way who could use it. If not one of the charities could. 100 degrees out right now but it won't be forever.

We've also been busy trying to work in our house hoping to sell it ASAP so we can move from Calvert 10-12 mi down the road to Paducah. Our house is listed on the market but we've got to sell it before we can buy anything else. We do have some prospects in mind we'd like to take if ours sells but nothing concrete yet.

Of course the catch 22 is that we cant buy one until ours sells but then again if ours sold tomorrow we would only have until closing (2-6 weeks) to find another one and get moved. Thankfully we aren't looking for a really big one to move into and some of our furniture left when we took Scott's grandmas house will be sold or left.

Thing is I have to run to town in the mornings (13-25 mi from where we now live) and it takes a ton of gas to run back and forth between the time I finish and the time I have to work just to work in the house. Slowly getting there.

Thanks all for keeping up with me and the words of encouragement! I look forward to your blog posts so I can see what everyone else is up to!

Marla
Marla's Nursery
Gifts of Love

Tuesday, August 10, 2010

Link fixed- Volunteer Angels

I've fixed the link to Volunteer Angels- Thanks Susie for letting me know it wasn't working! There was a glitch in the html link when I looked into it.

Not much typing or crochet today- sore arm/shoulder either from picking up something at home or work. I've gained a couple more followers.... thanks to you guys (gals) for keeping up with me! I enjoy reading everyone else's blogs.

Marla
Marla's Nursery
Gifts of Love

Friday, August 06, 2010

House Listing up and possible blanket

Well the house has been listed for sale, and while much of my crafting is on hold I am going to attempt a blanket with Jiffy yarn for this winter. One person looked at the house already and said it was nice but a bit too small. My next project will be a moving sale to make the house look a little larger and get some of the clutter out of there. We can't buy a bigger place until of course we sell that one. Then again if we sell that one we're going to have to find some place to go, and fast. It's a catch22. Hopefully things will move quickly.

On the blanket side I'm using white Jiffy yarn, starting a simple shell blanket. It won't be fancy but will keep a baby warm. I'm taking a short break today before I have to work tonight- I'm worn out between working in the house and working at work. Catch everyone later!

Marla
Marla's Nursery
Gifts of Love

Wednesday, August 04, 2010

Blogger a pain today.... House for sale

Blogger is being quite a pain in the ...... today- won't load keeps saying it doesn't recognize me. Hmmph! My time is too short for such nonsense.

If you wonder where I've been lately I've been very busy getting my house ready to list on the market for sale. Finally got that accomplished yesterday. Crochet has been put on hold as much of my crocheting has been put up to make the house look presentable. Hopefully I'll get time to work on some projects in my spare time.... hmmm what spare time come to think of it. Have a great week everyone! Will try to post some pics soon!

Marla
Marla's Nursery
Gifts of Love

Thursday, July 29, 2010

Two more places to help

I'd like to remind everyone of two little advertised places to help. The links are at the side of my blog- Relief Share and Volunteer Angels. Most of my donations go to either a Newborns in Need chapter or to Relief Share. If you're looking for newer places to help that aren't all over the internet I'm sure these two would love to hear from you.

Marla
Marla's Nursery
Gifts of Love

Friday, July 23, 2010

Busy in the House

I've been really busy trying to clean up/clean out the house lately, my house is for sale and we're hoping to move to a bigger place as soon as a buyer is found. So if you wonder what I've been doing I've been running myself like crazy.

My hours have been cut some the last couple of weeks- normally I'd throw a fit and they'd give me more hours but this time I needed the rest/renovation time off so I didnt say much. Debating on whether to give part of the profits of stuff to consignment, letting them sell most of my items or have a moving sale.

Not many posts here lately cause my crochet work is at a crawl at best right now. I've been busy purging my charity items, sorting through, getting rid of, sprucing up the house so we can show it, you name it. Who's had time to crochet or knit in the middle of all this? Even my craft room and some of my yarn and fabric are getting a purging of stuff I probably won't use again.

Wish me luck and prayers and all that good stuff on getting the house sold- I'm anxious to find a bigger place and move as soon as possible!

Marla
Marla's Nursery
Gifts of Love

Small change

Have you ever noticed how everyone leaves change lying around?? I find change all over the place people don't want to bother to stop and pick up. It's not worth it to them to pick up a penny, dime, nickel or even quarters you find laying on the ground. Well, usually I turn the change I find back into my savings acct. but believe this- I picked up enough change the other day in a single day a few days ago to cover mailing one of my charity boxes!! A whole $7 worth! In my rounds to breakfast, across parking lots, store/restaurant floors, you name it I find change everywhere and it pays off.  It may not be worth it to some to stop and pick up those loose coins but if they don't want the change, send it my way!! It paid off for one of my charities the other day!!

Marla
Marla's Nursery
Gifts of Love

Monday, July 19, 2010

New, better template

Well, how do you like my new template?? I like this one much better- the graphic was nice on the other one but hated that grey background and never could quite get it right. Only thing I can't change is the date/time stamp color- I'd like that to be hot pink or purple too, it's probably in the html somewhere but haven't had a chance to mess with it.

No crochet pictures this post..... got a few things done and working on some ufo's but mostly trying to get it all out of the house for the time being. Got a few houses in mind I'd like to look at as far as moving but it all hinges on selling ours and I'm moving slow due to time constraints (and a husband in the way while he's off). Can't do anything til I get most of this junk cleaned out/put up etc. so we can list the house. Got the small shed torn down and having someone come in and help me clean up this Thursday.

Now.... enough gabbing- I gotta run see if I can't get something done! Let me know how you like the new template!

Marla
Marla's Nursery
Gifts of Love

Friday, July 09, 2010

Running low on baby things to donate....

For the first time in a long time I'm running low on baby things to donate.... faster than I can make them seems like they go out. I do what I can but my funds are limited- need to stock up on dollar items etc I can donate out. If anyone has any quick patterns for things like baby size balls, or places to buy new items cheap please do let me know. I have a couple or so charities I donate to then help out with needs I see in my area- mostly working people who don't have extra $$ for baby things.

I'm working on enlarging someone else's sweater pattern and working on a hood for another right now... both going fairly slow due to working so much and trying like crazy to have a little time to clean out my house. Sweaters have been my thing lately.... not the weather for them right now at 90-100 degrees most places but will be soon.

Halloween items are cute but haven't even had time to think about making any- hopefully things will slow down a little. If you haven't already, please take a look at my previous post and share with your fellow animal lovers and bloggers- pictures and stories of my rescued kitties.



Marla
Marla's Nursery

Thursday, July 08, 2010

Meet Harley- and the rest of my loving "Rescue Babies"

Meet Harley, the newest Member of our family-

About 8 weeks old, Harley was dumped near my husband's work at about 3-4 weeks. It took a couple of weeks to catch him, and by that time he was almost starving since he couldnt eat the scraps the guys were leaving him. After they caught him, noone wanted him. He had a large growth on his neck, which is why someone probably dumped him. Well that growth turned out to be a worm that had embedded himself under the skin. After removing it and treating an infection, Doc pronounced Harley fine and he's found himself a new home. And right at home he is- on top of Daddy.

        

Harley and My 4 other cats, Angel, Ginger, Cracker Jack, and Shadow would all be dead by now if we hadn't taken them in. They were all abandoned, about to be put to sleep (Yes even as small kittens) or would've ended up in the local "Humane Society" where they would have been put to sleep either immediately or within 3 months, depending on how full they are.

This is a plea to everyone- PLEASE spay or neuter your pets especially those that go outdoors or you don't intend to breed, and if you are considering adoption- seek out your local animal rescue group or animal shelter. These guys wouldn't have had a chance to make it past a few months if we had just let them be "someone else's problem"

Angel - adopted at 10 wks. Scheduled to be euthanized in a few days. She's been my baby since August '03

Ginger (Calico) and Cracker Jack- Brother and sister headed for pound at 8 weeks, born Oct. '05


Shadow- abandoned near my parents' house in the woods at about 12 weeks, starving to death literally. Labor Day '08 we took him in.



These guys would have all starved or died of neglect or been euthanized otherwise- noone wanted them. Everyone had "Enough animals". Or "Not messing with a cat".


Sad these pretty faces (not to mention loving companions) wouldn't be here otherwise. They take up a little, but very little time where often we would otherwise be doing nothing. They're well worth the time they do take.

New template and a break at last

Well the new Template is up, not sure its what I want but..... for now it'll do. We'll see if I can tweak it a bit more to suit me.

I'm finally getting a break- I've been working like a dog the last week or so, not even really time to work in the house or anything else. My house is for sale but it's a mess- nothing wrong with it other than needing a good cleaning and touch up here and there.

I've been working on some sweaters to donate to charity and maybe one for a gift using patterns from Bev's Baby Jacket on Bevscountrycottage.com and some other blogs/sites I've run across. A little crochet time to myself between the house, husband, job and the cats including the new kitten. We've named him Harley, he had a rough start, a worm under his skin and an infection but he's doing nicely now at about 8 weeks or so. Little bugger is growing like a weed- he fit in one hand when Scott brought him home. I'll try to upload a picture later.

No new patterns to report yet but I am working on an improvement to someone else's they asked me to make an addition to.

OK outta here for now, Everyone stay cool and safe in this hot weather!!

Wednesday, June 30, 2010

Trying new template

I'm trying a new template so if it comes out all crazy please bear with me and I'll be back to normal shortly.

Tuesday, June 29, 2010

My bib pattern online and boxes to be mailed

I am still doing tons of cleaning out and have found lots of materials I won't use and baby stuff (that I won't keep or bought/made to donate) so packed several boxes worth. Soon as I can get them taped, address and to the post office they will be going out to Newborns in Need chapters and Relief Share. That much stuff gone out of my house and helping someone else. Less clutter for me to walk around :0)

My Infant Feeding Bib pattern was also done with some extra embellishments by Mimi at Goodness Gracious Great Balls of Yarn. Very cute! She is a blog friend of mine and does beautiful crochet and knit work.

There is also a new baby in the house- We have a new 7-8 week old kitten Scott brought home from work a week ago that someone dumped at the shop. It had a huge growth on his neck which was probably why someone was so cruel. We took it to the vet and the vet pulled a large worm out from under his skin, doctored his neck and pronounced him fine otherwise. So I guess we're up to 5 cats now. May try to post some pictures if I can get this thing to cooperate when I have my camera chip with me.

I'm also working on improving a sweater pattern of a friend of mine's to include a hood and trim. Once it's done will send to her and it'll be up to her so post it on her website since it's really her pattern.

Back to mailing and crocheting all!! Everyone have a great day and make something for someone in need- the weather's hot now but it'll be cold soon and babies will need sweaters, booties, hats, etc. Only 65-75 for highs today on the northwest cost of WA and OR- imagine that when most of the country is at around 100!!

Wednesday, June 23, 2010

Baby stuff and new blogs

I've been using Bev's Baby Jacket on bev's country cottage and the Wooleater Square patterns mentioned earlier to make some needed baby things lately and frankly I'm about crocheted out. Between crocheting and work (I'm a cashier so I pick up everything that comes thru my line) my poor wrist has about had it.

I don't have any new patterns to report the last few days but getting some ideas so I just may have to think up some. Now if I can just get them worked out. I did get a picture up of my Infant Feeding Bib so do go enjoy that pattern. The picture is done in cotton but when gifting or for charity I recommend good washable acrylic- the mom doesnt have to worry about how to wash it and put a note in that good old hydrogen peroxide will get out almost anything. Cheap stuff too.

Still trying to clean out the house hoping to sell it as soon as possible so lots is going to consignment.

Later all!!
Marla
www.marlasnursery.com

Wednesday, June 16, 2010

Wooleater Square/Blanket Deciphered!!

I finally figured out the wooleater square/blanket pattern written in Austrailian terms by Sarah London (http://sarahlondon.wordpress.com/2009/08/25/wool-eater-instructions/).

Here's a US interpretation. Note that this is HER pattern, not mine, these are just some translations to make this easier- it took me a time or two to figure it out and some frogging, and I consider myself an experienced US crocheter, but I finally got what those terms mean. Hopefully this will help the rest of you scratching your heads.

Round 1: Ch6, Join to form a ring. * Ch 5 (I like 4 better), work 4 Triple crochet together into ring as follows: Yarn Over twice, into ring and pull up a loop so there are 4 loops on hook, Work off two loops twice, leave last loop on hook.

Repeat 3 times, there should be 5 triples made counting the ch 5 and 5 loops on the hook. Pull yarn through all 5 loops and work off. One Cluster Group (cluny group) made.

Chain 5 again and slip stitch INTO THE RING. Repeat from * three more times to make four cluster groups.

Round 2: Chain 2, Working UNDER the chain 5 of previous row, find the center stitch where you tr crocheted those 5 stitches into one, now make 12 Triple crochets in this one stitch. That's what's meant by "into the top of the cluny group". Chain 2 again, slip stitch into the slip stitch you made of the previous round. Be sure not to make these 12 Tr's in the chain 5!! Keep them in the center stitch made by joining the Tr's on the previous round.

Round 3: Join new color between andy 4th and 5th tr of the previous round. In Other words, Join in a ch 5 stitch from the previous round.

Chain 5, doing a BACK POST stitch, you're going to Triple crochet the Ch 5 and 4 triples together again, working around the posts of the cluster (cluny) group below. Work over the posts of the next 4 tr's, chain 5 again, slip stitch between the 8th and 9th triple of the previous round (where you made the 12 whole triple crochets), chain 5 again, work a cluster group of 8 BACK POST triple crochets around the posts of the next 8 stitches, using the same manner as above, crocheting the *8* together to form one. Chain 5 again, slip stitch immediately between the 4th and 5th triples of the 12 triple crochet group below.

Repeat until you reach spot where you joined this color yarn, then slip stitch in the same stitch as joining.

Round 4: Pretty much a repeat of round 2:

Chain 2, 12 Triples into the top of the 4 cluster group, chain 2, slip stitch into the slip stitch on previous round, chain 2 again, 8 triples (whole ones this time) into the top of the 8 you tripled together below.

Continue in this manner finishing with a slip stitch.

My own adaptation: I would repeat rounds three and four until reaching the size square or blanket you want. I'm testing that out as we speak- will let you know if any corrections.

Wednesday, June 02, 2010

WWW.Marlasnursery.com

Hi Everyone,

Please note if you're looking for my patterns, the correct site is http://www.marlasnursery.com as I had to abandon my free site marlasnursery.bravehost.com on account of space problems and such.

Please do feel free to use these patterns for personal, charity (if you make a pattern or two for personal, please make one to donate somewhere for a baby going home in only a diaper) but please do not sell these or the items made from them.

If you have or know of a charity group for babies, please share these patterns with them. They are there to help as many babies as possible who might otherwise have nothing.

Thanks Everyone!!
Marla

Wednesday, May 26, 2010

Correction to pattern site

Hi Everyone,

my apologies.... apparently my site is www.marlasnursery.com not marlasnursery.com- the marlasnursery.com is apparently a preview site and incomplete. Please do make sure for the complete site you go to www.marlasnursery.com.

Happy Stitching!!

Marla

Tuesday, May 25, 2010

Reba's Recipes

I have lost a couple of these due to websites shutting down, am posting the links I have here..... These are Recipes Reba McEntire has shared through the years. Enjoy!!



REBA McENTIRE'S MEXICAN CORNBREADCASSEROLE

1 lb. ground beef1/3 c. chopped onion1 (8 oz.) jar mild Mexican pasteurized process cheese spread1 (8 1/2 oz.) pkg. cornbread mix1 (8 3/4 oz.) can whole kernel corn, drained1 tbsp. butter, melted2 tbsp. chopped green pepper2 tbsp. chopped red pepper
Brown meat; drain. Add onions; cook until tender. Stir in process cheese spread until melted. Spoon into four (12 ounce) casseroles. Prepare cornbread mix as directed on package. Add remaining ingredients, mixing just until moistened. Spoon over meat mixture. Bake at 375 degrees for 16-18 minutes or until golden brown.


Recipe: Reba Mcentire's Hot 'n Chunky Chili

Reba Mcentire's Hot 'n Chunky ChiliYield: 1 Batch1 lg Onion, chopped2 T Vegetable oil2 cl Garlic, minced2 lb Lean, boneless beef chuck,Cut into 3/4" cubes1 28oz. can whole tomatos inPuree1 6oz. can tomato paste3 T Chili powder1 ts Dried oregano1/4 ts Crushed red pepper1 lg Green pepper, chopped6 T Shredded yellow Cheddar ch.Hot white rice (optional)In large saucepot over high heat, cook onion in oil 3-4 minutes, untiltranslucent. Add garlic, cook, stirring 1 minute. Remove to plate. Add beefcubes in batches, and cook until well-browned, 5-6 minutes. Return onionand garlic with beef to saucepot. Add tomatoes with puree, next 4ingredients and 1 cup water. Cover and simmer, stirring occasionally tobreak up tomatoes, 1.1/2 hours or until beef is tender. Add green pepper,uncover and simmer, stirring occasionally 30 minutes. Season with salt totaste. Spoon chili into individual serving bowls. Serve with cheese andrice.From: Woman's World Magazine - unknown date

Recipe: Reba Mcentire's Broccoli Casserole
Reba McEntire's Broccoli CasseroleYield: 8 Servings1.00 Fresh broccoli; chopped1.00 cn Cream of mushroom soup;-undiluted (10 3/4 oz1.00 cn Water chestnuts; sliced; (8 oz)1.00 Cheez whiz; (16 oz)1.00 c Raw minute rice1.00 c Cracker crumbsPreheat oven to 375 degrees. Steam broccoli just until crisp. Drain.Mix b roccoli, soup, water chestnuts. Cheez Whiz and rice. Place ingreased 2-qua rt casserole. Top with cracker crumbs. Bake 20 to 30minutes, or until bu bbling. Makes 6-8 servings.


So far these are the only ones I've found still online...... or in magazines. If I find any more I'll post them here.

Baby patterns on one domain

Hi Everyone,

Just letting you know I have purchased the domain www.marlasnursery.com and am in the process of moving all baby patterns to this site. They will be at the bravehost site for now but if the patterns links don't work while I am in the process of moving them and getting a redirect set up, they will be at www.marlasnursery.com/patternname.html.

Please do forward this site to anyone you know who makes baby patterns for charity or has a charity group.

Marla

Wednesday, May 19, 2010

New Bootie Pattern (Well sort of....)

Hi all, this is a bootie pattern I created and have been using, it's basically another version of Bev's Very Easy Booties or created based on them. It makes the booties (with my crocheting anyway) just a little more solid looking. Will upload picture soon as I get one as all mine have gone out to charity or for baby gifts.

Cute and Easy Booties
Pattern based on Bev's Very Easy Booties

1/2oz Baby yarn
H hook (newborn or 0-3mo size)
G hook (large Preemie size)

Chain 26 (28 for 0-3mo size)

Row 1: Hdc in 2nd stitch from hook and each stitch across. Chain 1, turn.
Rows 2-5: Hdc in each stitch across. Chain 1, turn. At end of row 5 turn but do not chain 1.
Row 6: Slip Stitch in first 5 stitches, Chain 2 (counts as Dc), Dc in next stitch and each stitch across to last 4 stitches. Leave last 4 stitches unworked. Chain 2, turn.

Row 7-9: Dc in each Dc across, Chain 2, turn. At end of Row 9 turn but do not chain 2.


Fold Bootie in half. Using crochet hook, slip stitch in the INSIDE loops of both sides of ankle, toe and remaining free loops on bottom of foot. Finish off. Be sure to weave in your short end. Now turn booties inside out and fold down first two rows.


Optional:

Change Colors for cuff at row 6 AFTER slip stitching in first 5 stitches. Note: leave a few inches of each color for slip stitching bootie shut.

Boys:
If you want a longer crew style cuff for boys, you may continue with Dc for rows 10-13. Finish off after Row 13.

Girls:
If you want an edging for girls Chain 3 after row 9 or 13, sc in next dc, repeat to end.

You may chain 60 for a tie if you like, weave in and out of Row 6 but I don't usually unless they're pretty big at the ankle.

Enjoy!!

Marla

Sunday, May 02, 2010

Coupon sites for saving $$

Hey we can all use some breaks when it comes to spending $$, no? Here's my fav coupon sites:

Coupons.com (lots of pet food coupons here this week!)
smartsource.com
redplum.com
coolsavings.com

Don't forget many of the websites have coupons for their products as well- including food coupons!

Quiznos' website has coupons from time to time- treat yourself to a discount off a great sub!!

And don't forget to donate a few to your church, food bank, or charity!

Marla

Monday, February 08, 2010

Patterns Reposted

Hi Everyone,

Just a note to let you know most of my patterns for babies/preemies have been posted at http://marlashouse.bravehost.com/nursery and the few I don't have up there will be coming soon.

Until then, please use the ones I have posted or Bev's at Bev's Country Cottage and donate to your local hospital or family service organization.

Perhaps you know someone who is struggling financially or down on their luck with a newborn you might help out. If you make one of my patterns for personal use, please make an extra to donate. There's a lot of babies out there who need some extra warmth!

Marla

Wednesday, February 03, 2010

New Marla's House Site on Bravenet

Well it isn't completed but I have much of a new website up, mostly posting charity/baby/preemie patterns at the moment. If you're looking for charity patterns please visit http://marlashouse.blogspot.com and I'm getting them reposted as soon as I can between work and dealing with house/Scott.

Thanks Everyone and please pass this website along! My old one was listed many places and all of those links are now dead. Hate having to do this but Yahoo left me no choice.

Keep crocheting!
Marla