Dutch Girl Diary

Winter Scrap Quilt Progress Report

2012-01-10T16:56:00.001-05:00

The top is Done and I.Love.It. =)

I made it bigger then I first planned.

Now it will fit perfectly on the back of my Ektorp loveseat.

Next up:

Backing

Quilt (or Tie?)

Binding

A Saturday of Simple Patchwork

2012-01-07T20:21:00.003-05:00

I started piecing the blocks for a new Quilt this week and continued working on them today.

It was such a lovely morning ... the purr of my sewing machine, Abigail's chatter while she pressed my seams (am I a lucky mama!), and Pandora in the background.

I am SOOOOOO enjoying my new cutting table (thank you Ikea!!!) and working from my stash. =)

2011 was the Year of Crochet. Maybe 2012 will be the Year of Quilt-Making?!

Stress-Free Blogging ...

2012-01-06T11:15:00.001-05:00

(or why I've been AWOL from Blog Land for the past two months!)

I did a yarn dyeing class in my hometown of Hudsonville, MI in November.

That lead to two (maybe THREE) classes in January and February .. =) =) =)

And ...

My very first Yarnie Party at Painted Trillium Yarns !!!!!

It is next Friday night from 7-11pm.

I've been dyeing yarn ... lots AND lots of yarn.

This is just one of FIVE tubs.

Last count was 160 skeins ... I need to do another 40-50 tomorrow and Monday.

This re-blooming/re-birth of my yarn dyeing business took my by surprise but it's been lots of fun.

I decided that a new name, new colorways and new labels were a must.

So the stress-free part of this post is that I've decided to do photo-only blog for 2012.

Ok, fine! Maybe a "few" words. =)

Happy 2012 to all my Dear Readers ... Love ya!

Erin

The Best 7 Posts in 2011

2011-12-30T09:24:00.000-05:00

Granny Log Cabin Potholder
Newborn Wool Soaker Pattern - check back later in January for a free newborn wool pants (longies) pattern. I'm knitting it right now and working out the bugs. =)
Granny Log Cabin Blanket - if/when I make this blanket again, I will use my Stylecraft stash!
Crocheted Treasure Bag Tutorial - these were so much fun to make for Abigail's 7th Birthday Party.
Rainbow Granny Blanket - I love this blanket ... such a riot of COLOR!!!!!
Cloth Diaper Tutorial
Trinket Box Blanket

Crochet pretty much sums up 2011!

I wonder if 2012 will be another year of Crochet or will Knitting, Dyeing, or Quilting take the drivers seat???

Happy New Year to You All!!!!

Love,

Erin

PS - Check out my new URL =)

What I've been up to in the Past 30 Days ... Bullet Style =)

2011-11-30T05:56:00.000-05:00

Dyeing lots and lots of yarn. I set up a little workspace in the basement and it is marvelous! It's not very big but all my dye bottles, pots, rags, etc are within easy reach. The utility sink and washing machine is just a hop away so I can rinse and spin easily. Thank you, Mr. K for letting me take over a small corner of your Man Space. XoXoXo

Abigail had a whole WEEK off school for Thanksgiving and we spent all but one day in Michigan. It was lovely! Lots of Grammy time for her. Lots of Thrifting and Hob-Nobbing for me at the Yarn Shop. =)

I taught my very first yarn dyeing class last Saturday ... Crockpot + Kool Aid. I had so much fun!!!! My students had so much fun!!!! It was 3 hours of 100% bliss for me ... sharing my love & passion for dyeing yarn with other knitters. XoXoXoXo They want me to come back and do more classes. Ok, I can handle that. =)

Christmas presents are flying off my needles!! Right after Thanksgiving I often get this "Bah Humbug" feeling. I think it's because of all the Black Friday hype plus all the extra advertising that ends up in my mailbox. I am so glad we don't have a T.V. ... the onslaught of glitzy commercials would drive me batty!!!!!! Anywho, I am trying to combate The Grinch in me by hunkering down with my knitting (and stash yarn, of course =) ) and seeing how many knitted gifts I can complete before December 25. So far it is Working!

As always ... Love,

Erin

Pile of Colorway Swatches

2011-10-27T04:37:00.000-04:00

SOOO very sorry for not posting more in the last week but I am bewitched by my dye pots (and crock pots ... I dye in those, too)!!! Very appropriate for this time in October. =)

I'm crocheting with this one right now ... the color blending is out of this world!

Which one is your FAVORITE and what would YOU make with it?

Love ... Erin
XoXoXo

Sushi Roll ... or Chevron Scarf?

2011-10-26T16:00:00.001-04:00

I actually crocheted a scarf just so that I could take an artsy picture like this!

Shepherd's Wool from Stonehedge Fiber Mill.
They are located in Michigan ... I like supporting their Economy. =)

No two skeins are a like ... they ply their Mill Ends with a strand of alpaca.

The result is scrumptiously soft yarn for a bargain basement price.

Pattern is free on Raverly - One Skein Chevron Scarf

(mine actually took two =) )

I'm looking so Happy because I'm ready for a Cold & Snowy Pittsburgh winter.

So, for those of you living in the Northern Hemisphere ... what are YOU knitting/crocheting/sewing for the Coming Cold?

Love ... Erin
XoXoXo

For Today ...

2011-10-21T13:19:00.000-04:00

Outside my window ... it is wet and cold and cloudy.

I am thinking ... I'm glad I remembered to send Abigail to school with a hat on her head.

I am thankful ... that we live in a Small House here in Pittsburgh rather then the Big Box in Delaware. We can keep the heat set higher and still save money on our Utility Bill!

In the kitchen ... not much is happening today. I cooked up some Taco Meat a few days ago so I can fix an Easy Supper.

I am wearing ... a favorite outfit. Jeans, black light weight turtle neck, and comfy shoes. No hand knit socks today as they are all in the wash. I should remedy that by either staying on top of the laundry or knitting a few more pairs.

I am creating ... more beautiful hand dyed yarn. I can't wait to share pictures with you but that will have to wait until next week.

I am wondering ... is it possible to finish all my WIP's by the end of the year? Wouldn't it be nice to start the year with Fresh Projects?!

I am reading ... the book of Joel for Bible Study. Good stuff in the Minor Prophets.

I am hoping ... Abigail is having a good day at school. I sure do miss My Girl during the day.

I am looking forward to ... teaching a Yarn Dyeing Class in November. =) If you live near Hudsonville, MI you should sign up at the Library.

I am hearing ... the familiar sound of the clock ticking. It was my Grandparent's clock and I remember sitting at their house when I was a little girl hearing the same sound.

Around the house ... lots and lots of crocheted blankets. One in the Front Room, two in the Back Room, one on each bed.

One of my favorite things ... listening to Good Music on Pandora.

Happy Friday and Enjoy the Weekend!

Erin

Should this go to the Pillow Frog Pond?

2011-10-19T09:37:00.002-04:00

I was so tickled to find Debbie Bliss Cashmerino Chunky in the sale room of my LYS for a bargain basement price. The colors called out to me ... bring me home!

I decided a pillow or two would be nice and crocheted up this beauty. What an experience to work with this yarn ... it flowed effortlessly over my hook ... sigh. =)

I turned the square each time I joined a new color but it still turned out Wonky. The Wonkiness is accentuate by the plump pillow form. =(

There is enough leftover yarn to make new pillow fronts.

Little squares perhaps?

I could salvage the two squares and use them as backs.

What do I do?

Am I being too Fussy?

Opinions Please!

Love .. Erin

Monday ... with a Side of Yarn =)

2011-10-17T14:29:00.001-04:00

We had a LOVELY time in Michigan ... so GOOD to see Family & Friends!

XoXoXoXo

But the rest of the week was very strange ... a Holiday can do that to oneself.

I was off by a day thinking Tuesday was Monday, Wednesday was Tuesday, yada yada.

Very discombobulating to the household rhythm.

So I decided to dye yarn instead. =)

I am going to teach a yarn dyeing class at the local library of my hometown in Michigan the Saturday after Thanksgiving.

Whenever I visit Painted Trillium Yarns I make Wonderful People and Nifty Things like that happen!

So I decided to dye ~~2 or 3 hanks~~ a dozen hanks of sock yarn to flex my yarn dyeing muscles.

Each one is SO BEAUTIFUL ... I can hardly believe these colors came from

Kool Aid and Wiltons Icing Paste.

And a few more hanging outside to dry.

On a side note ... I wore my Forest Canopy Shawl to church yesterday and received many compliments. =)

Love ... Erin

Gading About ... Again =)

2011-10-07T08:56:00.000-04:00

Visiting family in Michigan over the Columbus Day Weekend. =)
See you back on Tuesday!

Love ... Erin

Not a Lace Flunky Anymore!

2011-10-05T11:29:00.000-04:00

I can't KNIT lace but I sure can CROCHET it.

=) =) =) =)

I used a hank of hand dyed sock yarn from my stash.

The color is such a lovely green ... like a forest canopy with sunlight filtering through softly.

Or it looks like an over-fertilized yard!!

The pattern is from Ravelry (free of course!)

South Bay Shawlette

Slightly modified as I ran out of yarn for the border (doesn't that always happen!)

Self-Portrait

I love this shawl and have already made one for Abigail's teacher. =)

If you have a favorite shawl pattern, please share it with me in a comment!

Love ... Erin =)

Additions to My Stash & Hook Information

2011-10-04T10:21:00.003-04:00

I went to Lancaster this weekend and stopped in Zook's.

Somehow these Lecien prints came home with me. =)

They are whispering to me that they would like to become a new table quilt for the dining room. =)

Monday I was at Joann Fabrics and this sock yarn hopped in my basket. =)
It is a nice wool/bamboo blend and I'm looking forward to spending some time on Ravelry finding just the right shawl or stole pattern.

There were a couple comments on the crochet hooks in the Giveaway.
I made them myself using "unbranded" fimo clay from Michael's.
I was very pleased with the results and sad that I'd used Boye hooks ... I don't like Boye hooks.

Go Figure ... Erin =)

PS - My sister found the oops in the Autumn Jewel blanket! Look at the sofa picture ... the border at the bottom ... turns from blue to purple. =) I ran out of yarn and "made do" with what I had.

I'll be Back Very Soon =)

2011-09-30T10:20:00.001-04:00

Abigail and I are in Delaware visiting a best friend who has been missing her LOTS.

The weather is very nice and we are having a great time.

Be back Monday morning!

Love ... Erin

XOXO

Autumn Jewel Blanket

2011-09-28T09:58:00.003-04:00

A gift for my Niece. =)

I started it last Fall ... I even Blogged about it!

Granny Squares + Join As You Go = Hooking Gratification.

I did not darn in the yarn ends as I went along so it was not
Instant Hooking Gratification.

PSA ... Darn in Ends as You Go!

IMPORTANT DETAILS

Yarn: Wool Ease purchased at an AC Moore in Delaware.
Color names ... Unknown. Ball bands clutter up my project bag so they are promptly thrown away. =)
The color order was random ... well, sort of random!

Hook: I'm sure you guessed it ... Susan Bates H hook. =)

Pattern: Granny Squares ... my favorite Tutorial is at The Purl Bee.

Do you see the "Oops!" ???

Thanks for letting me share another project with you. =)

The comments you leave Bring me Cheer and Brighten my Day!

Love ... Erin

5 Years & 250 Followers ... The WiNnEr!!!!

2011-09-26T09:12:00.001-04:00

79 comments/entries from 13 different countries:

Germany ... Belgium ... USA ... Portugal ... Lebanon ... UK ... Netherlands ... Poland ... Spain ... Estonia ... Australia ... Canada ... India

That is SO cool ... we speak the universal language of Crochet. =)

And the WINNER is .......................... Lynne @ pieceful

As soon as I click PUBLISH, I'm sending her an email!!!

On my Mind ...

2011-09-23T09:26:00.000-04:00

Unloading the dishwasher is so much nicer when there are PRETTY dishes.

Visit Rhonda's blog to read more "On My Mind" posts. =)

5 Years ... 250 Followers!!!!!

2011-09-22T10:01:00.001-04:00

All I can say is thank you, Thank You, THANK YOU!!!!!!!!!!

I LOVE YOU all to the MOON and BACK. =)

Let's celebrate with some Colorful Fiber Goodness. =) =) =)

Leave a comment ... that's all you have to do!

I'll pick a winner on Monday (9/26/11)

Love ... Erin =)

Blocks N Balls Baby Blanket

2011-09-21T09:17:00.000-04:00

Tee-Hee ... I thought I was pretty clever coming up with that name. =) =) =)

I am going to a baby shower on Saturday and just found out the Mama is having a BOY. I took the leftover circles from the Fiesta Blanket, crocheted them together with navy and bright blue yarn, and added a colorful border.

Do you think I was successful???? I'm not sure since there are small bits of purple and pink but I think I definitely nailed Gender Neutral. =)

My two favorite blocks:

IMPORTANT DETAILS

YARN - Style Craft DK from Deramores
HOOK - Susan Bates #7 (4.5mm)
PATTERN - Squaring the Big Circle ... free pattern @ Signed with an Owl

The Fiesta Blanket ... Ta Dah!

2011-09-15T09:39:00.001-04:00

I started this blanket in April or May as a Vintage Vertical Stripe but I wasn't feeling the Love so I tucked it away for the Summer. =) The beginning of August I decided it must be Frogged!! Abigail and I spent a morning unraveling each row and carefully rolling all that yarn into neat little balls to be used on another project.

One of my favorite blogs is Signed with an Owl and Kate has a wonderful tutorial for this Circle in a Square block. Three weeks of hooking and the blanket is D.O.N.E. I've never made a blanket so fast and I am so happy-happy-happy!!!!

The border is my favorite part!

Oh my ... isn't it BeAuTiFuL????? I made this for a Very Special Person's Birthday Present. Alas, that is not until December but I am afraid if I keep it in my house much longer I will not be able to part with it. So I will wrap it up in plastic, shove it into a Flat Mailer Box and send it to her this afternoon. =)

Now for all the Important Details. =)

YARN - Stylecraft Special DK in 13 different colors. I bought all the Lucy colors from Deramores and used those for this blanket.

HOOK - Susan Bates #7 (4.5mm)

PATTERN - Squaring the Big Circle by Kate @ Signed with an Owl

The color sequence for each block was completely random. I kept the project in a big LL Bean tote bag and would close my eyes, stick my hand in, and pull out the next color for the following round.

The border is 9 rows of granny trebles followed by a row of simple scallops.

Fresh off the Hook ... Squaring the Circle Blanket

2011-09-14T20:37:00.000-04:00

I'm in LOVE!!!!!!!!!!

XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXO

Granny Dolly Blanket for Felicity

2011-09-14T18:56:00.002-04:00

I love simple projects that work up quickly and look so sweet when completed. =)

A few simple granny squares leftover from a pillow cover project joined together with natural wool yarn.

Edged in pink and and a bit more natural wool.

Felicity will be Warm and Cozy this Winter. =)

Happy Birthday to Me!

2011-09-13T13:15:00.000-04:00

Can you guess how old I am???

Mr. K and Abigail baked me an Apple Pie instead of Birthday Cake. =)

Abigail wrote me the sweetest Birthday Letter telling me how me how much loves my hugs, kisses, and snuggles.

2011-09-12T09:27:00.004-04:00

In the spirit of trying to Return to a Routine , I am going to post my meal ideas for the week. =)

Lasagna Casserole or Baked Ziti:
There is a jar of sauce in the refrigerator that did not seal in the water bath canner so I will use that before it goes bad. I bought a carton of cottage cheese at Aldi on Saturday and I always have dry pasta on hand.

Quiche with Bacon:
I have a lot of eggs and a bit of bacon that needs to be used up, so I thought "Let's make a quiche." I need a recipe, though, as I've never made quiche. =)

Homemade Pizza:

Every Monday I mix up a batch of pizza dough. It sits out on the counter all day to rise and then I pop it in the refrigerator to use sometime during the week. If we aren't in the mood for pizza, I can use the dough for homemade hot pockets.

Chicken Noodle Soup with Grilled Cheese:
It is September so I can make soup once again. =) Mr. K loves it ... I love it ... Abigail doesn't, so that's why I serve it with Grilled Cheese.

Pancakes and Scrambled Eggs:
The week wouldn't be complete without a Brinner Meal. I like to make a Big Batch of Pancakes so that there is leftovers for the following morning's breakfast.

Crocheted Bunting Pattern

2011-09-09T18:49:00.001-04:00

One Sunday afternoon this Summer I started crocheting these triangles and before I knew it there were enough for a bunting!

A quick puff of steam from the iron and a bit of tugging made all the points Pretty and Perky. =) I was delighted with the results and set about to find the Perfect Place to display my new bunting.

Across the mantel ... no.

Tacked to the bookcase ... no.

Sewing Room window ... yes!

Here is a close up off the triangle:

And here is the pattern:

Crocheted Triangle Bunting

Rowan Cotton 4 ply yarn & Susan Bates size E hook

Round 1:

Chain 6 and join with slip stitch to form circle.

Ch 3 (= 1 DC), 4 DC, Ch 3 ... 1st side and corner done

5 DC, Ch 3 ... 2nd side and corner done

5 DC, Ch 3 ... 3rd side and corner done

Slip stitch to top of first ch 3 to finish round

Clip yarn and pull through loop to fasten.

Round 2:

Slip stitch new color in any Ch3 corner to join

Chain 3 (= 1 DC), 2 DC, Ch3, 3DC ... 1st corner done

1 DC in the next 5DC ... 1st side done

3DC, Ch3, 3 DC in the chain 3 loop ... 2nd corner done

1 DC in the next 5DC ... 2nd side done

3DC, Ch3, 3 DC in the chain 3 loop ... 3rd corner done

1 DC in the next 5DC ... 3rd side done

Slip stitch to top of first ch 3 to finish round

Clip yarn and pull through loop to fasten.

Round 3:

The corners are made the same way as in Round 2 - 3DC, Ch3, 3DC

The sides are made the same way as in Round 2, except you will make 11 DC instead of 5 DC.

Slip stitch to join round.

Clip yarn to pull through loop and fasten off.

Round 4:

The corners are made the same way as in Round 3 - 3DC, Ch3, 3DC

The sides are made the same way as in Round 3, except you will make 17 DC instead of 11 DC.

Slip stitch to join round.

Clip yarn to pull through loop and fasten off.

Joining Triangles:

Layout triangles in the order you'd like them connected and choose the yarn you want to use across the tops to join them

Chain 25 to 30 to form a string for attaching to wall, bookcase, or mantel.

SC across the top of the first triangle ... 23 stitches total.

Pick up the 2nd triangle and SC across the top of it ... 23 stitches total.

Continue in this manner until all triangles are connected.

Chain 25 or 30 for the second string to match the other side.

Ta-Dah!!!!

Labor Day Weekend 2011

2011-09-09T05:37:00.002-04:00

I canned ... Italian Cooking Sauce.

I baked ... Banana Muffins.

I baked some more ... Whole Grain Bread.

I did not clean ... but Mr. K and Abigail did. =)

I crocheted ... granny circles that will turn into squares and become a blanket for someone's Special Birthday.

I would love to hear how your Labor Day Weekend went ... was it busy or relaxing?

I have a Second Grader

2011-09-08T08:35:00.001-04:00

Wednesday was the first day of school for Abigail. She had a great day and came with home with a spiffy new homework folder. =)

Look how tall she's grown this summer!

I always take a "Daddy-Daughter" photo ...

For what it's worth, there are 272 days until the last day of school.

But who's counting. =)

Colorado in Pictures

2011-09-01T07:33:00.000-04:00

It is a good day to share vacation snapshots with you as

the weather is cloudy and rainy.

I brought a crochet project with me but I'll share that with you on a

sunny day when pictures will do it justice. =)

Crystal Reservoir

Summit of Pikes Peak ... temp = 48 degrees ... Brrrrr!

Garden of the Gods

Bridge over Royal Gorge

Cliff Dwellings @ Mesa Verde National Park

Hiking in Estes Park

Lovebug's Favorite ... Trail Riding. =)

Here I am!

2011-08-31T08:44:00.002-04:00

I was in Colorado for 11 days and just got back yesterday afternoon.

It was a great trip but I kind of feel like the picture =)

Silly ... crazy ... wired ... tired.

PS - I have a wretched cold. =(

Something New for the Kitchen

2011-08-23T05:38:00.001-04:00

Just call me Bob the Builder ... I put it together All By Myself!!!

I love having my melamine mixing bowls and vintage Pyrex out where I can see them everyday. =)

Drawer #1 ... Cloth Napkins

Drawer #2 ... Dish Towels

Drawer #3 ... Ziplocs, Foil, and Bag Clips

Recycle Bin ... a Lantern Moon yarn basket. =)

I think it looks much nicer then a plastic bin.

Putting Up Jam

2011-08-22T03:34:00.001-04:00

50+ jars ... some for gifts and some for Us. :-)

My Favorite Canning Links:

Food in Jars

Pick Your Own

Canning Jar Love

2011-08-18T05:22:00.005-04:00

**Spices**

**Baking Goods**

(I need to refill a few jars)

**Dry Goods**

**Baking Supplies**

**Empty Jars**

Wordless Wednesday ... Reading to Her Girls

2011-08-17T06:14:00.001-04:00

Vintage Sheets Picnic Quilts

2011-08-16T03:51:00.001-04:00

This pile of vintage bed sheets will hopefully turn into

picnic quilts this fall.

One sheet front and back ...

Flannel sheet batting (thrifted of course) ...

Machine quilt lots of straight lines ...

Binding. =)

Or perhaps I'll get Fancy and do a patchwork top like Christine's:

2011-08-15T04:37:00.006-04:00

It took FOUR months to find the Perfect Curtains for the sliding door to our deck.

It was Providential ... I hung them from the existing rod and
the length was Exactly RIGHT!

Thank you Target for having such an affordable option. =)

Food for the Week

2011-08-14T03:41:00.001-04:00

Meal Ideas:

Hamburgers on the Grill
Homemade Pizza ... weather in the high 70's means I can turn on the oven again!
Chicken Burritoes ... in the freezer. =)
Br-inner (Breakfast for Dinner) ... need to use up some buttermilk so I'm thinking pancakes.

To-Do:

Bake bread ... I love using my "hand-me-down" Zojirushi bread machine but need to figure out how to keep the crust soft.
Bake Banana Bread ... or muffins. =) Three bananas are getting quite brown on my counter.
Make one more batch of Jam ... then I should be set for Christmas presents! I'm thinking Triple Berry (strawberry + blueberry + raspberry).

Putting up Peaches

2011-08-13T04:35:00.000-04:00

Love Bug and I picked up 1/2 bushel of Red Haven Peaches this week and I processed them in record time!

(16) 1 pound containers in the freezer

You have to add lemon juice & a liquid to cover the peaches so they don't turn brown. I used Apple Juice instead of a simple syrup. Gpa Mellema always used Orange Juice. =)

Peach Jam

Those wide mouth 1/2 pint jars in the front are my FAVORITE for jamming!

Note to self ... the dark color of Raw Sugar turns the jam from a bright peach to a pumpkin orange. Next year use Evaporated Cane Juice Crystals. =)

On my Mind ... Present Potholders

2011-08-12T06:10:00.006-04:00

The last of the Rico Creative Cotton was hooked into potholders this month.

I've enjoyed working with this yarn and highly recommend it because it comes in MANY wonderful colors!

They were added to the Present Pile to be given away as a housewarming or a Christmas gift. =)

I invite you to visit Down to Earth for other "On My Mind" posts.

Another Log Cabin Blanket

2011-08-12T04:20:00.000-04:00

Yarn - Knit Picks Comfy in Worsted Weight

Colors - Just about all of them. =)

Hook - Susan Bates #7 or 4.5mm

Size - about 30 inches square

A new friend at church is having a baby in September and I think this will be the perfect gift for her!

I Cannot Start the Day ...

2011-08-11T07:37:00.000-04:00

without making the Bed. =)

Sheets re-tucked ... Quilt smoothed ... Pillows fluffed.

Now doesn't that look Tidy and Very Pretty?

Finding a Palette with Paint Chips

2011-07-13T08:11:00.001-04:00

These two questions pop up a lot on Ravelry in regards to starting a new crochet project ...

"How do I choose colors that look good together?"

AND

"How many colors do I need?"

Paint chips are a FANTASTIC tool to create a color scheme!!!

They come in TONS of shades, hues, and saturations.

They are small and easy to rearrange, shuffle, and fan out until you find the right colors.

The best part ... they are FREE. =)

On to the second question ... "How Many?"

I'm not a good person to ask such a question as my personal answer is LOTS. =) I love color so the More the Merrier!

So my Professional answer is, no fewer then a TWELVE and no more then TWENTY.

Love,

Erin

Pot Holder Parade

2011-07-12T17:32:00.000-04:00

I discovered a new cotton yarn this Summer!!!!

It is my first time using Rowan yarn and is it very Dreamy.

The colors are so Pretty=)

Playing with this yarn makes me Happy =)

The twist of this yarn is so Perfect ... the stitches flow effortlessly off my Hook. =)

Come back tomorrow to see the First Act in this PHP (Pot Holder Parade)!

Hot from the Oven ...

2011-07-12T17:18:00.002-04:00

Beautiful Bread!

No Knead Method ... Learned everything I know from my Lovely Sister, a Good Friend, and Breadtopia.

On my Mind ...

2011-07-08T14:13:00.001-04:00

Homemade Bread ... No-Knead Style!

I mastered making Pizza Crust with this method and am moving on to Bread.

Love Bug says it is yummy with peanut butter. =)

Trip-ing Treasures

2011-07-06T05:30:00.002-04:00

We are home!

It was great to spend time with grandmas, grandpas, aunts, uncles, cousins, and good friends.

I love to go Thrifting when I'm in Michigan. =) Momma watches Love Bug for a morning so that I can hit all my favorite shops. Would you like to see what I got?

Tulip Towels for the Kitchen from the Dutch Store.

They are Perfectly Square!

Delft ... I found several pieces this trip. =)

Vintage Cook Books

Great Illustrations!

So, if you like Thrifting what do you look for and if you travel, what kind of treasures do you bring home?

Love,

Erin

House Tour ... Master Bedroom

2011-07-05T12:15:00.001-04:00

BEFORE

and

AFTER

I know you are going to ask ... Buxton Blue by Benjamin Moore. =)

That's it for the House Tour. I hope you enjoyed it!

House Tour ... Family Room

2011-06-28T19:15:00.000-04:00

BEFORE

and

AFTER

This is my FAVORITE room in our house. =) It is such a comfortable place to read, crochet, or visit with friends.

See the desk? I have Big Plans for that Little Nook. The Perfect Chair must be acquired first so that I can turn it into Blogging Central. Perhaps a little quilt on the wall to add a bit of cheer. =)

House Tour ... Living Room

2011-06-28T06:00:00.001-04:00

BEFORE

AFTER

New paint and carpet make a WORLD of difference!

That is a Man Sized Sofa and Mr. K loves it. =)

House Tour ... Laundry

2011-06-27T13:27:00.001-04:00

The rug from Ikea looks great with the red linoleum floor!

I think bunting hanging from the rafters would make the space extra cheerful ... don't you?

Mr. Octopus hangs over the Utility Sink so I can drip dry my Unmentionables. =)

House Tour ... Kitchen

2011-06-26T19:40:00.000-04:00

BEFORE

AFTER

It is Simple, Practical, and Efficient ... Just like Me. =)

Oak Cabinets

Laminate Countertops

White Appliances

Stainless Sink

Tile Floor

Brushed Nickle Knobs

Neutral Paint

Cotton Candy Bunting

2011-06-26T09:08:00.009-04:00

I received my Swap Package this week ... it came all the way from the UK. =) One of the many lovely things sent to me was this bunting.

I really wanted to hang it in my Sewing Room but the colors are perfect in Love Bug's Room. The soft colors remind me of cotton candy and the flags hang so Prettily over the pink checked valance.

The charm on one end is Perfect ... Hand Made with Love. =)

On the Road Again

2011-06-25T06:00:00.006-04:00

We are going to Michigan to visit family for a week or so.

My project bag is packed for the drive. =)

I plan on writing a few tutorials while I am there, too.

Rowan Glace Cotton Yarn ... love, love, love it!

I'm hoping for nice weather so that Mr. K and I can go for long walks every night after Love Bug is tucked in bed. Grandpa & Grandma Babysitters are the Best!

See you Soon!

Erin

On my Mind ...

2011-06-24T14:15:00.000-04:00

Love Bug is Sewing!

Yesterday she spent All Day making little pouches, bags, and pillows. =)

When I tucked her into bed she said, "This was the BEST day ever, Mama. I can't wait to sew tomorrow!"

Circa 1980

2011-06-23T13:26:00.000-04:00

While doing a bit of computer "house cleaning" I found this picture.

I think I'm 1 1/2 years old. =)

Keep Calm ...

2011-06-21T11:29:00.000-04:00

I am switching to a New Blogger Template ... it's quite the mess. =)

Excuse the wonky pictures.

Pardon the strange locations of widgets and gadgets in the sidebars.

Hoping it will all be back to normal in a couple days but I have 5+ years of posts to edit!

Love,

Erin

Feeding The Troops

2011-06-16T07:24:00.001-04:00

My sister and I love to cook when we are together!

Double batch chocolate chip cookies.

Spiffied up hamburger patties mix.

Tasty Potato Salad ... here's the recipe:

TASTY POTATO SALAD

2 1/2 pounds potatoes (red)
3 tbl chopped celery
2 tbl chopped sweet onion
1 tbl fresh chopped parsley
3/4 to 1 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup Miracle Whip
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp pepper
3 tbl apple cider vinegar
squeeze of lemon juice
2-3 hard boiled eggs

Boil the red potatoes with the skin on. Cool them completely and then cut them into cubes.
Boil the eggs.
Chop celery, onions, and parsley
Mix together the mayo, miracle whip, salt, pepper, vinegar, and lemon juice.
Mix the potatoes, vegetables, and dressing.
Lastly, chop and add hardboiled eggs. Taste test to adjust the seasonings.

Lovebug and I are having a lovely, lovely time ... check back soon for more NY Adventures. =)

Love,

Erin

Trip to the Garden of Eden

2011-06-14T16:53:00.002-04:00

Love Bug and I are on a little vacation.

Every Garden should have a Gate. =)

We are visiting my sister and her family in New York State for the week.

Isn't it LOVELY?!?!

The best part of my visit is the time I spend in her Garden.

Home-grown Strawberries are DELICIOUS. =)

Cucumbers, Bush Beans, Broccoli, Snap Peas, Tomatoes, and Garlic!

See you next week!

Love,

Erin

Swapety-Swap Reveal

2011-06-12T07:07:00.009-04:00

My swap partner received her package this week and loved everything I sent her!

Four different colors of Cotton Ease yarn ... one of my personal favorites. =)

Project Pouch ... found this Bright Green Bag at Ikea for only $4.

Small Lucy Bag and Polka Dot Journal ... I love the Rainbow Colors!

I am still waiting on my Swap Package. When it arrives I'll show you what I got!

Happy Weekend,

Erin

PS - Sorry for the small pictures. I'll go back to my normal Big Ones next week. =)

Summer of Simplicity - Part 2

2011-06-11T07:01:00.001-04:00


Why can't PARENTS have a Summer Reading Club???

I purchased these books from Amazon a few weeks ago in preparation for the

"Mr K and Dutch Girl Summer Reading Program."

It was fun and challenging picking out the titles as we both have very "unique" interests.

Genres range from Baking, Economics, Marriage, and Religion. =)

If you've read a Good Book lately, share it with me in a comment and I just might add it to our Stack.

TTFN!

Erin

PS ... I'll let you know if September if we make it through the pile. =)

School Papers

2011-06-10T13:04:00.002-04:00

My dining room table looked like this Wednesday night:

Binders, notebooks, papers, workbooks -- all sent home in a Big Bag for Mommy to sort through and organize. I refused to go to bed until it was done otherwise it just might get Piled until next September. =)


Yellow - Preschool, Purple - Kindergarten, Light Blue - First Grade

My simple method of keeping the School Paper Monster under control is an accordion file. I prefer the poly variety as they come in bright, cheerful colors ... Imagine that. =)

As worksheets, art work, teacher notes, and the like come home from school, I file away a few in the accordion file and recycle the rest. I also include Sunday School papers and Art Work done at home.

The file is very Bulgy by the end of the year, so I have to thin it out a bit to handle that End of School Paper Barrage. That is what I did Wednesday night. =)

When Love Bug finishes 12th Grade, she will have a neatly organized chronology of her Educational Journey.

Love,

Erin

On my Mind ...

2011-06-09T20:40:00.003-04:00

U-Pick season is here. =)

However, the prices are high due to a cold and wet spring. =(

So I invented my own U-Pick.

Drive to Aldi.

Pick through the cartons of strawberries and bring them home.

Wash, hull and slice them.

One pound per bag ... pop in freezer.

Happy U-picking however you decide to do it. =)

Erin

Last Day of 1st Grade

2011-06-09T08:19:00.001-04:00

Summer of Simplicity - Part 1

2011-06-08T10:46:00.003-04:00

I mentioned yesterday that I swapped out bedding and household linens.

The flannel sheets are washed and put away in the hall closet along with the down comforters.

My cotton sheets were showing some wear so I bought a new set from Ikea. Crisp and Clean white that I can pair with homemade quilts and vintage pillowcases.

The pillowcases on the top were hand embroidered AND edged with hand tatting ... absolutely LOVELY!

Sorted through Love Bug's clothes and toys. I rearranged her room with the hopes that she would not notice the "Things" mommy threw away. =) Do not worry ... nothing truly meaningful and valuable left the house!

Just Plastic Crap from Fast Food Restaurants.

A little repair work was needed on the doll house roof so that it wouldn't fall apart. Then I moved the residents and furniture back in, hoping they would feel at home very soon. =)

Red ottoman from Ikea's AS-IS section makes the perfect Reading Chaise for Love Bug!

Here is Quilt #2 that I finished this Spring.

I started it two summers ago on a Michigan Trip. Old Red Barn Co. has an excellent Quilt Along that I followed. My Momma hand quilted it this Winter for me in Bubble Gum Pink quilting thread. =)

Love Bug adores it and calls it the "Prettiest Quilt Ever!"

The sheet on the bed is vintage, but I bet you guessed that already. =)

These projects, although not very exciting were oh-so necessary. Getting my home de-cluttered a bit and set up for the next season, helped me get ready for my ...

Summer of Simplicity. =)

Love,

Erin

3-2-1 ... SUMMER VACATION!!!

2011-06-07T11:29:00.003-04:00

I put away my hook and yarn for a few weeks to get myself and the house ready for summer vacation. Love Bug has ONE day left of being a First Grader. =)

Lake Michigan ... we will be there in July!

Sorted and boxed up winter clothes ... check.

Summer clothing purchased ... check.

Swapped out down comforters for cotton quilts ... check.

Travel plans made ... check.

Chest freezer ready for U-Pick season ... check.

You'll find us at the Pool every afternoon!

Every June, I make Summer Goals and I'll share those with you the rest of this week.

Do you have any Great Plans for this Summer?

Do share ... I'd love to hear. =)

Love,

Erin

Swapety-Swap

2011-05-20T16:39:00.002-04:00

I am participating in a swap on Ravelry and plan on mailing my package tomorrow.

My swap partner is from England ... what jolly fun!

This is not a full reveal of what I am sending but I couldn't help taking a few "teaser" pictures.

Enjoy your weekend ... sunny and warm weather is predicted for tomorrow in my neck of the woods. =)

Hurrah!

Erin

Summer Sewing

2011-05-19T12:20:00.004-04:00

This is the summer that Abigail is going to learn how to sew. =)

We are going to skip the hand sewing and jump right to the machine!!

What shall be her first project ...
dolly quilt?
pillowcase?
library bag?
sleep shorts?

I learned how to sew the summer I was 8 yo and I made a dropped waist jumper. =)

What was your first sewing project?

Love,

Erin

Trinket Box Blanket

2011-05-18T11:03:00.002-04:00

My Grandma gave me this Trinket Box when I was a little girl. It is so lovely and precious to me!

As I was crocheting these Basic Granny Squares for this blanket they reminded me of it and so I named it Trinket Box Blanket. =)

Can't you see the resemblance?!?!

All those jewel-like colors make me feel like Royalty. =)

It is the perfect size for our new loveseat.

Don't you want to have a seat and visit for a bit?

Thank you, Ikea, for having the perfect pillow covers!

Here are the Important Details:

BLOCK - Seven Round Granny Square. Love, love, love, love Granny Squares!!!! Can't get enough of you, Sweet Granny Square. =)

SIZE - 6 blocks across and 8 blocks down. 48 blocks total. Finished size is approximately 46" X 58"

YARN - Knit Picks Wool of the Andes Worsted Weight. Grab a pencil and paper so you can jot down the colors ...

Amber Heather

Amythest Heather

Arcitc Pool Heather

Black Cherry Heather

Blossom Heather

Calypso Heather

Firecracker Heather

Forest Heather

Green Tea Heather

Indigo Heather

Pampas Heather

Papaya Heather

Persimmon Heather

Sapphire Heather

Solstice Heather

Wonderland Heather

This yarn was WONDERFUL to crochet. The heathered colors have such depth!!! Each ball made three squares.

Lions Fisherman's Wool ... oh how I love, thee ... let me count the ways! ... was the natural colored yarn used in this blanket. It paired so beautifully with the Wool of the Andes.

HOOK - Wool of the Andes is not a true worsted weight, in my opinion, so I went down a hook size to a 4.5mm/7. The density of the crocheted blocks is perfect!

FINISHING - I am a Die Hard lover of the Join-As-Ya-Go method but I decided to try something different. I laid out the blocks, slip stitched them into rows, and then slip stitched the rows together to form a blanket. The ridge formed around each block looks very much like knitted I cord. I like I cord so I'll probably use this method again. =)

I like simple borders ... one row double crochet around the blanket followed by double crochet scallops.

Thanks for looking ... leave a comment if you have ANY questions ... Happy Hooking!

Love,

Erin

2011-05-18T08:56:00.004-04:00

Today is our 15th wedding anniversary!

I spiffed up Mr. K's morning bowl of oatmeal. =)

Do you think he knows I love him?

Meal Plan Monday

2011-05-16T09:39:00.000-04:00

Mr. K unpacked the last of the boxes this weekend so we are official Moved In. =)

I am going to celebrate the fact that we are no longer in the state of "Transition" by posting my meal plans. There are some good eats in que for this week. =)

Tonight I am making Homemade Pizza. I've been playing around with a couple different dough recipes lately and finally have one that is a Winner!! I'm using this sauce recipe. One pizza with sauteed onions and peppers for the adults. One pizza with cheese for Abigail.

Tuesday night is a Man Meal ... Meatloaf and Mashed Potatoes. =) I have a meatloaf in the freezer that I will pull out tonight to defrost in the refrigerator. Check out Tammy's meatloaf baking method that is fool-proof ... no more pink centers and crumbly slices!

I usually make Pizza on Wednesday but we already had that this week. =) So I will make another batch of pizza dough and make hot pocket-like sandwiches. Pioneer Woman has a recipe for Cowboy Calzones that I'm a itchin' ta try!

It is supposed to rain, rain, rain, rain all week long. That requires soup in my book, so I will make some sort of warm concoction on Thursday for supper. Most likely Broccoli Cheese as I have a knock-off recipe in my Binder. =)

Friday night will be Brinner. That's Breakfast for Dinner. =) Scrambled Eggs and Cinnamon Raisin French Toast.

Saturday's meals will be eaten Out as we are going to a Sheep & Wool Festival to celebrate our Anniversary.

Sunday is always grilled cheese &/or leftover day.

So what are YOU cooking this week????

Love,

Erin

Friday?!

2011-05-13T17:40:00.002-04:00

I wanted to blog everyday but this week FLEW BY without that happening. There is a quilt, blanket, and bag to show you. Good things are happening around here!

I am happy. =)

I bought two bunches of flowers at Aldi this week and made up three bouquets to cheery up the house. Tucked one in the bathroom ... tee hee. =) This is my favorite one ... the lily is BeAuTiFuL!!!

I hope your corner of the world is as beautiful as mine!

Love,

Erin

Wonderful Weekending

2011-05-09T08:47:00.004-04:00

Friday Night ...

Hanging out with a BFF doing a bit of hand stitching on a quilt binding.
Home-made Chicken Enchiladas for supper.
Note to self -- must share recipe on DGD. =)

Saturday ...

Went out for bagels before we spent 4 1/2 hours at the Natural History Museum. We didn't know that the Art Museum was in the same building so I got to see a bit of Monet. =)

Stop at Home Depot for hanging baskets and a new flag.

Sunday ...

Roses for Mother's Day

Abigail & Michael bought me a Knit Picks gift card and I think something is coming from Yarn.com this week =)

In the evening, we went with some friends to an end-of-season orchestra performance.

The musicians were middle and high school students from all over the area.

Two of their children were performing.

It was SPECTACULAR!!!!

What a Magical weekend. =)

Love,

Erin

Layout - Yeah or Neh?

2011-05-06T16:23:00.001-04:00

Ever so often I get the urge to change the layout of Dutch Girl Diary.

I'll spend a couple hours fussing around with it and then realize I really liked it the way it was. =) =) =)

Does it look Okay from your viewpoint?

No one has emailed me saying "Your site looks Wonky on my computer screen ... can you do something about it?!?!"

I'd much rather be creating lovely things that I can share with you in posts, but if all my Lovely Readers are BORED with same look, I'll be happy to change a few things.

Comments and Feedback are WELCOME!

Happy Mother's Day Weekend!

Erin

PS - The italic font is not going to happen regularly. I just couldn't find a picture to put in the post to jazz it up. =)

Another Addition

2011-05-05T10:55:00.001-04:00

I'll blog more about it next week ... Enjoy the Sneak Peak!

This little Trinket Box was the inspiration for the pattern.

The sun is shining and it is pushing 60 degrees ... I'm going for a walk!

Love,

Erin

Tutorial - Crocheted Treasure Bag

2011-05-03T13:41:00.005-04:00

These darling bags were a HIT as Abigail's birthday party take-home favors. So I thought I'd share the pattern with you. =)

I used Rico Creative Cotton (Lucy Pack) and a size 4.5mm Susan Bates crochet hook.

Round 1:
Chain 5 and join together to form a circle with a slipstitch.
Chain 3 (equals a DC), 11 DC into circle.
Join round by slip stitching last DC to top of first DC (chain 3).
12 DC total.

Round 2:
Chain 3 (equals a DC).
DC into same stitch.
2 DC into each stitch all the way around.
Join round by slip stitching last DC to top of first DC (chain 3).
24 DC total.

Round 3:
Chain 3 (equals a DC).
DC into same stitch.
** 1 DC into next stitch. 2 DC into next stitch.
Repeat from ** all the way around.
Join round by slip stitching last DC to top of first DC (chain 3).
36 DC total.

Round 4:
Chain 3 (equals a DC).
DC into same stitch.
** 1 DC into next 2 stitches. 2 DC into next stitch.
Repeat from ** all the way around.
Join round by slip stitching last DC to top of first DC (chain 3).
48 DC total.
Cut yarn and pull through slip stitch to secure.

The base of the bag is done. You will no longer increase in each row but work around evenly to form the sides of the bag.

Round 5:
Attach new color by slip stitching into any stitch.
Chain 3 (equals 1 DC).
DC into each stitch all the way around.
Join round by slip stitching last DC to top of first DC (chain 3).
48 DC total

Round 6:
Chain 3 (equals 1 DC).
DC into each stitch all the way around.
Join round by slip stitching last DC to top of first DC (chain 3).
48 DC total
Cut yarn and pull through slip stitch to secure.

Repeat Round 5 & 6 three more times, changing colors at the beginning of Round 5 so that stripes are formed.

A picture is worth a thousand words. =)

Round 13:
Attach new color by slip stitching into any stitch.
Chain 3 (equals 1 DC).
DC into each stitch all the way around.
Join round by slip stitching last DC to top of first DC (chain 3).
48 DC total

Border:
I'm very partial, as you know, to a scalloped border, so that's what I did as the last row. You may do the same or change it to whatever border you fancy. A picot or v-stitch border would look very nice!

Drawstring:
Crochet a string 60 chains long. I tried all sorts of numbers -- 50 is too short and 75 is too long. =) Thread it over and under through the last row of DCs. Knot ends together. Add some beads if you have them handy.

They don't take much time to make -- perhaps an hour each. =) Fill the bag with little goodies and you have sweet and thoughtful present ... Mother's Day, Teacher Gifts, Shower Favor, or Just Because.

Happy Hooking!

Erin

Edited 8/9/11 - Correction made in Round 4!

Rainbow Granny Pillow

2011-05-02T09:10:00.002-04:00

There were a few blocks leftover from the Rainbow Granny Blanket and they were too lovely to let languish in a closet. So I made a pillow. =)

I am not much of a Pillow Maker as the whole sewing process is terribly fussy.

But a Crocheted Pillow ... it was a lot of fun!

Red and White is a classic color combination so I used them for the checkerboard border. The back is exactly the same as the front except done all in natural wool.

Both the front and the back have a Dark Lavender 3 round granny border. I slip-stitched them wrong sides together around 3 sides, stuffed in the pillow form, and slip-stitched the last side.

It was a Smashing Success and I plan on making lots more pillows this way! This beauty didn't sit on my chair too long ... it whisked it's way across to town to live at my friend Joanna's house. =)

Cheers!

Erin

Seeing Squares

2011-05-01T06:04:00.006-04:00

Miss A colored this for me last summer.

I tucked it away in my Studio knowing that one day it would become Something.

That Something just might be my Summer Project. =)

It is very inspiring!

Perhaps a pieced quilt with little 2 1/2" blocks out of Kona Cotton.

Maybe 2 round granny squares joined-as-I-go.

Should I use wool or cotton yarn?

How many colors do you see ... I count 18. =)

Love always,

Erin

Tulip Time

2011-04-30T06:00:00.000-04:00

Welkom vrienden!

(that's Dutch for Welcome Friends)

Did you know there is a REAL festival called Tulip Time?

Yes there is ... it starts the end of this week in Holland, MI.

That is where my Grandparents, Parents, and Husband grew up. =)

I bought these tulips this week because they reminded me of Tulip Time.

I suppose that means I really am a Dutch Girl. =)

Liefde altijd,

(Dutch for Love Always)

Erin

Clay Cafe

2011-04-29T06:00:00.032-04:00

Last Friday was Abigail's 7th Birthday.

Here are a few photos from her birthday party the following day.

Very Excited for the Party to Start. =)

All here ... Let's Begin!

Working with such Concentration ... I decided to Paint along with the Girls, too. =)

Opening Presents ... Abigail received very thoughtful, lovely gifts. =)

This was our first "real" party and it was a lot of fun. I hope Abigail made some memories that she'll remember when she is all Grown Up. =) Do you have any nice Birthday Party Memories?

Happy Friday and Enjoy the Weekend!

Erin

Happiness Is ...

2011-04-28T08:10:00.000-04:00

ONE

Crocheting blocks together while sitting on my NEW family room furniture.

TWO

Sleeping under freshly laundered sheets.

THREE

Blue Sky Alpacas Organic Cotton in 8 yummy colors.

(It's a Mother's Day present so you won't see it for a couple more weeks =) )

FOUR

Arranging my Delft collection on shelves that Yours Truly put up by herself.

FIVE

Spending time with my mommy who came for a visit this week.

SIX

Seeing this rug in front of the washer & dryer every time I do the not-so-fun task of laundry.

SEVEN

Getting Lovely comments and emails from You!

Love Always,

Erin

Wee Bit of Blogger's Block

2011-04-25T19:00:00.000-04:00

It happens to us all at some point.

I have SOOOOOOO many things I want to write about ... my brain feels very cluttered with all my ideas.

And at the same time I have NOOOOOOOO idea what to write about.

I keep blaming it on the rainy, cloudy weather we've had ALL April.

"This is crappy weather for taking blog pictures!!!"

So please leave me a comment with some Post Ideas. =)

I'm hoping that will get my Creative Writing Juices flowing so that I get my Blog MoJo back.

Love Always,

Erin

A Good Friday ...

2011-04-22T11:54:00.002-04:00

No school today!

Abigail's 7th Birthday!

New Ektorp furniture is being delivered this afternoon!

New DVDs to watch -- Emily of New Moon -- while we wait for Furniture Delivery!

Abigail is stitching Plastic Canvas Squares using the leftover wool yarn from my Granny Blanket. I do the first 3 or 4 stitches to fasten the yarn but she does all the rest. =)

Love Always & May you have a Wonderful Easter Weekend!

Erin

Mid Week Musing

2011-04-20T10:44:00.001-04:00

I am enjoying my time at home today. Yesterday I spent HOURS driving here, there and everywhere to get a PA drivers license and plates for my car. It rained all day so that did not make the job very pleasant. =(

This morning I mixed up dough so I can make Home Made Pizza for supper. My Cooking and Baking Mojo is slowly coming back!! I even have Homemade Pizza Sauce in the refrigerator. =) Don't you wish you pop over for a bite this evening?!?!

Projects after projects are flying off my hook. I had a bad case of Start-itis last fall so I've been finishing those up this Spring. It is very satisfying indeed and I can't wait to share them with you! But I must be patient and type a proper post for each project.

I will leave you with one picture. =)

Abigail's birthday is Friday and we are having a little party for her on Saturday morning with all the girls in her class. There are 6 of them total and we are going to paint pottery at a local shop. Such fun! Here are the "Thank-You-For-Coming-to-my-Party" favors:

Little crocheted pouches filled with little girl loot (stickers, candy, nail polish, etc).

Enjoy your Wednesday ... love always!

Erin

Wagon Wheel Potholder

2011-04-18T12:41:00.003-04:00

I was playing with my cotton stash one Saturday and this came off my hook:

The pattern for the circle was from Ravelry ... such a source of inspiration!!!

The border is my own ... I saw something like it on Flickr and thought it was so pretty! It lays so nicely with the curve of the potholder. There is nothing I detest more then puckered borders.

Miss A thought it matched her tea set perfectly!

PROJECT INFO

Yarn - Rico Creative Cotton ... "Lucy Pack" colors purchased from First4Yarns

Hook - Susan Bates #7 hook (4.5mm) purchased from Knit Picks

Pattern - free off Ravelry, but I don't remember the exact name ... will update with link when I find it. =) Found it!

Happy Hooking ... Love,

Erin

Rainbow Granny Blanket ... PATTERN

2011-04-13T11:10:00.001-04:00

This pattern came out of my head and onto paper much easier then I anticipated. =) So let's get started:

YARN

Blocks:

Patons Classic Wool

Bright Red (BR) -- Currant (CR) -- Water Chestnut (WC) -- Old Gold (OG)

Lemongrass (LM) -- Leaf Green (LG) -- Emerald (EM) -- Aquamarine (AQ)

Royal Blue (RB) -- Royal Purple (RP) -- Orchid (OR)

Checkerboard Border:

Patons Classic Wool - Dark Charcoal

Lions Brand Fisherman's Wool - Natural

It took a bit of searching to find all the colors but my tenacity paid off. =) I used up pretty much every bit of each skein of color and even had to dip into my leftover basket to finish off a few rounds. But it all worked out in the end. =)

HOOK

I used my good and faithful Susan Bates size H hook ... lovely as always, my dear!

SIZE

5 round Granny Square - this is my favorite tutorial if you need a little refresher course. =)

63 squares (7 across x 9 down)

COLOR SEQUENCES

Make 3 of each, following the abbreviations next to the colors:

Bright Red, Currant, Water Chestnut, Old Gold , Lemongrass
Leaf Green, Emerald, Aquamarine, Royal Blue, Royal Purple
Orchid, Bright Red, Currant, Water Chestnut, Old Gold
Lemongrass, Leaf Green, Emerald, Aquamarine, Royal Blue
Royal Purple, Orchid, Bright Red, Currant, Water Chestnut
Old Gold, Lemongrass, Leaf Green, Emerald, Aquamarine
Royal Blue, Royal Purple, Orchid, Bright Red, Currant
Water Chestnut, Old Gold, Lemongrass, Leaf Green, Emerald
Aquamarine, Royal Blue, Royal Purple, Orchid, Bright Red
Curant, Water Chestnut, Old Gold, Lemongrass, Leaf Green
Emerald, Aquamarine, Royal Blue, Royal Purple, Orchid
Lemongrass, Old Gold, Water Chestnut, Currant, Bright Red
Royal Purple, Royal Blue, Aquamarine, Emerald, Leaf Green
Old Gold, Water Chestnut, Currant, Bright Red, Orchid
Royal Blue, Aquamarine, Emerald, Leaf Green, Lemongrass
Water Chestnut, Currant, Bright Red, Orchid, Royal Purple
Aquamarine, Emerald, Leaf Green, Lemongrass, Old Gold
Currant, Bright Red, Orchid, Royal Purple, Royal Blue
Emerald, Leaf Green, Lemongrass, Old Gold, Water Chestnut
Bright Red, Orchid, Royal Purple, Royal Blue, Aquamarine
Leaf Green, Lemongrass, Old Gold, Water Chestnut, Currant
Orchid, Royal Purple, Royal Blue, Aquamarine, Emerald

ASSEMBLY

I decided not to block the granny squares before adding the final border and joining them together. That was my choice ... you may feel free to block them if that's your thing. =) Lay them out on the floor in a please arrangement (remember 7 across and 9 down).

Each square has two rounds of border color and it was in the second round that I used the Join as You Go method of connecting it to it's neighboring square. Worked out just ducky ... pleased as punch with the results!

BORDER

Very Simple ...

First Row - granny clusters all around the blanket with no chain one between clusters

I followed this technique to combat any "ripple effect" that is so common in crocheted blankets. It works like a charm!

Second row - chain 4, slip stitch in space between 3 DC cluster. Repeat this around blanket so you have little "loops."

Third row - 5 single crochet in each "loop" all around the blanket. These makes a very simple but pretty scallop.

I just re-read this post and it makes sense ... to me. =) Please, please, please post questions or email if you'd like to me explain something differently.

Love always,

Erin

Rainbow Granny Reveal!!!!!!!

2011-04-12T09:58:00.005-04:00

Remember these Grannies that I posted about back in October 2010???

Remember how I didn't know what color to use for the Final Round?

I figured it ALL out ... and it's DONE!

I c.o.m.p.l.e.t.e.l.y enjoyed ever stitch of creating this blanket!!!

Choosing the yarn.

Working out the color sequences.

Laying out the blocks ... Joining as You Go.

Darning in Gobs and Gobs of ends. =)

Border #1 ... nah.

Border #2 ... eeh.

Border #3 ... perfect!

One last picture ... looking so beautiful on my bed. =)

I'm still very giddy with happiness at actually finishing this blanket so when my feet finally touch the ground, I will post the Vital Statistics and Pattern. =)

Love always,

Erin

Granny Stripe Project Bag

2011-04-06T05:14:00.003-04:00

One Friday morning I was struck with the idea to crochet a bag. So I started with this pattern and morphed it with that pattern and ran into a brick wall when it came to the mesh pattern that formed the sides. =) Inspiration struck while trolling through Ravelry's pattern database. Hooky ... hooky .... hooky ... and I was done!

Isn't it dreamy?!?!? I popped a project inside and took it for a test run to the LYS. Came home, tweaked the handles, and declared it Finished and Perfect. =)

Yes, my dears, you are not seeing things ... that is a Whale Tail Door Knocker on my front door. When we first looked through the house, I thought it was Hideous but now I rather like it. =) It is the perfect bag hook for blog photos and my yellow front door makes such a nice background. Today it looks rather pale but that is because it is Gloomy outside.

Enough ... onto the Important Information:

Yarn - Rico Creative Cotton (Lucy Pack)

Hook - 4.5mm Susan Bates

Pattern - my own but I will share it with you as soon as I write it up. =)

Love always,

Erin

The Tale of Crazy Quilt

2011-04-05T10:04:00.001-04:00

There once was a dear woman who made lots and lots of quilts. Some remained quilt tops longer then anticipated so that the young girl for whom it was made became a young woman and really wasn't into bright colored fabrics printed with flowers and fruit anymore. =)

So this dear woman gives the quilt top to a Dutch Girl who has a Little Miss who loves bright colors and flowers with all her heart. The Dutch Girl picks out the perfect backing fabric and gives it to the Dutch Grandma to hand quilt with loving care.

After many, many months of diligent work and then a few more months tucked away during The Move, the quilt receives a pretty yellow binding, is washed and dried to crinkly perfection, and placed upon the bed of Little Miss.

The End.

Love always,

Erin

Favorite Corners

2011-04-04T13:34:00.002-04:00

In the Studio ... I sewed the binding on a quilt for Abigail this weekend. It was quite wonderful to be behind the sewing machine again. =)

In the Kitchen ... I need to find a "prettier" way to store my recyclables. I am very excited to have curb-side pick up in our community, though! There aren't many drawers in my kitchen, so I came up with this creative solution:

My dad built this shelf when I was a little girl and these bins fit PERFECTLY. As you can see, Target was one short on the wire bins. Foohy!

In the Bedroom ... Thank you, Ikea, for having the duvet on sale! It looks so nice with my Bow Tie quilt and Buxton Blue walls. =) Can you see in the shadows of the closet that there are still boxes to be unpacked ... hee hee, I think those are Mr. K's.

Happy Monday to you all!

Love,

Erin

Stash Bashing

2011-03-15T18:13:00.002-04:00

We moved from Delaware to Pittsburgh at the beginning of the year, as you know. It included a lovely thing called Corporate Movers ... two strong young men come into Your House, pack it into boxes, move said boxes onto Big Truck, and deliver said boxes to New House. Delightful!

I spent this weekend unpacking all the boxes marked FABRIC and YARN. There were lots of them ... and I do mean LOTS. I have NO problem weeding out dislikes/duds and passing them on to fellow knitters/quilters but there were none.

I love EVERY.SINGLE.ONE.

So I am resolved to knit and quilt from my stash until it is gone and I think that just might take a lifetime. :-) Immediately I cast on a pair of socks using Kangaroo Dyer Sock Yarn that I purchased from Webs. I'm winging the pattern as I go ... first a little bit of 2 x 2 ribbing with a leg of mock cables. That is what makes knitting fun!

No progress has been made on the crocheting front though I did buy a new extra room tote for my larger blanket projects.

Rainbow Grannies is almost done. Less then one row to attach and then a border. Oh, the border ... I always get hung up there. =)

And check out what a handy windowsill I have! It has the perfect overhang to attach my small yarn swift and ball winder and to set my milk glass vase of straight knitting needles.

Love always,

Erin

PS - Sorry for such dark pictures. I'm emailing myself pictures from my phone until Mr. K gets all the electronics set up properly.

Puttery-Muttery Monday

2011-03-14T21:18:00.003-04:00

Abigail and I kicked off the first day of Spring Break by staying home ALL DAY in our JAMMIES.

We both puttered -- Abigail in her bedroom reacquainting herself with all her dolls and yours truly in the kitchen.

It was absolutely lovely, lovely, lovely!

Home-made pizza, sauteed onions and peppers, and corn casserole -- tonight's suppers and future lunches.

One of my favorite things in my new kitchen is the refrigerator. As you can see it's really nothing fancy but I adore how efficient it is. It's the older style with wire shelves which I find so much easier to keep clean.

I'm quite proud of myself for figuring out how to switch the door and handles around so that it was hinged on the right. =)

Thank you for all the lovely "Welcome Back" comments. They make me feel all warm and happy!

Love,

Erin

Please Blog

2011-03-13T20:30:00.001-04:00

A dear reader posted that on my Facebook wall this evening. So what does one blog about when they haven't written a jot or tittle since January, but has SOOOOOO many things she wants to share with you?

Socks

In the midst of our move to Pittsburgh, I knit Abigail her very first pair of socks. Why I had not done this sooner is beyond me ?!?!?! They were super fast (completed in just a couple days), super cute, and super loved (look at that face).

On the fiber front, my sewing/yarn wall is coming along very nicely!!

Mr. K and I are sharing a room again in our new home. He gets one wall for his desk and bookshelves. I get the opposite wall for my sewing table and yarn/fabric shelves. Very fair, don't you think? =)

If that doesn't get creative juices flowing, I don't know what will!!

Love always,

Erin

Stats are Cool!

2011-01-09T17:52:00.001-05:00

Counting down the top 5 posts in 2010:

Granny Log Cabin Blanket

Chex Mix Recipe

Diaper Pattern Tutorial

Before I put this tutorial on my blog, I had it posted in a Webshots album.

One day just for kicks, I checked the stats and I was blown away to find there had been over ONE HUNDRED THOUSAND views of that album.

If I got a penny per click, Miss Abigail would have a nice college fund. =)

Free Wool Soaker Pattern

I used to knit and sell these as a cottage business back when Abigail was a toddler. I started it to keep myself from going crazy as a SAHM but it ended up driving me crazy. LoL. Fifty soakers in six months would drive anyone batty!

Granny Log Cabin Potholder

Thanks, Blogger, for providing all that interesting information!

2010 Project Collage

2010-12-30T13:15:00.000-05:00

I'm starting a new tradition. At the end of each year, I'm going to put all my project pictures into a collage and post it here. It's a nice walk down memory lane.

January started out with a HUGE order of hand-dyed yarn for a LYS in my hometown in Michigan. Who-da-thunk?!?!

Spring was filled with learning how to make soap ... so much fun and it is the most lovely stuff in the world!

During Summer Break I did a modicum of knitting but crocheted a plethora of dishcloths for Christmas.

I survived Abigail returning to school (without feeling like my world fell apart) and discovered crocheting with bright, happy, funky colors in lovely wool yarn. Oh.My. ... sighhhhh. This was a great surprise to me but I embraced it wholeheartedly as I do all my fiber hobbies.

This blog was another Great Surprise. All of a sudden LOTS of people (at least I think so) are reading it. Did I do something different? I'm not sure ... I try not to over-analyze it. =) But it sure does make me feel great!! I promise to keep doing what I'm doing because I love having you ALL as a part of my life.

Good-bye, sweet Twenty-Ten. You've been a good year and it feels so good to be able to say that.

Lots of Love,

Erin

Lots of Busyness, an Update, and a Thank You

2010-12-11T06:54:00.000-05:00

Thank you for understanding the quietness around here lately. =)

We've been busy with appraisals, inspections, and paperwork since we got back from our Pittsburgh Trip on Wednesday afternoon. Mr. K leaves for Pittsburgh tomorrow afternoon so he can start his new job on Monday.

I don't know how it happened but Abigail has just one more week of school before Christmas Break. We'll probably spend a couple days in DE doing girly-artsy-crafty things together, drive to Pittsburgh to spend some time with Mr. K, and then continue on to Michigan to spend Christmas with family.

Every morning I get on the computer to check email, read blogs, and see what's going on at Dutch Girl Diary. Without fail there is one or two new followers every day ... that just blows me away!

Thank You. Thank You. Thank You.

Love,

Erin

PS - I finished another Log Cabin Blanket ... it's cute as a button but needs to be blocked. =)

Bittersweet

2010-12-07T16:30:00.000-05:00

I'm sitting in our hotel in Pittsburgh typing this.

We flew in Saturday for our official "House Hunting-Church Checking Out-School Visiting Trip." There was a bit of a rocky start on Saturday afternoon but everything smoothed out beautifully.

Sunday I met a mom at the church we visited that, get this ... READS.MY.BLOG. Is that cool or what?!?!

Monday I visited a yarn shop just a hop,skip and jump away from where we will live. It is BEAUTIFUL and will become my new hang-out.

Today Abigail visited her potential school and she loves it. =)

I'm REALLY happy with the progress we've made on this trip. There was a bit of a rocky start on Saturday afternoon, but everything smoothed out beautifully. I'm excited about our new life in Pittsburgh!

BUT ...

We will be leaving behind some really, really wonderful friends. That makes me very, very sad. =( So go tell your closest friends how much you love them RIGHT now, ok!?!?

Love,

Erin

Big News ... BIG NEWS!!!

2010-11-30T11:51:00.002-05:00

You've all probably noticed that I disappeared for a bit.

I've been a little preoccupied with a big change in our life to be blogging.

We are moving to Pittsburgh, PA!!!!

Mr. K starts his new job the middle of December and
Abigail and I will join him just as soon as we sell our house.


Pittsburgh Skyline

We will be just a 6 hour drive from our family in Michigan!

We will be downsizing into a home that is more suitable for three people. Less yard work and housekeeping is a good thing!

Please think and pray for us as the next few weeks are going to be a whir-wind of activity.

Love,

Erin

Simple Abundance

2010-11-17T08:53:00.001-05:00

I drew this in my Gratitude Journal a couple days ago. It's a quote from Simple Abundance that really spoke to my heart.

The Holiday Season is sneaking up on us along with all those TV ads and glossy circulars telling us we need ABC or XYZ at this Fabulous Price.

I'm going to work hard at having Contentedness this Christmas.

Will you join me too?

Love,

Erin

Hamburger Helper ... Home-style

2010-11-16T09:38:00.005-05:00

One of my favorite recipe sources is the More with Less Cookbook.

This is one of the first recipes I tried when I purchased it several years ago. It's easy to make, tastes mighty good, and hits the frugal factor. =)

Boil pasta in salted water. Drain and set aside until later.

Chop up one small onion and two stalks of celery. If you have children who don't like "chunks" of vegetables, you can substitute onion powder and omit the celery.

In a shallow stock pot (5 quart is just the right size), cook the onions, celery and ground beef with a bit of salt and pepper.

When the vegetables are tender and the meat is no longer pink, add diced tomatoes, corn, and cooked pasta.

Turn the heat down to Low and let it simmer uncovered for 15 to 20 minutes. Top each serving with a sprinkle of shredded cheese for an extra bit of flavor. Yum!

Here's the best part ... Mr. K's lunches are done for the week!

HAMBURGER HELPER HOME-STYLE

Boil 2 cups crinkly pasta or noodles in salted water - drain and set aside.

Brown in a skillet & drain off extra fat if needed:

1 pound ground beef
1 small onion, chopped
2 stalks celery, chopped
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper

Add to skillet when beef is browned:
1 can corn or peas
1 can diced tomatoes (I like to use the basil-oregano ones for extra flavor)
Cooked and drained pasta

Simmer uncovered 15 minutes to blend flavors.
Sprinkle each serving with shredded cheese or Parmesan cheese.

Happy Cooking!

Erin

Simple Circle Potholders

2010-11-15T11:27:00.001-05:00

Seven rounds, each a different color ... the PERFECT size.

I absolutely ADORE this clamshell border. =)

Solid color seven round circle for the back.

Such HAPPY colors!!!

XoXoXo

Tutorial coming soon. =)

Love,

Erin

PSA - HQ16 Quilting Machine for Sale

2010-11-11T18:32:00.000-05:00

It's on Ebay and the auction ends tomorrow. =)

Pass the word around to all your friends!

HQ16 Quilting Machine