Nina's At My House

Lone Defender

2012-01-24T06:38:00.000-08:00

Lone Defender Shirlee McCoy ( Loved Inspired)

great book, loads of action, very believable characters, the female was so real, I got mad at her for being so dumb! Loved it,

ICE QUEEN ANGEL

2012-01-15T09:49:00.000-08:00

ICE QUEEN ANGEL: Copyrighted FEBRUARY 2002 BY SHIRLEY STALNAKER

Afghan stitch angel

17 inch Hollywood Starlette Doll
Afghan hook H
Size E hook
Bernat Cottontots wonder white 1 skein Walmart
Whimsy Wire = Hobby Lobby ( $ 1.99)
Sparkle Yarn = Hobby Lobby ( $ 1.99 )
Boughten Wings+ or hand made feather ones.

Special Stitches used:

Decrease = Put hook in next 2 loops yo pull through the 2 loops
Increase = pull up loop in horizonal loop between 2 up and down loops ( vertical)
yo= yarn over
dec = decrease
inc= increase
sts= stitches
sc= single crochet
sl st = slip stitch

Reminder: In Afghan stitch a row consists of, picking up loops going to the left and sc them off going to the right.
Also the increases and decreases are only in the rows going to the left. See the file area, under Afghan Stitch for directions and pictures of how to do this
stitch.

In this pattern we are going to start at the bottom of the skirt.

1) Ch 60, pull up a loop in each st across, 59 loops, yo, pull through fist loop, * yo, pull yarn through the 2 loops.* repeat between stars across.

2) Decrease Row: Put hook in next 2 loops, pull yarn through the 2 loops, ( decrease made) pull up loops across to last 2 loops, put hook in last 2 loops, pull yarn through. ( decrease made)

3 -5) Repeat row 1

6) Repeat row 2

7-9) Repeat row 1

10) Repeat row 2

11) Repeat row 1 ( 53 sts)

12) Pull up loop in first 12 sts dec. in next 2 sts, *pull up loop in next 12 sts. Dec. in next 2 sts* Repeat between stars once more. ( 3 decreases) 50 sts.

13 -14) Repeat row 1

15) * Pull up loop in first 8 sts, dec. in next 2 sts*. Repeat between between stars Across to last 10 sts.pull up loop in next 7 sts. dec. in next 2 sts. pull up loop in last st. ( 45 sts)

16 - 17 ) Repeat row 1

18) Pull up loop in first st. dec in next 2 sts.* pull up loop in next 8 sts, dec. in next 2 sts* Repeat between stars 4 times, pull up loop in last st. ( 40 sts)

19 - 20) Repeat row 1

21) Pull up loop in first 8 sts, decrease in next 2 sts. *pull up loop in next 8 sts, dec. in next 2 sts. * Repeat between stars 3 times, pull up loop in next 6 sts, dec. in next 2 sts. pull up loop, in last 2 sts. ( 36 sts)

22 - 34) Repeat row 1

35) Pull up loop in next 2 sts, dec. in next 2 sts. * pull up loop in next 3 sts, dec. in next 2 sts. * Repeat between stars, 6 times, pull up loop in last st. ( 29 sts)

36) Pull up loop in first 4 sts. dec. in next 2 sts. * pull up loop in next 4 sts decrease in next 2 sts * repeat between * 3 times pull up loop in next 5 sts.( 25 sts.)

37.) Dec. in first 2 sts. * pull up loop in next 3 sts. dec. in next 2 sts * Repeat betwee stars. Pull up loop in last 2 sts. ( 20 sts.)

38 - 40) work evenly on the 20 sts.

41 ) Increase row: pull up loop in next 3 sts. *pull up loop in horizonal loop,
(increase made), pull up loop in next 4 sts* Repeat between stars. ( 24 sts)

42.) Increase row: Pull up loop in first 5 sts, * pull up loop on the next horizonal loop, pull up loop in next 5 sts * Repeat between stars to last 5 sts. pull up loop
in horizonal loop, pull up loop in last 4 sts. ( 28 sts)

43) Pull up loop in the next 3 sts * pull up loop in next horizonal st, pull up loop in next 3 sts* Repeat between stars. ( 36 sts)

44) Pull up loop in first 11 sts. ( 12 sts), pull up loop in next horizonal loop, * pull up nnext loop, pull up next horizonal loop, * Repeat between stars, 3 times more, (5 increases) pull up loop in next 3 sts. make 5 increases as before. pull up loop in last 11 sts ( 46 sts)

45) Pull up loop in all sts. (46 sts)

46) This is a decrease row. Pull up loop in first ll sts.* Dec in next 2 loops.,* repeat between stars 5 times. Pull up loop in next 3 sts, decrease 5 more times, pull up loop in last 11 sts.

47) Pull up loop in first 13 sts ( 14 sts) dec. in next 2 loops pull up loop in next 4 sts, dec in next 2 loops. pull up loop in last st.( 34 sts.)

48)( Arm holes) Pull up loop in first 7 sts ( 8 sts) work the loops off, bind off, weave in ends. Skip next 4 loops, attach yarn in next loop Pull up loop in next 10 sts. Repeat onmce more, bind off, end off weave in ends. Skip next 4 loops, attach and pull up loop in last 7 loops Repeat once more, bind off, end off and weave in ends.

Sew up back of skirt, starting at hem line sew up shoulders in three sts. Sc around back and around neck sc around arm holes.

TRIMMINGS ON DRESS:
Using Sparkle yarn and size E hook Attach yarn to bottom of skirt at back.1) Sc around. Sl St in 1 st sc.
2) Ch 1, sc in sl st, ch 2, sc in next sc Repeat around, end off and weave in ends.

Neck:
Attach yarn at back of neck sc around. end off weave in ends
Arms: Attach yarn and sc around arm holes. end off weave in ends. Useing Sparkle yarn make Stars , Randomly spaced on front of dress. In a good design.

Halo: Using Sparkle yarn and E hook Chain 3o, sc across. sew ends
to gether Place on Angels head. I took a piece of the yarn and tied
Angels hair back away from her face.

Wings:

Add feather wings boughten of hand made. Decorate with Sparkle Yarn.
Shawl:Drape Whimsy Wire over Arms

This pattern is copyrighted, and may not be used on any media, including websites,
lists, or newsletters. It is for your personal use only.

Puff Stitch 1

2012-01-15T09:46:00.000-08:00

Puff Stitch 1

Multiple of 8 + 9, for sample chain 25

Row 1: 1 hdc in 3ch from hook and in each ch across row,
turn.

Row 2: Ch 2, * insert hook between hdc of preceding row, work 1 hdc
in each of next 7 hdc, in next stitch, work 1 bobble (** yo, insert
hook, draw through a loop lengthening slightly the loop, rep.
from ** 2 more times in same st, yo, draw through the 6 loops,
yo, draw through the last 2 loops - 1 bobble is made), rep. From *.

Row 3: Ch 2, * 1 hdc between the hdc of preceding row for the next
6 hdc, 1 bobble before and after the bobble of preceding
row, rep. From *, end with 1 hdc in last 7 hdc, turn.

Row 4: Ch 2, * 7 hdc, 1 bobble between the 2 bobbles of preceding
row) rep. from' *.

Row 5: Rep. from row 3.

Blanket Stitch

2012-01-15T09:42:00.000-08:00

Blanket Stitch

Ch 16,
1st Row: hdc in 3rd chain from hook, and in each chain across row, ch 2, turn.

2nd Row: * skip 1st, draw up a loop in next st, draw up a loop in the skipped st, yo, and draw thro 1 loop, yo draw thro 3 loops, ch 1, repeat from * to end of row, ch 2, turn.

3rd Row: skip first space, hdc in each space (between the threads of each space) to end of row.

Repeat from row 2 for pattern, end with row 2.

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Atmyhouse

2012-01-04T08:51:00.000-08:00

Unlawfully Wedded Bride by Noelle Marchand

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I loved this book, clean down to earth, great story line, Great characters. the only thing I didn't like about it is that fact the author did not say what happened to Larson, I was hoping he would stay where he was.

View all my reviews

May 2007 Pattern of the Month Feather and Fan Shawl

2011-12-14T21:01:00.000-08:00

May 2007 Pattern of the Month Feather and Fan Shawl@ 2006 by N. L. Banks

Size 11 knitting needles.
1 to 2 skeins of Sensations Rainbow Boucle
(available at Jo Ann's Stores)
2 stitch markers

Cast 150

Note: Place markers after the first 3 stitches, and before the last 3 stitches, slip them as you come to them.

Knit 3 rows for the border.

Row 1: Knit

Row 2: K3, P to last 3 stitches, K3

Row 3: K3, *(K2 tog) 3 times, (yo, K1) 6 times, (K2 tog) 3 times, rep from * to last 3 sts, K3

Row 4: knit

Repeat Rows 1 – 4, keeping first and last 3 stitches in plain knitting, until you have about 15 yards left using one skein, if you want it longer, keep knitting until it's the length you want,then Knit 3 rows for the top border. Cast off and weave in ends.

This pattern is copyrighted, and may not be used on any media, including websites,
lists, newsletters, nor sold or recopied. It is for your personal use only.

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Atmyhouse

2011-12-14T20:57:00.000-08:00

March 2007 Stitch of the Month Crochet

Starting chain: Multiple of 4 sts + 6. For sample chain 26.

Abbreviation
Cluster = work 3dc into next st until 1 loop of each remains on hook, yo and through all 4 loops on hook.

Row 1:(right side): Work 1 cluster into 5th ch from hook (ldc, 1 ch formed at beg of row), 1ch, skip 2ch, l 1 sc into next ch, *3ch 1 cluster into next ch, 1 ch, skip 2ch,1sc into next ch; rep from * to last 2ch, 2ch,
ldc into last ch, turn.

Row 2: 4ch (count as l dc, 1 ch), 1 cluster into first 2ch sp, 1 ch, *1sc into next 3ch sp, 3ch, 1 cluster into same sp as last sc, 1ch: rep from * to last ch sp, l sc into last ch sp, 2ch, l dc into 3rd of 4th at beg of previous row, turn.

Repeat row 2 for pattern.

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If you have not started yourself a sample dictionary, now's the time to do it, just do the sample, print this sheet out, attached the sample to it, and put them in a 3 ring binder, pretty use, you're have your own crochet dictionary.

December 8, 2011

2011-12-04T16:59:00.002-08:00

This coming December 8th, the At My House Knitting and Crochet list will be on the Internet for 13 years, yes you read it right 13 years. The exchange leaders and myself have tried to make it the best place to be. We have added many features in the past years from Member of the Month, stitches, more exchanges, patterns, and even the contests. We hope you have enjoyed the list as much as we have and that you will continue to tell your friends and family about it. With over 3600 members, we must be doing something right.

Because the exchanges are closed during December and to help celebrate our 13 years of being on the net, we will have about 4 contests during this month, so you will need to check your inbox to find out when. BUT read the rules, as I still have to delete so many simply because you just do not read them.

Coming in January we will have our member of the year. This list member adds a lot to the group by posting, helping other members, answering questions, joining in and offering help whenever she or he can. They do not have to join any exchange for this, but if did, then they have never been late, have helped the exchange leaders out when needed, and has followed all the list rules.

And if you are wondering how the name At My House came about, well when I first started it back in December 1998, it was on One list, who listed the groups alphabetically, and so it became At My House, so that it would be first one on the list, lol. You have Pat Haker and Penney Wilfort to blame for me starting it. They wrote me over and over again, so here it is 13 years later and still going strong.

Right now I would like to take the time to thank all my exchange leaders, who have given so freely of their time and sometimes money to help run this list. Without you, this list would not be what it has become today.

Thank you.

Nina, list Mom

http://ninasatmyhouse.blogspot.com/
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Atmyhouse
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/atmyhousesewing/

"Back on golden hinges, the gate of memory swings,
and my heart goes into the garden, and walks with the olden things."
~Ella Wheeler Wilcox~

2012 free patterns for my list

2011-12-02T04:41:00.000-08:00

Below are some of the free patterns for my knitting and crochet list on yahoo at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Atmyhouse. Come join us!!

Pop Goes the Weasel

2011-11-29T06:18:00.001-08:00

Pop Goes the Weasel (Alex Cross, #5) by James Patterson

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

another great one from the King of Authors

View all my reviews

sewing group

2011-11-28T03:30:00.000-08:00

I have a sewing group on yahoo at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/atmyhousesewing/ and I am adding more free patterns to it as soon as I can get the patterns checked. Below are two that will be added soon. One is called "Shades of Autumn Large Coaster or Small Hot Mat" and the other "The Santa Claus Coaster".

Book Review Mid Gauge Basics + Much More

2011-11-27T17:44:00.000-08:00

~~Book Reviews~~
N Banks
exines65254@mypacks.net

Mid Gauge Basics + Much More By Charlene Shafer

Book Information:
0543 $20.00. Basic techniques for the LK 150 (and all manual mid gauge machines)
No Ribber required.

Link to book:
http://www.knitknackshop.com/

This is a wonderful book for learning the basic skills or relearning what you have forgotten on the mid-gauge machines. It has a great section on making buttonholes and swatching using a standard ruler or the yellow ruler that comes with the machine.

Each lesson is very clear and easy to understand with step by step directions. The patterns that come with each lesson will help you learn each new technique. Some of the patterns have variations, so you will have lots to make from them. I love the way each lesson and the techniques that go with them are set up.

This book will help you learn all about the buttons on your carriage like how to do plating, slip stitch, tuck, lace, tuck lace. Even has a section on short rowing with patterns to help you learn about each. This must have book for your knitting library picks up where your manual leaves off.

Author information:

Charlene started machine knitting in January of 1969 and has authored over 200 books on anything from Crafty Ideas, Afghans, Baby Clothes, Holiday Items, many books of garments, machine knitting and technique books.
Charlene Shafer's Knit Knack Shop was opened in 1978, her husband Harold and son Noel work with her at the shop. Charlene is working on new books and loves to teach at workshops and seminars.

The shop imports Tamm Yarns and distributes them to the US & Canada. Also Cotton Tale 8 and Lion Brand 1878 Wool. They are dealers for Silver Reed machines and import the Hague Linkers. The Knit Knack Shop is ‘One Stop Shopping’ for the machine knitter.

If you would like me to review your books or videos, you can write me at
exines65254@mypacks.net

My Cinnamon Raisin bread machine recipe

2011-11-26T12:47:00.000-08:00

My Cinnamon Raisin bread machine recipe

In pan mix:
1 1/8 cups hot water
3T butter cut in chunks

In bowl mix well together:

3 cups bread flour
2 teaspoons Cinnamon
1 teaspoons salt
1 ½ Tablespoons dry milk
3 tablespoons sugar
1 cup raisins

Pour into pan, add to top of mixture, (do not stir in)
2 teaspoons yeast

Set machine to light setting and bake. Remove from pan, cool.

I had stood at the door holding my tummy.

2011-11-26T12:46:00.000-08:00

I had stood at the door holding my tummy. “Please get up, I need to fix the bed”. He just said no. I went and sat on the sofa crying, in pain and throwing up when she came in. I said “I can’t get him out of bed”. All she said was I will. My labor pains were 2 minutes apart and my husband was still in bed. What ever she told him, he was up in seconds.

It’s said that the truth

2011-11-26T12:44:00.000-08:00

It’s said that the truth will set you free. Not these people, the truth would put them in jail on death row.

Bookmark #5

2011-11-10T06:51:00.000-08:00

Bookmark #5 by N Banks

Size 10 thread, any color 1/4 inch wide Ribbon 7 crochet hook

Rw 1 chain 10, 7 dc in first ch. Ch5, turn.

Rw 2 skip 2 dc, 1dc in next dc, (ch 2, skip 1dc, 1 dc in next dc) twice, ch 4, 7 dc under loop, ch 5, turn.

Rw 3 skip 2 dc, 1dc in next dc, (ch 2, skip 1dc, 1 dc in next dc) twice, ch 4, 7 dc under ch 4 loop of last row worked, ch 5, turn.

Repeat row 3, 19 times, ending last row with 7dc under loop, do not turn.

Rw 4 ch 6, 1 sc under ch-5 at end of next ch 5 space, (pattern) (see bookmark) , * ch 7, 1sc under next ch-5 , repeat from * to beg of ch 6, join with slip stitch, fasten off.

Weave ribbon in and out of center of bookmark.

This pattern is copyrighted, and may not be used on any media, including websites, lists, newsletters, nor sold, recopied or reformatted. It is for your personal use onl
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Atmyhouse

Bookmark #3

2011-11-05T08:50:00.000-07:00

Bookmark #3

Luster Sheen, any two colors size 5 crochet hook 1/4 inch white ribbon

with main color, chain 18.

Rw 1 1 dc in 4th dc from hook, 1 dc in each of next 4ch, ch 3, skip 2 ch, 1 sc in next ch, ch 3, skip 2 ch, 1 dc in each of 5ch, ch 2, turn.

Rw 2 skip first dc, 1 dc in each of next 4 dc, ch 5 1 dc in each of last 4dc, 1 dc in top of turning ch, ch 6, turn.

Rw 3 1sc in center dc of 5dc, ch 3, 5 dc under ch-5, ch 3, 1 sc in center dc of 5-dc, ch 3, 1 dc in top of turning ch. Ch 8, turn.

Rw 4 1 dc in each of next 5dc, ch 5, 1dc in 3rd ch of turning ch. Ch3, turn.

Rw 5 4dc under first ch 5, ch 3, 1 sc in center dc of 5dc, ch 3, 4dc under ch 8, 1 dc in 3rd ch of ch 8 turning ch, ch 3, turn.

Repeat rows 2-5, 5 times, do not turn at end of row, fasten off, attach second color.

Rw 6 ch 5, 1dc in end of next row, *ch 2, 1 dc in end of next row, repeat from * around,placing 1dc, ch2, 1dc in each corner, join with slip stitch to 3rd ch of ch 5. Fasten off. Weave ribbon in and out of the ch 2 spaces on row 6, leaving a long tail to tie bow with.

This pattern is copyrighted, and may not be used on any media, including websites, lists, newsletters, nor sold, recopied or reformatted. It is for your personal use only.

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Atmyhouse

Marrying the Preacher's Daughter

2011-11-05T08:37:00.000-07:00

Marrying the Preacher's Daughter by Cheryl St. John

love this book, great ending, a must read.

Night Watch by Valerie Hansen

2011-10-25T15:13:00.000-07:00

Night Watch by Valerie Hansen

very good book, couldn't put it down.

Also read Agent Undercover by Lynette Eason, another great read.

Every Which Way Reversible Cables

2011-10-24T12:25:00.000-07:00

-~~Book Reviews~~ by Nina

Every Which Way Reversible Cables

By Kathryn Doubrley

Book Information: PDF file instance download $16.75 For additional fees, you can write her if you need a copy mailed to you or burned to a CD.

Link to Book:
http://www.theanswerlady.com/EVERYWHICHWAYmachineknittedreversiblecables.html

The book: Every Which Way Reversible Cables:

If you want to learn to do cables on your knitting machine, then this is the book for you! More than 7 projects to help you learn this technique. The patterns include scarves, shawls, cap, blankets, even a sweater and more. And she has marked which patterns you must use the ribber on, but many of them require no ribber at all.

Kathryn explains the reversible cable technique completely and very clearly listing cable spacing, design and several methods to do it. One for use with the ribber, anther one method for reforming the ribs with out the ribber. Another method tells how to do it with a full needle rib. And still more methods. She even explains ways to do this on several models of knitting machines, even the Passap.

Each pattern lists the yarn, gauge and type of machine used from Standard, mid-gauge, to the bulky. She uses Tamm yarns, Bebe, Nordic, Microtann, including Tamm 3 ply Astracryl. But does gives a gauge so that you can use just about any type of yarn with any of the patterns as long as your gauge matches the pattern gauge. One pattern ( The Collar T) has just four pieces, collar, sleeves. The front and back are knitted in one piece.

With most of the patterns in the book, Kathryn again explains the crossing of the cables, and gives a fill in chart to use. And explains how to do the ribbing by hand. Kathryn has also added a link to a download page for Fisherman’s Rib settings for all machines.

The book has very clear pictures of the finished designs, charts and even has several charts for keeping track of the type of yarn you have used, item made and notes for that item and of course the finishing of the item made. Sizes: woman’s bust 36 to 52 on the sweaters. The cardigan pattern I like the best. She as a chart using either The Tamm Bebe or Nordic yarns, so it’s like having a cool summer or a cold winter sweater.

From the Author:
“I began machine knitting sometime in the 1980's because there were GREAT sweaters everywhere but I could not afford the ones I wanted. I scrimped and saved and finally ordered a hobby machine by mail. Of course it was al-o-n-g time before my skills matched my taste! Nobody where I live had any idea what I was talking about so I learned entirely on my own from books.

Remember, this was pre-internet. When I finally attended a seminar and met other knitters I was beside myself. Because of learning to machine knit in the wilderness, I still have a lot of empathy for confused beginners and try to help them along.”

If you would like me to review your books or videos, you can write me at exines65254@mypacks.net

His Country Girl

2011-10-13T11:31:00.000-07:00

just finished reading His Country Girl by Jillian Hart, loved this book, great story, a must read. Nice and clean too.

Trusting God in Hard Times

2011-09-18T07:34:00.001-07:00

Trusting God in Hard Times by Bill Crowder

My rating: 3 of 5 stars

View all my reviews

Scene of the Crime: Bachelor Moon

2011-09-18T07:30:00.000-07:00

Scene of the Crime: Bachelor Moon by Carla Cassidy

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

love this book, good action, characters, great story line, a must read for sure.

View all my reviews

reading

2011-09-12T12:23:00.000-07:00

Burnt Offerings by Robert Marasco

My rating: 3 of 5 stars

good book, but title should be changed to something else, house that kills, or House Hungry or something else.

View all my reviews

Her Guardian

2011-09-09T11:04:00.000-07:00

another great book by Sharon Dunn, filled with lots of action, great charactors and wonderful story line. A must read!

Once Upon a Thanksgiving

2011-09-08T09:29:00.000-07:00

Once Upon a Thanksgiving: Season of Bounty\Home for Thanksgiving

There are two books in this one book, one called Season of Bounty by Linda Ford and the other ne called Home for Thanksgiving by Winnie Griggs. I liked them both, but really enjoyed the second one best.

Princess in Peril by Rachelle McCalla

2011-09-05T11:20:00.001-07:00

Princess in Peril by Rachelle McCalla

View all my reviews

This is really a great book, lots of action. Great read. She has another one in the series coming out called Protecting the Princess that I want to read. Good reads is acting weird, I can't add anything to my books or change what they post.

July 2004 Stitch of the Month.

2011-09-05T10:58:00.000-07:00

July 2004 Stitch of the Month.

Yarn-One color, G size hook,

Foundation ch: multiples of 9 + 8 PLEASE READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS.

This stitch would make a great afghan. Using 4 ply yarn, made a foundation
chain as wide as you want your afghan, making sure you have multiples of 9,
then add 8 more chains. Using finer yarn, you could also make a lovely
lightweight shawl, or using cotton yarn, (ch 35) and make a dishcloth. You can
even make a lap afghan for that favorite grandmother. Just crochet an edging
around it.

Keep crocheting until you have Half the length you want. If you look at the
sample you will notice that is has a scalloped edge at the ending. To make
the afghan, etc. make it half the length you want, then do the ending row,
reattach yarn on the beginning chain, and do the second half of the afghan.

Or make a panel of ch. 35, and make it half as long as you want, finish it
off, make the second half, and then using a second color, make an edging
around it. Then take the edging color, and make a second panel the same
way, and use the first color around it for an edging, then sew the two together,
keep going this way until you have the afghan and the width you want it.

You can use any size hook you want, just remember, the finer the yarn, the
smaller the hook. If you look at the stitch, you will notice that it is a different
version of the Crazy Stitch.

For the sample, I've used cotton yarn, a G hook and make a dishcloth.

Row I (right side): Sc in 2nd ch from hook and in each ch. across, Ch 1, turn.

Row 2: Sc in first sc, sk next 2 sc, in next sc work (sc, ch 3, 3 dc); * (sk next 2
Sc, sc in next sc, ch 3) twice; sk next 2 sc, in next sc work (sc, ch 3, 3
dc); rep from * to last 3 sc; sk next 2 sc, sc in last sc. Ch 1, turn.

Row 3: Sc in first sc, in next ch-3 sp work (sc, ch 3, 3 dc); * (sc in next ch-3 sp,
ch 3) twice; in next ch-3 sp work (sc, ch 3, 3 dc); rep from * to last 2 Sc;
sk next sc, sc in last sc. Ch 1, turn.

Rep Row 3 for half the desired length you need.

Last Row: Sc in first sc; * sc in next 2 dc, 3 sc in next dc; 2 sc in next ch-3 sp; sc in next sc, (2 sc in next ch-3 sp, sc in next sc) twice; rep from * to last 3 dc;
sc in next 2 dc, 3 sc in next dc; 2 sc in next ch-3 sp; sc in last 2 sc. Fasten off.

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Atmyhouse

He

2011-09-05T10:57:00.001-07:00

He rammed that duck bill thing up in me so hard it made me cry. All he did was laugh.

Long Side V Stitch

2011-09-05T10:55:00.000-07:00

October 2003 Stitch of the Month Long Side V Stitch

For Sample, ch 15

Row 1: Starting in 2nd ch from hook, work 1 Sc in each ch across, ch 3, turn.

Row 2: Skip 2 sc, * 1 dc in each of next 3 sc, pass hook in front of last 3 dc, and insert in skipped sc before dc group, draw up a loop and complete the single crochet, skip 1 Sc, repeat from * across, end 1 dc in last sc, ch 1, turn.

Note: it helps when drawing up the loop if you make it loose.

Row 3: 1 Sc in each St across, end 1 sc in top of ch 3. Ch 3, turn.

I heard the old man

2011-09-05T10:53:00.000-07:00

I heard the old man come in the front door. I took the quarter off the counter my mom left for me, and headed out the back door to the store for a coke and comic book, then to my favorite tree. He can’t find me and can’t hurt me. I sat in that tree for hours waiting until I knew I could go home. Some days I sat there until the library opened.

Tunisian Double Crochet

2011-09-05T10:47:00.000-07:00

Tunisian Double Crochet (tdc)

Chain a foundation row, and one row of afghan stitch.
1 beginning of next row, chain two, *yarn over, insert hook into next stitch,
yarn over, and draw through, (three loops on needle) yarn over, and draw through two loops, repeat from * across row. See pic 1. On the return row, work in the normal way. (see pic. 2)

For Tunisian half double crochet (tdhc), and Tunisian treble, (Ttr) and Tunisian Double treble (Tdtr), you would work these stitches like above, and chain the same number of chains as you would for normal crochet.

Tuna Salad for Sandwiches

2011-09-03T17:24:00.000-07:00

Tuna Salad for Sandwiches

1 can tuna, packed in water and drained.
1 stalk celery, chopped in small pieces
1/4 cup pickle relish ( I use my home canned zucchini relish)
1 hard boiled egg, chopped fine
1/4 teaspoon celery seed
1/4 to 1/2 cup salad dressing or mayonnaise

mix all together. Serve on home made bread, toasted, tastes great.

Barbecued Chicken

2011-09-03T17:23:00.000-07:00

Barbecued Chicken

2 to 3 # chicken 2 T fat
1 onion chopped ½ cup water 1 t salt
3 T vinegar 2 T brown sugar
1 t prepared mustard 1 t worchestershire sauce
1 can tomato sauce

Quarter chicken, brown in hot fat, remove to baking pan, brown onion in fat, add remaing ingredients. Simmer 30 min. pour over chicken, bake uncoved in slow over (325) one hour, service with barbecue sauce from pan. You can use this sauce for spareribs, hamburgers, other meats. Serves 4.

“Do we?”

2011-09-03T17:22:00.000-07:00

) “Do we?” He asked. I looked at him, then the clerk behind the counter. “Do people do that here” I asked him. He said “Yes, for drug money”. I looked at my husband again then the clerk. “No” I told them. We headed for the truck. I moved as close to the door as I could after shutting it. “What’s wrong with you?” He shouted at me. I didn’t say anything, just shook my head. He had asked me for money to kill his first wife.

Liver & Onions

2011-09-03T17:21:00.001-07:00

Liver & Onions

3/4 # liver 1/2 cup water
1/2 cup sliced onions
3 T butter 1 can tomatoe sauce

cut liver in cubes, brown with onions in butter, add sauce and water, summer 20 minutes. services 4.

This must be a very early one, because the one I remember didn't have tomatoe sauce in it.

He came

2011-09-03T17:20:00.001-07:00

He came along the walk way smiling at us skipping rope, and jumped in. Who would think that years later, he would betray me, cover up robberies, attempted murder and tell me to shut up.

Oven Beef Stew

2011-09-03T17:18:00.000-07:00

Oven Beef Stew
2# lean beef 3 tablespoons fat
4 T flour salt, pepper, paprika
2 bay leaves 2 cups hot water
6 whole carrots 4 med potatoes
1 cup green peas
1 8 oz. can tomatoe sauce

cut up meat, shake in paper bag with seasonings and flour, heat fat and brown meat in roaster. Mix tomatoe sauce, and water, add to meat, cover, boke in oven at 325 for 1 and 1/2 hours. uncover, add veggies, bake 1 hour more, or until done. Thicken for gravy.

This again is from the 1940 or early 1950's

Joy's Night Out

2011-08-31T15:33:00.000-07:00

Joy's Night Out@2003 By At My House Patterns

This pattern is copyrighted, and may not be used on any media, including websites,
lists, or newsletters. It is for your personal use only.

This is the first place winner in our first Barbie Design Contest 2003
Designed by Millie Sunkel

Finished size: Fits 11 1/2' Fashion Doll
Materials: size 10 cotton thread 3 Or 4 small snaps No 7 steel hook sewing needle

Basic Stitches; Chain , slip stitch, half double crochet, double crochet .

Special stitches
cr cr st (Criss cross stitch); skip first dc, dc in next dc, dc in st skipped.

Bodice;
With lavender thread, and No.7 hook ch 29, Sc in second ch from hook sc in each ch across, turn.(28)

Row 2: ch 1, ch in each st across. Turn

Row 3: ch 3, sk I st and dc in 'next st, dc in skipped st* skip next st and dc in next st. dc in skipped st, (cross st made.)* repeat across row. turn.

Row 4: & 5 Repeat row 2 and 3

Row 6: ch !, sc in first 6 sts, 2 sc in next st. sc in next 15 sts, 2 sc in next st Sc in remaining sts. Turn.

Row 7 Ch 1 in first st. 2 sc in next st. sc in next 12 sts. 2 sc in next st sc in remaining sts. Turn

Row 8; Ch 3 Counts a 1st dc. dc in next 4 sts. 2 dc in next st dc in next 3 sts.* sk 1st st, dc in next st dc in skipped st. (criss cross st made) * repeat between *'5 times. dc in next 3 sts 2 dc in next st. dc in each remaining st Turn.

Row 9: ch 1 sc in next 5 sts. 2 sc in next st. sc in next 3 sts. 2 sc's in next st. sc in next 14 sts 2 sc in next st, Sc in next 3 sts, 2 sc in next st,sc in each remaining sts. Turn.

Row 10: sc in next 14 sts. *hdc in next st, 2 dc's in each of the next 3 sts, hdc in next st , sc in next st* repeat once between *' 5 sc in remaining sts, with 2 sc in end st. Turn.
Row 11:ch 1 Sc in first 14 sts. sk next st, dc in next 6 sts, sk next hdc, and sc in sc. skip next hdc, dc in next 6 sts. sk next st and sc in remaining sts. Turn.

Row 12: Ch 1, sc in each st across. Turn (41)

Row 13: Ch 1 Sc in next 20 sts. sc over top of row 12 to row 11, sc in remaining 20 sts. Fasten off.

Skirt; (Bottom Part of Dress)
Row 1; holding top with wrong side facing you join thread at opposite end of row 1 of top. Sc in each st across (30 sts) Turn.

Row 2: ch 1 *sc in next 5 sts. 2 sc in next st *Repeat across Turn. (34)

Row 3: sl st in first sc, ch 3, dc in each st across. turn

Row 4: ch 3, dc in same st, dc in next st * 2 dc in next st, dc in next st. dc in next 3 sts *. Repeat across to last 4 sts dc in next 2 sts, 2 dc in next st and dc in last sL Turn.

Row 5; ch3, dc in next 9 sts. 2 dc in next st dc in next 22 sts 2 dc in next st. dc in remaining sts across. turn.

Row 6: ch 1: sc in first 5 sts. 2 sc in next st.sc in next 5, 2 sc in next st, sc in next 22 sts. 2 sc in next st. Sc in next 5 sts, 2 sc in next st. sc in next 5 sts join with st in first sc of row: (working in rounds now.)

Round 1: ch 3, dc in next st * sk next st and dc in next one. dc in st skipped. .* (cross stitch ) repeat around. Join in ch 3 st

Round 2: repeat round 1.

Round 3: ch I Sc in same place as sI st. sc in each st around . join

Continue Rnd 1,2 ,and 3 in order 7x. (or till length you desire) ending with row #3 Fasten off.

Trim: Attach cream color thread in first st on bottom of skirt. ch 1 and sc in same st * sk next st and 3 dc's in next st. skip next st and sc in next st* Repeat around. Join with sl st in first sc. fasten off.

Top neckline trim: Join cream thread to back left side of top with sl st in first sc,and sc around to center sc. sI st in this st and continue sc in each remaining st to end. Fasten Off. Place 3 or 4 snaps evenly down back opening.

For more patterns using products by Elmore-Pisgah, Inc. go
to http://groups.yahoo.com/group/atmyhouse

THE WINDOW

2011-08-31T15:31:00.000-07:00

THE WINDOW

Through the window, it comes creeping,
Slowly seeking,
It's own prey.

Across the room, going slowly,
Nothing holy,
Hunting what it may.

Along the hallway, it is stalking,
Through the night, walking,
Never about the day.

Into my room, it comes, seeping,
As I lay, peacefully, sleeping,
Stealing it's way.

It's presents beside me, I feel, waiting,
As I am nearly, waking,
Doing as it may.

In the darkness, my terror rising,
As I lay, silently, crying,
Wishing for the day.

Out the window it goes creeping,
Already seeking,
On it's way.

Into the night, stalking,
Slowly walking,
For another prey.

They broke in my window, front door, garage, back door, and steal my mailbox. Screaming and yelling. Makes you feel raped and violated in the worse way.

Something awful had woke me up.

2011-08-31T15:30:00.000-07:00

Something awful had woke me up. Fear! I could feel it in my bones, down to the pit of my stomach. She stood by the bed just looking at me. I was too scared to move, when she left, I pulled the pillow and blanket off the bed and slept under it the rest of the night. I would not go back to spend the night there unless someone was with me.

reading

2011-08-31T15:29:00.000-07:00

Protecting Her Own by Margaret Daley

for some reason I just could not get into this book till towards the end, I was sick, but towards the end, was really good.

The Black Box

2011-08-30T07:41:00.001-07:00

The Black Box

I heard the old man’s footsteps as he came through the front door into the living room, then the dining room, and kitchen getting closer to where I lay in my bed. I played like I was asleep but he pull up a chair and lifted the covers and so started the black box, a place for all the ugly memories to go. Some place where I could hide them away and forget. For awhile.

Reading

2011-08-24T15:28:00.000-07:00

Kiss the Girls by James Patterson,
really good book, BUT if you read it, lock all your doors and windows and then recheck them, lol.

After reading that one, I needed one to pick another one so I picked a love inspried one. (Really needed after the last one) Unlawfully Wedded Bride by Noelle Marchand. Really cute story line. Love the book.

By now I have read almost the 50 I wanted to for the year, but love to read, so am reading another one.

reading

2011-08-12T10:35:00.001-07:00

Deep Cover, by Sandra Orchard. I am trying to read 50 books this year, so this adds another one

Dressy Culottes

2011-08-09T11:35:00.000-07:00

Dressy Culottes @2003 by Sandy Gerhart
3rd Place Winner in Barbie Design Contest 2003

This pattern is copyrighted, and may not be used on any media, including websites, lists, or newsletters. It is for your personal use only.

Materials:
Size 7 hook
Omegacrys yarn or size 10 thread
Gauge 7 dc = 1 inch

Row 1: Ch 17. Sc in 2 ch and ea ch across, turn (16)

Row 2: Ch 1 Sc in same St and ea St across, turn (16)

Row 3: Sl St in first 7 St. ch 5, dtr in same St, 2dtr in next 3 sts, turn (8)

Row 4: Ch 4. tr in same St, 2 tr in each St across, ch 1 5, turn.

Row 5: Dc in 2nd ch from hook, dc in each ch and each st, ch 15, turn

Row 6: Working on bottom side of ch. dc in 2nd ch and next 12 chs, join to bottom of last dc on row 5. Finish off.

Row 7 Join thread in first dc on row 5. ch 2, dc in each St across, turn (44)

Row 8: Ch 2. dc in next 5 sts, dc next 2 sts tog, dc in next 21 sts, turn (43).

Row 9: Ch 2. dc in next 5 sts, dc next 2 sts tog, dc in next 6 sts, dc next 2 tog, dc in next 5 sts, dc next 2 tog., dc in next 5 sts, dc next 2 tog, dc in next 6 sts, dc next 2 tog, dc in next 6 sts, turn. (39)

Row 10: Ch 2 dc in next 4 sts. dc next 2 tog, (dc in next 5 sts, dc next 2 tog) 4 times, dc in next 4 sts. turn (34).

Row 11: Ch2, dc in next 4 sts, dc next2 tog, dc in next 4 sts, dc next 2 tog, dc in next 3 sts, D next 2 tog, dc in next 3 sts, dc next 2 tog, dc in next 4 sts, dc next 2 tog, dc in next 5 sts, turn (29).

Row 12: Ch 2, dc in next 2 sts, dc next 2 tog, (dc in next 3 sts, dc next 2 tog) 4 times, dc in next 3 sts, turn. (23)

Row 13: Ch 2, dc in next 2 sts, dc next 2 tog, (dc in next 3 sts, dc next 2 tog) 3 times, dc in next 3 sts, turn (19).

Row 14: Ch 2, dc in next St, 2 dc in next, (dc in next 2 sts, 2 dc in next) twice, dc in next St (2 dc in next St, dc in next 2 sts) 3 times, turn (25)

Row 15: Ch 2, dc in same sp, 2 dc in ea St across, turn. (50)

Rnd 16: Ch 2, dc in east across, DO NOT TURN, join to beg ch 2.

Rnd 17: Ch 2, dc in east around, join

Rnd 18: Ch 2, dc in next 7 sts, dc next 2 sts tog, (dc in next 8 sts, dc next 2 sts tog) around, join. (46)

First leg:
Rnd 19: Ch 2, dc in next 22 sts, skip remaining sts, join to beg ch 2 (23)

Rnd 20: Ch 2,dc in next 4sts, 2dc in next St, dc in next 5 sts, 2dc in next st dc in next 4sts, 2dc in next st dc in next 5 sts, 2 dc in next st, join. (27)

Rnd 21: Ch 2, dc in next 4 sts,2 dc in next st, (dc in next 6 sts, 2dc in next st) 3 times ,join(33)

Rnd 22: Ch2, dc in next 3sts, 2dc in next st (dc in next 5 sts,2 dc in next st) 3times, dc in Next 4sts, 2 dc in next st, dc in next 4 sts, join (37)

Rnd 23: ch2, dc in ea St around, join.

Rnds 24 & 25: Repeat Rnd 23.

Rnd 26: Ch 2, dc in next 6 sts, 2 dc in next St, (dc in next 6 sts, 2 dc in next St) around to last St, dc in last st, join (42)

Rnd 27: ch 2, dc in ea St around, join.

Rnd 28, 29, 30: Repeat Rnd 27.

Rnd31: ch 2, dc in next 5 sts, 2 dc in next St, (dc in next 6 sts, 2 dc in next St) around, join (48

Rnd32, 33) 34, 35, 36, 37: 011 2, dc in ea st around, join

Rnd 38: ch 2, dc in next 6 sts, 2 dc in next st, (dc in next 7 sts, 2 dc in next St) around, join (54)

Rnd 39: ch 2, dc in ca St around, join

Rnd 40,41,42,43: Repeat Rnd 39. Fasten off

Second leg:
Rnd 19: Join thread at next un-worked St on rnd 18, ch 2, dc in ea St, join (23)

Repeat Rnds 20-43 of first leg. Fasten off.

Weave ends, Sew opening at crotch. Sew snap at collar back. Sew 3 snaps evenly
spaced on back of bodice.

For more patterns using Elmore-Pisgah, Inc. products to go: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Atmyhouse

Barbie's Bow Party Dress

2011-08-09T11:31:00.000-07:00

Grand Prize Winner in the First At My House Barbie Design Contest
Barbie's Bow Party Dress @2003 by Lynn Anderson

This pattern is copyrighted, and may not be used on any media, including websites,
lists, newsletters, nor copied. It is for your personal use only.

Materials:
Size 10 crochhet cotton Sz 7 steel hook
7 yds 1/8" pastel colored ribbon (7 different colors) Ponytail holder

Skirt
Row 1 - 35 sc around ponytail holder, join.

Row 2 - chain three, dc in each sc around, joining with sl st in top of chain 3.

Row 3 - chain 3 (counts as one dc crochet now and throughout), dc in next 4 dc,* ch 1, dc crochet in next 5, repeat around from *. ss in top of chain three. Chain 3

Row 4 – 1 dc in same place, dc in next three dc. 2 dc in next dc , * ch 1, 2 dc in next dc, dc in next three, 2 dc in next dc, repeat from * around. ss in top of chain 3.

Row 5 - 1 dc in same place, dc in next 5 dc. 2 dc in next dc , * ch 1, 2 dc in next dc, dc in next 5, 2 dc in next dc, repeat from * around, ss in top of chain 3.

Row 6-16 - chain 3, 1 dc in same place, dc across to last dc before ch 1 sp, 2 dc in next dc, ch 1. Repeat ard, Join with s/s. (Rw 16, 29 dc)
.
Row 17 - Chain three, dc three times in same st. Dc 4 in each dc and ch 1 sp around, ss in top of chain 3 and finish off.

BODICE
Attach thread with sl in any sc above a row that has a ch 1space in it, Chain three, 1 dc in same place, dc in the next 15 sc, 2 dc in last sc., turn. (19dc)

Row 2 - Chain three, dc in each dc across, dc in top of turning ch. (19dc)

Row 3 - Repeat row 2 two more times.

Row 4 ch 3, dc in next 4 dc, 5 dc in next dc, (shall made) sk 1 dc, sc in next 4 dc, sk 1 dc, 5 dc in next dc, (shall made) sk 1 dc, 1 dc in next 4 dc, 1 dc in top of turning ch, ch 1, turn.

Row 5 - sc in same place, sc in next 4 dc, over next shell, do a 5 dc dec. (hold last loop of each dc on hook, yo, draw through all loops) 1sc in next 3dc, over next shell, do a 5 dc dec. (hold last

loop of each dc on hook, yo, draw through all loops) 1sc in next 4 dc, 1 sc in top of turning ch. (16 stitches)

Row 6 - Chain 1, sc in each db and sc across, ss in top of chain 3, ch 3, turn.

Row 7 - repeat row 6

Row 8 - sc in next st, * ch 3, sc in each st, repeat from * across, fasten off.

Finishing:
1. Attach thread with sc in row 7 on left side and chain 30 and finish off. Repeat on right side to make ties to go across back.
2. Attach thread with sc in eighth sc of front top on left, chain 30 and repeat on right side for ties to go around neck.
3. Weave ribbon through the chain 1 sps and finish with a bow at bottom. Repeat this till you have seven bow. You're done. Hope you like it. Lynn Anderson

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Atmyhouse

Shrimp Creole

2011-08-06T15:12:00.001-07:00

another one from the late 1940's.

Shrimp Creole

4 T fat
1/2 c chopped green pepper
1 t salt
1/2 c water
1/4 t pepper
1/2 chopped onion
1 clove garlic
1/4 t chili powder
1 can tomato sauce (8 oz)
1 cup cooked shrimp

Melt fat, add onion, green pepper, and garlic, cook over med heat in skillet 10 min. add salt, pepper, chili powder, sauce, and water, simmer 10 minutes more, add shrimp. When heated, serve over rice. services 4.

Veal Cutlets

2011-08-06T15:10:00.000-07:00

This recipe is from the 1940's, somewhere around 45 to 49.

Veal Cutlets

4 veal cutlets salt and pepper to taste
about 1/2 cup cracker crumbs
4 tablespoons fat
2 teaspoons parsley
2 teaspoons chives
1/2 teaspoon lemon juice
2 cans (8oz) tomato sauce

wipe cutlets with damp cloth, sprinkle with salt and pepper, cover with crumbs, brown in 2 tablespoons fat. remove cutlets, add rest of fat, tomato sauce, chives, parsley, lemon juice, blend well, bake cutlets in sauce 325f oven for 30 minutes until done.

Serves 4.

Bookmark # 2

2011-08-03T10:25:00.000-07:00

An At My House Pattern Bookmark #2@1999
by N. L. Banks

This pattern is copyrighted, and may not be used on any media, including websites. It is for your personal use only.

Size 10 thread, any three colors
7 crochet hook

With main color, chain 4, join with a slip stitch.

Rw 1 ch 3, 3 dc in ring, ch 2, 4 dc in ring, ch 3, turn.

Rw 2 3 dc under the ch 2, ch 2, 3 dc under the chain 2, 1 dc in top of turning ch, ch 3, turn.

Repeat row 2 17 times. Fasten off main. Attach 2nd color.

With second color, place 3 sc in each ch 3 and turning chs, sc across bottom,
placing 3sc in ch4, sc across top,placing 3sc in ch2 sp. fasten off.

Attach 3rd color to center sc at bottom, ch 3, 7dc in same place, * skip one sc, sc in next sc, skip 1 sc, 5 dc in next sc, repeat from * 15 times, in next sc
work 7dc, repeat from * join with slip stitch, fasten off.

Finally a Family by Carolyne Assren

2011-08-03T10:22:00.000-07:00

Love Inspired Romance
Finally a Family by Carolyne Assren
My sister gave me this book. It is such a beautiful love story. It made me laugh and cry. The scenes sounded so real that I wanted to be there. I read it in one day, just did'nt want to put it down it was that good. I want to read more by this author.

A Deadly Game by Virginia Smith

2011-08-01T22:44:00.000-07:00

A Deadly Game (Steeple Hill Love Inspired Suspense # 231)
by Virginia Smith (Goodreads Author. Loved this book, good suspense, great characters, plot. A must read for everyone.

Bookmark #4

2011-07-30T14:16:00.001-07:00

An At My House Pattern Bookmark #4 @1999 by N. L. Banks

This pattern is copyrighted, and may not be used on any media, including websites. It is for your personal use only.

America's Best Crochet Cotton (size 10 thread)
By Elmore-Pisgah, Inc.

Few yards each white #1 and Red #95

7 crochet hook

with Red, chain 6.

Rw 1 in 6th ch from hook work (1dc, ch 2, 1dc), ch 5, turn.

Rw 2 under ch-2, work (1dc, ch2, 1dc) group, ch 5, turn.

Repeat row 2, 27 times. Fasten off.

Rw 3 attach white in first ch 5, chain 3, work 3dc, ch 3, 4ch in same place,
*in next ch-5 loop work (4dc, ch 3, 4dc, )(shell made) repeat from * around, join with slip stitch, fasten off.

Rw 4 attach Red to any ch 3 sp, ch 1, sc in same place, ch 3, 1 sc in same place, * ch 5, skip 4dc, sc in space between shells, ch 5, sc in next ch 3 sp, ch 3, sc in same place, repeat from * around, join, fasten off.

Beginner's Cabled Scarf

2011-07-30T14:08:00.000-07:00

Beginner's Cabled Scarf 2003 @ N.L. Banks

This pattern is copyrighted, and may not be used on any media, including websites,
lists, newsletters, nor copied. It is for your personal use only.

This pattern is for knitters that are learning to do cables. It's a simple pattern with three main rows that are repeated to get the cable. I have found that a U shaped cable needle works best, less likely the stitches will fall off the cable needle. I have also found it much easier to follow the pattern, if you use stitch markers. It is also helpful if when counting rows, you count only the rows you work, that way you will know at row 6, you will need to do the cable to the back, and you will always know where you are in the pattern. After row 6, start over again at row 1, you can make the scarf as long as you want, just keep going. If you are making a sweater or using a type of pattern that you have to keep track of the rows, then use two row counters, one for the rows, and the other to count pattern rows. The cable is cabled to the back. If you hold it at the front, then it's cabled to the front. I used a 50% Wool and 50% acrylic yarn called Aspen in camel color.

You will need:
10 1/2 knitting needles Several balls (3 to 5) of a bulky weight yarn.
1 cable needle Row counter 8 Stitch markers.

The stitches I've used are:
Seeding or Moss stitch Pearl = P Knit = K
Twisted Stitch = TS Cable over 6 stitches

Cast on 24 stitches.
Rows 1, 3, & 5:
(Seeding Stitch) K1, P1, K1, place marker, k2, place marker, P 2, place marker, k 3, place marker, P 6 (for the cable), place marker, k3, place marker, P 2, place marker, K 2, place marker, K1, P1, K1. This is the back of the scarf. Slip the markers as you come to them.

Rows 2 & 4
K1, P1, K1, P2, TS 2 (these two stitches will be the twisted stitch, skip 1 stitch, but DO NOT remove it from the left hand needle, knit the next stitch, but again, do NOT remove it from the left hand needle, now knit the first stitch that you skipped, and remove both to the right hand needle. This may seem hard at first, but with practice you can do it. In the pattern it will read TS 2) P 3, K6, P 3, TS2, P2, K1, P1, K1.

Now rows 2 & 4 with out the explanation reads:
K1, P1, K1, P2, TS 2, P 3, K6, P 3, TS 2, P2, K1, P1, K1.

Row 6
K1, P1, K1, P2, TS2, P3, slip 3 stitches to the cable needle and hold at back of work, K 3, then knit the 3 stitches from the cable needle, P3, TS2, P2, K1, P1, K1.
Repeat these 6 rows for pattern.

Hometown Dad by Merrillee Whren

2011-07-30T14:06:00.000-07:00

I liked the book but was disappointed with the ending. The grandparents where trying to get custody of their dead son's children and the author just leaves you hanging, you dont know what happened.

reading

2011-07-28T09:40:00.001-07:00

I am trying to read at least 50 books this year, so far I have read about 34, and here's one more to add to the list.

Lawman-in-Charge (Steeple Hill Love Inspired Suspense #249)
by Laura Scott

good read, ending sure surprised me.

Protecting Plain Jane

2011-07-25T06:23:00.001-07:00

Harlequin’s Intrigue

Protecting Plain Jane by Julie Miller ( The Precinct: swat series)
If you read only one mystery this year, let this one be it. I guess I could quote the prologue here, ( no author’s permission) but after reading that, I was hooked.

The Best Laid Plans by Sarah Mayberry.

2011-07-22T17:57:00.000-07:00

The Best Laid Plans by Sarah Mayberry.

Just finished reading this book, loved the story line, funny in parts, sad in others. The characters are very well developed and seem vary real. Nice read. But a bit racy for me.

My Whole Wheat Sugar Cookies

2011-07-11T10:31:00.000-07:00

My Whole Wheat Sugar Cookies

Amy, you loved these as a kid. Hope you still like them.

1 cup sugar 1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon soda
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg 1/2 cup margarine, softened
4 Tablespoons orange juice (may need a little more)
1 egg 2 cups whole wheat flour
2 tablespoons sugar 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

Heat oven to 375. In large bowl, mix first nine ingredients. Blend by hand, till blended. Shape into 1 inch balls, place on ungreased cookie sheets, 2inches apart. Mix the 2 T. sugar and cinnamon together. Flatten slightly with fork, dipped in the sugar and cinnamon mixture. Bake 8-10 minutes, til light golden brown. (Cookies will be soft in center.) makes two-three dozen cookies.

My Brownies

2011-07-11T10:28:00.000-07:00

My Brownies

2/3 Cup cocoa 2/3 Cup salad oil
2 cups sugar 4 eggs
1 teaspoon Vanilla 1 ¼ cup flour
1 teaspoon Baking Powder ½ teaspoon salt
1 cup chopped walnuts

Grease 9x13 pan. Mix all ingredients, spread in greased pan. Bake 25 to 30 minutes at 325 degrees. Do NOT over bake, cool 10 minutes in pan, cut into squares.

My Pineapple upside down Cake

2011-07-11T10:26:00.000-07:00

My Pineapple upside down Cake

In a 9x9 pan melt, 1/3 cup butter then to the melted butter add in pan 3/4 cup brown sugar, mix, then put 9 pineapple slices in pan, three in a row. Set aside, SAVE JUICE. Place one cherry in each pineapple center.

Cake:
1 1/4 cups flour 3/4 cup sugar
1 1/2 teaspoonful baking powder 1/4 teaspoonful salt
3/4 cup pineapple juice 1/3 cup salad oil
1 egg 2 teaspoonfuls vanilla

Heat oven to 350. Mix all till smooth, pour into pan. Bake 35 to 45 minutes, watch your oven. Bake till it starts getting golden brown around the edges. Toothpick inserted in center will come out clean. . Invert onto plate. Leave pan over cake a few minutes. Serve warm or with whipped cream.

My Devil’s food Cake

2011-07-11T10:19:00.000-07:00

My Devil’s food Cake
For my daughter Amy, this is the recipe that your dad and you kids liked when you were all little. I just used a white icing on it. I had changed this recipe some, but you all liked it.

1 1/2 cups all purpose flour 1 1/4 cups sugar
1/2 cup cocoa 1/2 teaspoons salt
1 1/4 teaspoons soda 1 cup sour milk (2 tablespoons vinegar, add milk to make one cup. Let stand for about 30 min. or while you grease and flour the pan/s)
2/3 cup salad oil 2 teaspoons vanilla
2 eggs

Heat oven to 350. Make sour milk. Prepare pan/s. Mix all together in large bowl.. Mix well. Pour in pan/s. Bake 25 to 30 min. till toothpick inserted in center, comes out clean. Cool in pan/s 5 min. Makes one 9 x 13 or two 8 inch cake.

and more hats

2011-07-11T10:09:00.001-07:00

Some of these are for my knitting and crochet list (patterns of the month) and more hats. Yes, these are all my patterns!

Been busy

2011-07-11T09:55:00.000-07:00

Below are some of the things I have been working on, for my list and ski hats!

Been Busy!

2011-06-22T12:31:00.000-07:00

I haven't posted in awhile, been busy making hats for the Country Knitting of Maine's hats (see early post). Have some done, want to do one more. I love to knit, and this way I can knit to my little hearts desire.

Also have been making patterns for my knitting and crochet list on yahoo. Have all of 2011 done, and about half of 2012. Need to get busy and finish them for the year.

It's turning hot now where I live and I hate this weather, I really like it cooler.

I will get some more recipes up, mine and my mom's.

My Mom's Recipes

2011-04-10T11:06:00.001-07:00

My Mom's Recipe
My mom died in 1995, and all her life she was a great cook. My brothers and sister didn't get some of her great ones, but I did. Below is one.

Mom's Bourbon Balls

1 cup Vanilla wafers, crushed.
1 cup powered sugar
1 cup chopped nuts
2 tablespoons cocoa
1/4 cup bourbon
1 1/2 tablespoons white corn syrup

Mix all well together, form in 1 inch balls, roll in the powered sugar, and wrap foil.
Store in covered jar about four weeks, then serve.

Shaded Browns dishcloth and matching Potholders

2011-04-10T10:51:00.000-07:00

Shaded Browns dishcloth and matching Potholders By N. L. Banks @1999

This pattern is copyrighted and may not be posted to any other website, list, or sold. It is for your personal use only.

Peaches & Crème Cotton Yarn By Elmore-Pisgah, Inc.
2 balls Shaded Browns # 147 1/2 ball Chocolate #121 G crochet hook

Dishcloth:
Rd 1 with shaded browns, ch 3 loosely, 11dc in 3rd chain from hook, join with slip stitch.

Rd 2 ch 3, 2 dc in same place, 2 dc in each dc around, join.

Rd 3 ch 3, 2 dc in same place, * 1 dc in next dc, 2 dc in next dc, repeat from * around, join.

Rd 4 ch 3, 2 dc in same place, * 1 dc in next 2 dc, 2 dc in next dc, repeat from* around, join.

Rd 5 ch 3, 2 dc in same place, * 1 dc in next 3dc, 2 dc in next dc, repeat from * around, join.

Rd 6 ch 3, 2 dc in same place, * 1 dc in next 4dc, 2 dc in next dc, repeat from * around, join.

Rd 7 ch 3, 2 dc in same place, * 1 dc in next 5dc, 2 dc in next dc, repeat from * around, join, fasten off.

Rd 8 attach chocolate, ch 1, 1 sc in same place, 1 sc in each dc around, join, TURN.

Rd 9 ch 1, 1 sc in same place, 1 sc in each sc around, join, do not turn.

Rd 10 repeat row 9, fasten off.

Rd 11 attach shaded browns, * ch 3, 1dc in same place, skip one sc, sc in next sc, repeat from * around. Fasten off.

Potholder

Repeat rounds 1-6 of dishcloth. Make four,(3 using shaded browns and 1 using the chocolate.

Rd 7 using two of the shaded browns, with wrong sides facing each other, and working in both inside loops, attach chocolate, ch 1, 2 sc in same place, 1 sc in each dc around, join, TURN.

Rd 8 ch 1, sc in same place, 1 sc in each sc around, fasten off.

Rd 9 attach shaded browns, * ch 3, 1dc in same place, skip one sc, sc in next sc, repeat from * around, fasten off.

Repeat rows 7-9 using the chocolate and shaded brown pieces.

For more patterns using Elmore-Pisgah, Inc. products
to go: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Atmyhouse

2011 HAT CONTEST

2011-04-10T10:27:00.000-07:00

2011 HAT CONTEST by Linda Williams of http://www.countryknittingofmaine.com

To Anyone That Knits or Crochets Hats. Either Hand Knitting or Machine knitting. Join our fun Contest and win prizes. Let's "Keep Maine Warm".

Our Hat Contest is continuing for 2011. Enter your hats to win some wonderful prizes. The hats are then donated to the needy in my area to help "Keep Maine Warm".

All sizes and colors can be sent. They will be greatly appreciated.

This contests judging will be in mid November, 2011 so your hats need to be received by me on or before November 1st.

This is what I would like to do. They don't have to be your own original pattern. Make them colorful, make them plain, make them however you desire. Any style, shape or color. I do recommend acrylic yarn so they can be washed and dried easily. Enter as many hats as you would like. They can be hand knit, machine knit, crocheted, whatever method you like. Let's make as many children and needy adults as warm as possible next winter. Last year's hats went to some elementary schools, senior citizens, homeless shelters and other needy citizens. You should have seen the happy faces on the children, especially when they found out they could keep them. They were worn with pride. You can send as many as you would like.

Send them to:

Country Knitting OF Maine
351 White Schoolhouse Rd
Madison, ME 04950-3202

We have a challenge sponsored by Kathryn Doubrley.

This year, what I am challenging myself to do is knit 100 hats that can be strip knitted. What I mean by that is that all 100 could be knitted continuously with waste yarn in between them. My idea is to think of as many creative things to do within those parameters as I possibly can. Some of what I knit will be worth passing on to you so Linda has agreed to publish the "stripping for charity" series in News and Views and the first of the series has already appeared. There is an introduction to the series in the latest issue that will fully explain.

My challenge to the knitters is to knit 100 hats to contribute but I'm not requiring you to knit them in any particular way. It seems enough that you knit 100! However, you may get some nifty ideas from the strip hats series. There is also a "hats with character" series running concurrently. These can also be strip knitted though ears and features to create the faces of the characters are knitted and applied separately.

Those who do send 100 hats to Linda for the Charity will receive one of my books for free.

If you want to enter any of the hats you knit in the News and Views Contest, that is OK but please mark them stating that they are for the contest.

Kathryn
http://www.theanswerlady.com

VERY IMPORTANT

Make sure that you attach a piece of paper to your hat with your name, address, phone number and email address if you have one. Hats need to be received here no later then November 1, 2011.

http://www.countryknittingofmaine.com

Lace Rib Shawl or Scarf Pattern

2011-02-09T10:29:00.000-08:00

Lace Rib Shawl or Scarf Pattern@ 2003 By N.L. Banks

This pattern can be worked with a 4 ply yarn (scarf = cream color above) or a 1 ply acrylic yarn

Materials:
Size 9 knitting needles
Row counter
Stitch markers
2 skeins 4 ply acrylic yarn OR
3 or 4 skeins of a 1 ply yarn ( 200 grams.).

Note: If you have never worked a lace type project before, it would be easier for you if you used a very light colored yarn, (not a variegated one) and stitch markers between each group of stitches, (between the k 1, p1, k1, & the five open work stitches).

Cast on 67 for shawl or 27 for scarf

Row 1: * K 1, p1, k1, (place marker), k5, (place marker) *, repeat from
* to * across row, end (place marker) K 1, p1, k1.

Row 2 & 4: K 1, p1, k1, * p5, k 1, p1, k1 *, repeat from * to *
across row, end k1, p1, k1.

Row 3: * K 1, p1, k1, k 2 tog, yo, k 1, yo, sl 1, k 1, psso*, repeat from * to * across row, end K 1, p1, k1.

Repeat rows 1 to 4 for length, then row 1, bind off. Weave in ends.

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Atmyhouse

This pattern is copyrighted, and may not be used on any media, including websites, lists, newsletters, nor sold, recopied or reformatted. It is for your personal use only.

Fridgie Easter Basket with Eggs

2011-02-09T10:22:00.000-08:00

Fridgie Easter Basket with Eggs@2000
by N. L. Banks

American's Best Pearl Cotton size 5
by Elmore-Pisgah, Inc.
a few yards each:
#31 Colonial Blue, #51 Mint
#1 White, #22 Lemon
#13 Baby Pink, #126 Od Tutti Frutti

Size 5 hook

Stitches used:
Double crochet, Front Post Stitch, single crochet, slip stitch

Basket
Rw 1 with white, ch 15, 1dc in 4th ch from hook, * 2dc in next ch, 1 dc in next ch across, turn.

Rw 2 ch 3, FPS around each dc across, fasten off. Reattach thread to opposite side of beg chain.

Rw 3 ch 1, sc across, 13 sc. Turn,

Rw 4 ch 3, 1 dc in s/p, * 1 dc in next sc, 2 dc in next sc, repeat from * across row, (20dc) turn,

Rw 5 ch 1, 1 sc in each dc across, turn.

Rw 6 ch 2, 1 dc in s/p, * 1dc in next 3sc, 2 dc in next sc, repeat from * across row, (25dc) turn.

Rw 7 repeat row 5, turn.

Rw 8 ch 3, 1 dc in s/p, * 1dc in next 5 dc, 2 dc in next dc, repeat from * across, (30dc) turn.

Rw 9 ch 1, 1 sc in s/p, skip 2 dc, * 5dc in next dc, skip 2 dc, 1sc in next dc, repeat from * across, do not turn.

Rw 10 ch 45, do not twist chain, sc to opposite side of basket for handle, do not turn. (basket handle).

Rw 11 ch 1, 1 sc in each chain of handle of basket, fasten off.

Eggs, make five, one in each color.

Rw 1 ch 3, 4 dc in 3rd chain from hook, turn.

Rw 2 ch 3, 1 dc in s/p, 1 dc in next 2dc, 2d in last dc, turn.

Rw 3 ch 3, 1 dc in s/p, 1 dc in next 5dc, turn.

Rw 4 skip 2dc, 7 dc in next dc, skip 2dc, slip stithc in last dc, fasten off.

Finishing: Mix equal parts water and white glue, drip basket and eggs in this mixture, twist to ring out extra glue. Pin to shape on plastic wrap on towel or shaping board, let dry.

This pattern is copyrighted, and may not be used on any media, including websites, lists, newsletters, nor sold, recopied or reformatted. It is for your personal use only.

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Atmyhouse

Pattern of the Month for 2011

2010-12-05T13:40:00.000-08:00

Finished Doily
Below is the final doily that will be a pattern of the month in 2011 on my yahoo group. It's be tested by several people, who did a great job for me.

October 2002 Group Project Pillow

2010-11-29T11:17:00.000-08:00

October 2002 Group Project Pillow@2003 By N.L. Banks

This pattern is copyrighted, and may not be used on any media, including websites,
lists, or newsletters. It is for your personal use only.

Materials list:
1 bag stuffing (one that is washable)
2 pieces of material, washable, 14 1/2 x 14 1/2 square (or if you don't have a sewing machine, just buy a 14 square pillow form. I like to make mine because I can stuff it fuller than the store ones.)

G crochet hook

Yarn, different colors, textures, like regular yarn, rug yarn, chenille (if it's too thin, use two stands held together) thick & thin yarn, etc. If you use a variegated yarn, make sure you have other colors to use also. Just make sure it can be used with a G hook.

If you are new to crocheting and don't know how to change colors, just use one color of yarn, it will be easier for you this way.

What you will learn:
We're going to first make a pillow, sew it together, and stuff it. Then make a sampler cover for it. You'll learn the difference between Clusters, Bobbles, and Popcorns. And maybe a few other stitches too, and get a pillow out of it for what ever you that you've chosen your colors for.

Step one Making the Pillow
1 Zic-Zac around outer edge of each piece.

2 Sew around three sides, using a 1/2 inch seam allowance.

3 Sew the last side, leaving the center 6 to 8 inches opening for stuffing.

4 Turn the pillow right side out, (I iron the 1/2 seam down so that it is easier to sew shut.)

5 Stuff pillow, be sure an put stuffing into each corner. Stuff really full, makes a nicer pillow.

Now for the sample.

Row 1 With main color yarn, ch. 45, 1 dc in 2 ch from hook and in each ch across row, work 5 dc in last chain, now working on other side of beginning chain, 1 dc in each chain across row,
work 5 dc in last chain. Join with slip stitch, ch 3. Do not turn, will we be working in rounds.

Row 2: Now we'll do some Bobbles. Work 4 more dc in same place, leaving the last loop of each dc on hook, (you should have 5 loops on hook), yo,draw through all the loops on the hook, ch 1. SEE you just made a bobblestitch. Now * Skip one dc, 5dc in next dc (leave last loop of each dc on hook (you should have 5 loops on hook, yo, draw through all the loops on the hook), ch 1, *. Repeat from * to * around, do 1 pop corn in EACH of the three end dc's,(the two ends of the pillow) join with slip stitch to top of beginning chain 3. Fasten off, attach 2 color here.

NOTE: I'm using brown as my main color, for a textured (2 color) I'm using Lionbrand's Homespun. You can also use a variegated color for round 3.

Round 3, ch 1, sc in each ch and top of Bobble, join with slip stitch to beginning ch 1.

Round 4 & 5 sc around, fasten off, attach 3rd color. ch 3.

Round 6. Dc in each sc around. Ch 3.

Round 7 Here we are going to do some Back Posts stitches, they leave a ridge on front side of the fabric that is really different, so let's get started.

Back Post Stitch (BPS) yo, insert hook from back to front and to back again around the vertical post of stitch (DC) below, yo (three loops on hook) and draw thread through two loops on hook, yo, draw through two loops on hook. One loop remains. Bps completed. Repeat around.
NOTE: Do you see how the top of the stitch sort of lays on it's side and forms a ridge?

Round 8 & 9 repeat round 7. Fasten off, attach 4th color.

Round 10 ch 1, sc around.

Round 11 On this row, you'll learn what a Cluster Stitch is. Ch 3, work a dc into each of the next 2 sc leaving the last loop of each dc on the hook, yo and draw through all four loops on hook.
Cluster made. * ch 1, cluster stitch over next 3 sc, repeat from* around. Join with slip stitch to top of ch 3, ch 3.

NOTE: you can have clusters made of 3,4, or even 5 stitches.

Round 12 Now we are doing to do a reverse Cluster. Or upside down cluster. * In the top of the next cluster, do 3 dc, repeat from * around. Join with slip stitch to top of ch 3. ch 1.

Round 13, sc around. Join with Slip Stitch Fasten off. Attach a variegated here.

Round 14 ch 3, 1 dc in each sc around. Join with Slip Stitch.

Round 15 Ch 3, dc in each dc around, join with Slip Stitch, Fasten off. Attach main color.

Round 16 Now we'll do more Bobbles. Work 4 more dc in same place, leaving the last loop of each dc on hook, (you should have 5 loops on hook), yo, draw through all the loops on the hook, ch 1. Now * Skip one dc, 5 dc in next dc (leave last loop of each dc on hook (you should have 5 loops on hook, yo, draw through all the loops on the hook), ch 1, *. Repeat from * to * around, join with slip stitch to top of beginning chain 3. Ch 3.

Round 17 Work 4 more dc in same place, leaving the last loop of each dc on hook, (you should have 5 loops on hook), yo, draw through all the loops on the hook, ch 1. Here things will be a bit different, * Skip one Bobble, work 1 Bobble stitch in next ch 1 space, ch 1 *. Repeat from * to * around, join with slip stitch to top of beginning chain 3. Fasten off main color, attach 2 color and Ch 3.

Round 18 ch 1, sc in each ch and top of Bobble, join with slip stitch to beginning ch 1.

Round 19 ch 1, sc around. Fasten off, attach 3rd color again, ch 3.

Round 20 Dc in each sc around, join with slip stitch to beginning ch 3.

Round 21 NOTE: On row 7 we did back posts, this time we'll do front post stitches (FPS), you'll see the difference between the two. FPS can also be used for ribbing.

Front Post Stitch: Working in front row just make, yo, insert hook from front to back and front again around the vertical post of stitch below, yo (three loops on hook) and draw thread through two loops on hook, yo, draw through two loops on hook. One loop remains. Fps completed. Repeat across row, join with slip stitch to beginning ch 3. Ch 3.

Round 22 yo, insert hook from front to back and front again around the vertical post of stitch below, yo (three loops on hook) and draw thread through two loops on hook, yo, draw through two loops on hook. One loop remains, repeat across row. Fasten off, join 4th color. ch 1

Round 23 Sc around, ch 3.

Round 24 Now we'll do some popcorns, in same place work 4 dc, take the hook out of the working loop and insert it into the top of the first dc made, fron front to back, now pick up the working loop and draw this through th close the popcorn, ch 1, * 1 dc in each of the next 2 sc, ch 1, 5 dc in next sc, take the hook out of the working loop and insert it into the top of the first dc made, fron front to back, now pick up the working loop and dreaw this through th close the popcorn, ch 1* repeat from * to * around, join with slip stitch to top of beginning ch, ch 1.

Round 25 1 sc in each dc and top of each popcorn, fasten off, attach 5th color. Ch 3.

Round 26 1dc in each sc around, ch 3.

Round 27 & 28 1 dc in each dc around, fasten off, attach 4th color, ch 1.

Round 29 sc in each dc around, ch ch 3.

Round 30 Now for some puff stitches. * skip 1 sc, yo, insert the hook in next sc, yo, and draw up a loop, (three loops on the hook), repeat this step twice more, inserting the hook into the same stitch each time, (7 loops on hook), yo, and draw through all the loops on the hook, ch 1,* repeat from * to * around. Join with slip stitch, ch 1.

NOTE: pull up the loops the same level as the chain 3 at beginning of row.

Round 31 sc around, fasten off, attach main color, ch 3.

Now we'll start the last part of the pillow cover, closing it.

Round 32, first try pillow cover on pillow, if it gaps out at the sides, then on this round, do four or five evenly spaced decreases. 1dc in each sc around, (remember the decreases if you need them. )

Round 33, same as round 33, fasten off main, attach another color here, any that you've used already in your pillow will do, slip the pillow form into the cover sc 1, sc around, and do some decreases if you need more to close the pillow.

NOTE: depending on the size of the form you've made or purchased, you can remove one row of dc, or add more rows of sc, to make it fit the form you have.

Round 34, sc around. Ch 1

Round 35. Slip stitch across the top of the pillow to close, fasten off. Weave in the last thread.

Well now, I hope you enjoyed this group project. You have learned about Front & Back Post stitches, Bobbles, Popcorns, and Clusters. Let me know how you did with this project.

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Atmyhouse

Trellis Stitch

2010-11-29T11:09:00.000-08:00

May 2004 Stitch of the Month Trellis Stitch

The directions for this pattern stitch have been rewritten and are copyrighted. You may not be used on any media, including websites, lists, newsletters, nor copied. It is for your personal use only.

make a chain the length desired divisible by 6 +1

For sample, ch 19. If you want to make an chair or sofa arm cover, use acrylic yarn, an H hook, ch 37, and work to desired length. You could also make a dishcloth out of this same pattern stitch, use cotton yarn, a G hook, and ch 25, work pattern stitch until square. Then do an edging around it.

1 row: 4 d c in the 4th from hook, skip 2 sts, 1 sc in next st., * ch 3, skip 2 sts, 5dc in next st, skip 2 sts, 1sc in next st. Repeat from * to end of row, turn ch 3, turn.

2nd row: 4 dc in sc previous row, * 1 sc in ch 3 space, ch 3, 5 dc in sc. Repeat from * ending row with a 1 sc in last dc of previous row.

Repeat row 2 for pattern,

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Atmyhouse

Pattern of the Month

2010-11-17T09:13:00.000-08:00

This will be a pattern on the month in 2011 at my yahoo groups at ://groups.yahoo.com/group/Atmyhouse

So come join us!!

Veterans Day

2010-11-11T13:23:00.000-08:00

Since today is Veterans Day, I would like to thank all our vets that are on the list and elsewhere for offering their lives to defend this country.

Nina

Crossed Shells Crochet Stitch

2010-11-09T13:41:00.000-08:00

An At My House August 2004 Stitch of the Month

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Atmyhouse

Based on a multiple of 7 chain plus 2.

This stitch is a simple crossed shell design.

Note: When working the double crochet of the crossed shell, remember
to pull up a long loop.

Row 1: 1 Sc in 2nd ch from hook, * skip 3 ch, 3 dc in next ch, ch 1, 3 dc
in last ch of ch-3 just skipped for a crossed shell, skip 2 ch, 1 Sc
in next ch, repeat from * across, ch 3, turn.

Row 2: 2 dc in first Sc, * 1 sc in next ch-1 sp in center of shell groups, 3
dc in sp after next sc, ch 1, 3 dc in sp before same sc, repeat from
* across, end 1 sc in last ch-1 sp, 3 dc in last sc, ch 1, turn.

Row 3: * 3 dc in sp after next sc, ch 1, 3 dc in sp before same sc, 1 sc in
next ch-1 sp, repeat from * across, end 1 sc in top of turning-ch,
ch 3, turn.

Repeat Rows 2 & 3 for pattern.

This would work up great using rug yarn and a large hook. Or a scarf,
using a 2 ply or 3 ply yarn, make half the length you want, then make another half, and sew them together in the middle at the flat edges.

Raised Half Double Crochet Stitch

2010-11-06T11:14:00.000-07:00

November 2002 Stitch of the Month

Raised Half Double Crochet (R hdc) for sample, ch 20, and do a row of dc's across. turn.

First example is on a foundation row of half double crochets, (has hook in it)

Yarn over hook, insert hook from front to back to front around the stem of the stitch in the row below, yarn over hook, pull up loop, complete as a half double crochet.

These are like post stitches, you can also work this same type of stitch doing single crochet.

The second example shows the R hdc, using double crochet as the foundation row.

Notice how the back looks, you can use this stitch showing front or back, depending on the affect you want to show. Like the group pillow we did, I used the back of the post stitches (double back post stitch) on the front of the pillow. It will make a edge on the front, if you do three or four rows.

Try it and see how it shows. This is great for a textured affect on pillows, the bottom of sweaters for ribbing, etc.

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Atmyhouse

At My House Knitting and Crochet list

2010-11-03T20:25:00.000-07:00

This coming December 8th, the At My House Knitting and Crochet list will be on the Internet for 12 years, yes you read it right 12 years. The exchange leaders and myself have tried to make it the best place to be. We have added many features in the past years from Member of the Month, stitches, more exchanges, patterns, and even the contests. We hope you have enjoyed the list as much as we have and that you will continue to tell your friends and family about it. With over 3400 members, we must be doing something right.

Because the exchanges are closed during December and to help celebrate our 12 years of being on the net, we will have about 4 contests this month, so you will need to check your inbox to find out when. BUT read the rules, as I still have to delete so many simply because you just do not read them.

Coming in January we will have our member of the year. This list member adds a lot to the group by posting, helping other members, answering questions, joining in and offering help whenever she or he can. If they have joined any exchanges, then they have never been late, have helped the exchange leaders out when needed, and has followed all the list rules.

And if you are wondering how the name At My House came about, well when I first started it back in December 1998, it was on One list, who listed the groups alphabetically, and so it became At My House, so that it would be first one on the list, lol. You have Pat Haker and Penney Wilfort to blame for me starting it. They wrote me over and over again, so here it is 12 years later and still going strong.

Right now I would like to take the time to thank all my exchange leaders, who have given so freely of their time and sometimes money to help run this list. Without you, this list would not be what it has become today. Thank you.

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Atmyhouse

Bobbin Lace Supplies

2010-11-03T14:01:00.000-07:00

I am selling all my bobbin lace books, kit, thread, all of it, I can not see to do it any more, and have not used it in some time. Below is a list of the supplies and books I have, write me if you are interested. Full descriptions are listed in other posts. May take lower price for it all, $125, and you pay the shipping, etc.

Thanks, Nina

1. Bobbin lace Patterns In Torchon 12.00 A student's workbook
2. The torchon Lace Workbook $50.00 by Bridget M Cook
3. Lessons In Bobbin Lacemaking by Doris Southard 20.00
4. Introduction to Bobbin Lacemaking by Rosemary Shepherd $50.00
5. The Technique of Bobbin Lace 20.00
6. Bobbin lace without a teacher kit.
7. Thread

Bobbin Lace Patterns In Torchon

2010-11-03T13:53:00.000-07:00

Bobbin Lace Patterns In Torchon $15.00
A student's workbook

really nice, sheets with lots of pictures, and the full size patterns
to go with them, 18 in all. Like new. Plus shipping.

The Torchon Lace Workbook

2010-11-03T13:50:00.000-07:00

The Torchon Lace Workbook $50.00
by Bridget M Cook

Bobbin lace making at it's best. 96 pages of has prickings and
diagrams for 27 lace project. Great for the beginner. The half
stitch, the whole stitch, diamonds, spiders, tallies, leaves and
much more. Like new. Plus shipping.

Lessons In Bobbin Lacemaking

2010-11-03T13:47:00.000-07:00

Lessons In Bobbin Lacemaking by Doris Southard $25.00

A history of bobbin lace making, lots of pictures, 12 lessons,
things to make, and designs. Pictures of old lace making pillows,
laces, tells you how to make your own pillow, bloster, etc. has my
notes on one page only. Like new. Plus shipping.

Introduction to Bobbin Lacemaking

2010-11-03T13:43:00.001-07:00

Introduction to Bobbin Lacemaking by Rosemary Shepherd $50.00
112 pages, has my notes on some of the pages from when I was
learning. new like, explains equipment and materials, basic
movements, stitches, reading list, suppliers, graph papers, lots of
patterns.Plus shipping.

The Technique of Bobbin Lace

2010-11-03T13:40:00.000-07:00

The Technique of Bobbin Lace $25.00
by Pamela Nottingham, completely revised new Edition
188 pages, like new, explains equipment, preparation. Also
different type of laces, trochon lace, bedfordshire or Maltese
and Cluny lace, and Bucks Point Lace, shows prickings and diagrams.
Plus shipping.

Learning Bobbin Lace Kit

2010-11-03T13:36:00.000-07:00

Bobbin lace without a teacher kit. Comes with board,
patterns, pins, thread, and bobbins. $25.00. has
prickings and diagram. Plus shipping.

Lace Bobbin Threads

2010-11-03T13:30:00.000-07:00

Thread, it's easier to learn bobbin lace if you learn with a
larger thread than the 50 to 80 size people use. I have size 8 dmc
thread in white (4) blue (2), brown (2), and yellow, bright pink,
lavender, hunter green, purple, 2 shades of gold, and a varigated
blue.Also have Perle cotton in size 8, (2) blues, green,light and
dark purlpe, at $2.00 a ball. Plus shipping.

Christmas Mug Coasters

2010-11-01T06:14:00.000-07:00

Christmas Mug Coasters @1998
By N. L. Banks

Peaches & Crème Cotton Yarn By Elmore-Pisgah, Inc.

1 ball Peppermint #191
1 ball Red #95
G hook
2 plastic 1 pound coffee can lids cut to a 4 3/4 circle

These mug coasters are machine washable and dryable.

Stitches used: Single crochet, double crochet, front post stitch

Front
Rd 1 with red, ch 3 to form ring, ch 2, 12 dc in ring. (13dc)

Rd 2 ch 3, 1FPS around the vertical post of this same dc (in same place), * 1dc and FPS in next dc, repeat from * around, join with s/s. (13 posts & 13 dc)

Rd 3 ch 3, 1 dc & FPS in next dc, * 1 dc behind post, 1 dc in next dc before post, post around post, repeat from* around, fasten off, (13 post with 2 dc between posts, and total 2dc)

Rd 4 ch 3, 1 dc in next dc, 1 dc before post, post around post, * 1dc in next 2 dc, 1 dc before post, post around post, from * around. Join with slip stitch to top of ch 3. (13 posts with 3 dc between post, total 39 dc ).

Back of coaster
Rd 1 with peppermint, ch 3 loosely to form ring, ch 3, 12 dc in ring. Join to top of ch 3. (13 dc)

Rd 2 ch 3, 1 dc in same place, 2 dc in each dc around, join with slip stitch. (26 dc)

Rd 3 ch 3, 1 dc in same place, * 1 dc in next dc, 2 dc in next dc, repeat from * around, end 2 dc in last 2 dc, join with slip stitch. (39 dc)

Rd 4 ch3, 1 dc in same place, * 1 dc in next 2 dc, 2 dc in next dc, repeat from * around, join, fasten off. (52dc)

Finishing:

Rd 1 hold wrong sides together, and front of coaster facing you, with red, ch 1, sc around, joining two pieces together, before closing, slip one trimmed plastic lid in, join with slip stitch.

Rd 2 ch 3, 4 dc in same place, *skip 1 sc, sc in next sc, skip 1sc, 5 dc in next sc, repeat from * around. Join to top of ch 3, fasten off.

Rd 3 with front facing you, and working in front of row 2, attach peppermint to any skipped sc on round one. * ch 3, sc in next skipped sc, repeat from * around, join with slip stitch, fasten off.

Repeat for second mug coaster.

This pattern is copyrighted, and may not be used on any media, including websites,
lists, or newsletters. It is for your personal use only.

Knitting Machine Magazine

2010-10-29T17:19:00.000-07:00

If you are looking for a really good knitting machine magazine, Linda at
http://www.countryknittingofmaine.com/_sgt/f10000.htm. I really like it, good, lots of information and patterns,

My favorite Ski Hat

2010-10-26T21:15:00.000-07:00

As I have said before, I love to design and knit ski hats, and this one is my favorite! Made with Red Heart Sport weight acrylic yarns in white, purple, lavender and pink, it's machine wash and dry. It also have eyelash yarns, and a type of ribbon. It's bright and colorful!

Trio of Angels

2010-10-26T21:05:00.000-07:00

Trio of Angels @2003 By N.L.Banks

December 2003 pattern of the month

This pattern is copyrighted, and may not be used on any media, including websites, lists, newsletters, nor copied. It is for your personal use only.

1 ball Honeysuckle Article 2001 Cotton Metallic Dazzling Diamonds #401
1 ball America's Best Rayon Crochet Article #137 Vintage Gold #79
Size 4 crochet hook
3 3# wooden clothespins
1/8” wide red ribbon
1/8 lavender ribbon
Folkart Paint # 436 Engine Red just a dap
Folkart Paint #938 Licorice for eyes and mouth
Folkart Paint #901 Wicker White
Liner brush
8 Flat brush
Plastic paper plate to mix paint on
Glue gun, glue
Sewing needle, white sewing thread
1 pkg. Small mutli color and size beads
1 pkg. Small gold beading
1 pkg. Small silver beading
1 small red ribbon rose
1 small lavender beaded rose

3 small white doves

Use the 8 flat and mix white with a dab of red to make pink, paint head and shoulders of pin. Set aside to dry. After dry, use the liner brush with Licorice, paint face on angels.

ch 13, join to form ring.

Rd 1: ch 4, * skip 1 ch, 1 dc in next ch, ch 1, repeat from * around, join to ch 3, ch 3.

Rd 2: *2dc, ch 1, 2dc (shell made) in ch1 space, 1FPS around next dc, repeat from
* around, join. (7 shells)

Divide for Wings:
Rd 3: slip stitch over to ch 1 sp, ch 3, 2dc, ch 2, 3dc in ch 1 space, (shell over shell), ch 1, FPS around next post, ch 1, 3dc, ch 2, 3dc in next ch 1 space (shell over shell made), ch 1, PFS around next post, ch 3, skip 2 shells, FPS around next post, ch 1, shell over shell, ch 3, skip 2 shells, FPS
Around next post, ch 1, join.

Rd 4: slip stitch over to ch 2, ( shell over shell, ch 1, FPS around post, ch 1, ) 2x, skip 1 ch, shell in next ch, ch 1, skip 1 ch, FPS around post, ch 1, shell over shell, ch 1, FPS around post, ch 1, skip 1 ch, shell in next ch, ch1, skip 1 ch, FPS around post, ch 1, join. (5 shells)

Rds 5-9 slip stitch over to ch 2 sp, *shell over shell, ch 1, FPS around post, ch 1, repeat form * around, join, after rd 9, fasten off. NOTE: the 2 shells repeats are the front of the angel.

For wings: Left wing:

Rd 1: attach thread to wing at back of wing, ch 4, shell over shell, ch 1, FPS post, ch 1, shell over shell, ch 1, FPS around next post, ch 4, turn

Rd 2; shell over shell, ch1, BPS around post, ch1, shell over shell, ch 1, BPS around ch 4 of row 1, fasten off. Repeat for right wing, Note: for right wing, attach thread to front of wing.

Gold trim:
Attach rayon gold thread to any ch 2 sp of shell at back of dress, 3 sc in each ch 2 sp, sc in each dc of shell, in each ch 1 space, and top of post stitche around, join, fasten off. Repeat for each sleeve.

#1 Beaded Angel

Attach double knotted thread to any post on row 9, take several small stitches, thread 6 beads on needle, sew to next post forming a small loop, take another stitch or two to hold in place, repeat around dress. Attach knotted thread to center post at neck, thread 12 beads on needle, sew to post, forming loop, repeat once, fasten off. Run red ribbon through dc's on row 9, place dress on pin, tie ribbon in bow. Halo, sew 7 beads in a circle and glue to top of head.

#2 Rose Dove Angel.
Run red ribbon through dc's on row 1, put dress on pin and tie ribbon in knot, lay about 5 to 6 inches of gold beading on ribbon and tie, tie again, then tie in bow, glue small red rose
on top on bow. Glue two doves to front of dress, and 1 to top of head.

# 3 Lavender Rose Angel
Run lavender ribbon through dc's of row 1, put dress on pin, and tie ribbon in knot, lay about 5 to 6 inches of silver beading on ribbon and tie, tie again, then tie in bow, glue small lavender rose on top on bow. Glue about 9 beads of the silver beading in a circle and glue to top of head.

For more patterns using Elmore-Pisgah, Inc. products to go: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Atmyhouse

http://www.elmore-pisgah.com
This pattern is copyrighted, and may not be used on any media, including websites, lists, newsletters, nor copied. It is for your personal use only.

The Turn Around Square 2003

2010-10-26T20:03:00.000-07:00

Square #10 The Turn Around Square 2003@ by N.L. Banks

This pattern uses Elmore-Pisgah's double Worsted Weight Yarn and would make a great rug.
"J" Hook

Chain 5, join to form ring.

Rd. 1 ch 3, 2dc in rihg, *ch 2, 3 dc in ring, repeat from *, end join with slip stitch.

Rd. 2 ch 3, 1BPS around next 2dc, *1 dc in 2 ch space, ch 3, 1 dc in 2 ch space, 1BPS around next 3 dc, repeat from * 2x, end 1 dc in 2 ch space, ch 3, 1 dc in 2 ch space, join with slip stitch.

Rd. 3 ch 3, 1BPS around next 3dc, *1 dc in 2 ch space, ch 3, 1 dc in 2 ch space, 1BPS around next 5 dc, repeat from * 2x, end 1 dc in 2 ch space, ch 3, 1 dc in 2 ch space, 1BPS around next dc, join with slip stitch.

Rd. 4 ch 3, 1BPS around next 4dc, *1 dc in 2 ch space, ch 3, 1 dc in 2 ch space, 1BPS around next 7 dc, repeat from * 2x, end 1 dc in 2 ch space, ch 3, 1 dc in 2 ch space, 1BPS around next 2 2dc, join with slip stitch.

Rd. 5 ch 3, 1BPS around next 5dc, *1 dc in 2 ch space, ch 3, 1 dc in 2 ch space, 1BPS around next 9 dc, repeat from * 2x, end 1 dc in 2 ch space, ch 3, 1 dc in 2 ch space, 1BPS around next 3 dc, join with slip stitch, join.

Rd. 6 ch 3, 1BPS around next 6dc, *1 dc in 2 ch space, ch 3, 1 dc in 2 ch space, 1BPS around next 11 dc, repeat from * 2x, end 1 dc in 2 ch space, ch 3, 1 dc in 2 ch space, 1BPS around next 4 dc, join with slip stitch, join.

Rd. 7 ch 2, working in front loops only, 1 hdc in next 8dc, *1 hdc in in 2 ch space, ch 3, 1 hdc in 2 ch space, working in front loops only, 1hdc in next 13 dc, repeat from * around, end 1 hdc in in 2 ch space, ch 3, 1 hdc in 2 ch space, 1hdc in next 5dc, join.

Rd. 8 TURN PIECE AROUND. Now,and rest of pattern, work in loops below the back loop, ch 1, 1hdc in next 8 hdc, *1hdc in 3 ch sp, ch 3, 1hdc in 3 ch sp, 1hdc in next 15 hdc, repeat from * around, end, 1hdc in 3 ch sp, ch 3, 1hdc in 3 ch sp, 1hdc in next 6 hdc, join.

Rd. 9 ch2, 1hdc in next 10 hdc *1hdc in 3 ch sp, ch 3, 1hdc in 3 ch sp, 1hdc in next 17 hdc, repeat from * around, end, 1hdc in 3 ch sp, ch 3, 1hdc in 3 ch sp, 1hdc in next 6 hdc, join.

Rd. 10 ch 2, 1hdc in next 11 hdc *1hdc in 3 ch sp, ch 3, 1hdc in 3 ch sp, 1hdc in next 19 hdc, repeat from * around, end, 1hdc in 3 ch sp, ch 3, 1hdc in 3 ch sp, 1hdc in next 9 hdc, join, and fasten off.

Do an edging around square, I just used my second color, and the same stitch around the square, placing 3 hdc in each 3 chain space.

For more patterns using Elmore-Pisgah, Inc. products to go: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Atmyhouse

This pattern is copyrighted, and may not be used on any media, including websites,
lists, newsletters, nor sold or recopied. It is for your personal use only.

Krissy's Pillow Quilt Square

2010-10-26T19:57:00.000-07:00

Krissy's Pillow Quilt Square #1@1999
By N. L. Banks

This pattern is copyrighted, and may not be used on any media, including websites. It is for your personal use only.

G Hook
4 ply yarn

Ch 5 to form ring, ch 3, 11dc in ring.

Rd 2 ch 3, 1 dc in same place, 2dc in each dc around, join, (24dc)

Rd 3 ch 3, 1 dc, ch 2, 2dc in same place, * ch 1, skip 1dc 1hdc in next dc, ch 1, skip 1dc, 1hdc in next dc, ch 1, skip 1 dc, 2dc, ch 2, 2 dc in next dc, (corner group made), repeat from * around end, ch1, join to top of ch 3.

Rd 4 sl st over to ch 2 sp, ch 3, 1dc, ch 2, 2dc in ch 2 sp, * 1 dc in next 2dc, 1 dc in ch 1 sp, ch 1, 1 dc in next ch 1, sp, ch 1, 1 dc in ch 1 sp, 1 dc in next 2dc, , in next ch 2 sp, work corner group. Repeat from * around, end 1 dc in ch1 sp, 1 dc in next 2dc, join.

Rd 5 sl st to ch 2 sp, ch 3, 1 dc, ch 2, 2 dc in ch 2 space, * 1 dc in next 5dc, 1 dc in ch 2 sp, ch 1, 1 dc in ch 1sp, 1dc in next 5 dc, in next ch 2 sp, work corner group, repeat from * around, end 1 dc in ch 1sp, 1 dc in next 5 dc, join.

Rd 6 sl st to ch 2 sp, ch 3, 1 dc, ch 2, 2dc in ch 2 sp, * 1 dc in next 8 dc, ch 1, skip ch 1, 1 dc in next 8 dc, in next ch 2 sp work corner group, repeat from* around, end 1 dc in next 8dc, join.

Rd 7 sl st to ch 2 sp, ch 3, 1 dc, ch 2, 2dc in ch 2 sp, * 1 dc in next 9 dc, ch 1, skip 1dc, 1 dc in ch 1 sp, ch 1, skip 1 dc, 1 dc in next 9 dc, in next ch 2 sp work corner group, repeat from* around, end 1 dc in next 9dc, join.

Rd 8 sl st to ch 2 sp, ch 3, 1dc, ch 2, 2dc in ch 2 sp, * 1 dc in next 10 dc, ch 1, skip 1dc, 1dc in ch1 sp, ch 1, 1 dc in next sp, ch 1, skip 1 dc, 1 dc in next 10 dc, in next ch 2 sp work corner group, repeat from * around, end 1 dc in next 10 dc, join.

Rd 9 sl st to ch 2 sp, ch 3, 1 dc, ch 2, 2dc in ch 2 sp, * 1 dc in next 11 dc, ch1, skip 1 dc, 1 dc in ch 1 sp, ch1, 1 dc in next ch 1 sp, ch 1, 1 dc in next ch 1 sp, ch 1, skip 1dc, 1 dc in next 11 dc, in next ch 2 sp work corner group, repeat from* around, end 1 dc in next 11dc, join.

Rd 10 sl st to ch 2 sp, ch 3, 1dc, ch 2, 2dc in ch 2 sp, * 1 dc in next 12dc, ch1, skip 1dc, 1 dc in ch 1 sp, ( ch 1 1 dc in ch 1 sp, 2x), ch1, skip 1 dc, 1 dc in next 12 dc, in next ch 2 sp, work corner group, repeat from * around, join, end 1 dc in next 12 dc, join.

Rd 11 sl st to ch 2 sp, ch 2, 4 hdc in ch2 sp, * 1hdc in each ch1 and each dc around, placing 5hdc in each corner, join, fasten off.

Knitting Machine

2010-10-25T19:54:00.000-07:00

My sister, bless her heart kept one of the sweaters that I had knitted about 25 years ago for my mom. It's pink, and her daughter is wearing it in this picture.

I had her take a picture of the inside of the sweater because I couldn't remember how I did the neckline. But when looking at it, I had hand sewn the neckline hem in. While the bottom was hung.

Cole's Sweater

2010-10-25T19:51:00.000-07:00

I finished a hooded sweater in navy and red for my grandson, Cole. He's about 8, and told me that he wanted one. It was to be for Christmas, but he knew it was in the bag, and now he is wearing it. lol. Just happy that he liked it.

more stuff

2010-10-18T09:09:00.000-07:00

It rained here last night. We went from really hot to rain, now it's chilly. But I like it better, gas is cheaper than running the air. Have bad headache. Hate that, can't think right when they are this bad.

Had some more of my patterns checked for 2011. Some of my exchange leaders are testing them for me. All 2010 are done, and now working on all the ones for 2011, of which I have done about 6or 7 months worth.

Also have been sewing, and relearning to use my knitting machine. But sometimes I get sick, and life gets in the way, and can't do a thing. Still not up to par for the knitting machine, have forgotten how to use it, but did do a couple of gifts for my sister. I would put the pictures up, but then she would know what I made her, lol.

Will be sewing again today, as soon as I can get rid of this headache, hurts really bad.

Knitting Machine Items for Sale

2010-10-12T09:38:00.000-07:00

A friend of mine is selling some of her knitting machine items. If you are interested in any items listed below, please contact Sharron at sharrontompson@comcast.net. She can send you pictures, and give you more information.

1. Bond KM (all tools & direction Books) $ 75.00
2. Intarsia KA 8200 $ 40.00
3. Electric Hague Linker with Direction Book $ 800.00
4. Brother 970 Electronic Machine (new) $ 1200.00
5. Garter Carriage 95 $ 300.00
6. Design-A-Knit 2 disk program/with book registration $ 400.00
7. Singer 580 Electronic KM/PE-1Designer/YC-6 $ 1000.00
8. Studio 560 (no electronic) with 560 Lace carriage $ 400.00
9. 200 KM Needles for 326 Silver Reed/Studio $ 200.00
10. New Carriage for 326 Silver Reed/Studio $ 175.00
11. Like New/Brother 860 Carriage/lace carriage $ 200.00
12. SC-1 $ 40.00
13. Brand new in box Garter Bar/ Standard Gauge $ 50.00

today

2010-10-03T17:00:00.000-07:00

I have been working on my knitting machine, trying to relearn what I have forgotten in the 20 or so years I haven't been using it. Got it fixed. Can't find the 3/11 or 3/12 yarn I really liked, but do have a bit on hand to relearn with. But I sure have forgotten a lot about using it. What's the saying use it or lose it, well I lost it and am trying really hard to find it. lol.

It's been raining (cooler weather) now it hot again. Good reason to stay indoors and learn to use it. Did do a swatch for a sweater. But really would like to find that 3/11 yarn I liked so much, but have been told they dont make it any more. That's life.

Christmas dishcloth

2010-10-02T06:33:00.000-07:00

Christmas dishcloth@1998 by N. L. Banks

This pattern is copyrighted, and may not be used on any media, including websites,
lists, newsletters, nor copied. It is for your personal use only.

Peaches & Crème Yarn by Elmore-Pisgah, Inc.

1 ball Green #62 1 ball Red #95 1 ball Mistletoe #138
G hook

With mistletoe, ch 4 to form ring.

Rd 1, ch 2, 12 dc in ring.

Rd 2, ch 2, 2 dc in each dc around, 1 dc in beg ch 2.

Rd 3 ch 2, 1 dc in same place, * 1 dc in next dc, 2 dc in next dc * . repeat
from * to * around. 37 dc. Fasten off mistletoe. Attach red.

Rd 4 ch 2, Front Post Stitch around first dc. * 2 dc in next dc, 1 dc in next dc, 2 dc in next dc, 1 dc in next dc, 2 dc in next dc and front post stitch in next dc *. Repeat from * to * around. End 2 dc in next dc, 1 dc in next dc, 2 dc in next dc, 1dc in each of next 3dc, join with slipstitch.

Rd 5 ch 2, front post stitch in next dc, * 1dc in each of next 9dc, front post stitch around next post *. Repeat from * to *. End 1 dc in next 8 dc, join with slipstitch. Fasten off Red.

Rd 6, attach Mistletoe, ch 2, FPS around first dc, * 1 dc in next 10 dc, 1 dc in nest dc and fps around next dc *. Repeat from * to *. End 1 dc in next 7 dc, 2 dc in next dc, join with slipstitch.

Rd 7 ch 2, fps around first dc, * 1dc in next 11 dc, Front Post around next post *. Repeat from * to *. End 2 dc in next dc, 1 dc in next 9 dc, join with slipstitch.
Rd 8, ch 2, * Front Post around first post, 1dc in next 12 dc, 1 dc in next 10 dc, 2 dc in next dc, *. Repeat from * to *. End 2 dc in next dc, 1 dc in last dc. Join with slipstitch. Fasten off Mistletoe.

Rd 9 attach green, ch 2, Front Post stitch around first post, * 2 dc in next dc, 1 dc in next 5 dc, 2 dc in next dc, 1 dc in next 5 dc, 2 dc in next dc, post around next post *. Repeat from * to * . End Post around next post, 2 dc in next dc, 1 dc in next 5, 1 dc in next 2 dc, 2 dc in next 2dc, join with slipstitch.

Rd 10 ch 2, 4 dc in same place, slip one dc, sc in next dc. * Skip in dc, 5dc in next dc, skip one dc, sc in next dc *. Repeat from * to * around, join with slipstitch. Fasten off green.

For more patterns using Elmore-Pisgah, Inc. products
to go: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Atmyhouse

The Boys in the Alley

2010-10-02T06:26:00.000-07:00

A long time ago, I wanted to be a writer, but life and all kinds of crap got in the way. Below is one of the stories I wrote. Hope you enjoy it. Nina

The Boys in the Alley @ 1999 by N. L. Banks

“Hey you!” screamed Donnie, “show us how you ride your broom!”

The boys watched the bent old woman with her hoe slowly lift her head. They snickered and yelled, “Old bat!”

Millie’s sad, tired face turned toward the noise coming from her back wooden fence that ran along the alley. Perched like crows, she saw nine little boys screaming things at her again. Raising her hoe, she started toward them.

“You boys go home!” she cried.

The young boys laughed and yelled, "Old witch!" as they kicked trash cans and hit the fence with sticks as they ran down the alley.

Millie watched them run away. Shaking her head, she picked up the weeds she has just finished hoeing, walked over to the trash can and dumped them in. She wiped the tears away, put her hoe away in a shed where she kept all the other garden tools and headed for the house. “Darn kids,” she told herself, blowing her nose. “Wish they would go somewhere else and play.”

“Papa, those boys are doing it again!” Millie stopped just inside the back porch and looked in the mirror. She still saw the woman she was, though hair is grayer now, all done up in a bun at the back of her head. There are lots more lines in her weathered old square face. Laugh lines she used to call them. Not anymore. “Papa, I’m getting awful tired of those boys in the alley!”

Papa is what she called her husband. “Papa.” she’d say, “the grass needs mowing.” Then she’d go do it. “Papa, we need to plant new flowers in the bed this year.” And she’d go do that, too. Papa was killed in the war and now his widow lives alone in the big two story house they had bought when they were young and dreamed of filling it with lots of children. Millie still talks to Papa, her one and only love.

“Papa. Those boys have to stop yelling at me,” she said, shaking her head, “I can’t get any work done with all that going on.”

Millie looked out the kitchen window at her garden and the house beyond where one of the boys lived. “Maybe I’ll just work in the yard,” she told her Papa, “while those boys are in school.” Smiling, she started to fix her supper. “That problem is easily taken care of.”

The next morning bright and early, Millie started her day with her usual cup of tea and toast. “Papa,” she said, taking a sip of the tea. “Think I’ll finish the yard work.” After doing her breakfast dishes, she grabbed her broom. “But first I’m going to sweep the walk.”

“Hey. Old Witch!”

“Ya. You old bat!”

Millie looked up with surprise on her sunburned face, just as one of the boys threw a rock at her shed. “Why aren’t you boys in school today where you belong?” she asked, moving back up the porch steps, away from them. “And stop throwing rocks!”

“We’re out for summer!” They bellowed at her, and another rock hit her shed. “Don’t you know that?” David, a chubby little boy of ten, screamed at Millie from atop his post.

Laughing, the boys ran up and down the fence, yelling things at her, throwing rocks at her shed, and hitting the fence with wooden sticks until at last they run down the alley.

Millie sighed and wiped the tears from her eyes as she watched the nine boys run away. She walked slowly across the yard and over to Donnie’s home to talk with his mother. Knocking at the large wooden front doors, Millie waited for Susan to answer and wondered if this is the right thing to do.

“Hi, Millie,” Donnie’s mother said. “what a nice surprise to see you!”

“Susan, can we talk?”

“Sure. Come on in. I have some coffee left. Would you like some?”

“Yes. Thanks,” she said, walking to the table in the large familiar kitchen, Millie bit her lower lip, hesitating, “Susan, we’ve known each other a long time and I hate to bother you with my problems.”

“Nonsense Millie. You’re no bother,” Susan cut in, taking a drink of coffee. “We’ve been friends ever since Paul and I moved in here years ago. Why don’t you tell me about it?”

Millie searched Susan’s face. Taking a deep breath, she said, “It’s the boys playing in the alley behind my house. They’re throwing rocks, calling me names, screaming at me every time I go out in the back yard to work. I can’t even sit on my patio without them yelling at me,” Milled sighed, leaning back in the kitchen chair, “Guess I’m just getting old and tired. That’s all.”

“How long has this been going on?” Susan asked.

"It’s been going on for about two months.”

“Millie, is my son one of those boys?”

Slowly, Millie nodded her head. “Yes.” She took another drink of the coffee, “I hated to come to you, but when they started throwing the rocks, I’m afraid they’ll break a window or something else.”

“Or something else!” Susan cried out. “Millie, you should have told me a long time ago. They could hurt you!”

After calling the parents of the other boys, Susan grinned at Millie. “Now you should have no more problems with those kids and I’ll take care of Donnie when he comes in.”

“Thanks Susan. You’re right, I should have came over sooner, but I just thought that they would stop after awhile.”

“Well, they will now that I called their parents!” Susan patted Millie’s hand. “You come on over any time, I always enjoy your company.”
Going home, Millie had a smile on her face for the first time in weeks. She opened the front door and called out. “Papa, things are going to be fine now!”

Doing her afternoon chores, Millie started humming to herself in her large
old-fashioned living room and came across a picture on her mantle. Picking it up, a few tears rolled down her cheeks as she held her favorite picture of her Papa in his baseball uniform.

“Oh, Papa, why did you leave me?” she cried out, “why did you have to die?” Dusting it off, she gentle put it back on the mantle and went upstairs to her bedroom. Closing the door, she leaned against it for a few minutes, crying, “Why Papa? Why you?” As the tears ran down her face, she dressed for bed and fell asleep dreaming once again of her Papa.

The next morning, after eating and doing up the dishes in the sink, Millie grabbed her garden gloves, “Papa, I’m going to finish weeding the garden today,” she said and headed out the back door over to her shed that held all her garden tools. Picking out her favorite hoe and humming happily to herself, she started on the tomatoes first, then worked her way over to the cabbage patch, before she heard first one thud and then another. Turning around, she was startled as one rock whizzed right past her head and landed in the cabbage patch. She saw the boys in the alley again, just as Donnie - standing atop his post - threw another rock.

Flying high over her head, it broke an upstairs window. And nine boys scattered.

“Donnie!” shouted Millie, “you come back here!”

Turning slowly, Donnie stayed on his post. “I’m sorry, Mrs. Caron. I didn’t mean to do that.” Donnie watched the other boys run away laughing at him.

“I think you had better come over here.” Millie watched the blonde ten-year old boy climb slowly down her side of the wooden fence. “First thing we need to do is see what’s broken.”

Chestfallen, Donnie dragged himself over to Millie. “I’m sorry.” He said again, not looking at her, as he followed her up the back porch steps, into the house and up the stairs to the second floor.

Millie stopped in front of a door and faced Donnie. Looking down at the scared boy, she sighed. “You shouldn’t have been throwing rocks,” she said, and opened the door.
“I know.” Donnie said as he moved into the room and across the floor to the broken window. He started picking up the glass and the vase he had broken with the rock. “Do you have something I can put this in?” He asked. But Millie had stopped in the doorway, just staring. “Mrs. Caron, are you all right?”

“Yes.” Millie said quietly as she walked into the room. She looked around at her Papa’s study as memories flooded over her. “I haven’t been in this room for years.” She moved slowly around the room. First she touched a lamp, then his pipe, then a book sitting on a table beside her Papa’s favorite chair. And then she gentle touched the chair itself.

“This room is awful dirty.” Donnie said as he looked around, “Whose room was it?”

“My husband’s,” Millie said barely above a whisper, “I just couldn’t bring myself to come in here after he died.”

Donnie walked over to Millie and touched her hand. “Mrs. Caron,” he said gently, “my grandma was like that when my grandpa died. Do you know what I did?”

“No,” Millie said, looking down at the little boy, “what?”

“Well. I helped her clean his room up.” He smiled at Millie, “I’ll help you, if you want me to. And I’m sorry I broke the window. I don’t know why I threw the rock in the first place.”

“I know,” Millie answered him, “and yes, you can help me clean up this room. I guess it’s about time anyway. It should have been done years ago.”

After cleaning up the rest of the glass, he helped Millie clean the room. Donnie held a glove he found on a shelf he had just dusted. “Mrs. Caron, was this baseball glove your husband’s?”

“Yes. That was my Papa’s,” she smiled at him. “My husband and I loved baseball. We would go to all the games that we could. That glove was given to him by Babe Ruth.”

“Wow!” Donnie shouted, “Babe Ruth! Your husband knew him?”

“Yes.” Millie said, “I have a picture of the two of them together. Would you like to see it?”

“Oh, Ya! Would I ever!”

“Lets go down stairs and get something to drink,” Millie said, “and I’ll show you the picture. I have a photo album with more pictures of them together, too.” As they both headed downstairs to the kitchen, she added, “Would you like to see those too?”

“Oh, yes!” Donnie laughed. “I love baseball. It’s my favorite sport, too!”

After Millie and Donnie looked over the album, they spend the afternoon talking about baseball.

“Can I come back tomorrow, Mrs. Caron and help you again?”

“Well, I guess you can.” she said, “I would really enjoy the visit.”

“O.K.” Donnie grew quiet. He looked at his feet, then at her. “Mrs. Caron, are you going to tell my mom about the rock and what I did?” he asked.

Leaning back in her rocker, she closed her eyes. Millie rocked for a few minutes,then suddenly she opened her eyes and smiled at him. “No, Donnie, I’m not.” She patted his hand, “you have helped me so much today and you said you would come back tomorrow. You can help me with the rest of the garden. I think you won’t be throwing any more rocks.”

She sat on her front porch, slowly rocking back and forth, she watched the young boy leave. She wished her Papa were here. She started wondering what their children would have been like, knowing in her heart that they would have been just like Papa. She sat in her rocker still thinking of him and gently rocked herself to sleep.

The next morning bright and early, Millie told her Papa, “I’m going to work in the garden today.” She pulled on her garden gloves, “and guess what? The boy from next door is coming over to help me - and Papa, he loves baseball, too!”

“Donnie, you’re here early!” Millie said, coming out her back door and finding the
young boy already at work in her garden. “How long have you been here?”

“Oh, about ten minutes or so,” he replied, “I asked my Mom to wake me up early.”

“Oh, that was nice of you. We’ll get started by weeding the rest of the cabbage patch. Then we’ll do the peas and carrots,” Millie said, and picked up her hoe. “We can have some lemonade on the back porch when we’re done and if you like we can listen to a baseball game on the radio. How does that sound to you?”

“Great!” Donnie said. He just started weeding again when he saw a rock land at his
feet. “Hey! Stop that Billy!” he yelled at the boy atop the fence post.

“Well!” bellowed one of his friends from the back fence, “are you the witches’ helper today?” The boys perched on the fence posts laughed at him.

“She’s a nice lady,” Donnie yelled back at them just as another rock hit the ground near Millie, “and stop throwing rocks!”

“You boys get out of here!” Millie cried out, “you’re going to hurt someone with those rocks!”

“Oh shut up! You old witch!” Billy screamed as he hurled more rocks at her, “you got me in trouble with my Mom!” He took aim and threw another one.

“Watch out!” Donnie screamed, as he watched the rock aimed at Millie’s head, “duck, Mrs. Caron!”

Millie saw the rock coming straight at her, she couldn’t move!

Donnie watched in horror as the rock hit Millie in the head and she fell to the ground. “Call 911!” he screamed as he rushed to Millie’s side. “You guys come over here and stay with her, while I call 911!”

But when Donnie looked up at the fence, the boys had run down the alley leaving him alone with Millie. He stood a minute or two bending over her till he saw the blood rushing from her head. He ran as fast as his short little legs could carry him into the house to call for help.

In silence, Donnie and Susan watched as the ambulance took Millie to the hospital. Suddenly, he cried out, “He meant to hurt her!” pointing to where the boy lives that threw the rock, “Mrs. Caron and I told him not to, but he wouldn’t stop throwing them!”

Susan drove Donnie to the hospital and after several hours, a doctor came in search of them. “Mrs. Caron is going to be fine. She has a bad cut on her head and a big knot. We’ll keep her here for a day or two just to make sure she’ll be alright.”

When Donnie got home, he ran to find the other boys. “You hurt her and now she has to stay in the hospital for awhile!” he yelled at them.

“Donnie,” David said, “we didn’t mean to hurt her. We didn’t know Billy was going to hit her with the rock!”

“She is a nice lady and even likes baseball!” he screamed, shaking his fist at them.

“Donnie, we’re sorry,” they said, and backed away.

“Where’s Billy at?” Donnie asked when he didn’t see him.

“At home. The police talked to him,” David said, “they talked to all of us.”

“Ya.” said another boy, “but Billie said he threw the rock that hit her.”

“Good!” Donnie cried out, “I hope they put him in jail!” He shook his fist at them again.

“We’re sorry, Donnie!”

“I have to go. I’m going to finish weeding her garden and keep it watered till she comes home from the hospital.”

“Can we help you?” David asked him.

“Ya, can we come, too?” the others asked.

“Only if you promise not to throw any more rocks!”

“We promise!”

The boys spend the next several days weeding and caring for Millie’s yard and vegetable garden. The day she came home from the hospital, the boys gathered on her front porch to greet her.

“Mrs. Caron will be here soon,” Donnie said as he paced up and down the porch, as they waited for her. “My Mom has gone to get her.”

“Here they come now!” shouted David.
The green station wagon pulled up in front of Millie’s house and Donnie rushed to
open the car door. “Mrs. Caron!” he yelled, giving her a hug. Helping her out of the car, he said, “I’m glad you’re home.”

Touched by Donnie’s outburst, she hugged him back. Then Millie saw the other boys coming down the walk toward her. “You boys shouldn’t be here!” she cried out, backing up against the car door. “You stay away from me! ”

“Mrs. Caron,” Donnie said, holding her hand, “they helped me clean up your yard and garden.”

“We’re sorry.” David said moving closer to Millie.

“Mrs. Caron,” one of the other boys said as he moved closer to her, “we didn’t know he was going to hurt you.”

“Ya.” The rest of the boys said quietly.

“We didn’t mean for you to get hurt.”

“We won’t throw rocks again!”

“Well I should hope not!” Susan told them, “You could have killed her with those things!”

“We’re really sorry Mrs. Caron.”

“I told them about your husband,” Donnie said, “and about his friend Babe Ruth.”

“Ya! Would you tell us about him, too?” The boys asked, gathering around Millie.

“I told them you know a lot about baseball.” Donnie laughed, grinning at Millie.

“Well. Why don’t you boys come see me tomorrow afternoon,” Millie smiled at the boys gathered around her, “we’ll have some lemonade and cookies and talk about baseball.”

“Alright!”

“Can we watch a ball game on the TV, too?” Donnie asked.

“Yes,” she said, still smiling at the boys, “I think I would like that too.”

The next afternoon while the boys watched a baseball game on the TV, Millie went into the kitchen for more lemonade. “Papa,” she said softly, “I think things are going to be fine from now on.”

“Yes, my love. I know,” Papa said, “it’s time for me to be going.”

Millie studied his face for a few minutes. As the tears started to fall, she said, “I know. I’ll miss you.” She held her hand out to him.

“You’ll be fine now.”

“I know.” Millie nodded her head as more tears fell from her redden eyes and rolled down her cheeks. “I’ll be coming to see you one of these days, Papa.”
Papa smiled, his hand reached up to touch her face. “And I’ll be waiting for you.”

The End

Knitting Machine

2010-09-06T14:15:00.000-07:00

I have an sk700 knitting machine since the mid 80's and just now getting back to using it. I've had to send my carriage in for repair, so while I am waiting, I am trying to relearn everything that I have forgotten, which is a whole darn lot. I can't even remember how to cast on with it.

So I am using the lace carriage, learning to cast on, and trying to relearn everything! Makes me mad, because at one time I made sweaters and sold them. I still have the patterns, but darned if I know how to do them anymore. lol.

So when I have relearned it all. I will post a few free patterns here. Or anyway that is what I am planning on doing.