My new quilt rack....

Looky what my wonderful hubby made for me today. Ok, you can't see it in full detail since I already have a quilt loaded on it but I ran into a dilema today. I have a custom quilt that was ready for machine quilting when my machine decided it would not cooperate with this particular quilt. So, hand quilting it is but I didn't have a quilt rack anymore.



Once I calmed down about the entire issue, he asked me what I needed to get this custom order done and I showed him a fairly inexpensive model and he said no problem. But it gets even better. Since the quilt store is 75 miles away, he went to Lowe's and made me a handcrafted custom order quilt rack!!!!

"Sew" now I'm back in business and better get back to it instead of sitting here at the computer! LOL

Happy Thanksgiving!

Wishing you and your families a very Happy Thanksgiving.


glitter-graphics.com

Today I am thankful for my husband, healthy kids, and very good friends. I love all of you! (You know who you are.....)

Etsy Shop Local - Upstate South Carolina

Here are some great local sellers for the Upstate SC region. Just click the links to view by location.

Easley

Greenville

Taylors

Greer

Piedmont

Anderson

Simpsonville


This is just a list of a few local areas - go to Etsy and Shop Local for YOUR area.

Poinsettia Quilt Block - 12" Block - Free Pattern

12" Poinsettia Quilt Block courtesy of Quilt.com

Fabric

The Poinsettia Block uses 4 different fabrics.

Fabric A

Fabric B

Fabric C

One background fabric


Cutting the fabric

This Block requires:

Four 3-1/2" x 6-1/2" rectangles of Fabric A

Four 3-1/2" x 6-1/2" rectangles of Fabric B

Four 3-1/2" squares of Fabric C

Twelve 3-1/2" squqares of background fabric


Piecing the Block

1) Lightly mark a line on the diagonal of the wrong side of the four 3-1/2" squares of Fabric C and the twelve 3-1/2" squares of the background fabric.

2) Place one of the 3-1/2" Fabric C squares on top of one of the 3-1/2" X 6-1/2" Fabric A rectangles, right sides together, with the marked diagonal line as shown. Sew on the diagonal line. Repeat with the three remaining Fabric A rectangles.

3) Trim the fabric 1/4" away from the sewn line as shown. Press the seam toward Fabric C.

4) Taking the units created in Step 3, place one of the 3-1/2" background fabric squares, right sides together, and marked diagonal line positioned as shown on top of the unit. Sew on the marked line. Repeat with the three remaining units from Step 3.

5) Trim the fabric 1/4" away from the sewn line as shown. Press seam toward the background fabric. The completed rectangle should measure 3-1/2" X 6-1/2".

6) Place one of the 3-1/2" background fabric squares on top of one of the 3-1/2" X 6-1/2" Fabric B rectangles, right sides together, with the marked diagonal line as shown. Sew on the diagonal line. Repeat with the three remaining Fabric B rectangles.

7) Trim the fabric 1/4" away from the sewn line as shown. Press the seam toward the background fabric.

8) Taking the units created in Step 7, place one of the remaining 3-1/2" background fabric squares, right sides together, and marked diagonal line positioned as shown on top of the unit. Sew on the marked line. Repeat with the three remaining units from Step 7.

9) Trim the fabric 1/4" away from the sewn line as shown. Press seam toward the background fabric. The completed rectangle should measure 3-1/2" X 6-1/2".

10) Take one of the units completed in Step 6 and one of the units completed in Step 9 and piece together as shown. Press the seam allowance toward the rectangle which contains Fabric A. Repeat with the remaining units. The four completed squares should measure 6 1/2".

11) Piece two of the squares completed in Step 10 together as shown. Repeat with the remaining two squares. Press the seam allowance to either side, just remaining consistant. The completed units should measure 6 1/2" x 12 1/2" inches.

12) Piece together the two units completed in Step 11 as shown to completed the Poinsettia Block. Press seam allowance to either side. The completed Block should measure 12 1/2" which includes a 1/4" seam allowance on all sides.

Mirror Lake Scarf - Free Crochet Pattern

Mirror Lake Scarf designed by Lisa Gentry

Technique used: Crochet

YARN
Naturally Caron.com Spa
(75% Microdenier acrylic, 25% Bamboo; 3 oz/85g, 251 yds/230m ball):
9 oz.

Shown in: #0004 Green Sheen.

One size US I-9 (5.5 mm) crochet hook or size to obtain gauge

Yarn needle



FINISHED MEASUREMENTS

Scarf measures approximately 60"/147.5 cm long x 7 1/2"/19 cm wide, without fringes.

Note: Scarf stretches lengthwise when worn.



GAUGE

1 square = 7 x 7"/18 x 18 cm, without edging.



STITCHES USED

Chain (ch), double crochet (dc), half double crochet (hdc), single crochet (sc), slip stitch (slip st)



SPECIAL TERMS

picot: (sc, ch 3, slip st in first ch of ch-3, sc) in indicated stitch or space.

Cl: cluster—Yarn over, insert hook in indicated stitch or space and draw up a loop, yarn over and draw through 2 loops on hook, [yarn over, insert hook in same stitch or space and draw up a loop, yarn over and draw through 2 loops on hook] 3 times, yarn over and draw through all 5 loops on hook.



MOTIF (make 8)

Chain 6; join with slip st in first ch to form a ring.

Round 1 (RS): Ch 3 (counts as first dc here and throughout), 4 dc in ring, ch 2, [5 dc in ring, ch 2] 3 times; join with slip st in top of beginning ch—Four 5-dc groups and 4 ch-2 sps.

Round 2: Ch 3, dc in same st as join, 2 dc in next dc, ch 2, sk next dc, 2 dc in next 2 dc, ch 3, [2 dc in next 2 dc, ch 2, sk next dc, 2 dc in next 2 dc, ch 3] 3 times; join with slip st in top of beginning ch.

Round 3: Ch 3, dc in next 3 dc, ch 3, dc in next 4 dc, ch 4, [dc in next 4 dc, ch 3, dc in next 4 dc, ch 4] 3 times; join with slip st in top of beginning ch.

Round 4: Ch 3, dc in next 3 dc, ch 4, dc in next 4 dc, ch 5, [dc in next 4 dc, ch 4, dc in next 4 dc, ch 5] 3 times; join with slip st in top of beginning ch.

Round 5: Ch 3, dc in next 3 dc, ch 5, dc in next 4 dc, ch 3, Cl in next ch-5 sp, ch 3, [dc in next 4 dc, ch 5, dc in next 4 dc, ch 3, Cl in next ch-5 sp, ch 3] 3 times; join with slip st in top of beginning ch.

Round 6: Ch 3, dc in next 3 dc, ch 4; sc around ch-5 sp 1 round below and ch-5 sp 2 rounds below; ch 4, dc in next 4 dc, ch 4, Cl in next ch-3 sp, ch 5, sk next Cl, Cl in next ch-3 sp, ch 4, [dc in next 4 dc, ch 4; sc around ch-5 sp 1 round below and ch-5 sp 2 rounds below; ch 4, dc in next 4 dc, ch 4, Cl in next ch-3 sp, ch 5, sk next Cl, Cl in next ch-3 sp, ch 4] 3 times; join with slip st in top of beginning ch.

Round 7: Ch 3, dc in next 3 dc, ch 2, 3 sc in next sc, ch 2, dc in next 4 dc, ch 8, sk next ch-4 sp, sk next Cl, (sc, ch 10, sc) in next ch-5 sp, ch 8, sk next Cl, sk next ch-4 sp, [dc in next 4 dc, ch 2, 3 sc in next sc, ch 2, dc in next 4 dc, ch 8, sk next ch-4 sp, sk next Cl, (sc, ch 10, sc) in next ch-5 sp, ch 8, sk next Cl, sk next ch-4 sp] 3 times; join with slip st in top of beginning ch.

Round 8: Ch 3, dc in next 3 dc, sk next ch-2 sp, sk next sc, Cl in next sc (center sc of 3-sc group), sk next sc, sk next ch-2 sp, dc in next 4 dc, ch 3, 4 dc in next ch-8 sp, ch 3, (4 dc, ch 3, 4 dc) in next ch-10 sp, ch 3, 4 dc in next ch-8 sp, ch 3, [dc in next 4 dc, sk next ch-2 sp, sk next sc, Cl in next sc, sk next sc, sk next ch-2 sp, dc in next 4 dc, ch 3, 4 dc in next ch-8 sp, ch 3, (4 dc, ch 3, 4 dc) in next ch-10 sp, ch 3, 4 dc in next ch-8 sp, ch 3] 3 times; join with slip st in top of beginning ch. Fasten off.



FINISHING

Arrange squares into a long strip and whip stitch edges together.

Edging

With RS facing, join yarn with slip st in corner ch-3 sp to work along short edge.

Round 1: [Work picot in corner ch-3 sp, [14 dc in next ch-3 sp, picot in next ch-3 sp, 14 dc in next Cl, picot in next ch-3 sp, 14 dc in next ch-3 sp, picot in corner ch-3 sp, *14 dc in next ch-3 sp, picot in next ch-3 sp, 14 dc in next Cl, picot in next ch-3 sp, 14 dc in next ch-3 sp**, picot in seam between squares; rep from * along long edge, ending at **] twice; join with slip st in first sc. Fasten off.

Using yarn needle, weave in all ends.

Fringes

Cut 100 strands of yarn about 16"/40.5 cm long. Hold 10 strands together and fold in half. Using crochet hook, *insert hook from WS to RS into end of scarf pull through fold of strands (loop), insert ends into loop and pull tight against edge; repeat from * attaching 5 fringes evenly spaced along end of scarf. Repeat on other end of scarf. Trim fringes to approx. 7"/18 cm long.

Pom Pom Hats with Caron Simply Soft - Free Knit Pattern

Pom Pom Hats with Simply Soft designed by Darlene Dale; courtesy of Caron.

SIZES: Baby (kids)



FINISHED MEASUREMENTS:

Head Circumference 15-16" (17–18”)



MATERIALS

Baby Hat:

Caron International’s Simply Soft® (100% acrylic)

#9726 Soft Yellow (MC), 2 1/2 oz/71 gr

#9719 Soft Pink (A), 1 oz/28.3 gr;

#9739 Soft Green (B), 1oz/28.3 gr

Kids’ Hat:

Caron International’s Simply Soft® Brites (100% acrylic)

#9504 Limelight (MC), 3 oz/85 gr

#9609 Berry Blue (A), 1 oz/28.3 gr

#9604 Watermelon (B), 1 oz/28.3 gr

One circular needle size US 8 (5mm) needles 20" or 24" long or size to obtain gauge

Cable needle (cn)

Yarn needle

Pompom maker for 1 1/2" pompoms



GAUGE

In k2, p2 rib, 20 sts and 24 rows = 4"/10cm

In Crisscross stitch, 20 sts and 24 rows = 4"/10cm



STITCHES USED

K2, p2 rib

Right Cross: Slip 2 sts to cn and hold in back, k2, k2 from cn needle.

Left Cross: Slip 2 sts to cn and hold in front, k2, k2 from cn

Crisscross stitch: (multiple of 6 + 2 for selvage edges)

Row 1: Knit.

Row 2 and all even-numbered rows: Purl.

Row 3: K1, *right cross on 4 sts, k2; repeat from * across, ending with k1.

Row 5: Knit.

Row 7: K1, *k2, left cross on 4 sts; repeat from * across, ending with k1.

Row 8: Purl

Repeat Rows 1-8 for the Crisscross pattern.



HATS

With A, cast on 74 (86) sts. Work in k2, p2 rib for 3 rows. With B, work in k2, p2 rib for 3 rows. With MC, purl 1 row.

With MC, work in Crisscross pattern for 5" (6"), ending with pattern Row 4.

Shaping:

Row 5: *K8, k2 tog; repeat from *to* across, ending with k4 (k6) -- 67 (78) sts.

Row 6: Purl.

Row 7: K3, *work left cross on next 4 sts, k2tog; repeat from * across, ending with k4 (k3) -- 57 (66) sts.

Row 8: Purl.

Row 1: *K3, k2tog; repeat from * to* across, ending with k2 (1) -- 46 (53) sts.

Row 2: Purl.

Row 3: *K2, k2tog; repeat from * across, ending with k2 (1) -- 35 (40) sts.

Row 4: Purl.

Row 5: *K1, k2tog; rep from * across, ending with k2 (1) -- 24 (27) sts.

For Baby only:

Row 6: P2 tog across -- 12 sts. End off leaving a long enough tail to sew back seam. Note: Hat should measure approximately. 6".

For Kids’ only:

Row 6: Purl.

Row 7: K2 tog across, end k1 -- 14 sts.

Row 8: Purl. End off here leaving a long enough tail to sew back seam.

s Hat is approx. 7 1/2".



FINISHING

Sew back seam.

Pompoms

Make 6 for each hat -- 2 in each of the 3 colors used. Leave about a 6-7" tail on each pompom. Pull all the tails from the 6 pompoms through the hole in top of hat and secure tightly on the inside of hat.

Using yarn needle, weave in all ends.

Philadelphia Eagles Quilt Top

Here is part of my custom Eagles quilt - now to quilt it all together over this long weekend.

Front Door Stocking - Free Crochet Pattern

Front Door Stocking designed by Deb Richey - this great pattern is courtesy of Caron Yarns.



FINISHED MEASUREMENTS:

Stocking measures approximately 11"/28 cm wide x 28"/71 cm long (from top of stocking to toe)


MATERIALS

Caron International's One Pound (100% acrylic): 12 oz (A), 3 oz (B)

Shown in: #562 Claret (A); #501 White (B)

One size US J/10 (6 mm) crochet hook

Stitch markers

Yarn needle



GAUGE

Gauge is not critical for this project.



STITCHES USED

Chain (ch), double crochet (dc), half double crochet (hdc), single crochet (sc), slip stitch (slip st), treble crochet (tr)



SPECIAL TERM

2-hdc Cl: Two half double crochet cluster—Yarn over, insert hook in indicated st and draw up a loop; yarn over, insert hook in same st and draw up a loop, yarn over and draw through all 5 loops on hook.

hdc2tog: Half double crochet 2 stitches together—[Yarn over, insert hook in next st and draw up a loop] twice, yarn over and draw through all 5 loops on hook.

sc2tog: Single crochet 2 stitches together—[Insert hook in next st and draw up a loop] twice, yarn over and draw through all 3 loops on hook.

sc3tog: Single crochet 3 stitches together—[Insert hook in next st and draw up a loop] 3 times, yarn over and draw through all 4 loops on hook.



NOTE

Stocking is worked in continuous rounds; do not join and do not turn at the end of rounds. Place a marker for the beginning of the round. Move the marker up as each round is worked.



STOCKING

With A, chain 75; taking care not to twist the chain, join with slip st in first ch to form a ring.

Round 1 (RS): Ch 1, sc in each ch around; do not join—75 sc.

Rounds 2–4: Sc in each sc around.

Rounds 5–42: Hdc in each st around.

Shape Heel

Note: Heel is worked back and forth in rows. Stitches in Round 42 left unworked are worked into in later rows.

Row 43: Sc in next 3 sts; leave remaining sts unworked, turn—3 sc.

Row 44: Ch 1, sc in next 4 sts; leave remaining sts unworked, turn—4 sc.

Row 45: Ch 1, sc in next 2 sts, 3 sc in next st, sc in next st, 2-hdc Cl in next unworked st of Round 42, turn—7 sts. Place a marker in the middle sc of the 3-sc group. Move marker up as work progresses.

Row 46: Ch 1, sc in each st to next unworked st of Round 42, 2-hdc Cl in next unworked st, turn—8 sts.

Row 47: Ch 1, sc in each st to marker, 3 sc in marked st, sc in each st to next unworked st of Round 42, 2-hdc Cl in next unworked st, turn—11 sts.

Rows 48–65: Repeat Rows 46 and 47 nine times—47 sts.

Row 66–72: Repeat Row 46 seven times—54 sts.

Row 73: Ch 1, sc in next 26 sts, sc3tog, sc in next 25 sts, 2-hdc Cl in next unworked st of Round 42, turn—53 sts.

Row 74: Ch 1, sc in each st to next unworked st of Round 42, hdc2tog over next 2 unworked sts of Round 42, turn—54 sts.

Row 75: Ch 1, sc in next 26 sts, sc3tog, sc in next 25 sts, hdc2tog over next 2 unworked sts of Round 42, turn—53 sts.

Rows 76–78: Repeat Row 74—56 sts.

Note: In Round 79, working in continuous rounds resumes.

Round 79: Repeat Row 74, but do not turn, hdc in next 28 sts, hdc2tog—86 sts.

Round 80: Hdc2tog, hdc in next 52 sts, [hdc2tog] twice, hdc in next 26 sts, hdc2tog—82 sts.

Round 81: Hdc2tog, hdc in next 50 sts, [hdc2tog] twice, hdc in next 24 sts, hdc2tog—78 sts.

Rounds 82–99: Hdc in each st around.

Round 100: [Hdc in next 11 sts, hdc2tog] 6 times—72 sts.

Round 101: [Hdc in next 5 sts, hdc2tog, hdc in next 5 sts] 6 times—66 sts.

Round 102: [Hdc in next 9 sts, hdc2tog] 6 times—60 sts.

Round 103: [Hdc in next 4 sts, hdc2tog, hdc in next 4 sts] 6 times—54 sts.

Round 104: [Hdc in next 7 sts, hdc2tog] 6 times—48 sts.

Round 105: [Hdc in next 3 sts, hdc2tog, hdc in next 3 sts] 6 times—42 sts.

Round 106: [Hdc in next 5 sts, hdc2tog] 6 times—36 sts.

Round 107: [Hdc in next 2 sts, hdc2tog, hdc in next 2 sts] 6 times—30 sts.

Round 108: [Hdc in next 3 sts, hdc2tog] 6 times—24 sts.

Round 109: [Hdc in next 2 sts, hdc2tog] 6 times—18 sts.

Round 110: [Hdc2tog, hdc in next st] 6 times—12 sts.

Round 111: [Hdc2tog] 6 times—6 sts.

Fasten off and sew end closed.



CUFF

With B, chain 75; taking care not to twist the chain, join with slip st in first ch to form a ring.

Round 1 (RS): Ch 1, sc in each ch around; do not join—75 sc.

Round 2: [Hdc in next 2 sc, 2 hdc in next sc] 25 times—100 sc.

Rounds 3–7: Hdc in each st around.

Rounds 8 and 9: [Sc in next 2 sts, hdc in next 2 sts, dc in next 2 sts, hdc in next 2 sts, sc in next 2 sts] 10 times.

Round 10: [Sc2tog, hdc in next st, dc in next st, 2 tr in next 2 sts, dc in next st, hdc in next st, sc2tog] 10 times.

Round 11: [Sc2tog, hdc in next st, dc in next st, 3 tr in next st, ch 4, slip st in 4th ch from hook, 3 tr in next st, dc in next st, hdc in next st, sc2tog] 10 times.

Round 12: [Sc2tog, sc in next 2 sts, 2 hdc in next st, 2 dc in next st, 5 dc in ch-4 sp, 2 dc in next st, 2 hdc in next st, sc in next 2 sts, sc2tog] 10 times; slip st in next st.

Fasten off.


FINISHING

With RS facing, place cuff around top of stocking and align the stitches of the foundation chain of cuff and top of stocking. Working along opposite side of foundation chains and through both thicknesses (stocking and cuff), join B with sc about 1"/2.5 cm from center back of stocking (above heel); ch 20, sc in sc of stocking/cuff before joining sc, sc in each ch of the ch-20 (for ornamental hanging loop), sc in each remaining sc of stocking/cuff around; join with slip st in base of hanging loop. Fasten off.

Hidden Hanging Loops (make 3)

With B, ch 10.

Row 1: Sc in second ch from hook and in each remaining ch across—9 sc. Fasten off leaving an 8"/20.5 cm tail for sewing loop to back of Stocking. Sew hanging loops evenly spaced along cuff on back side of stocking. Sew through cuff and stocking for added support.

Buttons (make 3)

With A, chain 3; join with slip st in first ch to form a ring.

Round 1 (RS): Work 6 sc in ring.

Round 2: 2 sc in each sc around—12 sc.

Round 3: [Sc in next sc, 2 sc in next sc] 6 times—18 sc.

Round 4: [2 sc in next sc, sc in next 2 sc] 6 times; slip st in next st—24 sc.

Fasten off. With B, sew an 'X' to attach buttons evenly spaced along front of cuff.

Using yarn needle, weave in all ends.

My newest purse and wallet set - perfect for gift giving!

I just made a great purse & wallet set from Timeless Treasures prints in blues and chocolate browns.



It's for sale in my Etsy store and ready for shipping right away to be delivered before the holidays.



Just click either of the highlighted links above to view the purse or the entire shop. Hope you visit soon!



Custom orders always welcome!

Moda Summer Basket Charm Tote/Market Bag - WIP

Here is my latest work in process, a large sized market/tote bag made from a pack of Moda Summer Basket charms that I bought from Fabrics.n.Quilts.



I just now need to decide what to do about the lining for a nice "firm" bag. So off to the store I go - of course, after breakfast. ;)

My latest crochet project - Child size hand warmers

I have searched and searched the web for child sized hand warmers and only found a couple. So I've decided to make my own. These are gifts for a 9 year old girl on my Christmas list. I will be sure to write it all down and post a pattern over the weekend along with a photo of the finished warmers.

Good thing I have a 9 year old son at home for measuring!



I am using Bernat Softee Chunky and a simple single crochet stitch for the entire warmer.

Denim Blue Crochet Hand Warmers - Free Pattern

Well, I've promised a few of you that I would post this free pattern so here we go.


Yarn: Caron Simply Soft yarn in Country Blue - 2 strands held together

Hook size: K

Yarn needle

Gauge: Depends on yarn and hook size; measure wrist circumference and measure from middle knuckle of index finger to desired length up your arm.



These are crocheted open and then stitched closed.

Here is the pattern I made for this particular set to measure approximately 8" long for a 6" wrist.

Cast on 36

Row 1: SC in 2nd ch from hook for 35 SC across, ch 2 turn

Row 2: HDC in 2nd SC from hook for 35 HDC across, ch 1 turn

Row 3: SC in 2nd ch from hook for 8 SC (or approx 2" from end) ch 5, sk next 5 st, SC for remainder of row, ch 2 turn. You've just made your thumb hole.

Repeat Row 2.

Repeart rows 1 and 2 for approximately 6" ending with Row 2, tie off end.

With yarn needle stitch seams closed lengthwise.

Voila, you've made a ribbed hand warmer! Enjoy!

Here is a thumbs up approval from the recipient of these warmers. :-)

Building a Quilt Rack Instructions

Here is an easy to build wood quilt rack. Great item for any quilter or quilt lover to display their quilts. Or build it and give it as a gift.

This pattern is courtesy of Lowes.com.

For a full printable version of the pattern - just click here.

I'm adding this to my "honey do" list. :-)

Small Diameter Circular Knitting Tutorial Help

Ok, a few posts back I showed you where I found a link for a knit hand warmer pattern generator - which is super cool - it adjusts for any type of yarn, needle, guage.

Well, I had a complete brain fart on how to use my double pointed needles a few days ago and found this WONDERFUL help site - Knitting Help.com. This lovely little site has actual video instruction. Go ahead and click on it! You know you want to! :D

Anyway, this handy site is bookmarked for sure - I still have to try the small diameter circular knitting but this video instruction makes it looks so easy.

I hope you find it just as useful.

Etsy Own the Hour

I have to thank Fabrics.n.Quilts for letting me know about a great new site that refreshes hourly and features handcrafted items from various Etsy sellers. It's called Own the Hour.

She was also kind enough to include me along with herself in the 6 p.m. EST slot for Thursday, Nov. 20.

Be sure to bookmark this page and visit it often for all sorts of handcrafted items.

Knit Wrist Warmer Pattern Generator

I have been searching for a knit pattern for wrist warmers/fingerless gloves to fit children.

I can crochet like the wind but really want to try a knit-in-the-round pattern for some quick Christmas gifts.

I was finding it terribly difficult to guesstimate and modify patterns and making my warmers the correct size.

WELLLLL, I stumbled across this WONDERFUL Wrist Warmer Pattern Generator courtesy of Knitting News Cast.

Simply enter your wrist circumference, desired length, gauge (stitches per inch), and your needle size. Click on generate pattern and VOILA you have a custom pattern to fit the hand it's intended to fit.

I will test this theory out tonight for my youngest son. He wants a gray pair to match his red/gray/white coat and has already picked out the yarn. If all goes well, I'll have 4 more pair to make before Christmas for all the kids on my list.

Wish me luck and go try it out - I bookmarked this one for keeps!

Hey, did you know?..

Did you know as of today there are only 37 days until Christmas? WHAT?! Yeah, that was my reaction too!

What are your holiday plans? We are staying home, just the 4 of us. I'm sure we'll be on the phone all day talking to family all over the U.S. Thank goodness for modern techonolgy. We can even setup the webcam or take video footage of the boys and send it right along to the grandparents. It's not the same as sharing the day with your family but with this tough economic season, it's the best that most of us can do this year.

Speaking of Christmas, guess I should stop chatting and get to work on those handcrafted gifts I promised I would make this year.

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to you and yours from RagamuffinQuilts and her family.

Greenville SC Craigs List

Hey everyone. I recently found some great deals and purchases on CraigsList.com in my local Greenville, SC area.

So, I decided to start listing a few things myself. All handcrafted quilts, totes, purses, wallets, diaper bags, throws and more to come.

You can also find me on Etsy - just a reminder if you don't already know, I offer free pickup/delivery for any local Upstate South Carolina customers.

If you see an item in my store - just send me an e-mail and we'll work out the purchase details.

Hope to see you soon!

Washcloth Order is Complete - YEAH!!!

Whew, I finally wrapped up my crocheted washcloth order. I ended up with extra white yarn so I'll be making more - maybe in different stitches to "spice things up". LOL

So now I can get back to blogging again too. :-)

Here is a pic of the final pile of cloths.

Grandma's Pie (a funny)

You might have to click on the pic above to enlarge it - go ahead and laugh - we all need laughter in our lives.

Lucky the Dog

I received the message below in an e-mail and just had to share it.


Lucky Dog....
Anyone who has pets will really like this. You'll like it even if you don't and you may even decide you need one! Mary and her husband Jim had a dog named 'Lucky.' Lucky was a real character. Whenever Mary and Jim had company come for a weekend visit they would warn their friends to not leave their luggage open because Lucky would help himself to whatever struck his fancy. Inevitably, someone would forget and something would come up missing. Mary or Jim would go to Lucky's toy box in the basement and there the treasure would be, amid all of Lucky's other favorite toys. Lucky always stashed his finds in his toy box and he was very particular that his toys stay in the box.
It happened that Mary found out she had breast cancer. Something told her she was going to die of this disease . . . in fact, she was just sure it was fatal. She scheduled the double mastectomy, fear riding her shoulders. The night before she was to go to the hospital she cuddled with Lucky. A thought struck her . . . what would happen to Lucky? Although the three-year-old dog liked Jim, he was Mary's dog through and through. If I die, Lucky will be abandoned, Mary thought. He won't understand that I didn't want to leave him. The thought made her sadder than thinking of her own death. The double mastectomy was harder on Mary than her doctors had anticipated and Mary was hospitalized for over two weeks. Jim took Lucky for his evening walk faithfully, but the little dog just drooped, whining and miserable. Finally the day came for Mary to leave the hospital. When she arrived home, Mary was so exhausted she couldn't even make it up the steps to her bedroom. Jim made his wife comfortable on the couch and left her to nap. Lucky stood watching Mary but he didn't come to her when she called. It made Mary sad but sleep soon overcame her and she dozed. When Mary woke for a second she couldn't understand what was wrong. She couldn't move her head and her body felt heavy and hot.. But panic soon gave way to laughter when Mary realized the problem. She was covered, literally blanketed, with every treasure Lucky owned! While she had slept, the sorrowing dog had made trip after trip to the basement bringing his beloved mistress all his favorite things in life. He had covered her with his love. Mary forgot about dying. Instead she and Lucky began living again, walking further and further together every day. It's been 12 years now and Mary is still cancer-free. Lucky? He still steals treasures and stashes them in his toy box but Mary remains his greatest treasure. Remember . . . live every day to the fullest. Each minute is a blessing from God. And never forget . . . the people who make a difference in our lives are not the ones with the most credentials, the most money, or the most awards. They are the ones that care for us. If you see someone without a smile today give them one of yours! Live simply. Love seriously. Care deeply. Speak kindly. Leave the rest to God
A small request: All you are asked to do is keep this circulating. Dear God, I pray for the cure of cancer. Amen All you are asked to do is keep this circulating Even if it's to one more person. In memory of anyone you know that has been struck down by cancer or is still living with it.

Susan G. Komen Rag Quilt Auction Update

If you've been reading my blog - you may remember last month that my eBay quilt group, Quilter's Corner, got together and contributed materials for a breast cancer rag quilt in honor of my late mother, Beverly Gregory.

We were extremely excited that the auction raised $101.50 for the SGK Foundation. Although we would have loved to raise even more money, with these tough economic times, we were just "tickled pink".

Go ahead and click on the pic for a close-up view.

Special thanks to all of my quilting sisters for this wonderful project!

Blogger Free Shipping Offer on Etsy for Christmas

Hey everyone.

I'd like to offer any fellow bloggers free shipping, yes FREE shipping on any Etsy store items I have listed; which includes both stores; RagamuffinQuilts and RagamuffinFabrics.

RQ has handcrafted quilts, totes, wallets, coasters, wash/dish cloths and some fabrics not moved to the new store yet.

RF has fabrics and yarns - I still have lots to list so check back often.

I am always happy to take special custom orders so just convo me from Etsy and we can work out all the details.

I will extend this free shipping offer through Christmas, just convo me so I can adjust shipping for you - remember to mention my blog to get the free shipping offer!

Happy holidays!

Washcloth update

I am 1/2 way done filling my washcloth order - YEAH!!!

Now I am counting down to completion instead of counting up to see how many I have done. LOL

I still need to take pics but they pretty much look like this one but in all white - I am really liking the all white - I'll have to take a pic of the PILE of them when I am done. :)

Well...it's over (for now)

After what was supposed to be a clearance sale in my eBay store, turned out to be a store closing. I had an exciting sale this a.m. that would have cleared me out and made room for all new inventory just to have the buyer decide they didn't want it. Of course, it ended my items and rather than relist every single item, I decided it was time to save some $$$ and close down for awhile.

You can still find me on Etsy as RagamuffinQuilts or RagamuffinFabrics.

With all the latest eBay changes and the ever increasing fees, it was bound to happen somday so today seemed like a good one. I will still have items listed for auction or fixed pricing - I just won't have a full line of inventory as I had in the past.

I truly appreciate all of my loyal customers and hope they can find me elsewhere on the net.

Washcloth Galore.....

I just received a custom order for 30 washcloths for a boutique shop making gift baskets for their customers. WAHOOOOO!

I don't have a pic handy but did get a jump start on them - all white crocheted washcloths.

Can you guess what I'm doing over lunch breaks and carpooling?! LOL

I'll post a pic of them later for ya.

New creations at RagamuffinQuilts

I was sorting through my remnant box which was starting to overflow and decided to make wallets - perfect for gift giving without breaking your own wallet at only $5 each.

Visit RagamuffinQuilts on Etsy to purchase.

Here's a slideshow link of several available.

I'm Officially on the Local Greenville Blog Site

Yeah, I am now listed under Art/Illustration/Crafts section of SoundOffSouth for Greenville, SC.

How exciting?! Maybe some great local exposure? Who knows, it's just exciting to have my name out there in a local market.

Be sure to visit my online stores too for great handcrafted items. Custom orders are always welcome and not limited to quilts.

RagamuffinQuilts on Etsy
RagamuffinQuilts on eBay
RagamuffinFabrics on Etsy

Hope to see you soon! Wholesale inquiries welcome for your boutique.

Reusable Cloth Market/Gift Bags

I made a couple reusable/reversible cloth bags - great for gift bags, market bags, totes, crafts, the list is endless.

The "garden" bag is listed in my Etsy shop for sale - the floral bag will be listed soon.

Handcrafted Christmas

What are you doing for Christmas this year? I am making it a handcrafted Christmas even if it's not ME handcrafting it.

I am starting some personal gifts already - can you believe only 52 days left?!

I have lots of handcrafted online for sale along with other talented crafters on Etsy.

You can find ALL sorts of great items - check it out today.