Gift Certificates Now Available

I am now offering gift certificates online for any handcrafted items. I have several dollar amounts listed but I am happy to make a custom certificate as well.

My $35 gift certificate is a great baby gift so the mom-to-be can custom order her very own car seat rag quilt for her new little one.

Be sure to visit my Etsy shop for more details.

Free Shipping Offer

I am offering free U.S. shipping on all fabrics in my Etsy shop through 12/31/09. I can also reserve listings for custom cuts in 1/2 yards, fat quarters, charm packs, and jelly rolls from any available prints.

Etsy Buy Handmade RagamuffinFabrics

Christmas Around the World

My 3rd grader's class is doing a project today, Christmas Around the World. He chose China. Each student had to select a country then bring something in to share that is traditional for that country. In China, children make paper lanterns, rings, and such to hang around their homes. We decided to make paper lanterns using a great pattern we found online. We had to make 25 of them but it was quick using my old rotary blade. The best part is, we had fun making them together and I'm sure the other students will be just as excited.

Baby Car Seat Rag Quilt Light Blue White Gingham

This cute little quilt is perfect for any new little boy on your gift list. Super soft and warm with cotton & flannel.

This unique car seat rag quilt is a design all my own. It features a "hole" for the car seat straps so those little legs can't kick that warm blanket to the ground to get dirty or lost.

Measures approximately 25" x 30"; all 100% cotton and flannel. The back is a mirror image of the front except no fuzzy seams.

Easy maintenance; simply machine wash, tumble dry.

I don't have my car seat available at the moment so please check out my custom listings for examples of how the car seat works. Simply place child in the car seat, the quilt over the child and the straps over the quilt and hooked into the buckle that is place through the "hole".

Custom orders are always welcome.

Baby Car Seat Rag Quilt Ladybugs & Pink Flannel

It's finished and listed for sale. I just love the bright blues, yellows & pinks of the ladybug fabric. The pink is a marbled flannel; soft & warm for your little baby girl.

This unique car seat rag quilt is a design all my own. It features a "hole" for the car seat straps so those little legs can't kick that warm blanket to the ground to get dirty or lost.

Measures approximately 25" x 30"; all 100% cotton and flannel. The back is all pink flannel like used on the front.

Easy maintenance; simply machine wash, tumble dry.

I don't have my car seat available at the moment so please check out my custom listings for examples of how the car seat works. Simply place child in the car seat, the quilt over the child and the straps over the quilt and hooked into the buckle that is place through the "hole".

Custom orders are always welcome.

Moda Bistro Rag Quilt Table Runner Red Black

Measures approximately 16" x 32"

Made with 100% cotton from Moda's Bistro line of fabrics.

The back is the same red swirl as used on the front.

Great table runner for any kitchen table or breakfast bar.

Easy maintenance; simply machine wash & tumble dry.

Custom order always welcome.

Available for sale on Etsy.

Ladybug Car Seat Quilt WIP

 
This afternoon's project is this cute ladybug and pink flannel car seat quilt. If you aren't familiar with my car seat quilts, they have a "hole" for the car seat/stroller straps. It's a great way to keep your little one warm and covered. You know those little legs like to kick around, with this quilt, they won't lose those precious little blankets.

I love to make custom orders for these quilts too. I've made tons of them and every recipient has loved them. I just wish I had thought of this idea when my boys were little! We lost several little blankies over the years.

This particular quilt is cotton ladybug fabric and pink marbled flannel on the front; white flannel for batting; and all pink marbled flannel on the back.

I hope to have completed pics later today or tomorrow.

Jonny's "Gingerbread" House

 
 
 
 
My future little architect (ok maybe not) made his first "gingerbread" house at school on Friday. They used graham crackers over the school milk cartons. Pretty neat idea! The crackers were the perfect size.

I tried to take pics before he started eating it but I see the chimney is already missing. :-)

Christmas Patches

 

Just a quick little pic of Patches this morning sitting on our table. Too bad the fireplace wasn't lit yet. :-) She's just waiting for the tree so she can knock it down every other hour like she did last year. Good thing I know where the water bottle is located. LOL

My Christmas Basket Mantle/Centerpiece

I have been looking for a nice, big Christmas centerpiece for years but just hate the high prices for something I only use a few weeks each year.

This year, I broke down and made my own using an existing basket I had at home and some Christmas items I bought on Black Friday; not much out of pocket expense.

I think it turned out pretty well AND it's reusable; no live foliage.

Christmas Tree Throw - Free Crochet Pattern

Christmas Tree Throw with Simply Soft and Simply Soft Shadows and Simply Soft Heather designed by Margret Willson

I have also included a PDF file on my free patterns page for easy download.

TECHNIQUE USED: Crochet

SKILL: Intermediate

FINISHED MEASUREMENTS

Throw measures approximately 48"/122cm wide x 60"/cm long

MATERIALS

Caron International's Simply Soft (100% acrylic; 6 oz/170 g, 315 yds/288 m):

#9702 Off White (A), 12 oz

#9730 Autumn Red (B), 24 oz

#9707 Dark Sage (C), 6 oz

#9703 Bone (D), 6 oz



Caron International's Simply Soft Shadows (100% acrylic; 3 oz/85g, 150 yds/137m):

#0006 Dark Moss (E), 6 oz

#0004 Autumn (F), 18 oz



Caron International's Simply Soft Heather (100% Acrylic; 5 oz/141.8 g, 250 yds/228m):

#9508 Charcoal Heather (G), 5 oz

#9503 Woodland Heather (H), 5 oz

One size US H-8 (5 mm) crochet hook, or size to obtain gauge

Gold thread (for cross-stitch embellishment, star and edging)

Yarn needle



GAUGE

In textured stitch, using H/8 (5 mm), 15 sts and 13 rows = 4"/10 cm

Gauge is not critical for this project



STITCHES USED

Chain (ch)

Double crochet (dc)

Single crochet (sc)

Slip stitch (slip st)



SPECIAL TERMS

Lsc: Long single crochet—Insert hook in indicated st 2 rows below, yarn over and draw up a loop to height of current row, yarn over and draw through both loops on hook. Skip the corresponding st in the current row.

dc2tog: Double crochet 2 together –[Yarn over, insert hook in next st and pull up a loop, yarn over and draw through 2 loops] twice, yarn over and draw through 3 loops on hook.



PATTERN STITCH

Textured Stitch (multiple of 2 sts + 1)

Row 1 (RS): (Sc, dc) in second ch from hook, skip next ch, *(sc, dc) in next ch, skip next ch; repeat from * to last ch, sc in last ch, turn.

Row 2: Ch 1, *(sc, dc) in next st, skip next st; repeat from * to last st, sc in last st, turn.

Repeat Row 2 for textured stitch pattern.



HELPFUL

Before fastening off appliqué shapes, leave sufficient yarn for sewing appliqué to throw.



TREE BLOCK (make 12)

With A, chain 16.

Work 27 rows in textured stitch pattern.

Fasten off.

Border

With RS facing, join B with slip st in lower corner of block, to work along long edge.

Round 1: Ch 1, *3 sc in corner, work 25 sc evenly along long edge, 3 sc in next corner, work 13 sc evenly across short edge; repeat from * once more; join with slip st in first sc.

Round 2: Slip st in next sc, ch 3, 4 dc in same sc, skip next sc, dc in next sc, skip next sc, [3 dc in next sc, skip next sc, dc in next sc, skip next sc] to next corner sc, *5 dc in next corner sc, skip next sc, dc in next sc, skip next sc, [3 dc in next sc, skip next sc, dc in next sc, skip next sc] to next corner sc; repeat from * around; join with slip st in top of beginning ch.

Round 3: Slip st in next dc, ch 3, *5 dc in corner dc, dc in next dc, [skip next dc, 3 dc in next dc, skip next dc, dc in next dc] to next corner dc; repeat from * around; join with slip st in top of beginning ch.

Round 4: Ch 3, 2 dc in same st as join, skip next dc, dc in next dc, *5 dc in corner dc, dc in next dc, [skip next dc, 3 dc in next dc, skip next dc, dc in next dc] to next corner dc; repeat from * around; join with slip st in top of beginning ch.

Round 5: Slip st in next st, ch 3, skip next st, 3 dc in next st, skip next st, dc in next st, *5 dc in corner dc, dc in next st, [skip next st, 3 dc in next st, skip next st, dc in next st] to next corner dc; repeat from * around, join with slip st in top of beginning ch.

Rounds 6 and 7: Ch 1, [sc in each st to corner, 3 sc in corner st] 4 times, sc in each remaining st; join with slip st in first sc—160 sts consisting of 45 sts along each long side, 33 sts along each short side, and 4 corner sts.

Fasten off.


TREE (make 12 – 6 each with C and E)

Chain 4.

Row 1 (RS): 4 dc in 4th ch from hook, turn.

Row 2: Ch 1, sc in each st across, turn.

Row 3 (increase row): Ch 3 (counts as first dc), dc in first sc (increase made), dc in each sc to last sc, 2 dc in last sc, turn—6 sts.

Rows 4–21: Repeat Rows 2 and 3 nine more times—24 sts.

Row 22: Repeat Row 2. Fasten off.

Using gold thread and yarn needle, work cross-stitch across 6th, 10th, 14th, and 18th rows of four of the color C trees.


TRUNK (make 12)

With G, chain 6.

Row 1 (RS): Sc in second ch from hook and in each remaining ch across, turn—5 sc.

Row 2: Ch 1, sc in each sc across, turn.

Row 3: Ch 1, sc in first sc, [Lsc in next sc 2 rows below, sc in next sc] twice, turn.

Row 4: Ch 1, sc in first 2 sts, Lsc in next sc 2 rows below, sc in last 2 sts, turn.

Row 5: Repeat Row 3. Fasten off.



STAR (make 12)

With one strand each of D and gold thread held together, chain 2.

Round 1: Work 10 sc in second ch from hook; join with slip st in first sc.

Round 2: *3 sc in next sc, skip next sc; repeat from * around—five 3-sc groups.

Round 3: *Slip st in next sc, ch 3, dc2tog, ch 3, slip st in back loop of third ch from hook, ch 3, slip st in same st as last dc worked; repeat from * 4 more times—5 points. Fasten off.



STRIPED BLOCK (make 4)

With E, chain 24.

Work 25 rows in textured stitch pattern in the following color sequence: work 5 rows with E, 5 rows with D, 5 rows with B, 5 rows with G, and 5 rows with H.

Fasten off.

Border

With RS facing, join B with slip st in lower corner of block, to work along long edge.

Round 1: Ch 1, *3 sc in corner, work 33 sc evenly along long edge, 3 sc in next corner, work 23 sc evenly across short edge; repeat from * once more; join with slip st in first sc—124 sts consisting of 35 sts along each long side, 25 sts along each short side, and 4 corner sts. Fasten off.


FINISHING

Using photograph and assembly diagram as a guide to placement, sew trees, stars and trunks to tree blocks.

Assembly

Arrange blocks according to assembly diagram. Join blocks by holding RS together and whip stitching the edges together.

Edging

With RS facing and holding one strand each of gold thread and C together, join yarn with slip st in any corner st.

Round 1 (RS): Ch 3 (counts as first dc here and throughout), 4 dc in same st, [dc in each st to next corner st, 5 dc in corner st] 3 times, dc in each remaining st around; join with slip st in top of beginning ch—612 sts consisting of 140 sts along each short edge, 164 sts along each long edge, and 4 corner sts. Fasten off.

Join F with slip st in any corner st.

Round 2 (RS): Ch 3, 4 dc in same st, *skip next st, [3 dc in next st, skip next 2 sts] to next corner st, 5 dc in corner st; repeat from * around; join with slip st in top of beginning ch, turn.

Round 3 (WS): Slip st in next 2 sts, ch 1, (sc, ch 3, sc) in same st (corner st), ch 2, [sc in next space between 3-dc groups, ch 2] to corner st, *(sc, ch 3, sc) in corner st, ch 2, [sc in next space between 3-dc groups, ch 2] to next corner st; repeat from * around; join with slip st in first sc, turn.

Round 4 (RS): (Slip st, ch 3, 4 dc) in corner ch-3 space, 3 dc in each ch-2 space to corner, *5 dc in corner ch-3 space, 3 dc in each ch-2 space to next corner ch-3 space; repeat from * around; join with slip st in top of beginning ch.

Rounds 5–16: Repeat Rounds 3 and 4 six times.

Fasten off.

Using yarn needle, weave in ends.

Powder Blue Popcorn Handwarmers

 

My powder blue handwarmers with popcorn stitching are done. I took the thumb gusset off as originally done in my prior post. I didn't write down exactly what I did so I will have to make my next pair with thumbs.

These measure approximately 8.5" long and fit a medium size adult hand. They fit my hands nicely; my hand measures approximately 7" around the widest part and my wrist measures 6" around. I will have them listed for sale soon. I'm also happy to take custom orders; just about any color is available.

Thanks for stopping by!

Powder Blue Popcorn Handwarmer

Here is 1 of 2 powder blue handwarmers I am crocheting. I decided to add a thumb to it as well. Not sure how well I like it just yet; I winged it but thought it turned out ok. Now to take notes so the 2nd one comes out the same. LOL

I made this pattern up as I went along and once I get it finalized, I'm happy to share it and will post a blog with the free pattern.

Cozy "Man-ghan" Free Crochet Pattern

Cozy "Man-ghan" designed by Kim Guzman

TECHNIQUE USED: Crochet

FINISHED MEASUREMENTS

Afghan measures approximately 50"/127 cm wide x 56"/142 cm long

MATERIALS

Caron International's Simply Soft (100% acrylic; 6 oz/170 g, 315 yds/288 m):

18 oz (A), 30 oz (B), 18 oz (C).

Shown in: #9730 Autumn Red (A); #9703 Bone (B); #9727 Black (C).

One size US G-6 (4 mm), or size to obtain gauge.

Yarn needle


GAUGE

In pattern stitch, 16 sts and 13 rows = 4"/10cm.


STITCHES USED

Chain (ch), double crochet (dc), single crochet (sc).


COLOR SEQUENCE

Work *4 rows with A, 4 rows with B, 4 rows with C, 4 rows with B; repeat from * for Color Sequence.

NOTES

1. To change color in the last sc of a row, work last sc of old color to last yarn over, yarn over with new color and draw through both loops on hook to complete stitch.

2. In the fifth row of the afghan pattern, single crochet stitches are worked into ch-1 spaces 2 rows below the current row. When working these single crochet stitches, take care to draw the loop of the single crochet up to the height of the current row. These single crochet stitches are to be worked over the single crochet 1 row below (into which you would usually work).

AFGHAN

With A, chain 207.

Row 1: Sc in 2nd ch from hook and in each remaining ch across, turn—206 sc.

Row 2: Ch 1, sc in each sc across, turn.

Row 3 (right side): Ch 2 (counts as first dc here and throughout), dc in next sc, *ch 1, skip next sc, dc in next 2 sc; repeat from * across, turn—138 dc and 68 ch-1 spaces.

Row 4: Ch 1, sc in each dc and in each ch-1 space across; change to next color in Color Sequence in last sc, turn—206 sc. Fasten off old color.

Row 5: With new color, ch 1, *sc in next 2 sc; sc in next ch-1 space 2 rows below (working over next sc and taking care to draw up loop of sc to height of current row); repeat from * to last 2 sc, sc in last 2 sc, turn.

Repeat Rows 2–5, until piece measures approximately 56"/142 cm. End with a Row 2 worked using A. Fasten off.


FINISHING

Using yarn needle, weave in ends.

Cranberry Knitted Handwarmers

 
 
These yummy cranberry handwarmers are made with one of my new favorite patterns. I've made 4 sets now and think this set will be one item off my Christmas list this season. If I get the nerve, I might make a matching hat. I've not knitted a hat before but would love to try.

Crochet Cell Phone Cases #2

I made 2 more cell phone cases last night. I think I'm hooked, literally. LOL Ok that was funny for me since I crocheted them and the fact I just woke up from only 4 hours of sleep so I'm silly tired.

The 2nd green one has a cute popcorn texture in the stitches. The blue & brown is a also nice with it's deep earth and sky tones.

Both are available for sale at RagamuffinQuilts

Crochet Cell Phone Case

 
 
While watching some tv tonight, I tried something and whipped up this little cell phone case. It doubles as a cute reusable gift card holder too.

The thought came about after I dropped my brand new phone not once, but three times in my driveway and now it has some nice little scratches and dings in it.

It measures approximately 2.5" x 3.75" and fits an LG cell phone or credit cards, drivers license, etc. nicely.

I will be listing these soon on my site for sale and they are available in just about any color. Just contact me for custom orders and color choice.

Happy Halloween!

 
 
Just a couple pics of my monsters; a vampire & Commander Rex Storm Trooper. It was a wet & rainy walk this year and we were soaked to the bone by the time we got home. Needless to we weren't out very long but they got plenty! They don't think so but mom sure does. This mom gave them a smaller size pumpkin and they were full; no need to have an entire pillowcase full of candy. :-) I know, party pooper but mom pays for the dental bills! LOL

Grinch Green Knitted Hand Warmers

I made these about a month or so ago and had planned to keep them a secret as a Christmas gift for my youngest son. He picked out the yarn to match his favorite hoodie. However, we had a little cold snap a week or two ago and his hands were freezing, or so he told me. So I surprised him with them early. He was very excited and wears them every morning whether he needs them or not. :-)

I didn't really use a pattern for these, I just "winged" it but they turned out great and he loves them.

Mom.....Thinking of you......

Thinking of my dear mother today. She lost her battle with breast cancer 5 years ago today.

This year doesn't find me sad, just missing her. Missing being able to call her just to say hi or tell her of something silly the boys just did or said.

I could really use her kind words and support for my own mammogram screening process. I had my 2nd ever mammo two weeks ago and shockingly got a very generic letter in the mail stating results show I need further examination with a specialist. How's that for patient/doctor communication? So after the initial shock and thoughts of EVERYTHING possible ran through my head, I made the next appointment and go again next week for yet another squish and ultrasound.

Any ladies reading this, doctors say to start screening at 40. Let me tell you, I am not 40 yet and have had been screened twice already. Breast cancer doesn't care if you are 20, 30, 40, or 90; if it wants to find you, it will. We just need to stay proactive and ahead of this dreaded disease to kick it in the butt if it decides to find you.

On that note, I'm staying positive & hope my screening next week comes out clear and no signs of anything. What else can we do? Can't worry yourself sick, right?!

So, ladies.....go get your mammograms. While you are at it, grab a friend and make her go too and give yourself kuddos for your "plus one".

Reusable Gift Card Holder Mini Wallet for the Holidays

I listed 3 new Christmas design reusable gift card holders/mini wallets. I have several more to finish and list as well so check back soon.

Available in these shops: Ragamuffin Quilts & on Etsy

Great item to present gift cards for the holidays, birthdays and more.



Reusable as wallet, coupon holder, and more.



Made with 100% cotton fabric; fully lined with interfacing and includes a secure snap closure.

2009 Breast Cancer Awareness Quilt Auction

My eBay quilt group, Quilter's Corner, has created a wonderful twin size quilt for auction to raise funds for the Susan G. Komen Foundation.

Auction Link

Be sure to scroll down in the listing to see the slideshow of photos.

Help us raise funds by bidding, watching or passing the link onto others.

Our Chipmunk King

Our home is at the top of the "hill" and with the many years of drought we've had, our yard now has a retaining wall to hold the front yard where it belongs. In this retaining wall lives a colony of chipmunks. We really don't mind as long as they stay outside. Not sure our cats would be so kind if one were to wonder inside the house.

Here are a few pics of a brave little guy a few days ago. He is much smaller than some we've seen so we're guessing he's a curious youngster. He let me get quite close to him, then ran into the hole and would peek out at me as if to ask, "Are you STILL out there?" Then he would come back out and just stare at me....too cute.

My "New" Sewing Machine

 
 
 
This blog post is long overdue. This is the very first sewing machine I ever used as a young girl for a Home Ec project. Probably no one under my generation even knows what Home Ec is and I'm still 30-something.

I am lucky enough to now have this wonderful keepsake, especially since I still enjoy sewing. What makes this machine so special you ask? This machine belonged to my beloved Grandmother. She was kind enough to pass it onto me this past summer. She bought it brand new in 1950. Her very first sewing machine! After all these years she still purrs like a kitten. Mind you, it doesn't have any fancy stitching or computerized gadgets but it works like a dream none the less. If you look closely, it does not have a foot pedal but a KNEE pedal to sew. I wish newer machines had this feature. It can't get away from you like a foot pedal. :-)

I hope you enjoy seeing these old pics as much as I enjoy having this machine in my possession. It brings back fond memories of sewing with my Grandmother all those years ago.

"BRANDON" Car Seat Rag Quilt

Here is a custom order I just finished this week. It's a custom sized car seat quilt with the baby's name down the front. :-)

Get Your Ribbons Out Ladies

October is here already. Not sure where the year has gone by so quickly.

I'm sure everyone has seen pink ribbons appearing all over the place and for good reason. October is breast cancer awareness month.

As I do every year, I am dedicating my blog for the month of October to anyone that has been touched by breast cancer.

I plan to blog helpful links and resources throughout the month so check back often.

Here is a good start:

I'm a woman who wants to STOP Breast Cancer.One million women.One research goal.Join the revolution at www.armyofwomen.org!

Follow Army of Women on Twitter

TN Quilt Shops

I just have to let everyone know that a dear friend in TN is now "famous". :-) Any quilters traveling through Jamestown, TN need to be sure and stop by Bluetick Antiques & Fabrics, you can also visit her site for more information.

She is now listed in the WRBQ, Inc. list of quilt shops, very exciting!

I wish her the best of luck with her new advertising!

FREE Shipping for October

In celebration of my new site, I am offering FREE domestic shipping on everything in my store.

Be sure to check back often as I am adding new things daily.