Snow and Valentines

We are finally getting some snow today! So far it hasn't been much compared to other states, but its something. Hopefully enough will fall that Pi can make a small snowman.

I was on my way home tonight and snapped a quick cell phone pic for those of you that haven't seen Brooklyn. Sorry its blurry...I was walking!

Not terribly pretty (ignore the garbage bags, please and thank you) but its home!

Some morons were trying to sled down this block on...not a sled...but get this....Christmas wrap! No joke people! They were ripping off large strips of the Christmas wrap, then diving onto the sidewalk with it under them, hoping to get some momentum going. They had no luck, but it was awfully funny to watch.



I was going to wait until Valentine's day to show you the ami I made for Pi, since she can access my blog now. No need to wait though, because the little bugger went into my closet today and found it! *sigh*



It's Kristie's Floppy Friends pattern. I love her patterns. They are so cute and extremely well written. I used red and white to make the Valentine's theme and added a quickie heart to his chest. I also embroidered his face since I didn't have doll eyes. I'm pretty happy with how he came out.

Next up are our Valentine's Day gifts to Pi's class. They are catepillars, but we'll call them "lovebugs" to make the theme work. A stretch, huh?



There are 13 in all. I used THIS pattern that I found on craftser. I just used plain old pipe cleaners for the antennaes and googly eyes that I had lying around for the eyes. I'm ashamed to admit this, but I just sharpied on the mouths. Didn't feel like embroidering them and couldn't find fabric glue. Second graders won't care, right?



I added little red tags to each one that says "A lovebug for you on Valentine's Day, From Piper." I was originally just going to make bookmarks but I got roped into these instead. I'm. A. Sucker.



Here they are in the basket that Pi is bringing them to school in.

My poor Cathedral blanket is still sitting unloved. I've been working on my swap project for Zarah. I've gotten my first thing done and am working on the second. I'm really loving this theme!

With all the snow in various states, I'll leave you with an oldie but goodie advice bit...don't eat yellow snow. :)

Winter isn't over yet?

Its been so warm the last few days that it seems like Spring is just around the corner. The next few days are going to be pretty cold, so I guess winter is not quite done with us yet. I don't like snow, but for Pi's sake, I hope we get some snow soon. She's dying to make a snowman.

While at my cousin's babyshower, I got a few requests. Two of my cousins asked me to make them scarves. These two cousins are really into fashion and wearing what's in, so I was flattered that they wanted one of my scarves.

I finished these and delivered them on Friday. It's my stand-by scarf pattern that I love Shells and V scarf. Its so fast and easy, I can't help but use it over and over.



My grandmother asked me to make her a hat. Her only criteria was that it was warm and black and white.



I used RHSS and used this pattern for a Rolled Brim Hat. The hat didn't seem large enough, so I increased by a few rows. Also, to keep the brim in place, I stitched it on four sides. This way Grandma doesn't have to constantly adjust it.

I wove some white ribbon through and am pretty happy with the result. My mom gave it to Grandma and says she looks adorable in it.

Can you tell I love my grandma? I'm always talking about her!

I haven't worked a single stitch on my Cathedral Rose afghan this weekend. Pi is away for the weekend, so I am trying to finish up Valentine's day crochet for her and her class. Hopefully, I'll be able to get back to the afghan tomorrow.

Long days

I am so excited that the days are beginning to get longer. During the winter, I leave for work before it is light out and I leave from work after the sun has gone down. I normally don't go out for lunch and I don't sit near a window, so sometimes I don't see daylight until the weekend.

Sheesh, I sound like a vampire, eh. Pasty skin. Check. Pointy teeth. Check (two of them anyway). Blood sucking. Wait. No..no bloodsucking. Ok, not a vampire, but I sure don't see alot of sun.

When I left work today, it hit me that it wasn't dark! Hello sun, howya doing? Long time no see! Long days are my absolute favorite part of the spring and summer seasons. I'm not a fan of heat, but give me long days anyday! That little bit of sunlight made me giddy.

Here's some more progress on my Cathedral Rose afghan.

Between yesterday and today, I finished 7 more rows. I would have liked to do more, but I had to finish some scarves for my cousins, a hat for grandma, and we had girl scouts tonight. I'll show you those scarves and hat next post.

I'm pretty excited about the progress I'm making. The more rows I do, the more I love the color combo. Good job anonymous husband! So far, I'm not having any problems with the pattern. It all seems very straightforward. I'm sure I'll change my tune by Sunday, ha!

Oh yeah, only a week til Matchbox 20. Woooooo!

Ash Wednesday

Thanks for the hair sympanthy guys! Its not as short as the Menudo kid, but its shorter than I'm used to. Its a little past chin length right now. I'm just being dramatic because I wasn't expecting it. I styled it with some clips today and it didn't look half bad, so I'll survive.

Today is Ash Wednesday and the beginning of Lent. Lent sort of snuck up on me this year because its so early. Easter is in March this year. Crazy early.

This season is really important for me sprirtually. I use this time to try and bring myself closer to God through more prayer and fasting. I'm giving up ketchup and soda this year in addition to no meat on Fridays. Ketchup is really hard...I LOVE ketchup! Like a true Puerto Rican, I'll put ketchup on just about anything, haha! A little sacrifice goes a long way.

Pi isn't required to give up anything because of her age but she chose to do it anyway. She decided to give up chocolate pudding. She's too cute!

I'll have another pic of Cathedral Window progress tomorrow night.

Peace!

Cathedral Rose progress

I started this bad boy during the Superbowl and after a few days, have finished section one! Woot!

Instead of making 8 separate triangles and sewing them on, I used a suggestion to just crochet around the pentagons, which made it must faster and easier! I found the suggestion and directions at the Crochet-Along at Crochetville. Let me tell you, there are some great tips and tricks there that make life alot easier.

I'm really loving the way the colors are working together so far, though they are a little hard to photograph. I have high hopes that I can finish this by the end of the year. :)

Oh yeah, I finally washed out my hair to see just how short it was. I'd like to introduce myself as the first female member of Menudo. My hair looks like the one in the middle.

Hey, if the hair fits, right? (anyone else amused the the curly bang on the one in the lower right hand corner? LOL)

Cathedral Rose Window Afghan

Edited to add: THE GIANTS WON!!!! GO NY!!!

I ordered the Cathedral Rose Window Afghan pattern and it arrived in January. Yesterday, my grandfather was sweet enough to lend me his car, so I could run to Michaels to pick out yarn. I didn't want to order the yarn online because the color swatches aren't always accurate.



Hubby and I liked the purples and blues but didn't want it to be as dark as the colors used in the pattern. We finally settled on RH Ocean, RH Lavendar, Baby soft bluebell (will need to use 2 strands) and RH black. Hopefully, they'll all look good together.

I've been doing some secret crochet, so I can't show you that just yet, but I'm working on a project for Pi's class that I should be able to show you guys soon.

I had a haircut today. I sorely needed it since I haven't cut it since last April. Its short. Too short. My hair has been straightened so it doesn't look too short right now, but as soon as I wash it, its going to be very short. *gulp* I don't look good with short hair. Its gonna grow back, right? RIGHT?

Score!

I'm not talking about football either!!

I got a 50% off coupon from my bookstore and scored the Crochet Stitch Bible. I've been wanting this for awhile, but couldn't justify spending 30 washingtons on it. But I got it for half price...woooo! Love a deal! I think I skipped home!



Talk about making my Friday sweet...on top of scoring the book, I got my swap in the mail! Sabrina sent me a really cute angel dishcloth and an awesome plastic bag holder. I love it! Thanks Sabrina!

Now that my swap partner has received her package, I can show you what I sent!



I've never made dishcloths before, so this was all new to me. Thought you might want links to patterns, so here you go.

The pineapple dishcloth pattern can be found here. It looks hard but is very simple and with my new pineapple obsession, I love this one!

The star dishcloth was found here.

The strawberry pattern is here. These come out so cute!

The towel topper pattern is here. This was a no sew and removable towel topper which will make washing very easy!

The doll dress potholders pattern is from Shadylane. You need to register but its worth it. There are some great patterns here.

I crocheted right into the metal scrubbie using a pattern from a leaflet called Kitchen Helpers by Leisure Arts. I left off the leaves because I didn't have green cotton, but I still like the way it looks. Easy and fun to do!

I also sent some lavendar scent and utensils. I had so much fun with this swap, I can't wait for the next one!