The Color of Sad

I wanted my special project, a quilt for an exhibit that didn't pan out and for the Denver National Quilt Festival, to be perfect. I tried to take my time every step of the way to make sure nothing was rushed and everything was... well, perfect.

Until I got to the free-motion quilting portion.

I was very careful when this segment of the construction began. But my skills just aren't there yet. I've a long, long, long way to go.

I'd wanted to quilt all the free-hand snowflake motifs with metallic thread. After one attempt, that idea went out the window. No regrets. Plain white thread will suit the quilt just fine.

After one attempt at the first free-hand free-motion snowflake motif with metallic thread and the next nine attempts at the first free-hand free-motion snowflake motif with plain white thread, I finally decided perfect can't be the goal anymore or the quilt won't ever get done. I worried I might accidentally rip the fabric if I keep attempting to rip out all the imperfect quilting.


A few tears were shed.

Pick myself up. Dust myself off. Get right back in the saddle. I may be suffering the blues, but blue also is the color of joy.

Okay, this quilt doesn't need to be 100% completely perfect. It needs to be done.

I decided this quilt is still going to be an awesome and unique project, and I will be very proud of it when it's finally done. Perhaps each free-hand free-motion snowflake motif will be a little better than the last, and maybe the quilt, when finished, will document how far I am coming in my pursuit of perfection.

My free-motion quilting perfectly matches my turtle-slow speed on my bike.

Sigh.

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Snowflake Monday

While the northeast is thanking lucky stars winter is over, we here in Colorado have enjoyed a few halcyon days. We had three weeks of winter in February, and now spring is busting out all over.


Halcyon is derived from Alcyone in Greek mythology. The daughter of Aeolus, god of the wind, married Ceyx, who died in a shipwreck. Alcyone was so devastated, she threw herself into the sea. The Greek gods turned Alcyone and Ceyx into kingfishers, among the most photogenic of birds. Oh, how I wish I had a photo of a kingfisher to insert right here!

According to the Roman poet Ovid, waves threatened Alcyone's waterborne nest, and her father Aeolus calmed the weather for seven days every year to protect Alcyone's brood. This time is called halcyon days. The spell is broken when the eggs hatch, the nestlings take wing and the water returns to normal.

You may do whatever you'd like with snowflakes you make from this pattern, but you may not sell or republish the pattern. Thanks, and enjoy!


Finished Size: 2.5 inches from point to point
Materials: Size 20 crochet thread, size 12 crochet hook, empty pizza box, wax paper or plastic wrap, cellophane tape, school glue (make sure it is water soluble), water, glitter, small container for glue/water mixture, paintbrush, stick pins that won't be used later for sewing, clear thread or fishing line (NOTE: This snowflake may be made with size 10 thread and a size 8 crochet hook, and it will be a little larger than 2.5 inches.)

Halcyon Snowflake Instructions

Make magic ring.

Round 1: Ch 2 (counts as 1 dc), 17 dc in ring; sl st in 2nd ch of starting ch 2. Don't pull magic ring too tight.

Round 2: Ch 2 (counts as 1 dc), 2 dc in same st as sl st, *sk 2 st, 3 dc in next st, ch 3, 3 dc in same st; repeat from * around 4 times; 3 dc in same st as starting dc; ch 1, 1 dc in 2nd ch of starting ch 2 (counts as final ch 3 sp).
If you're not reading this pattern on Snowcatcher, you're not reading the designer's blog. Please go here to see the original.

Round 3: Ch 7 (counts as 1 dc and ch 5), 1 dc in 3rd ch from hook and in each of next 2 ch (point made), 1 dc over post of final dc of Round 1, * ch 6, 1 dc in next ch 3 sp (start of V-stitch made), ch 5, 1 dc in 3rd ch from hook and in each of next ch 2, 1 dc in same ch 3 sp (V-stitch made); repeat from * around 4 more times; ch 6, sl st in 2nd ch of starting ch 7.

Round 4: *Ch 6, 3 dc in ch 2 at top of next point, ch 3, 3 dc in same ch 2, ch 6, sl st in next V-stitch dc, ch 5, 1 sc in 2nd ch from hook (picot made), ch 3, sl st in next V-stitch dc; repeat from * around 5 times, ending with sl st in final sl st of Round 3; bind off. Weave in ends.

Finish: Tape wax paper or plastic wrap to top of empty pizza box. Pin snowflake to box on top of wax paper or plastic wrap.

Mix a few drops of water with a teaspoon of glue in small washable container. Paint snowflake with glue mixture. Sprinkle lightly with glitter. Wash paintbrush and container thoroughly. Allow snowflake to dry at least 24 hours. Remove pins. Gently peel snowflake from wax paper or plastic wrap. Attach 10-inch clear thread to one spoke, weaving in end. Wrap fishing line around tree branch (or tape to ceiling or any overhead surface) and watch the snowflake twirl freely whenever you walk by! Snowflake also may be taped to window or tied to doorknob or cabinet handle.


Another special project in the works as of December 2015, which means more Easter Eggs to scatter and hide throughout my blog as I renew and revise old favorite patterns.

I LOVE finding Easter eggs; don't you? I love finding plush Mickey Mouse animals hiding in Disney movies, and I love finding Star Wars' R2D2 hiding in science fiction movies, such as Star Trek "Into Darkness." It's thrilling! Like finding treasure on a mountain hike!

I hope you enjoy the Easter egg snowflake patterns I've being hiding around my website! Here's another of my favorites!!!


Alcyone Snowflake Instructions

Make magic ring.

Round 1: Ch 7 (counts as 1 dc and ch 5), 1 dc in ring, * ch 5, 1 dc in ring; repeat from * around 4 times; ch 2, 1 tr in 2nd ch of starting ch 7 to form 6th ch 5 sp of Round. Don't pull magic ring too tight.
If you're not reading this pattern on Snowcatcher, you're not reading the designer's blog. Please go here to see the original.

Round 2: Ch 2 (counts as 1 dc), 2 dc over post of dc directly below, * 3 dc in next ch 5 sp, ch 3, 3 dc in same sp; repeat from * around 4 times; 3 dc in next ch 5 sp; ch 1, 1 dc in 2nd ch of starting ch 2 to form 6th ch 3 sp of Round.

Round 3: Ch 10 (counts as 1 dc and ch 8), 1 tr in 6th ch from hook, 1 dc in next ch, 1 hdc in next ch (rounded point made), 1 dc over post of final dc of Round 2, * ch 6, 1 dc in next ch 3 sp (start of V-stitch made), ch 8, 1 dc in 6th ch from hook, 1 dc in next ch, 1 hdc in next ch (rounded point made), 1 dc in same ch 3 sp (V-stitch made); repeat from * around 4 more times; ch 6, sl st in 2nd ch of starting ch 10.

Round 4: * Ch 6, 3 dc in ch 5 at top of next rounded point, ch 3, 3 dc in same ch 5, ch 6, sl st in next V-stitch dc, ch 2, 2 dc over ch 6 of Round 3, ch 3, 2 dc over same ch, ch 2, sl st in next V-stitch dc; repeat from * around 5 times, ending with sl st in final sl st of Round 3; bind off. Weave in ends.

Oh, my gosh! Another one!!!


Ceyx Snowflake Instructions

Make magic ring.

Round 1: Ch 2 (counts as 1 dc), 2 dc in ring, * ch 3, 3 dc in ring; repeat from * around 4 times; ch 1, 1 dc in 2nd ch of starting ch 2 to form 6th ch 3 sp of Round. Don't pull magic ring too tight.
If you're not reading this pattern on Snowcatcher, you're not reading the designer's blog. Please go here to see the original.

Round 2: Ch 2 (counts as 1 dc), 2 dc over post of dc directly below, * 3 dc in next ch 3 sp, ch 3, 3 dc in same sp; repeat from * around 4 times; 3 dc in next ch 3 sp; ch 1, 1 dc in 2nd ch of starting ch 2 to form 6th ch 3 sp of Round.

Round 3: Ch 7 (counts as 1 dc and ch 5), 1 dc in 3rd ch from hook and in each of next 2 ch (point made), 1 dc over post of final dc of Round 2, * ch 6, 1 dc in next ch 3 sp (start of V-stitch made), ch 5, 1 dc in 3rd ch from hook and in each of next ch 2, 1 dc in same ch 3 sp (V-stitch made); repeat from * around 4 more times; ch 6, sl st in 2nd ch of starting ch 7.

Round 4: * Ch 6, 3 dc in ch 2 at top of next point, ch 3, 1 sc in 2nd ch from hook (picot made), ch 1, 3 dc in same ch 2, ch 6, sl st in next V-stitch dc, ch 3, 1 dc over ch 6 of Round 3 into gap between shells, ch 3, sl st in next V-stitch dc; repeat from * around 5 times, ending with sl st in final sl st of Round 3; bind off. Weave in ends.

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Questionable Friday Fun

Once a few years ago, I linked to a video showing what my dad did when I was a wee tot. The unauthorized video was no longer online by the time my post was published, and a few of my readers expressed regret they weren't able to see it.

One of them recently sent me this. I can barely watch it. I've attached a second video also because the first one includes some free-clmbing, and the second video emphasizes the safety factor. Clipping in may make this job safer, but my goodness, I still could never do this job in a million and a half years. Ever! But I guess this is why I do like to ride my bike up mountain passes. I like to get up in the sky, but not like this!

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Au Natural

Infused Epsom salts as an effective defense against arthritis have been in my arsenal for about six years. Initially, I used the store-bought salts pre-infused with rosemary, spearmint and eucalyptus. A soak at the end of a long, hard, winter day, was just what my arthritic back needed for my whole body to attain a good night's rest.

The store-bought Epsom salts became more and more difficult to find, as well as more and more expensive. A couple of years ago, I bought a book about essential oils to learn more about natural remedies. It taught me I could try making my own bath salts. Since then, I've bought regular Epsom salts and used whatever oils were appropriate for whatever I was experiencing at the time. I saved money, and I didn't have to go searching for a specific mix of pre-infused Epsom salts anymore.

Win, win!

As I learned more about essential oils, I began to rely upon them more than over-the-counter remedies. Less chemicals. Less expense. More self-reliance. More control over what goes on and into me.

Win, win!


homegrown lavender
During the rampant forest fires two and three years ago, I found essential oils in a humidifier to work better than any allergy medications I've ever taken.

A couple of years ago, I bought homemade soap from a co-worker and absolutely LOVED the way I felt after using it. I'll never use store-bought soap bars again unless necessary. I'm convinced we have so many chemicals in most everything we buy these days, much of the real purpose of any store-bought household or body cleansers is diluted beyond helpfulness. I'm hoping to begin making my own soap this year, but until then, my co-worker's homemade exfoliating oatmeal soap is one of my best cleaning investments.

About a year ago, I decided to try something a few of my friends and many people I didn't know were trying. I took the plunge into a shampooless world.

I had been a Breck or Herbal Essence girl ever since I was in grade school. I have been a conditioner addict because my baby-fine, thin hair is so tangly. I've longed for beautiful hair like what I see in advertisements and in the various forms of media, but I just didn't think I had the genes for beautiful, shiny hair.

For the past several years, I've unsuccessfully fought dandruff. I knew part of the problem was the shampoo and conditioner remnants on my scalp, and each time I shampooed, I was adding to the build-up. I have tried to use good products, but the problem just didn't get any better.

Last year, I followed a friend's advice and tried using nothing but baking soda, tea tree oil and lavender oil (mixed with water) as my shampoo, followed by apple cider vinegar as conditioner. I was skeptical of the apple cider vinegar. Until after that first wash.

HOLY COW!!!!!

My comb went through my hair as easily as ever, and my hair felt better. With just one baking soda/ACV shampoo, I had already made a difference in the texture of my hair. My hair was soft and shiny, my scalp tingled, and oh, the natural curl!!!

I'd learned how to wash dishes with baking soda and ash from the camp fire back in seventh grade during girls camp. I should have known all this time baking soda is a great cleanser. I think I remember my grandmother using it instead of soap products in a pinch.

I'd read the smell of the apple cider vinegar doesn't last. It doesn't, but it's a whopper while you're using it. Also, I learned the very hard way, don't get this stuff in your eyes!


2011


2011


Now


Now
Initially, the most difficult thing about making my own shampoo and conditioner is they are water-thin. I was accustomed to gooey stuff that was easy to see and feel saturating my hair and my scalp. I had to get used to the thin and penetrating nature of making my own.

After the first poo-less shampoo, I researched how to make the home solution thicker. Easy enough; stuff readily available in the kitchen may be added. The same stuff used to thicken gravy and sauces. Corn starch, arrowroot powder or guar gum. I tried mixing a tiny bit of arrowroot in my homemade baking soda, water, tea tree oil and lavender oil shampoo, and although the mixture did thicken up nicely, I didn't like the feel of my hair using it. So I went back to using the thin mixture.

It took a while to become accustomed to the thinness of homemade, but now it doesn't bother me, and I've found I don't use as much. The drippy stuff goes down the length of long hair without having to keep reapplying. It literally goes everywhere all by itself. Gently, and without tangle-imposing work. I do still massage my scalp, and the dandruff is gradually subsiding. The overall feel of using baking soda, apple cider vinegar and essential oils on my hair has been magnificent. I can never go back now.

I've since learned sage oil in the shampoo, in addition to the lavender, supposedly helps darken gray (or silver in my case), plus it smells good, and I grow my own. One day, I hope to be able to make all my own essential oils. I now add sage or lemon oil to the lavender oil in the apple cider vinegar, and I'm now using apple cider vinegar "with the mother" because it's just all kinds of healthy in several different ways, a second of which I'll get to in a minute. In the meantime, I've already shared why I like sage; lemon is supposed to bring out shine. Plus, it smells really, really good.

I've also used chamomile, which is supposed to be good for conditioning. The oil is pretty darned stinky. I didn't mind the smell as much when I infused the vinegar myself with chamomile blossoms growing in my backyard.


Grapefruit, Orange, Lemon and Lime Suncatchers
Before all this, I had tried African black soap (for both hair and skin), and I liked it, even though it does have some chemicals. I'm not sure it will be feasible to take my pre-mixed little baking soda and ACV containers that are viable only a few days after I mix them for a whole week of shower trucks during Ride the Rockies, so I've decided to pour the leftover African black soap into empty hotel shampoo bottles to carry along with us. The African black soap doesn't have an expiration date, and it doesn't have an many chemicals as other commercially popular brands of shampoo.


neem seedling
Another thing I've learned along the way is lavender, rosemary, sage and thyme are supposed to help reduce mosquitoes. I have been growing these spices in the garden for years. I grow them in the kitchen and living room in an effort to help fight indoor predators.

Unfortunately, white flies in my neck of the high-plains-meet-foothills seem to be ignorant of spice technology. These pests even try to feast on my two miniature indoor neem trees, and that's not supposed to happen. (Neem oil is supposed to repel all insects.) However, the other pesties seem to take note of what we're growing, and I have noticed an improvement in the reduction of fruit flies, spider mites and even mosquitoes.

I LOVE the smell of lavender, so last summer and fall, I tried using straight lavender oil instead of Avon's Skin So Soft during my biting fly bicycle rides. Biting flies HURT. Period. They, too, sometimes ignore repellents. But the lavender seemed to do the trick. I did find I have to carry a small bottle of it with me and reapply to sweaty areas often, but that's not such a bad thing. Smells really, really nice!

Some people have a low tolerance for applying undiluted essential oils to their skin. I am one of the lucky ones. I have no problem, and as long as the lavender works, I'm going to stick with it.

This brings me to another natural skin application I heartily recommend.

While doing all this research and testing different homeopathic remedies, I came upon several recommendations for the mother of apple cider vinegar as a treatment for acne.

I do not have acne, but I have had the complexion of a teenager since I became a teenager. It's the one aspect of aging that has not taken a stranglehold on me. My mom used to tell me when I was a pimply 13-year-old, "One day you will be so glad you have oily skin because all your friends will be wrinkly, and you'll still be smooth." She didn't mention zits would be included in that smoothness, but she did try to drill into me that oily skin was not the end of the world.

I have tried every commercial product. A was a Noxema girl. I was a Strident girl. I was a Clearasil girl. I was a witch hazel girl. I have always washed every morning and every night. I carry little pads around with me so I can dab problem areas throughout the day. Nothing worked. Nothing. No one ever told me about apple cider vinegar. Of course, I had to try it the moment I first read it might be a great remedy for some cases of acne.

For the first time in 42 years, I'm finally beginning to see some zit relief. I still get them, and they still drive me nuts. But breakouts are not anywhere near as bad as they have been my whole life. I get two or three at a time now, as opposed to... well, I'm not going to divulge the count. Just trust me when I say there's a reason I learned to retouch photographs of teenage girls with problem skin.

I know the horror. I know the embarrassment. Still today, at age 55, I still wake up every once in a while with a Klingon gorch. I don't wear makeup because that only clogs my oily pores. So I must grin and bear it. Zits bother me more than crooked teeth, split ends, dandruff, hose runs, broken fingernails, chin hair or even the unforgiving accidental unexpected release of methane gas. I have hated my skin for 41.5 years. Apple cider vinegar with the mother has made a new woman of me!


fibery apple without the mother
Of course, apple cider vinegar is supposed to have multiple other health benefits, too. I tried putting a teaspoon of it in my filled water bottle. I don't know if it lives up to all the claims made about it, but weight loss might be 100% true. After just one gulp of my ACV-infused water, I wasn't thirsty anymore. Perhaps I should drink a gulp of this stuff before every meal. Ha ha!

And now, for another, and possibly the best, use of natural stuff on skin...

I recently read an article claiming lavender and tea tree oil, mixed with a bit of carrier oil (such as jojoba, coconut or almond) works great to help with arthritis pain. No need to tell me twice!!! I already knew from experience these oils in a warm Epsom salt bath help relieve muscle pain.

I tried the lavender/tea tree/coconut oil mixture almost immediately. As soon as I could get the brew mixed.

It worked so well, my husband is trying it now, too. I know this might not work for everyone, but it works for me better than the Bengay, Icy Hot and Flexall I've used for years. Smells a heck of a lot better, too. Mineral Ice comes close and doesn't smell as obnoxious as some of the others, but my preference now is lavender and tea tree oil. Oh, how I wish I'd known about this remedy eight years ago!

There's a great deal of satisfaction in knowing I'm making my own body and hair products, knowing what goes into each and the way I feel after using them. I love not having so many plastic bottles to throw away every month. I love not having to buy more shampoo and conditioner every time I go to the store. And you can't beat the cost benefits of baking soda and water. Pennies per use. Pennies!

Next up, I'm going to try making my own deodorant. I've already been experimenting with my own body balms. I can't wait to try homemade bath bombs. I can remember using baking soda as toothpaste as a child; maybe I'll even go back to that one day.

Naaa... I like the flavor of the commercial cinnamon stuff I'm using!


homemade fingerling potato soup with homegrown rosemary

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Wordless Wednesday

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Heart Strings

(affiliate links to my publications)

It's done! My next book is done!!!

Each time I thought I was done, I realized I had one more step to go.

When I finished adding a chapter to help the new ending roll smoothly, I thought I was done. But I still had to write the last chapter.

When I finished writing the last chapter, we celebrated with dinner out! That's a really big deal for us! We don't go out to eat often. But the book wasn't truly done. I still had to write the epilogue.

The epilogue presented a challenge. Just how far in the future do I need to project to prove this new ending isn't a fluke or a short-term solution?

After three days of mentally testing different time gaps, I was done. The epilogue pulled itself together via a rewrite of the original epilogue. My book went from tragic to joyous in just two chapters and a revised epilogue!

Miracles really do happen, right?!?

But then I realized I still have to include the first chapter of my next book.

No problem. I've got four more done. If done is what you call the stage Heart Strings was at two years ago...

All four "done" books need at least a bit of rewriting. Likely all four need to be polished and dressed in their Sunday best. Which one goes next? Eeny meeny miney mo? In order of birth? In reverse order of birth?

Reader vote?!? Would that open a hornet's nest?!?

"Heart Strings" is intended to be the first of an adoption trilogy. Do I jump into Part Two next?

Part Two isn't done yet. Of course. Part Three is done. Part Two never got past simmer.

The middle volume of a trilogy traditionally is the darkest. Part Two, working title "Brashley" (yes, you have permission to laugh if you catch that inside joke), is dark. Insert scary music here. I don't know if I want to give Part Two a happy ending. Then again, perhaps I have come a long way since I began writing it, and perhaps it doesn't need to be quite so dark anymore. One thing for sure: I don't expect it to be done by the end of the year. I'm too happy to write sad stuff!

The third book in the adoption series, "Gemini Bridges", is done, has been for what feels like forever, but it really needs to be the third book. It's happy. It's my fourth- or fifth-born. "Heart Strings" and "Brashley" didn't come along until much later. Years later.

"Back Issues" was the third book I ever finished, way back when I was still a teenager, and the third book I ever sent to a publisher (many years later). It's the one I'm referring to when I ramble on and on about the time I finally got a great response from a potential publisher. The publisher back then, long before the turn of the century (a seriously dated novel), wrote (paraphrased), "Good plot, believable characters, well-written, but you don't have a name. You aren't marketable."

Am I marketable now? :)

Then there's the time travel novel, no working name yet. It's fun. It's done. I wrote it for my kids, and they loved hearing it what feels like 152 years ago. My cousins loved it when I read it to them what feels like 150 years ago. It feels that old now. I kind of would like to see it published, sort of, and yet, there's a part of me that wants to keep that one to myself, not share it with the whole world. It's like a baby, I guess, and I'm not sure I want to give it up for adoption.

The next best candidate is one I don't want to name publicly yet because my working title is awesome, and no one else has used that title yet. (!!!!!) (By the time I published "Heels Over Head", two other books and a band had claimed that same name!)

After a good bit of thought, I chose "Back Issues". I proofread it and polished it up a bit, then included the first chapter at the end of "Heart Strings." My book is done! I'm done! I can publish it now!!!

Except...

Well, next I had to register it with the copyright office.

The very next day, after not too much brain ache on the government website, I hit the "Submit" button and filed "Heart Strings" for copyright registration. Woohoo! I'm DONE!!!

Well, except, now I have to shoot the cover... you know, that mind-boggling piece. An award-winning, eye-grabbing, show-stopping photograph that will capture and hold reader attention in thumbnail size and generate tons of sales.

Will this journey never end?!?

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Snowflake Monday

A couple of years ago, my dad panicked when something went wrong during a routine Blogger update and all his own personal blog customizations were gobbled up into nowhere. He occasionally gets lots of hits from other model railroaders, so I wondered if his blog might be stored in the Wayback archive. I ran a couple of searches (whatever search term I used the first time resulted in no treasures, but the second search term, which I also don't remember, hit pay dirt), and I was able to send my dad a link so he could rebuild his customizations.

He was so thrilled to find out about the archive and that some of the railroading links he'd thought long deal had been archived.

I just love when I'm able to teach something! (Or point to something saved thought lost forever!)

A few months ago, I began getting comments that one of the links I used in every single Snowflake Monday post was no longer valid. It didn't help that this happened during the Christmas season while I was trying to get presents done for my family, or that I was trying to finish this year's snowflake pattern PDF booklet, or that it was the busiest time of the year at my job, or that I'd recently experienced a drastic change in internet availability. Such crises never occur at convenient times. They wouldn't be crises if they did.

My first instinct was to contact the creator of the snowflake template to which I'd linked. I'd finally had the opportunity to "meet" her online in the Ravelry snowflake group after years and years of drawing upon her endless wealth of snowflake and thread crochet knowledge and experience via her website.

Not hearing back from her added to the stress I was already feeling because I was worried about her (and still am). Soon, I was receiving multiple comments and emails per day requesting I post her blocking template (which belongs to her and I have no right to post without permission) because the link was dead. November and December are huge snowflaking months, and everyone, it seemed, was noticing my dead links at the same time (and not reading the comments to find out I'd already answered previous identical questions).

Now it was my turn to panic. Not only did I need to find an answer - and internet acccess - I was going to have to block off gobs of my own personal time to go back through every single published Snowflake Monday pattern and remove the link.

I decided not to post such a link in every individual post anymore because I simply cannot go back through 289 posts (not including this one or future Snowflake Mondays) to update every time something like this happens. All helpful links are now in the sidebar to the right. It takes only minutes for me to update that.

My next instinct was to do a search of my own for another snowflake blocking template, just in case there was another one out there somewhere. I found one, and that's what's been posted in my sidebar ever since.

Sensing my emotional status, another gracious snowflake aficionado recently volunteered to concoct a new blocking template I'd be free to use as desired, which includes posting it on my website when available. I am extremely grateful, and I will not put any pressure on her to finish by a certain time because I know all too well from experience how that feels.

My third instinct didn't occur until more recently, when I recalled the day my dad lost most of his blog. I wondered if the archive might have at least some of the valuable information that was lost when crochet.tangleweeds.com expired. I did another couple of searches (again, the first attempt was fruitless, but the second search was a goldmine), and by golly, some of the most popular pages are still available in the archive!!!

I do not know how long the archive will preserve these treasures, but the information contained therein is priceless, and I'm glad it's still available for now.

And now I have the opportunity to teach once again. If you discover an internet site you enjoyed suddenly gone, please try the Wayback archive before panicking. Don't give up if your first attempt does not work. Try different combinations of words, and sometimes even the link, if you have it. And by all means, support archives and libraries when you can because they do perform a valuable service, especially in this day and age of decreasing paper and increasing digital.

Here is the archived version of the snowflake information I referred to for many years. Not every link on this page works, but some do, and all that do are helpful words of wisdom:

crochet.tangleweeds.com

All this archive/library talk gets me thinking about books. Recently, the Sisters of the Snowflake group admired a crocheted bookmark they thought could be just as beautiful, if not more so, if made from snowflakes instead of granny squares.

New life is beginning to spring up in my garden, tomorrow is St. Patrick's Day, and I had worked up a few more Garden Snowflakes for my special project during our return trip from the Tour de Lavender. I had not yet created rock versions, and I thought these specific three patterns might be perfect for a bookmark as well as for rocks. So today, I present both!

My five-year-old neighbor will be thrilled. She's been asking when I'm going to "crochet some more rocks" since last autumn.

You may do whatever you'd like with snowflakes, snowflake rocks and snowflake bookmarks you make from these patterns, but you may not sell or republish the patterns. Thanks, and enjoy!




Finished Size: Garden 20: 2 inches from point to point; Garden 21: 2.5 inches from point to point; Garden 22: 1.5 inches from point to point; bookmark: 5 inches long
Materials: Size 10 crochet thread, optional beads for snowflake centers if desired, size 8 crochet hook, empty pizza box, wax paper or plastic wrap, cellophane tape, water soluble school glue or desired stiffener, water, glitter, small container for glue/water mixture, paintbrush, stick pins that won't be used later for sewing, clear thread or fishing line. For snowflake rocks, you need only the thread, the crochet hook and three rocks, 5 to 6.5 inches around.

NOTE: Rock instructions are interchangeable, depending upon size of rock.

TIP: A pearl or bead may be glued into the center of any finished snowflake with a popcorn center to add dimension and elegant beauty.


Garden 20 Snowflake Instructions

Make magic ring.

Round 1: 12 sc in ring; sl st in starting sc. Pull magic circle tight.
If you're not reading this pattern on Snowcatcher, you're not reading the designer's blog. Please go here to see the original.

Round 2: Ch 2 (counts as 1 dc), 1 dc in same sc, * 1 dc in next sc, ch 3, 1 dc in 3rd ch from hook (dc picot made), ch 3, 1 sc in 2nd ch from hook (sc picot made), ch 4, 1 dc in 3rd ch from hook (dc picot made), 1 dc in same sc, 2 dc in next sc in main body of flake; repeat from * around 5 times, omitting last 2 dc of final repeat; sl st in 2nd ch of starting ch 2; bind off. Weave in ends.

For bookmark, set aside and make next snowflake.

Round 3 (to cover a 6.5-inch rock): 1 sc in the side of any 1st dc picot (on the right side of a spoke), ch 7, 1 sc in the side of the next dc picot, * ch 3, 1 sc in the side of the next dc picot, ch 7, 1 sc in the side of the next dc picot; repeat from * around; ch 1, 1 dc in starting sc to form 6th ch 3 sp of Round.

Round 5: 1 sc over post of dc just worked, * ch 5, 1 sc in next ch 5 sp, ch 5, 1 sc in next ch 3 sp; repeat from * around; ch 2, 1 tr in starting sc to form 12th ch 5 sp of Round.

Rounds 5-7 (or number of rows needed to cover rock and leave approximately 1-inch hole on back side of rock): 1 sc over post of tr just worked, * ch 5, 1 sc in next ch 5 sp; repeat from * around; ch 2, 1 tr in starting sc to form 12th ch 5 sp of Round. Slide rock into cover.

Round 8: 1 sc over post of tr just worked, * ch 3, 1 sc in next ch 5 sp; repeat from * around; ch 1, 1 dc in starting sc to form 12th ch 3 sp of Round.

Round 9: Ch 2 (counts as dc), 1 dc in each ch 3 sp around; sl st in 2nd ch of starting ch 2; bind off; weave in ends.


Garden 21 Snowflake Instructions

Make magic ring.

Round 1: Ch 2 (counts as 1 dc), 4 dc in ring, pull hook out of loop (dropped loop) and insert in 2nd ch of starting ch 2, insert in dropped loop, pull dropped loop through 2nd ch of starting ch 2 (starting popcorn stitch made), ch 5, * 5 dc in ring, pull hook out of loop (dropped loop) and insert in top loop of 1st dc of this 5/dc group, insert in dropped loop, pull dropped loop through top loop of 1st dc (popcorn stitch made), ch 5; repeat from * around 4 times; sl st in top of starting popcorn. Pull magic circle tight enough to make popcorn stitches poufy.
If you're not reading this pattern on Snowcatcher, you're not reading the designer's blog. Please go here to see the original.

Round 2: * 1 sc in next ch 5 sp, 1 hdc in same sp, 3 dc in same sp, ch 3, [yo and draw up loop through 3rd ch from hook, yo and draw through 2 loops on hook] 2 times, yo and draw through all 3 loops on hook (cluster stitch made), ch 3, 1 sc in 2nd ch from hook, ch 4, cluster stitch in 3rd ch from hook, 3 dc in same ch 5 sp in main body of flake, 1 hdc in same sp, 1 sc in same sp; repeat from * around 5 times; sl st in starting sc; bind off. Weave in ends.

For bookmark, set aside and make next snowflake.

Round 3 (to cover a 6-inch rock): 1 sc in the top of any point, * ch 8, 1 sc in next point; repeat from * around; ch 4, 1 dtr in starting sc to form 6th ch 8 sp of Round.

Round 4: 1 sc over post of dtr just worked, * ch 5, 1 sc in next ch 8 sp; repeat from * around; ch 2, 1 tr in starting sc to form 6th ch 5 sp of Round.
NOTE: Repeat this Round as needed to bring covering around rock, leaving approximately 1-inch hole. Slide rock into covering.

Round 5: 1 sc over post of tr just worked, * ch 3, 1 sc in next ch 5 sp; repeat from * around; ch 1, 1 dc in starting sc to form 6th ch 3 sp of Round.

Round 6: Ch 2 (counts as dc), 1 dc in each ch 3 sp around; sl st in 2nd ch of starting ch 2; bind off; weave in ends.


Garden 22 Snowflake Instructions

Make magic ring.

Round 1: 12 sc in ring; sl st in starting sc. Pull magic circle tight, but leave opening big enough to allow stitches inside it to lay flat.

Round 2: Ch 2, [yo and draw up loop through same sc as sl st, yo and draw through 2 loops on hook] 2 times, yo and draw through all 3 loops on hook (starting cluster made), * ch 5, sk next sc, yo and draw up loop through next sc, yo and draw through 2 loops on hook, [yo and draw up loop through same sc, yo and draw through 2 loops on hook] 2 times, yo and draw through all 4 loops on hook (cluster made); repeat from * around 4 times; ch 2, 1 tr in top of starting cluster to form 6th ch 5 sp of Round.
If you're not reading this pattern on Snowcatcher, you're not reading the designer's blog. Please go here to see the original.

Round 3: 4 sc over post of tr directly below, * 4 sc in next ch 5 sp, ch 3, 4 sc in same sp ; repeat from * around 4 times; 4 sc in next ch 5 sp; for snowflake, ch 3, sl st in starting sc; bind off; OR for rock, ch 1, 1 hdc in starting sc for form 6th ch 3 sp of Round. Weave in ends.

Round 3 for Bookmark: You may join one point on each side of this snowflake or two points on each side of this snowflake; these instructions are for joining two points on each side. 4 sc over post of tr directly below, [4 sc in next ch 5 sp, ch 1, 1 sc in any point (next point in next repeat) of Snowflake 20, ch 1, 4 sc in same ch 5 sp in main body of snowflake] 2 times, 4 sc in next ch 5 sp, ch 3, 4 sc in same sp, same sp, [4 sc in next ch 5 sp, ch 1, 1 sc in any point (next point in next repeat) of Snowflake 21, ch 1, 4 sc in same ch 5 sp in main body of snowflake] 2 times; 4 sc in next ch 5 sp, ch 3, sl st in starting sc; bind off. Weave in ends.
NOTE: You may further strengthen bookmark by chaining around entire snowflake chain, single crocheting in each point at you go, then working a round of sc all the way around, increasing 2 or 3 stitches on curves and creating picots every five or 6 sc if desired. Measure linking chain as you go to determine how many chains you need to keep bookmark flat.


Round 4 (to cover a 5-inch rock): 1 sc over post of hdc directly below, * ch 7, 1 sc in next ch 3 tip; repeat from * around; ch 3, 1 dtr in starting sc to form 6th ch 7 sp of Round.

Round 5: 1 sc over post of dtr just worked, * ch 5, 1 sc in next ch 5 sp, ch 5, 1 sc in next ch 3 sp; repeat from * around; ch 2, 1 tr in starting sc to form 6th ch 5 sp of Round.

Round 6: 1 sc over post of tr just worked, * ch 3, 1 sc in next ch 5 sp; repeat from * around; ch 1, 1 dc in starting sc to form 12th ch 3 sp of Round.

Round 7: Ch 2 (counts as dc), 1 dc in each ch 3 sp around; sl st in 2nd ch of starting ch 2; bind off; weave in ends.

Finish: For snowflakes, tape wax paper or plastic wrap to top of empty pizza box. Pin snowflake to box on top of wax paper or plastic wrap.

If using glue, mix a few drops of water with a teaspoon of glue in small washable container. Paint snowflake with glue mixture or desired stiffener. Sprinkle lightly with glitter. Wash paintbrush and container thoroughly. Allow snowflake to dry at least 24 hours. Remove pins. Gently peel snowflake from wax paper or plastic wrap. Attach 10-inch clear thread to one spoke, weaving in end. Wrap fishing line around tree branch (or tape to ceiling or any overhead surface) and watch the snowflake twirl freely whenever you walk by! Snowflake also may be taped to window or tied to doorknob or cabinet handle.


Tassel may be added to bookmark if desired. Bookmark may be stiffened if desired. Bookmark should be shaped, even if not stiffened, to make it look better. Don't glitter it unless you don't mind finding sparkles in your reading materials.

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Friday Fun

Holy moly!!! Thanks, Mrs. Micawber, for sharing!

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Matcheypoo

I hate when I write keywords in my journal because I'm too tired to explain and then can't remember the story to go along with the keywords when I'm more awake and full of creative energy.

Last August I was making my way up Hurricane Ridge in Olympic National Park on the Washington Peninsula when a conversing pair of faster male cyclists rode by me.

I cannot remember at all what brought up the subject of quilting. Whatever it was, it slowed the two men enough to trigger a conversation for a few minutes before they powered on, leaving me in the dust.

I remember thinking, "I've got to write a blog post about that!" because it was so funny. But all I wrote in my journal that night was, "Matcheypoo."

So now I have to try to come up with a hilarious blog post about a conversation involving the word matcheypoo with no real memory of what was so laughable.

I can't even blame the comedy on the climb because we actually had air during this particular ride. The highpoint of the road is lower in elevation than my house! (Sometimes lack of air causes me to laugh at things I might not find funny when I'm breathing properly.)

Because I'm working on what I hope will be a great novel and because I love the word matcheypoo, perhaps I should practice my creative writing skills and just make up a conversation:

"All I need is the air that I breathe just to ride up this mountain," I sang out loud as I pedaled onward and upward. (That part was real.)

"Nice socks!" a male rider chided as he effortlessly rode past me.

I had to look down at my socks to see which ones I was wearing. I got up so early, I wasn't even sure if my socks matched.

YIKES! They didn't! I was wearing one hot pink flamingo cycling sock and one patriotic red, white and blue cycling sock.

(Remember, this is not real life. This is fantasy. I do match my socks, even when I get up and dress in the dark! Sometimes, I even match my husband!)

"Uh, oh," I whined. "I hope that isn't an omen of today's climb."

The speeding cyclist and his riding partner both slowed slightly to pedal alongside me at my turtle's pace.

"You're nervous about today's climb?" he asked.

"I've never done this ride before," I explained.

"Oh, that must be why your jersey doesn't match your shorts. Or your socks, for that matter," he said.

"What?!?" I exclaimed. I looked down, and sure enough, I was wearing my purple and green Tour de Vineyards jersey and my predominantly white, black, orange and yellow oriental-themed Ride the Rockies shorts. "Oh, don't tell me I'm wearing my blue Tour de France scrunchie, too!"

The man slowed again and took a peek at the back of my helmet.

"Yes, I'm afraid so. I'm afraid you failed today's patchwork challenge."

"Fail?!?" I cried, squeezing my brakes so hard, I flipped over the handlebars onto the pavement. I scrambled to my feet, dusted the tiny gravely rocks off my kit and picked my bike up off the ground. "I've NEVER failed a patchwork challenge! Patchwork doesn't have to match. Patchwork only has to use up scraps, that's all!"

I didn't wreck in real life.

Both cyclists stopped to render aid, which wasn't necessary because I was totally fired up now and perfectly capable of steaming up the mountain within the time limit.

"No worries," the guy said as he picked up my fallen water bottle and handed it to me. "No one will notice. Oh, and by the way, your red water bottle doesn't match your turquoise bike, and your metallic water bottle cage doesn't match your bike or your water bottle."

Grrrrrrrr! Could I bite his head off now? I was ready for a rest stop treat anyway.

(Oh, and in real life, my white water bottle cages DO indeed match my bike!!!)

"Next you'll be saying my drink doesn't match my water bottle!" I shouted.

"No need to get uptight," the man said, pouring a bit of fluid out of my bottle into his hands. "But you are right. Your Gatorade doesn't match anything on your bike or even any of the colors you're wearing."

In real life, I don't drink Gatorade.

"What makes you such an expert on patchwork and matching?" I grilled as I jerked my bottle out of his hand and replaced it in my cage. He was lucky I didn't pour the whole thing on his head!

"My wife is a quilter," the stranger explained. "She's out shopping for fabric right now."

Now we are getting down to the heart of the real-life conversation. The man really did say that, but not because I didn't match. I did match! Honest!

"And that makes you a crackerjack pro?" I questioned. "Your wife is a quilter, so you are a certified and court-approved expert witness in the field of matching?"

"Yes, I believe I am," he replied. "My wife calls me Matcheypoo!"

With that, the other cyclist roared with laughter and speedily sped away.

"Then perhaps you should take a look at your own socks," I grinned. "Looks like maybe your three-year-old put your clothes out for you today."

He looked down at his feet, one brown sock, and one black. Typical male. He'll probably blame it on colorblindness.

"And with white Sidis to boot!" I chuckled. "Boy, you are the epitome of patchwork!"

"At least my patchwork is all low-volume," he snidely remarked as he got back on his bike and raced ahead to find his friend, leaving me alone to contemplate my clothing choice.

No problem. I reached into my hot pink backpack, which, by the way, DOES match my one hot pink sock, and pulled out a perfectly matched kit, which I carry along just in case of rain. I unrolled it on the street to find a yellow jersey, red shorts and blue socks.

"Perfect," I announced. "All primary colors!"

In real life, my backpack is turquoise and harmonizes with my beautiful blue bike. And in real life, this guy told me his wife is a very picky quilter. She really was shopping for fabric, according to her husband, and she doesn't like things to match too much. Or perhaps HE made up the entire story, and she really does call him, "Matcheypoo."

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