YOU CAN CALL ME BETSY

I crocheted this really big Betsy Ross style flag.  I started on June 1st and made my deadline July 1st.  I finished right on time.  It measures 80" from left to right and 44" from top to bottom.  It is made up entirely of double crochet, Red Heart Super Saver and an H hook.  The free pattern for the stars came from Moogly Blog.  The most difficult part of the entire project was getting the stars sewn in place.  I used a large plate as my circle template.  I wouldn't be surprised if Betsy used a plate to make her circle too.  I am going to hang it outside.  Happy 4th of July to you all.  Hope you have a blast! :)

S.W.A.K.

Don't forget to visit Frannie at CuteKatyDolls on YouTube!

IT'S BEGINNING TO LOOK A LOT LIKE CHRISTMAS

Lately, I have been seeing more and more crocheted wreaths all over the internet, mostly Pinterest.  It peaked my interest, and thought I would give it a go.

This year I have been into red and white, so that's what I planned for the base.  I followed instructions from Repeat Crafter Me, just substituting stripes instead of a plain pattern.  The yarn for the base is Red Heart Super Saver (white and cherry red).  A couple years ago I purchased two full skeins of bright green mohair at a thrift store for $1.00.  I had no idea what I would ever use it for.  It was perfect for the Holly Jolly pattern from Attic 24.  Finally, the rolled roses pattern came from Pink Milk (Red Heart Super Saver - Cherry  Red).  After the crocheting was complete, I went through my stash of old Christmas bits and bobs (99% of the goodies are vintage with a couple newer items to fill in the gaps) to create a Christmas vignette.  Santa even twirls from the top of the wreath.

Here it is hanging on the outside of my mother's door.

S.W.A.K.

PUT A LITTLE LOVE IN YOUR HEART

100 crocheted hearts for a very special birthday.

I've written about Aunt Grace before and how Frannie and I decorate outside her front window.  Aunt Grace celebrated her 100th birthday this past Sunday, so the two of us surprised her with all of these hearts.  When she looks out her living room window (far left in photo), this is the happy and colorful sight she sees.  Aunt Grace was a top-notch crocheter and seamstress herself.  She has given me so many vintage sewing supplies/ribbon/buttons/etc. over the years that this is my way of saying thank you.

S.W.A.K.

P.S. - The crochet heart pattern is from Pink Fluffy Warrior.  You can find the tutorial here.  All the hearts are crocheted with Red Heart Super Saver and a size "H" hook.  This yarn can withstand any weather and it does not fade!  I strung the hearts together with a clear nylon thread.

ALONG CAME A SPIDER

Time for another bunting.  Basic triangle (chain 2 - 3 dc in 2nd chain from hook - chain 2 - turn - dc across increasing 1 dc at end of each row.)  My candy corn have 19 rows (5 rows white - 10 rows orange - 4 rows yellow) and measure approximately 10-1/2 tall.  Two rows single crochet for ties.

Spiders are small pom-poms with pipe cleaners for legs.  We made these for Girl Scouts one year.  No googly eyes this time.  Didn't think they could withstand the weather.

Out with the old.  Don't believe I ever posted this banner.  Made it for summer.  Man, that Red Heart Super Saver takes a lickin' and keeps on tickin'.  Look at what great shape the banner is in even after being out in the elements for the past two months, and the colors did not even fade.  That is super!  I am going to store this away and put it outside again next year.

S.W.A.K.