It's been awhile!

Hello dear readers, I hope you haven't given up on me.
This pregnancy is taking all of my energy and then some!

This photo was at 34 Weeks

I'm 36 weeks along today, yay! And we're scheduled for induction on Jan 6th.  That's two weeks from tomorrow.  But I wouldn't complain if she made an early appearance as I'm rather done with being pregnant.

Anyway, I'll be updating everyone via this blog for the most part.  One can only do so many phone calls to so many people once she's born.

Here she is back in October

And here's our most recent, from Dec 14th.

Hyperbole and a Half

I've been reading the blogs on this site today and some of them are so funny to me that they caused laughing tears.

This one especially.
http://hyperboleandahalf.blogspot.com/2010/07/dog.html

Babies! AHHHHHHH

This blog has two parts.  No, let's make it three.

Part One:
I'm tired of my job and looking forward to the day when I don't work there anymore.

Part Two:
That day is coming up in a few months because as most of you know already, we're going to have a baby! YAY! today was day #1 of my 2nd trimester, I'm now 14 weeks and due January 19.

I was laying on my back today and felt the giant baby lump for the first time.  It's like a big rock just under my belly button, and it makes me feel like I finally have proof! Yes, we have ultrasound photos and heard the heartbeat again yesterday, but I can find this myself! Only when I'm laying all the way back though.  One step at a time I guess!

David says I can't put ultrasound photos on facebook because it's creepy when people do so.  And while I agree, I make exceptions for blogs...

My baby's first photo shoot, and trust me, there are hundreds in it's future.

(I say it, but my family says "she."  As if they "know")

Part Three:

For  Mother's Day (which I know was awhile ago) I made my mom the most awesome sheep ever! The pattern is by Delicious Crochet  I bought a pack of their patterns on Etsy.  The Llama I gave to my mother in law because she enjoys making them and has been admiring him for awhile (don't you just love his sherpa hat?).  And the Sheep I decided to craft myself for my mom.   

I learned a few things: 1. Their patterns make HUGE dolls.  They're a solid 15 inches high, and I had to go buy yarn THREE times.  2.  Their patterns are very well written  3.  I love love LOVE the look of the crochet loops.  4. I used almost an entire bag of stuffing for the sheep. But totally worth it.

I also made my own Granny with their pattern, but need to find photos of it to share.  And next on my list is the Lion pattern.  The last pattern in the group that I bought is Grandpa.  I'll get to him at some point!

Family Visits!

My Mom was here in March and I never did put those photos up, so here they are!

And about a week ago, David's family was here too! We all had a great time at the Aquarium and Beach.  It's hard to beat good company and free food, thanks for buying us dinner Happy Mom!

 They had the coolest giant tank full of fish and a  sea turtle and 4 SHARKS!

 My little Sisters in law watching all the fish go by.

"taking on the Jellies man..."

MY FAVORITE part of the visit were the baby sea turtles. it does NOT get any cuter than that.

And of course, the beach....

A great way to end a fun visit.

DRAGON PATTERN!!

First let me apologize for not posting in almost a month an a half.  My life is just ALL over the place lately, and I manage to make the internet my last priority.  For that I am proud of myself! You know all those crazy people that never get anything done because they're stuck to their computers? I try to avoid that.  What's extra helpful is the fact that my laptop gets super hot after about 30 minutes and starts to burn my legs.  Now that's motivation to put it down.

Anyway! Here's a (rough) pattern for my dragon. I wrote it as I made it, and I hope it works.  Please post questions, or even finished dragons! I'd love love love to see them.

Jess' Dragon:

note: the parentheses is the amount of stitches you should have at the end of the round

also, try to stuff this with fluff as you go

ch- chain

MR- magic ring

inc- increase

dec- decrease- i've started using the invisible decrease which is decreasing using the FLO (front loops only).   Mind you, it's still a decrease so it's not exactly invisible.  still looks different than the other stitches.

rep from * around- repeat the instructions in between the asterisks until you finish the round.

BLO- back loops only, the back loops are those on the inside of the dragon, those that are closest to you as you work (assuming that you work with the front out- does anyone not do that?)

hdc- half double crochet

hook size: I used an F

head

start with a magic ring

ch 2, 8 sc in 2nd ch from hook

*inc, sc*, rep from * around(12)

*inc, sc, sc*, rep from * around (16)

inc, sc 7, inc, sc 7 (18)

inc, sc 8, inc, sc 8 (20)

sc (20)

sc (20)

sc (20)

sc (20)

dec, sc 8, dec, sc 8 (18)

dec, sc 7, dec, sc 7 (16)

dec, sc 6, dec, sc 6 (14)

BODY

MR- 6 sc in MR

inc 6 times- (12)

*inc, sc*, rep from * around (18)

*inc, sc, sc*, rep from * around (24)

*inc, sc 3*, rep from * around (30)

*inc, sc 4*, rep from * around (36)

*inc, sc 5*, rep from * around (42)

sc around for 8 more rows

*dec, sc 12*, rep from * around (39)

*dec, sc 11*, rep from * around (36)

*dec, sc 8*, rep from * around (30)

sc around (30)

*dec, 3*, rep from * around (24)

*dec, 2*, rep from * around (18)

sc around

sc- stuff

*dec, 1*,rep from * around (12)

sc 8 rows

*dec, 2*, rep from * around (9)

sc around

fasten off

ARM- make 2

MR, sc 8

inc around, (16)

BLO sc around (16)

*dec, 2* , rep from * around (12)

*dec, 1*, rep from * around (8)

sc around, & stuff

sc 5 more rows

FOOT- make 2

MR- 6 sc

inc around, (12)

*inc, sc*, rep from * around (18)

BLO- 6 sc, 6 hdc, 6 sc (18)

dec, sc, dec, sc, 6 hdc, dec, sc, dec, sc (14)

4 sc, 3 dec, 4 sc (11)

sc around (11)

4 sc, dec, 5 sc (10)

sc  four more rows (10)

EAR- make 2

ch 4

3 hdc

HORN- make 2

ch 3

sc, hdc

WINGS- make 2

ch 16

sc 15

ch 1, sc 14

turn, skip 1st stitch, sc 13

ch 1, sc 12

ch 1, sc 12

ch 1, sc 11

turn, skip 1st st, sc 10

ch 1, sc 9

ch 1, sc 9

edging- with opposing color, stitch in and out along the outer edges from outside in. when you reach the middle stitches, go up and down the rows in between stitch posts.

and voila!

I hope this makes sense. 

ASSEMBLY:

Embroider head. Add the horns to the top, and the ears down and to the side of the horns on either side of the head.

Attach head to body.

Attach arms, then legs

Decorate wings however you wish, then attach those as well.  I think they'd look great with sequins.

For the stomach piece I cut a bright piece of felt in a tear drop shape, but with a thick top to go up the neck.  Then, I embroidered back and forth with a thick piece of embroidery floss to make the stripes.  But I think you could use any fabric, or even a colored pencil.  

Make it your own! And post a link so I can see it when you're done!

<3

It's a DRAGON!

A really cute dragon.  He's lacking one thing- a name!  Can you help me come up with one?

The inspiration drawing...

Here he is before wings:

And here he is complete! Better photos and free pattern to come soon!

Guess!

My incredibly unbusy life has given me the free time to try designing my own pattern.

Can you guess what it's going to be?

(You can almost see the inspiration drawing in the background)

Bunnies and Blankets (and mini-Pigs)

In the words of my Pawpaw: "Hoppy Easter to you all!"
Or if you're my other Grandpa, "Happy Passover!"

Two things are up for discussion today:
1. Blankets
2. Mini pigs

I know, they can seem unrelated.  Alas, that's how most of my life seems to go.  We're a random household.

First, the blanket.  I started one about a month ago.  The pattern is from Lion Brand and the link is here.
Now, I'm not using their colors.  In fact, about half the colors in it  so far are from what I already have stashed.  The other half are colors I bought at walmart to brighten it up! I'm enjoying using Caron Soft Brites yarn.
It's great for a few reasons.
1. It's Acrylic- so it's easily washable.
2. Acrylic is perfect for Amigurumi since it doesn't stretch which avoids over stuffing
3. It has a fun array of colors
4. It really is super soft.  And feels a lot less cheap that others
5.  But, it actually IS cheap! About $2.50 for a big skein.

Anyway, here it is so far.  I'd say I'm about 1/3 done with squares:

I'm trying to do two of each color.  And it lacks serious color coordination- which I'm perfectly fine with.

I feel I must point out a flaw in my blanket plan.

You see, we don't need this blanket.  And I truly don't say this lightly.

We have:

1. comforter with burn marks (apparently our new dryer is just THAT awesome)

2. a great quilt currently on the bed

3. a beautiful white down comforter on the guest bed

4. my favorite blue and green and purple throw

5. my other favorite purple throw (it's so heavy,  my college friends called it my sweater blanket)

6. two cheap blankets from mexico

7. one green queen size cotton throw that had a small catch in it.  once washed, it grew to a hole the size of texas- it is now Eli's favorite play blanket.  That hole makes a convenient place for his head to poke out when he and David are playing.

8. one soft ivory blanket that my mom knitted me for college

9. one soft blue and white crochet blanket from my mother in law

10. a very fun tshirt quilt my mom made me out of all my sorority tshirts.

11. a small two by three foot blanket that I made for Eli- granny squares!

12. a green fuzzy felt blanket

13. a red fuzzy felt St Louis Cardinals blanket that I got free at a game last year

13. a small grey felt blanket that I made for David before he went to Iraq (assumed it would get too dirty to come home, but it's lasted!)

14. a larger version of that blanket for him to have when he got home to Iraq (this one is still basted together.  I'm waiting for a day when I'm SUPER duper bored)

15. the one I'm making now.

Now, half of these blankets are totally worthless.  But the quilts, white comforter, throws, and two handmade blankets are worth keeping.  I'm a blanket hoarder.  Only the pretty ones get used anymore.  And yet, here I am again.  Oh well, it can't hurt to be extra warm can it?

Topic #2

Mini Pigs

Yes, real pigs.  There's this new thing where people are breeding mini potbelly pigs.  They are completely adorable.   David and I have been saying that Eli needs a friend someday.... And maybe this will do?

Or maybe I'm just in love with these photos.  Anyway, I can't see us actually getting one.  

But aren't these photos the CUTEST EVER!?

 

Frog Princes and Aliens

Now I know what you're all thinking:
"This woman hasn't posted in two months and in two days she puts up three posts!"

I'm obnoxious. It's true.  It's something that everyone comes to accept at some point and it's time you got on board as well.

I'd like to introduce you to my new favorite ami. His name is Doug.
Doug was a free Lionbrand pattern, found here.  I added my own hair and color combo. What do you think?

                                  here's the inspiration:

And here's mine:

I'd also like to introduce my frog prince.  The pattern for this frog prince is a really weird combination.  I took the baby penguin pattern from Ana Paula's book Amigurumi World (here's her blog). I made it in green and came up with the eyes.  Then I added the crown from this pattern.  I find the frog to be not cute enough, but the crown to be perfect.  And my result?

Eli

Ah yes, my dear sweet obnoxious little Eli.
He's a Rat terrier. Of sorts.  Not that he's ever had the opportunity to dig out any rats.  He has, however, dug in my backyard.  Leading to a very angry husband and a bath for both of them.  Because when anyone gives Eli a bath they end up rather wet too.

Anyway, Elli has very little fur.  It's short and thin and somehow still ends up ALL over my house, but that's another story entirely.
Due to his thin coat, he's cold a lot.  So I made him a sweater.  I looked up a ton of patterns for dog sweaters, and they all said basically the same thing.  But they were all girly.  So I grabbed a thick yarn left over from a hat for David (that it hasn't been quite cold enough to wear) and came up with this....

  

It's basically a giant long oval of double and half double crochet stitches.  I'd provide a pattern, but I just made it up as I went.  The strap under the belly is held on with buttons and it's still a little big.  Thus, it tends to slide down Eli's side sometimes.  Something to work on.  Maybe I'll just move the buttons.  In any case, it keeps him from shivering anymore. And that's the whole point.

And for a random photo moment, here's both David and Eli smushing me on the couch...

(Yes Google, insist if you  must that smushing is not a word. I'm still using it.)

I love my family

This post is dedicated to my parents who bought me and my husband and my brother and his girlfriend a cruise.

 Here I am crocheting on deck! David is asleep behind me.  My mom taught me a few things with knitting on the ship.  I can now cast on and... something else.  But I'm not gonna lie, I totally like the crochet hook better.

 Our ship, the Carnival Fantasy!

 Big family photo in New Orleans. (We stopped there on the way to Mobile where we shipped off)

 Lunch in Cozumel.

 Viva la Mexico and it's random photo stuff.

 as my mother says, This is what happens when you have to wait too long for your food at dinner on the ship.

 El Castillo, Mayan Ruins, SO COOL

 At the ruins

 I named him Sydney the Pirate Koala. He plays bingo.

 Gotta LOVE LOVE LOVE good photos on board.

Young boy with good tiger friend- Updated

Ok ya'll.  I hesitate to post this, but it's free and I'm going to let everyone know that I'm not the creator of the theme, just the pattern. =)

Oh yeah, and again, it's FREE
This is my first pattern, so let me know what you think please.

Boy who's got a tiger friend

(Before I trimmed his hair)

Materials:

Crochet hook size F5

Worsted Weight Yarn: Red, Black, Yellow, Tan

Embroidery Thread and Needle

Yarn Needle

Stuffing

Note:

This pattern begins at the top of the head, working down through the shirt, pants, and splitting into two tubes to become the pant legs.  It ends with the feet.  Stuff the body as you go.

Abbreviations:

sc- single crochet

inc- increase

dec- decrease

hdc- half double crochet

(#)- total number of stitches in the row

Nose: Make 1

-tan yarn

R1: 3sc in magic ring (3)

R2: increase x 3 (6)

R3: 6 sc (6)

Leave a long tail for stitching later

Ears: Make 2

- tan yarn

R1: 4 sc in magic ring (4)

R2: 2 sc in each sc (8)

R3: 3 sc, inc, 3 sc, inc (10)

R4: 10 sc (10)

R5:  3 sc, dec, 3 sc, dec (8)

R6: dec x 4 (4)

Leave a long tail for stitching later

Arms: Make 2

- start with tan yarn

R1: 4 sc in magic ring (4)

R2: 2 sc in each sc (8)

R3: 3 sc, inc, 3 sc, inc (10)

R4: red yarn, 10 sc (10)

R5: black yarn, 10 sc (10)

R6: red yarn, 10 sc (10)

R7: black yarn, 10 sc (10)

R8: red yarn, 10 sc (10)

R9: black yarn, 10 sc (10)

R10: red yarn, 10 sc (10)

R11: black yarn, 10 sc(10)

Leave a long tail for stitching later.

Shoe soles: Make 2

R1: 4 sc in magic ring (4)

R2: 2 sc in each sc     (8)

R3: 3 inc, 1 sc, 3 inc, 1 sc (14)

Head:

- begin with tan yarn

R1: 5 sc in magic ring (5)

R2: 2 sc in each sc (10)

R3: 2 sc in each sc (20)

R4: (Inc, sc) repeat around (30)

R5-9: sc around (30) 

R10: (3 sc, inc) repeat 6 times, sc (36)

R11-12: sc around (36) 

R13: (2 sc, dec) repeat to end (27)

R14: sc around (27)

R15: (7 sc, dec) repeat 3 times (24)

R16: (4 sc, dec) repeat 4 times (20)

R17: sc around (20)

- Embroider face, attach nose and ears

- Change to black yarn and begin the body

R18:  1 sc, inc x 10 (30)

R19: Red yarn, sc around (30)

R20: Black yarn, sc around (30)

R21: Red, sc around (30)

R22: Black, sc around (30)

R23: Red, sc around (30)

R24: Black yarn, sc around (30)

- Stay with black yarn to begin pants

R25-28:  sc around (30)

- Begin Legs --black yarn

- A note on the legs: The legs are each half of the stitches of the pants, they form two tubes off the main body, each is 15 st total, begin the doll's right leg in the middle of the back of the body, the left leg begins in the stitch immediately next to the other leg.  The red laces should be centered on the front middle of the leg.

R29: 14 st, skip 15, sc – you should have circle on half the stitches from the body (15)

R30-31: sc around (15)

- begin foot

R32: 4 sc white, 3 hdc Red, 8 sc white (15)

R33: 3 sc white, 1 hdc white, 4 hdc red, 7 sc white (15)

R34: with white yarn, 3 sc, 4 hdc, 8 sc  (15)

R35: with white yarn, 1 dec, 1 sc, 4 hdc, 1 sc, 8 sc (14)

- begin doll's left leg at the back stitch  immediately next to the other leg

R36- 38: same as R 29- 31 (15)

R39: 7 sc black, 3 sc white, 4 hdc red, 1 sc white (15)

R40: 10 sc white, 4 hdc red, 1 sc white (15)

R41: with white, 10 sc, 4 hdc, 1 sc (14)

R42: 7 sc, 1 dec, 1 sc, 4 hdc, 1 sc (14)

R43: 6 sc to even out the rows.

Finish stuffing.  Attach the bottom of the shoes.  Sew the top of the arms together, attach at the first black row of the shirt.

Hair:

Attach a strand of yellow yarn in each stitch on the top of the head.  Cut to style at the end.

  

here's a post haircut photo: