Books read and enjoyed in January

This was a very productive month for me. I read and enjoyed several books this month. I finally started the Night House series written by Kristin & P.C. Cast. This mother daughter team has a new fan in me. I would place the books in the Young Adult genre. I can foresee many teens enjoying this series. I highly recommend it. The books I've read in the series so far are: Marked, Betrayed and Chosen. These are the first three books in the series.

There were some novels I read this month that truly had me chuckling. They were written by Molly Harper, who is a new author for me. Her books read this month were: Nice Girls Don't Date Dead Men and Nice Girls Don't Live Longer. The genre would be paranormal. It had humor and romance. I would recommend this series for delightful, entertaining, light reading.

Sherrilyn Kenyon is an old friend of mine. She started an off-shoot series from her Dark Hunter series with: Infinity: The Chronicles of Nick. I love all of the men of the Dark Hunter series. If you haven't read her books yet, get started. You won't be disappointed. Go to her website to get the correct reading order. I can't wait until the next in the series is published.

Someone in one of my book groups recommended Carl Hiaasen. The first book I read was Double Whammy. At first I didn't think I was going to finish this novel for I have absolutely no interest in fishing. However, the author's witty style soon captured my interest with the weaving of a humorous tale, eccentric characters and societal issues. The other book of his I had to read, Stormy Weather, made me realize this may be a series for I was reacquainted with an eccentric character, Skink, from the previously read novel. The genre would be contemporary fiction.

Some others read this month were: Mary Janice Davidson's Undead and... series; Rachel Vincent's My Soul to Take (This was an advent venture for me into the world of banshees.); Jeff Lindsay's Dearly Devoted Dexter which is a series based on a sociopathic serial killer. It really is quite an amusing series.; Jeffery Deaver's, The Vanished Man; Nancy Martin's, Whirlwind; Kathy Reichs', Spider Bones; Lee Child's, The Persuader; and an old reliable author, Nora Robert's, First Impressions.

In all 27 books were read and enjoyed thanks to my introduction to audio books, lol. Hope you try some of these. Let me know how you enjoyed them. Until next month...

2010 Projects

Though I've been remiss in updating this site, I have been having fun learning new things. Thanks to patterns provided in Suzetta's and Bella's Babies blogs, I was learning to crochet baby items. Suzetta had the cutest Jonquil Baby Vest, http://suzies-yarnie-stuff.blogspot.com/2010/04/jonquil-baby-vest.html I made mine in baby blue. The onesie was taken from Bella's Babies, http://bellabambinaknits.blogspot.com/2007/04/onsie-for-babies.html This was such a fun and easy pattern. I think I'll pair it with the vest for a baby gift. The white bib was made from 100% cotton yarn. The pattern used was from http://www.ramblinlady.com/babybib.htm

This year I also experimented in making tops. I used my sister and one of my grandnieces as the guinea pigs. The halter top in blue/white is from a lion brand pattern, "Light 'n' Lively Tank. I haven't seen her in it yet but it sure looked pretty on the hanger, lol. (My photo doesn't give it its proper due so check the website for a better image.) My sister's shell also came from the lion brand website, "Airy Lacy Shell." I made it using a cream colored cotton yarn.

Using the curly-sue skirt pattern as my guide, I crocheted 3 versions of the pattern for my youngest grandnieces. I modified the top/band because I had no elastic. So on one skirt, belt loops were attached on the others I created gaps in order to weave a belt through to use as a drawstring for size adjustment. I really had fun with this pattern and my girls loved the ruffles on the tail of the skirt. Here's her link: http://www.christinascrochethaven.me/girl_clothing/curly_sue_skirt.htm I made these skirts with navy, 100% acrylic yarn.

Fall Report

Fall was an extremely busy season for me. I've had fun trying new patterns and creating a few myself. If you see a hat or something you like, I get a lot of my patterns from: lionbrand.com, suzies-yarnie-stuff.blogspot.com, AnniesAttic, etc. There are also some newsletters that I read that offer wonderful free patterns. Check the sites out.

I had my first crochet show. It was truly a blast. Friends and family attended and we had a ball modeling the fashions for each other. It's always nice to have your work appreciated. Their enthusiasm and support motivates my creativity. I didn't remember to take pictures of my guests, but here are pics of some of the displays. I'll add my new creations in my next post. I plan to update on a regular basis. Don't forget to leave comments, suggestions or questions.

More of My Projects!

Finally Updated!

In my last post, I told you I had been busy working on my first afghan. Well, Hallelujah! Saints be Praised!, etc. It is finally finished. I must say, I'm rather proud of my first effort. I think it's kind of pretty. I hope you all like it too. I also photographed several hats I'd completed. Most are in what I call my "Black Medley" line. I had so much of this yarn that I couldn't help experimenting with them. All of the hats seen are original. I created as I crocheted. You will also see repetitions of my earlier creations, 'Shrooms and "Harf. I made them in spring colors. I'm going to work on writing down the pattern soon.

My next project? Well a cousin has challenged me to make her a tank top and/or a halter. I don't know what pattern she'll choose, but it will be fun to try. I forgot to photograph the infant crocs I made. I'll show them in a later post. I want to give proper credit to the creator of the pattern. Well I had fun crocheting these projects. I hope you enjoy viewing. Until next time...

Spring 2009

Hello Everyone!



I know I've been remiss in posting. I have been quite busy however. As you know, my two loves are reading and crocheting. I've read so many books so far this year. I've finally caught up with the Laurell K. Hamilton, J.D. Robb, John Sandford, and Janet Evanovich series, to name a few. I've also been introduced to Kim Harrison, Carrie Vaugn, Rachel Vincent and my recent new love, Lynsay Sands. I will post some of their titles in my "Books Read" section.



I've been practicing making different granny squares. I've finally made enough to assemble into my first afghan. Yippee! I will post pictures when I've finished. Of course, I've made more hats. I was experimenting with a new, variegated colored yarn, in black. I've also made more harfs. I've even started making baby croc sandals. I've only made one pair so far, but have plans to make more. So, as you can see, I've been busy. Now all I have to do is post the pics. So stay tuned!

2009: The Year for Accomplishments

Happy New Year!

January has been a very busy month. I've been crocheting and reading quite a bit. I finally finished my first hooded baby blanket. Unfortunately, I forgot to take pictures before sending it to my cousin. She promised to send me pictures for my file, so I'll post it then. I'm learning how to make various 12" squares via one of my Yahoo groups. I haven't mastered it yet. When I do, I'll share that as well.

There have been inquiries into the sale/purchase of my hats. If you see something you like, feel free to contact me: msdocarb@yahoo.com. I'm sure we can work it out. Just mention which item you're interested in. Periodically, I have items listed on ebay or the kijijii. There are a few items posted there now, http://chicago. kijiji.com/ c-For-sale- Clothes-fashion- Warm-hood- with-fur- trim-W0QQAdIdZ97 769290
So check this blog periodically for updates. I will be posting some of the red/black/green/gold hats for sale this month in celebration of Black History Month. I will also post some "harfs" in pink and yellow for Valentines Day and pre-spring sale. Those items will posted here, in a few days. Until next time, thanks for visiting my blog.