Wheeeeeeeeeeeeeww!

I know, I know...

Bad Blogger!!! Bad Bad Blogger...

I have been so busy, it's been maddening... but I am finally starting to see the light at the end of the tunnel... or is that only dust in my eye? Hmm...

W ell, first things first, my dental visit...

and my first chance to play Mrs. Claus...  (I love this part!!!!)

"Dr. CutiePie" is a gamer.  Now, he's an XBox360 Gamer... but I can't even begin to imagine a character from XBox that I would/could due any form of justice to via crochet...
so.. I went with SackBoy.    (Pattern by RichmondArt: SackBoy Pattern)
 

Sure Sure.. I could have done Mario.. or PacMan (old schooled it..) but they aren't XBox either...
besides, his favorite game at the moment is Guitar Hero.. or was it.. Rock Band...
Hmm... 

I forget...  which is why I got him a gift card for Game Stop, so he could get whatever he wanted!
Me, I just stick to my air guitar!!

And... of course, I couldn't forget Katie (his secretary/receptionist/office manager/all around go-to-gal)

OH ... ALRIGHT, alright.

YES!! it's MY type of pressie!!!

But I don't know a single woman who wouldn't appreciate some good chocolate... and a ice-cold cup of coffee!!!  (Well, okay - but Katie likes Iced Coffee too!! - Must be a New England thang!)

(Kitty Pattern By StripeyBlue: Alley Cats)

Then, of course, there was a tree to decorate...

Each year, it has been the one and only thing I ask for from Mr. Doodle.  

I am not to much a material gal - I enjoy the simple things... and having a live tree at Christmas is the most 'simple' and (to me) traditional.

...

but ... had I known that 3 more Christmas pressies would just seem to appear overnight... I would have decorated it even faster!!!

(Doll Pattern By CreaMe: Fairy Doll)

Aren't they just the sweetest???  The 2 smaller dolls (peach and lilac) were done using a Size 1 steel hook with worsted weight yarn.. and the larger one (pink - which is for a 3 year old) was used with a larger hook... I want to say a C hook, but not entirely sure as of this writing.. 

I'm having a hard enough time just remembering what I did this morning when I got up.....

Ohhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh
that's right...

I figured, since there wasn't much else I could do.. and since my hands are hurting so very much from crocheting like a mad fiend!! (There is another smaller pink fairy which is about 85% done, but still needs wings, tiara, and wand... I think I will work on that tomorrow night-talk about pushing the Christmas Eve deadline huh?)...
....
I started my baking.. FINALLY!!

This is the box of goodies went with Hubby to work this morning... and boy do they ever need the sugar rush!!! (hee hee)

There are 3 different kinds of chocolate chip cookies, as well as butter cookies, peanut butter cookies, sugar cookies, brownies  ... and my own little touch of Italy.. Pistachio Loaves and Almond Biscotti (my Nonna's recipe *grin*)

Yeah... I'm sure this was a welcomed *surprise* this morning when they all had to show up at 6AM... Yes, 6!! On a Sunday...

oh?  Did I forget to mention??  Why is it that "wasn't much else I could do" a mere 4 days before Christmas?
Well Mr. Doodle and crew are on "Storm Hours".. which means 18 hours on.. 6 off - for rest..

because it started snowing Friday afternoon at about 2:30 and hasn't stopped yet.. LOL

And you want to know the SADDEST PART...
we probably still won't have a "White Christmas"...

Tomorrow it is supposed to snow in the AM... then turn to rain and sleet by mid-afternoon...
then Wednesday night... Christmas Eve... there is a 60% chance of RAIN!!

*sigh*

Well, at least I will have the photo to prove it was almost a White Christmas here in New England ... 

Merry Christmas and Seasons Greetings Doodlers..

May your holiday be bright and all your wishes come true! 

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Permission has NOT be granted to any 3rd Party to re-print, re-post or translate any FiberDoodlesbyK4TT products.

By utilizing any product from FiberDoodlesbyK4TT, whether by clicking over the internet, telephone, facsimile or otherwise, you agree to the Terms and Conditions of the FiberDoodlesbyK4TT End User Licensing Agreement (EULA) or qualification.
All patterns are sold in good faith. Every effort has been made to ensure that all instructions are accurate and complete. FiberDoodlesbyK4TT cannot, however, be responsible for human error or variations in individual work.

All patterns released from FiberDoodlesbyK4TT are protected under Federal copyright laws. Reproduction/distribution, in part or in whole, is strictly prohibited unless specifically authorized. This includes, but is not limited to, any form of reproduction or distribution on or through the Internet, including posting, scanning, "Crochet-A-Longs" and/or eMail transmission. 

How are you Christmas?

Inside a snowflake, like the one on your sleeve, 

there happened a story, you must see to believe.

Way up in the mountains, in the high rage of Pontoos, 

Lay the small town of Whoville-- The home of the Whos! 

Ask any Who and they'll have this to say:

There is no place like Whoville around Christmas Day.

Every window was flocked, every lamp post was dressed

and the Whoville Band marched in their Christmas-y best.

Arbor Day was fine and Easter was pleasant,

and every Saint Fizzin's Day they are a Fizz pheasant;

But every Who knew, from their 12 toes to their snout, 

They loved Christmas the most, without a single Who doubt.

** ANOTHER MINUTE CLOSER TO CHRISTMAS **

M ost years, it is easy to say that I could fit right in with the small town of Whoville -- well, minus the 12 toes and snout part anyway. 

Christmas cards addressed and mailed out on Black Friday.  Walking around singing and/or humming cheery Christmas music. 
Major shopping done by the end of November and wrapped throughout December.  Leaving only the tree to be dressed, the lawn to be decorated and more lights than who-manly needed, to be strung... 

Each year I add more lights and/or more decorations.  

This year, I purchased 2 white lighted trees, a 'fireplace' DVD and a light show thingie that will make the lights dance to the Christmas Music.

Oh well, at least I am not stealing the light bulbs out of the refrigerator ... yet.

Then of course, there is the baking...
Now if you listen to Mr. Doodle, he will claim that the only time of year I actually 'cook' is the holidays... and that is "only baking"...

But truth-be-told, it's just his favorite part of the holidays and he looks forward to all the sweet goodness that flows from my oven (yes, all made from scratch, well some years I do cheat on the Sugar Cookies and purchase Pilsbury.... but no one really eats them, they are just for the kids)  

It is the one time of year that I don't monitor his 'sweets' or give him the 'look' for over-indulging. 
It also doesn't hurt his 'status at work', that I am one of the only wives who sends in baked goods for the boys.  *grin*

Leading up to the days before Christmas, there is usually some Christmas movie or another in the DVD player or on the television.  

Last night, as if you couldn't gather from my intro, 
How the Grinch Stole Christmas was on.. LOL
(It's one of the only movies I can stand with the over-actor Jim Carey -- because Suess is so 'over-the-top-odd' with his characters.)

Christmas Eve is when the girls take control of my kitchen and bake their Sugar Cookies for Saint Nic... well, they need to be soft and warm for him..
... and while other 'good little children' are leaving a glass of cold milk or even a mug of hot chocolate; we give Santa a big ole piping hot cup of Dunkin Donuts coffee.  

After all, he is pullin' an all-nighter with no one to keep him company but 8 tiny reindeer.

Before bed, the kids and I curl up in the 'big chair' or on the love-seat and read Twas the Night Before Christmas.

and never fail, each Christmas of their 7 and 8 years on this planet so far...
Santa Claus leaves plenty of presents under the tree and one small package at the foot of their bed. 

2 years ago, he even accidentally left one of his jingle bells...
must have fallen off his toy bag, or perhaps off his suit,  and it began a *new* Christmas Tradition...

You see, right before bedtime, we each take turns shaking the bell - as long as it jingles, Santa will come and answer our wish list...

but if ever it doesn't jingle, *sigh* that means either we've lost the magic of Christmas (and no longer believe) or we've been so bad that Santa is going to skip us.

I'll let you know what happens this year.. *grin*

Well, those are some of my Family Christmas Traditions...
I would love to hear some of yours.

Page Updated on: 22 October 2020

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Permission has NOT be granted to any 3rd Party to re-print, re-post or translate any FiberDoodlesbyK4TT products.

By utilizing any product from FiberDoodlesbyK4TT, whether by clicking over the internet, telephone, facsimile or otherwise, you agree to the Terms and Conditions of the FiberDoodlesbyK4TT End User Licensing Agreement (EULA) or qualification.
All patterns are sold in good faith. Every effort has been made to ensure that all instructions are accurate and complete. FiberDoodlesbyK4TT cannot, however, be responsible for human error or variations in individual work.

All patterns released from FiberDoodlesbyK4TT are protected under Federal copyright laws. Reproduction/distribution, in part or in whole, is strictly prohibited unless specifically authorized. This includes, but is not limited to, any form of reproduction or distribution on or through the Internet, including posting, scanning, "Crochet-A-Longs" and/or eMail transmission. 

Courtesy Pattern : CP05 - Xue the Snowflake

It's the most wonderful time of the year.  Wintertime almost always brings a smile to my face. Now, I know, many people just don't like the cold... the snow.

But me, I could have a constant steady snowfall from November until January. Perhaps that is what I liked about living in Alaska.

But it's not just the weather, it's also the 'Season'.

November brings Thanksgiving.. a time to pig out (and not feel guilty) and have an excuse to enjoy a slower pace - you know, sit down to a family meal and enjoy the moments and shared time.

December of course, Christmas. Nothing on this Earth compares with seeing my children's face light up with the realization that Santa has echoed their Momma's year long praise and dropped off a boat-load of toys. Just the smells of Christmas makes my heart lighter and gives me more peace than any other time of the year.

Finally, January... and the promise of a new year and a fresh start.

Well, to start off the Season properly.. in the spirit of 'giving'...
I am proud to introduce and share with you

Skill Level: Easy/ Advanced Beginner

Measurements: 4.5 inches tall (approx.)
Gauge :  Is not critical in this project
Yardage :  Main Color: less than 7oz/364yrds


General Notes:
- This pattern is worked in rows.  I do NOT utilize 'turning chains' when working in single crochet stitches.
- This pattern utilizes standard US Crochet Terms and was designed by a Right Handed Crocheter.
- Any changes in materials to this pattern, (hook size/yarn weight) will not produce the measurements above

Materials Used in Model:

Red Heart® Classic Crochet Thread Size 10

Size US 9 Steel Thread Crochet Hook

Filling for Plushies (fiberfil or similar)

1 1/8" Plastic Ring

6mm Black Plastic Beads for Eyes

Starch or Stiffening Agent (I use diluted White Glue)

Crochet Needle for sewing 

Long Straight Pins for blocking/stiffening & Styrofoam board to block on

Small Magnet (if using for fridgie) or other Embellishments

Xue the Snowflake

Body: 

___ Rnd 1: Using either the [ch 2, begin work in 2nd st from hook] or [magic circle] method to begin project, 6 sc in st  (6 sts)

___ Rnd 2: [Inc in nxt st] 6 times (12 sts)

___ Rnd 3: [sc in nxt st, Inc in next st] 6 times (18 sts)

___ Rnd 4: [sc in ea of nxt 2 sts, Inc in next st] 6 times (24 sts)

___ Rnd 5: [sc in ea of nxt 3 sts, Inc in next st] 6 times (30 sts)

___ Rnd 6: [sc in ea of nxt 4 sts, Inc in next st] 6 times (36 sts)

___ Rnd 7: sc in ea st around  (36 sts)

___ Rnd 8a: in FLO, [hdc in next st, (DC, ch-12, slst in 4th ch from hook, ch-5, slst in 5th ch from hook, ch 4, slst in 4th ch from hook and into the slst space of the first picot created, slst in next 3 chains of beg ch-12, ch4, slst into the top of dc, dc in same st as first dc) in next st, hdc in next st, sc in next st, (sc, ch-4 slst in 4th ch from hook, ch-5 slst in 5th ch from hook, ch-4 slst in 4th ch from hook and in top of sc) in next st, sc in next s] 6 times
**creating 6 large fingers (red) and 6 small fingers (green)  Finish off.  Secure and weave in tail to even out round and hide tail.

___ Rnd 8b: join with sc in any unworked loop from Rnd 7, [sc in ea of nxt 4 sts, Dec nxt 2 sts tog] 6 times  (30 sts)

___ Rnd 9: [sc in ea of nxt 3 sts, Dec nxt 2 sts tog] 6 times  (24 sts)

**insert ring

___ Rnd 10: [sc in ea of nxt 2 sts, Dec nxt 2 sts tog] 6 times  (18 sts)

___ Rnd 11: [sc in nxt st, Dec nxt 2 sts tog] 6 times  (12 sts)

** using the smallest amounts of polyfil, stuff lightly - just enough to create a slight puff to front of snowflake.

___ Rnd 12: [Dec nxt 2 sts tog] 6 times  (6 sts)
Finish off,  Secure and weave in tail to hide.

As with most thread objects, using either heavy starch or a stiffening agent (like glue) apply to the snowflake fingers only and pin in place.

Allow to air dry.

Embellish with beads, color thread, etc

Page Updated on: 22 October 2020

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Permission has NOT be granted to any 3rd Party to re-print, re-post or translate any FiberDoodlesbyK4TT products.

By utilizing any product from FiberDoodlesbyK4TT, whether by clicking over the internet, telephone, facsimile or otherwise, you agree to the Terms and Conditions of the FiberDoodlesbyK4TT End User Licensing Agreement (EULA) or qualification.
All patterns are sold in good faith. Every effort has been made to ensure that all instructions are accurate and complete. FiberDoodlesbyK4TT cannot, however, be responsible for human error or variations in individual work.

All patterns released from FiberDoodlesbyK4TT are protected under Federal copyright laws. Reproduction/distribution, in part or in whole, is strictly prohibited unless specifically authorized. This includes, but is not limited to, any form of reproduction or distribution on or through the Internet, including posting, scanning, "Crochet-A-Longs" and/or eMail transmission. 

GRRRR....

I love Mr Doodle... I really do..

BUT...

He's gonna be seeing the real thing,

... if he keeps his crap up.

Melanie designed a Roly Poly Reaper & I just had to make it for Mr Doodle - as he loves all things dark and macabre!!

Of course, I made this a few days ago and merely needed to sew it together and give him some eyeballs - but after this past weekend...

let's just say...

If Mr Doodle complains one more time about the amount of money I spend on crochet patterns and materials; while he spends $60.00 a week on XBox 360 games, he's gonna come face to face with the real deal!

*wicked grin*

And yes, he did fall in love with him.

Infact, he took him to work with him this morning.. lol...

not exactly a character you want to have around while you are working on high-voltage wires tho...

hmmmm... 

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Permission has NOT be granted to any 3rd Party to re-print, re-post or translate any FiberDoodlesbyK4TT products.

By utilizing any product from FiberDoodlesbyK4TT, whether by clicking over the internet, telephone, facsimile or otherwise, you agree to the Terms and Conditions of the FiberDoodlesbyK4TT End User Licensing Agreement (EULA) or qualification.
All patterns are sold in good faith. Every effort has been made to ensure that all instructions are accurate and complete. FiberDoodlesbyK4TT cannot, however, be responsible for human error or variations in individual work.

All patterns released from FiberDoodlesbyK4TT are protected under Federal copyright laws. Reproduction/distribution, in part or in whole, is strictly prohibited unless specifically authorized. This includes, but is not limited to, any form of reproduction or distribution on or through the Internet, including posting, scanning, "Crochet-A-Longs" and/or eMail transmission. 

The Illness, The Old Man and Me

T  hank you all so much for all your kind words and prayers.
I assure you that I am o'kay. (Health and Mental)
The stress that I am feeling is not from the 'loss' per se, but more from trying to be there for my MIL and Mr. Doodle.

My little bought of 'depression' has semi-passed... it has it's moments of creeping back in, mostly when I am tired... which seems to be more times than not here lately.
But I have been keeping my mind and hands VERY busy.

The news on FIL's sister is that she did pass at around 1:30am (this morning) and that FIL's brother was on his way to see Pop when I spoke with my MIL at around 11:30 today.
Then Pop will find out his sister has passed.

Although these are probably the last few days Pop has left (and since my son will be returning home to his Father on tomorrow) Mr. Doodle and I made the tough decision to NOT go see the old man as a family.  We will go over tonight for a little while - but the kids, no.

He did not feel strong enough to go to dialysis today and he's still 'leaking' which has caused the home health nurse to put on some type of bag so that he doesn't feel wet.

Of course the major concerns at this point are how he will take the news of his sister's passing, keeping the risk of infection (from the dialysis port AND the hole in in stomach to remove fluids) to a minimum and the fact that it will be a total of 4 days between dialysis treatments (assuming he does go on Monday - his usual dialysis schedule is Mon-Wed-Fri)

Here's the old man...  (My FIL & MIL)

 

Well, my son leaves tomorrow.. so chaos here today..

*sigh*

I will update when I can!

Page Updated on: 22 October 2020

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Permission has NOT be granted to any 3rd Party to re-print, re-post or translate any FiberDoodlesbyK4TT products.

By utilizing any product from FiberDoodlesbyK4TT, whether by clicking over the internet, telephone, facsimile or otherwise, you agree to the Terms and Conditions of the FiberDoodlesbyK4TT End User Licensing Agreement (EULA) or qualification.
All patterns are sold in good faith. Every effort has been made to ensure that all instructions are accurate and complete. FiberDoodlesbyK4TT cannot, however, be responsible for human error or variations in individual work.

All patterns released from FiberDoodlesbyK4TT are protected under Federal copyright laws. Reproduction/distribution, in part or in whole, is strictly prohibited unless specifically authorized. This includes, but is not limited to, any form of reproduction or distribution on or through the Internet, including posting, scanning, "Crochet-A-Longs" and/or eMail transmission. 

Crocheting Tips & Tricks from K4TT

I can't begin to count the number of times I have finished a second doll arm or foot, only to find it is slightly smaller than the first.

It's not hard at all to do! Your hand will naturally begin to fatigue as you work and thus, pull stitches tighter; creating a 'smaller' finished item.

One simple and effective way to making pairs more identical, is to start both at the same time. 

Working a few rounds on one and then that same amount of rounds on the other until both are completed.

You can compare sizes often and easily maintain accurate gauge.

Page Updated on: 2 September 2020

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By utilizing any product from FiberDoodlesbyK4TT, whether by clicking over the internet, telephone, facsimile or otherwise, you agree to the Terms and Conditions of the FiberDoodlesbyK4TT End User Licensing Agreement (EULA) or qualification.
All patterns are sold in good faith. Every effort has been made to ensure that all instructions are accurate and complete. FiberDoodlesbyK4TT cannot, however, be responsible for human error or variations in individual work.

All patterns released from FiberDoodlesbyK4TT are protected under Federal copyright laws. Reproduction/distribution, in part or in whole, is strictly prohibited unless specifically authorized. This includes, but is not limited to, any form of reproduction or distribution on or through the Internet, including posting, scanning, "Crochet-A-Longs" and/or eMail transmission. 

Hazy, Hot & Humid

It's summertime, summertime - sum - sum - summertime...

S ummertime, you either love it or hate it, I guess. Well at least that's how most of my friends feel about the topic.
As for me, I am kinda on the fence about it. That is to say, I love to hate it - I guess... or I hate loving it.. take your pick.

I hate the humidity... that's for sure.
And while I live only minutes from the beach; I don't do the whole tanning/swimming thing.

Now I know what you are thinking... 'Yeah.. cause you've got natural olive skin.. Italian *five letter expletive*'

No. My mother is actually Sicilian and 'blond/blue'... I've got the whole dark hair and eyes thing... but I have my mother's skin..
I've just never been into the whole baking in the sun for hours to get that 'Thanksgiving Turkey' glow...

*shrugs*

And I don't dare go into water that I cannot see my feet in... never, ever, never.

Mr. Doodle loves to fish.. freshwater & saltwater.. do you know what's in there? Well, I do.. and it's amazing..
(Sorry... almost broke into the MONK theme song there for a minute... aren't you glad I restrained myself?)

So anyways..
back to the whole Summer Bash-ing thing here..

The other thing that I totally cannot stand about summer... well, in the summertime air.. I am not a very happy hooker..

Trying to work with yarn is like.. trying to run through quicksand with weights on.

Well, okay, perhaps it's not quite that bad and I am exaggerating a little... but the yarn certainly doesn't slide effortlessly through your fingers as it would on a cool October night..

And, as you know, I've got to keep my fingers in both yarn and thread... or one is gonna suffer greatly.

But summertime does have it's redeeming qualities for me.
My second favorite thing to do...
Garden...
Getting down in the dirt.. playing like a 7 year old again..

Gardening gives me an excuse to get my hands dirty, muddy... filthy... to get up close to worms and other nasty little things that women my age are suppose to run in fear from. 

All this pleasure.. without guilt... and without anyone looking at me weird...
cause damn it.. I am GARDENING!

I must admit, this summer I've not been able to dedicate myself to my garden as I have in past years. I must struggle to find time to simply water it most days. In fact, the last few days I have cheated and used the sprinkler as a 'heat-relieving child's toy' and 'a gardener's watering can'.
But I try very hard to pamper the few babies I have this year.

THE ESSENTIALS:

Two of my favorite Thai dishes call for this.. a lot of this... so I've got 7 outdoor plants and 2 seedlings started in my kitchen window.

"Holy Basil"

Each started from seed back in April, these are my pride and joy...
and quite honestly, usually picked over quite a bit more than they've been used this year.
None the less, you can never have too much basil in your Gai Pad or is it Gra Pow (okay, okay.. Thai Ground Chicken) and I can never have too much of it growing in my yard.

I've even got it growing in my entry way... the smell of this plant is so, invigorating...

I just love walking out my door and catching a whiff of it... just makes me feel alive.

But no self-respecting Italian would have a spice garden and be caught dead without at least 1 plant of "Italian Basil". 

Well, ya'll knew it had to be in there, and while it isn't used half as much as the Holy Basil, it's always mandatory to have on hand for sandwiches and gravies.

as well as...

YUP! maters...
Although, I think I've been most disappointed in my tomato yield this year. Surely I have myself to blame, but I believe the weather or perhaps the soil has played a part as well. I mean, here we are almost the last week in July and I've yet to have one 'mater sammich'!!

It just isn't summer without a nice thick slice of Beefsteak between 2 toasted slices of white... dressed up with some mayo, salt n' pepper...
hmm....
mouth is just watering now thinking about it.
*sigh*


And I am not the only one in the family who enjoys playing in the dirt... although at their ages, it's sort of expected.

The beautiful sunflowers at the beginning of this post belong to my daughter(s). Okay, I am not sure which one... shhhh...

Around Mother's Day, the classroom did the whole 'Plant a Sunflower Seed for Mom and make a Card' Mother's Day gift thing... well ...
that little stalk of green grew into an almost 7 foot thing of beauty.

She is so proud...

And finally.. my little 'Zen Garden'
Complete with Buddha and wind chimes..

This is where I go when I say that I am going outside or I have gone outside for a ciggie.
I can just get so lost in the lush greens ...
the 2 evergreens are the newest additions... which is why they look a little... haggard...
I often take half dead plants that people are ready to ditch, and try to give them a second chance at life.
The beautiful evergreen in the center... well 2 years ago.. it could have made a guest appearance in the Charlie Brown Christmas Special.

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