Baby Robert's Lamb Made By His Grandma Robin

So my daughter found a pattern of this little lamb on line. Oh, she just had to have it for the baby's nursery!

I could have a blanket 1/2 finished with the time I put into this little guy. If you are patient, and have time, I suggest you go for it. It was not difficult, just time consuming. My daughter is happy! Next time I think I'll hit a toy store!

I think he is cuter without a face!

I tried to make him look happy! :)

I used pink in place of the pattern suggestion of black yarn.


I found this pattern on http://www.craftsers.com/ Here is the pattern below.
Baby Lamb

Materials needed:
ww or 4 ply yarn, white and black. (I used I Love This Yarn in white, and Caron Simply Soft in black)
Size F crochet hook
snap post eyes and nose or buttons or beads. (For young children, I would recommend embroidering the face details on.)
stuffing material
darning or tapestry needle for sewing the parts together

Abbreviations used:
sc = single crochet
st = stitch
ss = slip stitch
inc = increase (do 2 single crochets in one stitch)
dec = decrease ( insert hook into first stitch, yarn over, pull up a loop, insert hook into the next stitch, yarn over, pull up a loop, yarn over and pull through the two loops on your hook)

NOTE: As amigurumi is made in spirals, do not join rounds. Use a stitch marker or a piece of thread or yarn to mark the end of your rounds.
Head:

Using white yarn:
Rnd 1: 6 sc in a magic ring
Rnd 2: * 2 sc (inc) in next st* repeat from * to * around. (12 sc)
Rnd 3: *1 sc in first st, 2 sc (inc) in second st* repeat from * to * around. (18 sc)
Rnd 4: *1 sc in first  2 st, 2 sc (inc) in third st* repeat from * to * around. (24 sc)
Rnd 5: *1 sc in first 3 st, 2 sc (inc) in fourth st* repeat from * to * around. (30 sc)
Rnd 6 - 8: work even, no inc or dec (30 sc)
Rnd 9: *1 sc in first 3 st, sc2tog (dec) in fourth st* repeat from * to * around. (24 sc)
Rnd 10: *1 sc in first 2 st, sc2tog (dec) in third st* repeat from * to * around. (18 sc)
Rnd 11: *1 sc in first st, sc2tog (dec) in second st* repeat from * to * around. (12 sc)
ss in the next st, and fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing

Face:

Using black yarn:
Rnd 1: 6 sc in a magic ring
Rnd 2: * 2 sc (inc) in next st* repeat from * to * around. (12 sc)
Rnd 3: *1 sc in first st, 2 sc (inc) in second st* repeat from * to * around. (18 sc)
Rnd 4: *1 sc in first  2 st, 2 sc (inc) in third st* repeat from * to * around. (24 sc)
Rnd 5: *1 sc in first 3 st, 2 sc (inc) in fourth st* repeat from * to * around. (30 sc)
ss in the next st, and fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing

Body

Using body color yarn:
Rnd 1: 6 sc in a magic ring
Rnd 2: * 2 sc (inc) in next st* repeat from * to * around. (12 sc)
Rnd 3: *1 sc in first st, 2 sc (inc) in second st* repeat from * to * around. (18 sc)
Rnd 4-8:  work even, no inc or dec (18 sc)
Rnd 9: *1 sc in first st, sc2tog (dec) in second st* repeat from * to * around. (12 sc)
ss in the next st, and fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing


Arms: (make 2)

Using black yarn:
Rnd 1: 6 sc in a magic ring
Rnd 2: sc in each st around (6 sc) FO Join white yarn
Rnd 3 - 7: sc in each st around (6 sc)
Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing


Legs: (make 2)

Using black yarn:
Rnd 1: 6 sc in a magic ring
Rnd 2:  sc in first st, 2 sc (inc) in next, around (9 sc)
Rnd 3: sc even (9 sc) ss in next sc and FO. Join white yarn
Rnd 4: sc even (9 sc)
Rnd 5: sc in first 3 sc, sc dec three times (6 sc)
Rnd 6 - 9: sc even (6 sc)
ss in next sc and FO leaving a long tail for sewing.

Ears: (make 2)

With black yarn:
Rnd 1: 6 sc in a magic ring (6 sc)
Rnd 2 - 3: sc even (6 sc)
Rnd 4: *sc in first sc, 2 sc (inc) in the next sc* repeat around (9 sc)
Rnd 5 - 7: sc even (9 sc)
Rnd 8: *sc in first sc, sc dec in next sc* repeat around (6 sc)
ss in next sc, and fasten off leaving a long tail for sewing.


Tail:

With white yarn:
Rnd 1: 6 sc in a magic ring (6 sc)
Rnd 2: *sc in first two sc, 2 sc (inc) in next sc* repeat around (8 sc)
Rnd 3 -6: sc even (8 sc)
ss in next sc, and FO, leaving a long tail for sewing.

Assembly Directions:

I find it easiest to pin my pieces into place before sewing them to ensure proper placement.

Position and sew face onto head. (I sewed it on one row up from the bottom row of stitches.)
Gather ears closed by weaving yarn through last row of stitches. Flatten head with face panel in front. Sew ears to the sides of the head between rounds 6 and 9.
Attach eyes and nose. Stuff head and set aside.
Stuff body, and sew body to head.
Stuff legs and sew to front of body between rounds 3 and 5.
Stuff tail, and weave yarn through the last row of stitches to gather closed. Sew to back bottom of body, in rounds 3 and 4, or where it will balance lamb in a sitting position.
Do not stuff arms. Sew to body between rounds 6 and 8. Use extra long tail to sew arms into position if desired. Weave in all your ends.

Chicken Casserole

I have a chicken in the refrigerator, so I'm thinking of preparing an old faithful, sure proof recipe. I take it to many pot-luck dinners and it is usually gone by the time I turn around. I thought I would share it with you.


Stove Top Chicken Casserole:


Ingredients: 1 regular box of stove top stuffing, you may use 2 boxes if you want it to be extra crunchy
                  1 lg. can cream of mushroom OR cream of chicken soup
                  1 cp of mayonnaise
                  1 small can (drained) of water chestnuts  (diced)        
                  3 or 4 cups shredded chicken. I use an entire chicken.
                  3 ribs of celery  (diced)
                  1 bunch of long green onions (diced)

Preparation: Mix mayonnaise and cream soup of your choice together

                   Mix water chestnuts, onions and celery together in a separate bowl

                   Boil 1 cup of water and 3/4 stick of butter together, turn off the stove and add the    

                   box of stuffing = this is your crust

                   Add all ingredients together including chicken, excluding the crust,  

                   a little garlic salt or Lawry's seasoned salt = it is a preference thing!

 Place all ingredients in a 9x13 pan, throw the crust on top of it all

 pat down the stove top crust  (with your hands)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees and cook for 30 minutes (covered with foil for the first 20 minutes)

Serves 6-8 people ENJOY!
                
          
                                 
                

New Years

This is the first day of the year that I have experienced being alone for at least one hour! Am I complaining? NO WAY! I thank GOD for people, friends, and family!
I am a night owl and I accomplish many things at night when things are still.
Sometimes at night, you can hear loneliness; heck, you can even feel it! I have never even for one minute experienced loneliness in the past. I didn't even understand it. I am the baby of my siblings and everyone looked after me my entire life.
I have a darling daughter named Sarah. She is an elementary school teacher who is married to a 1st Lieutenant in the Marine Corps. She is my only child, and her husband was her high school sweetheart and love of her life. They were always around the house for dinner, doing homework together and they brought much excitement to my house.
 I was a Brownie mom, a Girl Scout mom, a PTA mom, Room mom and Bible study leader for 14 years. My daughter was in Dance class, Voice lessons, Piano lessons, Teen Rotary, Republican Party youth volunteer, she was a Candy Striper for 6 years, she was in pageants to earn college scholarship money, she was in Art classes, and since she was 12; she always had a job: babysitting, tutoring, working at Blockbuster, Hostess at two different restaurants; You got the idea? Everything she was in, I was in also; doing the behind the scene driving, waiting, encouraging, cooking; parent things like most moms.
After getting her Masters degree, my daughter announced that she was getting married. I knew this meant that she was leaving because her soon to be Richard's career required it.
I have my own life and my own interests. I'm a painter, a crafter and a volunteer. I have wonderful friends and a dear sister and a brother. Both of my parents are dead. I miss them so much. That was the beginning of the lonely pangs, "an orphan" type syndrome. I had always been a real "Pollyanna" type until the real rip tides hit!
My husband's Alzheimered mother had to come to live with us because our savings could no longer accommodate her huge Rest Home bills. I was enmeshed with taking care of everyone, my family and their lives.
During a three year period, I got very ill and had a Radical Hysterectomy. I got separated from my husband of 36 years, my daughter graduated from College, I had another major surgery to repair some collapsed organs, we prepared for and had a Wedding, I had a major car accident two weeks before the wedding which totaled my paid for nice car, we moved my daughter to another state, and presently; I am facing yet another probable surgery. Yada yada yada...
My daughter married on July 12, 2008. She left California for Quantico, Virginia on December 6, 2008.
Christmas was bleak. It was the first time in my life that I spent Christmas alone. So many of my precious friends invited me. Because of PRIDE, I said I was busy.
I cooked a nice Christmas dinner and took plates to homes of people I knew were alone. Then I came home, built a fire and sat and cried. Belle of the Ball, prideful me; ALONE at Christmas!
After my pity party, GOD, yes God;  brought all of my former Christmases to my mind. It was as if I were in a beautiful dream-like state remembering vividly, all of my past Christmases with everyone whole and vibrantly alive and happy! I learned that "different," "changes," and being "alone" can be wonderful times of refinement.
I always profess that I am a Christian. I love God, try to obey Him, read about Him and all; but to need Him is to know Him intimately. Only GOD will never leave you, forsake you, or betray you for eternity.
Here I sit, reminiscing about the years of 2008 to 2011. My daughter and her husband recently moved to San Clemente California, exactly an hours drive away from me. They are stationed at camp Pendleton for a few years. They are both sleeping safely in my guest room, expecting their first child; my first grandchild! I ached for them. Two left, and three returned. Sadness, pain, and loneliness can be the BEST teaching tools you will ever experience! Birthed from them in my life is: patience, trust, hope, independence, gratitude, forgiveness, and TRUE spirituality! I had Christmas with GOD!
I am wishing everyone, New Year's with God! Whatever you are going through, know that God is sovereign. His word and His promises never fail. Your Father will reward you with His presence. Let's give God the gift of ourselves!
My New Year's resolution is to thank God for each day as the sun rises, and to try to be grateful no matter what the day brings, and ; to live in God's will, not my own selfish one.
Joel, chapter 2 verse 25: "I WILL repay you for the years the locust have eaten."
Just as I ached to see my daughter, Jesus ACHES to speak with you. Matthew chapter 5, verses 5 to 7:
"And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the Synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by men. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full. But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is UNSEEN. Then your father who sees what is done in secret, will reward you."

Cloth Cases

Years ago, I decided to use some of my scrap remnant fabric to make cases for things like: eye glasses, coins, crochet hooks, jewelry etc..
One Christmas I made over 50 cases for friends. It has been awhile. This Christmas, I made some new ones.
For the pattern:
(1) I just drew a rectangle and I (cut) curved the flap at the top width end.
(2) Next, I added fiber filling/ batting and a second rectangle to line the case.
(3) I sewed it together, and turned it inside out.
(4) Put in a buttonhole and sewed on a button.
(5) Embroidered names on the outside.
This makes a very nice gift. I figure the batting, remnant, thread and button to be about $2.00 each case.The customizing, the time, and the love make it very nice!

After sewing all three fabrics together (leaving the bottom opened to turn inside out) fold the rectangle just 3 or 4 inches less than half; leaving a good amount for the flap to fold over the top. Now, sew the bottom end shut. Your new case should look great for 5 or more years!

I take buttons off old clothes and save them in my button jar for projects like this.

It is really interesting and fun to mix different fabrics together. I contrasted polka dots with stripes on my case!

My Grape Purse!

 So this is my "Italian Purse" I took an Italian class with my dear Italian girlfriend, Rosemarie. She makes me think I can speak it well. After studying about grapes and wine, I came home and designed this purse so I could bring my flash cards to class in it.  Buon Giorno!
The yarn was all from scraps from other afghans I have made. I took the handles off of an old tired leather purse! RECYCLE!!

 I put in plenty of pockets because I can never find things in my messy purses.

 I have a chartreuse blouse from Chico's that I just love wearing. I have a bright purple wool coat that I also like wearing. My daughter calls me a gypsy because I enjoy wearing bright, almost flamboyant colors. I made this purse to tie the coat and the blouse together. I almost look decent wearing them.
I made up the rose and sculpted a rose from sculptures clay, and glued it on the crocheted rose.
The yarn is all from Michaels craft store. I always buy on sale.

 I found some neat key chains at the dollar tree. Each one had sayings and prayers engraved on them. I took the chains and used them as zipper charms. This one says: "Live, Love and Laugh"

 This is my favorite purse. It is quite large. I made the rose out of some mohair scrap yarn. It is red (my favorite color) and brown. I put plenty of pockets in it so I can find my stuff!

 I save everything! I have a box full of broken jewelry which I make into new stuff, like this zipper pull of hearts and crystal.

Michaels Craft Crochet Cluster Afghan Pattern

 Here is the blanket throw I made for my daughter for Christmas. She saw the green one that I made for myself, and she loved it because, "It is so thick and warm mom!" She made fun of the bright green chartreuse colored one which I love! I made hers in Maroon, which suits her decor beautifully.

I have tried many of them, but this one is by far the best one I have made.

My girlfriend made it and showed it to me. Her's was perfection!

I had the pattern stuck inside my yarn box and after seeing hers, I started making mine that night.

Check out the free patterns at Michaels today! I'll bet they have put out new ones for the new year!

                                        

Step: 1

FINISHED SIZE
Approx 50-inches x 60-inches (127 x 152.5cm).

Step: 2

GAUGE
2 Clusters and 2 rows = 4 ins [10cm].

Step: 3

Abbreviations
approx = approximately
ch = chain(s)
dc = double crochet
pat = pattern
rep = repeat
sc = single crochet
sp(s) = space(s)
rs = right side

Step: 4

Instructions
Ch 108 loosely.

Step: 5

1st row: (RS). 4 dc in 4th ch from hook. Miss next 3 ch. 1 sc in next ch. *Ch 2. 4 dc in same sp as last sc - cluster made. Miss next 3 ch. 1 sc in next ch. Rep from * to end of ch. Turn.

Step: 6

2nd row: Ch 5. Cluster in 4th ch from hook. *Miss next cluster. 1 sc in next ch-2 sp. Ch 2. Cluster in side of last sc just worked.

Step: 7

Rep from * to last cluster. Miss last cluster. 1 sc in top of last ch. Turn. Rep last row for pat until Afghan measures 60-inches. [152.5cm]. Fasten off.

Antique Cuff Bracelet

I am loving making these bracelets. Each time I make a new one it immediately gets claimed!
I think I will keep this one because the rhinestone came off of a pair of shoes I had when I was little. I used to pretend I was a princess and my mother bought me beautiful gowns and shoes from our church thrift store that she volunteered at. I was thrilled to find this shoe buckle.