E-Reader Cozy...

Happy Father's Day - I hope everyone is enjoying a wonderful day.

I love reading. I love my e-reader. I love to crochet.

So, I made a crocheted cozy for my e-reader.

This was an easy, fun crochet project. I used some leftover Cotton-Ease to make it.

I started by crocheting a chain to the width of my e-reader case and then doubling it. The brown stripes are three rows of half-couble crochet and the blue stripes are one row of single crochet. For the back, I made one row of double crochet on each short edge and then stitched them together with yarn and a large needle. Then I slip stitched the bottom up with yarn. At the top, I made a row of double crochet and then a row of single crochet. I created the fold over piece with single crochet at a width and length I liked. To make the opening for the button, I used a chain stitch. I sewed the button in place with the brown yarn.

This was definitely a "make-it-up-as-I-go" pattern. I started and then pulled it all out three different times. I can see a few things I would do differently if I made another one. But, for the most part, I am happy with how it turned out.

{hugs}
Laura

Hi...

The last month has been very full. We had family visit from out of state and had two weeks of wonderful family reunion time. I photographed a cute little wedding. We had two nights of Open House at the preschool I work at. There have been track meets for both of my kids. We have also had the sniffles, sneezes and coughs in my house.

I got this Lemon Plum at the store last friday - delicious...

My Mom-in-Law gave me her old Nook - I am in LOVE! I have been thinking about getting an e-reader but was worried I wouldn't like it (I am a book girl) but I do. I have already re-read Outlander and now I am re-reading Dragon fly in Amber...

I got two new cookbooks from the book fair we had at Open House...

And, I bought some pansies...

Have a wonderful week...
{hugs}
Laura

Books I Love...

I had a lot of time to read this past week and wanted to share with you two books I love.

Her Fearful Symmetry by Audrey Niffenegger. She wrote another of my favorite books, The Time Travelers Wife.

I picked The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini is up at a thrift store and it's what I am reading now. It's really good - I can't put it down...

I love to read and wish I had more time for it. I have wanted to buy a Kindle but can't bring myself to do it yet - I just love real books and keep finding them at really good prices...

{hugs}
Laura

Hello...

My blue ripple...

What I've been reading...

It's three books in one...

My peppers have been growing...

I let them turn red and they taste really good.

{hugs}
Laura

Memorial Day Monday...

Today is Memorial Day, a time to remember and give thanks to those men and women who have served in the armed forces for our country.

It has been a great weekend with rest and relaxation, time spent with family and friends, a wonderful BBQ and an extra day off from work to enjoy.

Three day weekends are wonderful.

I tried something new - I made liquid hand soap. I think it turned out pretty good and I am happy at the money to be saved because of it. I followed this recipe from The Farmers Nest. She has a great picture tutorial to follow. I made just 1/2 a batch with a bar of Zest. I was able to fill two jugs, like the one in the background of this picture, for about $0.70 - a fabulous deal.

I have also started on the fourth book in the Outlander series...

And hooked up this little fruit cozy. You can find the pattern here on the Michaels website. I made the larger size, but my smallest apple still had a hard time squeezing into it for the pictures - lol. 

I hope you are enjoying your day.

{hugs}

Laura

Craft Books...

I always see crafting books that I would love to have, but I can never seem to bring myself to buy any of them. I guess it's just the difference between a want vs. a need. I want to have them but don't really need them.

{hugs}
Laura

Cute & Easy Crochet

I have wanted this book for a long time. So many cute things inside.

Crochet Motifs

I have her Crochet Boarders book. 

Twinkie Chan's Crochet Goodies

I saw this book at Joann's a few months ago. It has some really cute scarf patterns in it... 

Mend It Better

I just saw this one today on the Sublime Stitching facebook page. My new want...

New books and a New Project...

I love to read and I have recently acquired some new books from my local book store and from the book fair we had last week at school where I teach. I can't wait to read them.

I am currently reading two books. Dragonfly In Amber is the second book in a series by Diana Gabaldon. I read the first book, Outlander, back in February. This one is just as good and it's borrowed from the library. Gotta love the library...

I Still Believe is the story of Jeremy Camp. He is a Christian singer/artist and this book tells his life story. I love his music. My friend Penny let me borrow it and it has been very interesting so far. God has really used Jeremy's life in a remarkable way. 

I love finding new crochet patterns. Sometimes, instead of printing them out I write them down on a scrap piece of paper. This is a pattern I found on Lion Brand for a wash cloth.

I am working on a new project...

And, we are finally using a crochet wash cloth for the dishes. Well, I should say the kids are... So far it's been hard for them to get use to because they have only used a sponge with a scrubby side up until now.

Now for a little "mom bragging".  My son, who is a high school junior, runs for the varsity track team. In yesterdays track meet he ran the 800 meter in 2 minutes 5 seconds, coming in first place and creating a new personal best for himself. My daughter, who is a high school freshman, is on the pole vault team and will be at her very first track meet next thursday.  So proud of my kids... 

{hugs}

Laura

Mug Cozy...

I just finished this pink mug cozy for my favorite coffee mug. I received this heart mug many years ago from a little friend at preschool. I think I love the handle most of all. Well, when I saw this mug cozy pattern over at Micah Makes I knew it would great on my heart mug. I used Sugar and Cream Scents yarn in Rose Petal. And, because my mug is larger, I had to add a few rows. But I love the way it turned out.

Also, I have been reading a new book, which is borrowed from from my friend Lisa. It is one of her favorite books.

{hugs]
Laura

Hearts...

I saw this tutorial a couple of days ago and loved the look of these little hearts. So, last night, I took out some red cotton yarn and hooked up a bunch of them. They were so easy and fun to make. My plan is to create heart garland with them. Can't wait to show you...

I am also reading The Time Traveler's Wife, again, for the third time. I love it...

{hugs}
Laura

Hello...

I have been away for way too long. It's just been really busy with the kids back in school, and both in sports and with work. Also, I have been really into reading in my spare time (my very little spare time). I feel like I only have my tomatoes (which are coming to an end of growing), my ripple blanket (which I crochet on a little bit here and there) and momma bird (who has been on her nest 3 times this summer - yes, 6 baby doves in all) to talk about. And I really don't want to bore you with repeats. 

And I am sure you are remembering, just as I am, what happened 10 years ago today. Remember to keep living for the things that matter most to you, show love and kindness every day and don't sweat the small stuff. 

I do want to share my new Pinterest with you. I see so many wonderful things online and I am glad I signed up for a small spot on their website. While there, check out my <3 books board. There you will see some of the Beverly Lewis books I have been reading this summer. 

I also want to say a very happy birthday to my niece Sage today. Love you Sage... :o)

{hugs}

Laura

A Beautiful Morning...

It's been a beautiful morning so far. I got to sleep in, have some french vanilla coffee and read a little. Errands will come in a little bit and then maybe a treat - lunch out and a movie...

{hugs}
Laura

The evening sky full of lovely pink clouds a few nights ago... (one blessing from the smog we have)

The book I am reading now... (almost done - it's really good)

Slowly, buy surely, my ripple blanket is coming along... (using my Nana's crochet hook)