Friday, September 20, 2013

Red Clouds over Germany tonight.

Tonight in Mainz the full moon cast a blood red glow in the clouds.  It is. The first time I've ever seen this.  I know you can get red clouds at sunset, but this was close to midnight!  So this is truly something 'out there'.






Blood red clouds over Germany, Sept. 20th 2013

Monday, March 18, 2013

Crochet Pattern - Tissue Box Cover - Strawberry Mint

Noses are Red, Violets are Blue
 
There was at least 4 inches of snow here Sunday  (10cm) that didn't melt as it was coming down.  But now it is all gone.   Everybody's been catching something all around me. There is coughing, sneezing, dripping (that's the snow melting) and dry indoor air. So to keep all balance in the universe, I am providing the following free crochet pattern in hopes that I can avoid catching something too. Spring is coming though.  I can see purple pansies through the snow.  I found this cute yarn at my favorite craft store years ago. Why did I only buy one? Soon you will notice a pattern in the things I purchase or make to go in 'The Sewing Room".
 
Maybe one of my geekier readers can tell me how to post this kind of stuff so that I put a link to it....
Happy Crocheting!  G
 
Crocheted Tissue Box Cover - Strawberry Mint
By Gail Olney - Sew Out There

Materials:
One tissue box.  Any size.  The example box is H5”  W4.25”  D4.5” .
One length of ribbon (5/8” was used in the example photo) the circumference of the box + 24”.  36” of satin ribbon was used in the example. 
One skein medium weight cotton yarn such as Lily Sugar N Cream variagated yarn. 
One crochet Hook Size K.

Note: The following directions are for the box shown.  If your box is a difference size, measure its circumference and chain to that length .  Test the size after the second row.  It should fit snugly on the box, but not too tightly.  Adjust by redoing it using a larger or smaller hook, or by adjusting the number in the chain.

Sides:
Sides are worked in one piece.   Ch 50  To reach the circumference of the box. SL.
Row ch 1.  SC in each chain.  SL 
Rows 2-9  SC in each stitch in the previous row.  This is worked in the round.
Row 10 Chain 2 (which makes the first stitch in row 10. DC in each stitch in row 9.  Ch 1.  Turn.

Row 11.  *(SC in each stitch in row 10)
Ch 1 . Turn.
Rows 12-17.  Repeat from *, omitting the last Ch. Tie off.  Weave in end.
The instructions are for the box shown.  If your box is a different size then measure the width and length and center, and adjust accordingly.
Top
Chain 13.  Row 1:
*** Chain 1. SC in 2nd chain from hook, and in all remaining chains (13).
Rows 2-7. Repeat from *** above. (depending on your size this may differ)
Row 8 chain 1 Sc in next 4 stitches.  Chain 9.  Sc in next 4 stitches.  Chain 8.  SC 4. Ch 1 turn.
(Depending on your size this may differ.)
To determine how many to chain, Measure the desired opening size.  Count how many stitches that equals in your stitch by counting it in your already completed side piece.   Subtract that number by the number of stitches in the chain for the top piece.  Divide this number by half. 
Example:  The box is 10” wide.  This counts to 32 stitches.  The opening desired is 3”, which is 10 stitches.  32-10=22.  Half of 22 = 11.  SC 11 times in the row 8 stitches.  Then chain 10 for the opening, and sc 11 again to complete row 9 .
Row 10.  SC in each stitch and chain from row 9.  CH 1.  Turn.
Rows 11 to 16.  Repeat row 2. Tie off, leaving long chain. 
Finishing
Join top to bottom using a slipstitch.  Tie off.  Weave in all ends.
Ribbon:  Weave ribbon into stitches in row 10, starting at a center point in face of the box.  Tie a bow in the ribbon and trim ends at a 45 degree angle.  Done.

Permission is grants to all users to reproduce the Tissue Box cover project for any purpose.  I designed and executed this pattern for Tissue Box Cover - Strawberry Mint.  I am not responsible for error or ommissions, but willing to post corrections if necessary.


Monday, March 11, 2013

Christmas in March Cowboy Boot Stockings

I am olney.gail@gmail.com

Living abroad can be challenging,  since I don't speak the native language well enough to get a job, and my kids are back home in the USA going to college.  My husband works a lot, with frequent business trips.  That leaves me plenty of time to sew, quilt, and shop the flea markets. 

Luckily, I moved to Germany with most of my 'stash', and several UFOs.  Here is a UFO that I am just finishing.  Check out the cowboy boot stockings, which are hand embroidered and have a huge polka dot lining (from that huge Swedish furniture store).  I love the embossed felts, and here is a perfect example of when I fabric speaks to you.  This one SHOUTED to become cowboy boots.  All I need to do is add the boot pull hangers.  I'm making 6, and have debated on whether or not I should add first names to each or leave them generic.  I may keep them until I have grandkids.  Hopefully someday that will happen...