"Crochet -- FREE -- 10 Amazing Free Crochet Edging Patterns"

Credit:

simplycollectiblecrochet.com/2016/03/10-amazing-free-crochet-edging-patterns/

Click on the Image or Link to Discover 10 Interesting & FREE Crochet Edgings!

"Fabulous Finds -- Mouli Grater"

Classic French cookware and gadgets are among CJ's prized possessions, like this genuine Mouli cheese grater - an engineering marvel - found at a local thrift shop for a dollar. It grates hard cheese better than anything else on the market.

Eggplant-from-the-garden Parmesan for dinner....yummy!



Photo Credit - CJA and pinterest

"Fabulous Finds -- Oriental Teapot"

CJ found this large oriental teapot in a thrift shop.

Note the two doves on its lid.

Below the photo are some interesting quotes about tea and teapots.

Sit thee down and sip with me ...



Photo Credit: CJ Alexander

Outside of a teapot life is but thousands of dusty affairs. ~ Terri Guillemets

Strange how a teapot can represent at the same time the comforts of solitude and the pleasures of company ~ Author Unknown

... A pure wind envelopes my body.
The whole world seen in a single cup.
~ Kokan (Zen priest, 1278-1346), quoted in The Japanese Way of Tea by Sen Sōshitsu XV, translated by V. Dixon Morris

Drink your tea slowly and reverently, as if it is the axis on which the world earth revolves — slowly, evenly, without rushing toward the future. ~ Thich Nat Hahn

Water is the mother of tea, a teapot its father, and fire the teacher. ~ Chinese Proverb

The sounds of the tea being made invite the peach blossoms to peep in through the window. ~ Uson, quoted in Sasaki Sanmi, Sadô Saijiki

All quotes found at http://www.quotegarden.com/tea.html

"Fabulous Finds -- Patriotic Quilts -- Free eBook"

Click the Image to Access the FREE "Patriotic Quilts"eBook

“Patriotic quilts are always popular with those who want to combine their passion for America with their passion for quilting. Merging the colors of the American flag with gorgeous quilt patterns, patriotic quilts symbolize the American spirit. Thanks to McCall's Quilting and McCall's Quick Quilts, these FREE patriotic quilt patterns are available as an instant download. This free eBook features three gorgeous patriotic quilts including:

• "July 4th Gathering" — a quilted ensemble highlighting Sawtooth Stars and an upbeat feeling. This includes patterns for matching quilt, placemats, napkins, and napkin ties!
• "Nautically Nice" — a pattern bringing together patriotic colors and a classic pieced quilt design.
• "Born in the USA" — a patriotic wall quilt pattern that makes a bold statement.

This free eBook provides step-by-step instructions to make each of the free patriotic quilt patterns.”

"Fabulous Finds -- John William Waterhouse"

John William Waterhouse:  Boreas, The Soul of the Rose, Picking Flowers, Ophelia

I discovered a box of note cards at a local consignment shop the other day.  I did not recognize the artist or the works, but I was smitten.  The artist's depictions of women are stunning.

I learned that the painter, John William Waterhouse, painted in the "Pre-Raphaelite" style, His contemporaries were the Impressionists; Van Gogh, Monet, etc.

Art enables us to find ourselves and to lose ourselves at the same time.

-- Thomas Merton --

.

Revisited -- Crochet -- "Stitch-cation Challenge"

Last summer I participated in a free worldwide crochet Stitch-cation Afghan “Challenge" sponsored by Red Heart Yarns and the on-line group “The Crochet Crowd.”  An eBook, "Stitch-cation Workbook," provides patterns and video guidance for the entire project.

The goal of the challenge is to introduce and reinforce new stitching techniques and patterns to the artist. The challenge's list of patterns includes the following:

-- Popcorn Stitch

-- Granny Square

-- Front Post Treble

-- Back Loops

-- Cross Stitched

-- Front Post Double Crochet Around Single Crochet

-- Raised Treble Crochet

-- Shells with Front and Back Stitches

-- Front Post Double Crochet

-- Double Crochet and Slip Stitch

Participants are provided with patterns for the ten unique squares and corresponding online videos.   The materials demonstrate the techniques for producing the squares of "easy" to “intermediate” levels of difficulty.

Each participant is required to complete *at least* two squares of each pattern using *at least* a total of eight different colors to complete the afghan. The artist then needs to devise a way to join the squares and add a decorative border of *at least* four rows.

The project was great fun.  See the photo below of my completed afghan. Notice the double frilled row on the border, the ruffle on the “join” of the squares, and the “roses” added to the border for emphasis.  

I used twelve colors for the project.  If I were to repeat the project I would limit my colors to eight for the body of the afghan and one for joining the squares.

Everything you need to complete the challenge can be found in the "Stitch-cation Challenge Workbook." Photos of your completed project can then be posted on “The Crochet Crowd’s” site.  Visit the "Stitch-cation Gallery" to view over 700 examples of completed projects.

Accept the Challenge to Complete a Unique Afghan

and Expand your Crocheting Skills!

Completed Example -- "Stitch-Cation Challenge"

"Fabulous Finds -- Vincent van Gogh Florals"

Picture Credit:  Galison New York

Almond Blossom (1890)

Sunflowers (1888)

Irises (1889)

A Vase of Roses (1890)

“I have nature and art and poetry,

and if that is not enough, what is?”

-- Vincent van Gogh --

Fabulous Finds -- David Ossenfort -- "Hymns to Praise Him"

David Ossenfort -- Hymns to Praise Him

Visit cdbaby to listen to tracks from this CD
and to add a copy to your collection!

Album Notes

Praise the Lord for HIs tender mercies of joy and peace. Ever since David was a little boy, singing the hymns has always touched his heart and soul deeply.

David is a native New Yorker who earned his bachelor's degree in Fine Arts In Opera Performance at SUNY Purchase Music Conservatory. A well-known tenor and former opera singer, David has performed in many opera houses and venues including The Metropolitan Opera House, The San Francisco Opera, The New York City Opera, Tanglewood Music Center, and The Kennedy Center.

In 2009, David left the opera houses and returned back to His house, and now his life is dedicated to sharing the Gospel through song. "The biggest miracle in our lives is salvation -- being brought back, full circle, into the fold."

Source: www.cdbaby.com/cd/davidosenfort

"Fabulous Find -- Jennifer Estiban Originals Vintage Doll"

I found this little sweetheart in a local thrift store.  I've been watching her for weeks, trying to decide whether to bring her home.  The photos don't show her delicate features -- lashed blue eyes, flushed cheeks, flaxen curls ... My doll's hair needs some work to remove the "frizzies" forming a halo around some of her curls.  I may try the "Downy Dunk" ... a trick used by doll collectors to restyle and restore doll hair.

The designer, Jennifer Estiban, began marketing her original dolls in Australia in 1988.  She migrated to the U.S. in 1991 and settled in California.

This doll is a limited run of 1,500 by "Jennifer Estiban Originals" and was crafted prior to JE selling the rights to any of her designs. Modern productions are inferior as they are made of vinyl and widely available.

Oooops!  I just noticed that she's missing her first finger. Originally slated to be sold, this little beauty will now be added to my small cache of designer dolls.

"Thursday; July 21, 2016 -- Organ Grinder & Monkey Lamp"

A "Fabulous Find" in need of TLC ... there is a break in the cast iron and the wires have been cut on this interesting, unique lamp -- an Organ Grinder and his Monkey.

Wish I knew how to repair this piece offered for sale on eBay ...

"Wednesday; July 20, 2016 -- Vincent van Gogh"

"Fabulous Find -- 'Mikey' by The Crochet Crowd -- June 15th, 2016"

Visit ...
thecrochetcrowd.com/mikey-magazine-june-15-2016/
to download a PDF version of this fun and inspirational newsletter/magazine.

"Crochet -- 'Blizzard Warning' Square"

Credit:  "All Free Crochet" Group on Facebook

The printable free pattern for this stunning block, "Blizzard Warning," is available to download at Every Trick on the Hook.

The squares in this afghan are connected using a "Celtic Lace Join." Instructions for this technique and many others are available from Cypress Textiles.

For additional information and resources (videos, tutorials, etc.), search "Blizzard Warning crochet" on your search engine (i.e.,  Google, Yahoo, etc.).

"Watercolor No. 7 -- Joy Comes in the Spring -- Joanne DeStefano"

"Joy Comes in the Spring" by Joanne DeStefano
Contact -- joanne.destefano@aol.com

"Watercolor No. 6 -- Floral No. 2 -- Joanne DeStefano"

"Floral No. 2" by Joanne DeStefano
Contact -- joanne.destefano@aol.com

"Watercolor No. 5 -- Stanley Theater -- Joanne DeStefano"

"Stanley Theater" by Joanne DeStefanoContact -- joanne.destefano@aol.com

"An Early Christmas Gift -- Snowman Cookie Jar"

I received an early Christmas gift from my mother yesterday ... a "Snowman Cookie Jar" from Macy's Christmas 'Home for the Holidays' collection.  Stop by for a homemade treat next holiday season ... he'll be dispensing cookies from his spot at the center of my kitchen table.  I've got a few months to actually bake those goodies ... I'm dreaming of Peanut Butter Blossoms, Chocolate Chip, Italian, Sugar, and what-have-you cookies to fill his and your bellies!

"The Dream" & "The Swan"

"Watercolor No. 4 -- New Floral 2 -- Joanne DeStefano"

Contact -- joanne.destefano@aol.com

"Watercolor No. 3 -- 9/13/2015 -- Joanne DeStefano"

Contact -- joanne.destefano@aol.com