Holly Christmas Ball & a Buffalo Check

This is one of my favorites. I have posted a photo of one earlier, but never put the pattern on. I also used styrofoam balls inside these, and love how they are nice and round. The stuffed ones never seem to be quite round. But these were sort of fiddly to finish with that ball inside. I put it in at after the 2nd decrease row, so it went pretty fast, in spite of being fiddly.

 This one I made myself lately, using a gingham chart I found on Pinterest. It looks a little pinkish in the picture, but it is made with red, wine and black.

Some Fall Crochet

I made these from a free pattern by Megmadewithlove.

Back at it on the Christmas Balls

The class that Larry sponsors went on their senior class trip to Orlando a couple weeks ago. On the way I started back on Christmas balls. I've been looking for something with buffalo plaid, but couldn't find one, so I just made one up myself.

Some More Baby Crochet

Boy, it's been awhile since I've posted. We started building a house in June of 2015, and moved in over Thanksgiving break. The bonus room over the garage is my sewing/craft room, but it wasn't until this summer that I got it organized (somewhat - it still needs some detailed organization) and could even begin working up there. Then the AC unit went on the fritz, and I sewed in some extreme heat for a few days. Mostly working on a Roman shade for our bathroom. Here's the kitchen one I made last winter:

 And here's the one I finished this summer:

 

We've also been doing some yard work this spring and summer. The yard was a blank slate.

 

 Crape Myrtles along the driveway. I just can't wait to see them grown up and blooming.

 

Begonias and rose bushes I planted as soon as the weather warmed up. I wish I had taken the time to put down landscaping cloth first - the weeds have been terrible!

 We also put porch rail on one side to finish the porch. The stair rail is still waiting to be finished.

 A random photo of Andy looking cute.

I found this door pocket at Hobby Lobby, and tried my hand at making a summer door arrangement.

I've been having lots of fun with the mantel -- I've been wanting one for decades!

My nephew's wife is due with her 3rd child in September, and requested some Mickey Mouse booties. I found the pattern and tried my hand at it. I thought they were cute, so I made the hat, diaper cover and yellow booties too.

Patterns from hopefulhoney.com, repeatcrafterme.com and a Youtube video.

Pumpkin Hats

I've been working on some pumpkin baby hats for gifts. They are so fun, and knit up quickly.

 These are little, like preemie sized.

 This one's regular infant sized.

So cute!

I took a break in between to try crocheting a basket. It's small and a little floppy, but I definitely want to try more! Maybe try crocheting over rope, and see how that works.

More Crochet Projects

I have been busy, and having a great time. I'm loving learning to crochet, but have a couple of knit hats I also want to make. Here are a few I've crocheted lately. I'm about ready to send them off to my friend to photograph on an actual baby. I have no idea if any of these will fit or look decent.

Projects

I actually have been doing a little knitting this year, and a lot of crocheting. Here are some pics of some of what I've been working on.

I've also made a few newsboy hats, but unfortunately, don't have a model. My friend Cynthia at cynthiaroelle.com will be using them as photo props. These baby pictures are ones she took. I may start an Etsy shop once things calm down around here - we're going to build a house!