Chevron Chrocheted Throw Tutorial

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Crochet throw 290

Crochet throw 292

Crochet throw 304

My husband called me a yarn hoarder.  That’s how it began.  He quickly repented since hoarding isn’t something you joke about in my family.  It’s a real possibility–and it runs deep.  I have rules to follow to make sure I’m not hoarding, like 1.  Don’t buy more than 6 months worth of something and 2.  It doesn’t matter how good a deal it is, don’t buy it unless we NEED it.  But hoarding still scares me.  My grandmother had an entire bedroom filled with yarn–we think there was a bed in there, but we can’t be sure, since you opened the door to a wall of yarn.  There was a small head space to the room so you could climb up on the pile of yarn and go inside and pick out something to work with.  If I show any signs of that kind of behavior, drive me to Mr. Neubauer’s office (the best therapist in town). If I refuse to go, just tie me up and throw me in the car. He’ll know what to do.

So when I was cleaning out my office and found two large  packages of cotton yarn that I purchased 10 years ago, I knew something had to happen.  Either that yarn was going into the yard sale, or it was going to BE something.  I made a statement about a month ago that I don’t make afghans.  They take too long.  So I decided an afghan would be the best thing to make–makes perfect sense right?  I say things like NEVER right before I do that exact thing.  Like two weeks ago when I said I’d never be in a flash mob dance…but I digress.

 

(Scrappy would be cute too!  My heather would love all sorts of bright colors on a throw for her room.)

I had the yarn for 10 years because it was beautiful–100% cotton.  I purchased 1-10 pack of white and 1 of ecru when it was super cheap at Cargo Largo. It was too special to use on just anything so I was saving it for the perfect thing.  The perfect thing will never come, because it doesn’t exist on this side of Heaven.  Thanks to the Nester I’m embracing imperfect beauty.

 

Source: r.ebay.com via Annslee on Pinterest

 

I enjoy chevrons right now too, so a simple chevron pattern was easy to decide on.  If I were buying exactly the yarn I wanted, I’d buy navy and white so the chevron’s would really pop.  But remember, this isn’t about perfection, It’s about not being a hoarder and using up what I have.  So I have a very subtle white and ecru throw that looks amazing on my chocolate leather sectional instead.

The Pattern:

Any worsted weight yarn (I used cotton–alpaca would be my second choice–soooo soft!) Approximately 20 oz of each (This is the weight of cotton–other yarns weigh less per yard—not sure how to advise you on them since my balls of cotton did not have a yard amount on them. I’ll bet an internet search would show how many yards of worsted cotton per ounce–if you find out leave it in the comments part.)

Size F hook or any size to achieve gauge. (Gauge doesn’t really matter–it’s a throw, but if you crochet super tight you’ll use up too much yarn and make your throw too small and heavy, so might as well check and go up a hook size or two if you need to.)

Gauge:  4 rows is approximately 2 3/8″ tall; 26 stitches is approximately 6 3/4 inches wide.

Finished dimensions: 43″ x 60″

Foundation : Ch 169 (or any multiple of 13–39 chains would make a perfect scarf :).)

Row 1: Dc in 4th ch from hook. Dc in next 3 st; 3dc in next st; *dc in next 5 st;  sk next 2 st; dc in next 5 st; 3dc in next st* rep from * to* 12 times. dc in last 5 st.

Row 2: Ch 2; turn. Sk next st; dc in next 5 st; 3dc in next st; * dc in next 5 st; sk next 2 st; dc in next 5 st; 3dc in next st. * Rep from *to* 12 times. Dc in next 4 st; dc 2 tog.

Repeat row 2 until throw is as long as you like. I switched colors every 2 rows and twisted the yarns together at the ends so I didn’t have to cut the yarn at every color change.  Bind off and weave in ends.

 

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Here’s a tip on switching colors from row to row, so you don’t have to cut and weave in ends all the time.  Twist the color you aren’t using around the color you are at the end of the row, so that it carries up with you as you go.  It will barely be noticeable and saves yarn and time.  (Photographed above.)  The very last yarn pull through on the last row before the color change should be with the new color.

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When You are at the end of the ball of yarn (see above) save the very last pull through and use the new yarn.  (Below)
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Then tie the two ends of yarn together in a single knot (this is an extra step that makes extra sure nothing will unravel.)

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Then as you finish the row, crochet over the two short ends to hide them in the stitching.  Then you won’t have to go back and weave them in later.  This saves soooo much time!
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Here’s a close up on the pattern (above).  Notice the 3dc section always happens in the center dc of the 3dc section from the row before it.  Sometimes I would be watching TV or talking while I worked and lose count, but as long as I got that 3dc in the center of the row below it, it all worked out.

Gorgeous Music Find

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I’ve used music in so many ways in my life.  When I taught school I played instrumental hymns like the one on the video as my students arrived each morning.  The lights were low, and a nice room scent floated in the air.  The kids came in quietly, put their things away and got to work.  I didn’t have to say anything.  Amazing!

When my babies learned to sleep in their own room, music like this made the transition easier.  And when it’s time to get up on Sunday morning and get ready for church, listening to this music helps us stay in the right frame of mind.

High quality music trains the brain for mathematics and reading.  I used it as part of Heidi’s therapy to eliminate her learning disabilities and we still enjoy listening to it, even though she’s 99% better. And training musicians who listen to high quality music, become better musicians.

I’m privileged to know each member of the Bountiful String quartet personally.  The two violin players are brother and sister.  Their other brother is my children’s violin teacher.  The viola player and cellist are husband and wife and go to church with me.  The quartet arranges all their own music and it is amazing!

Their first CD debuts on the 20th of this month, and one lucky reader will win a digital copy!

 
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Scouting Out Spring Styles

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We still haven’t purchased any of our spring clothes, but I’ve been searching the web for things we like.  I’ve noticed some definite trends in what is showing–not sure how I feel about things yet. The hi-low skirt idea was ruined on me in High School when my best friend’s dad named them the saggy diaper dresses, lol. It seems like we’re seeing a lot of early 90’s styles resurface this spring. The nice thing about recycling 90’s trends, is there is bound to be treasures to find at thrift stores :).

I’ll be honest, I’m living in yoga pants and t-shirts right now.  I’m focusing super hard on fitness and not many of my real clothes fit.  I’ve been trying to get back into them for 2 years and had them for many years before that–so I’m tempted to just chuck them all (garage sale and donate for coupons to use at the thrift store) and reward myself with a new wardrobe when I reach my goals.  All of that will be done frugally of course.  I’ll recycle the money I earn by selling the clothes and sew what I can too. Here are some of the trends I’m seeing this spring:

1.  Hi-Low Skirts:  High in Front and Low in Back.

Source: shopruche.com via Angela on Pinterest

 

2. Peplums (also last considered fashionable in the early 90’s…)

Source: shopruche.com via Angela on Pinterest

 

3. Narrow Elastic Waists either worn plain or with a fabric or thin leather belt. (My grandmother had a closet full of these….I’ll have to regroup my thinking on them if I’m going to wear one, lol.) But they look comfy, reasonably flattering and a BREEZE to sew.

Source: shopruche.com via Angela on Pinterest

Source: shopruche.com via Angela on Pinterest

Source: shopruche.com via Angela on Pinterest

 

4. Cute Ballet Flats in bright colors:

Source: target.com via Angela on Pinterest

Source: target.com via Angela on Pinterest

Source: target.com via Angela on Pinterest

These are best worn sockless. Payless carries little footlet socks that aren’t supposed to show in shoes like these. Our experience is that they do show AND they tend to come off the foot as we walk. Pretty annoying little things. I recently purchased washable terry cloth food bed liners instead (from Amazon.) I’ll let you know how they work.

It looks like Maxi skirts/dresses are back again, as is navy and white stripe or chevron prints.  Mint, turquoise, coral; and watercolor florals are everywhere too.

With jewelry anything goes.  Chunky or slim, bright colors are in (even chartreuse and bright bold yellow).  And gold is back in a big way.

Most of the cute dresses I found were in a super mini length (33″).  This would cause an awkward moment if a spring breeze came up. They remind me of the length of dress Shirley temple used to wear when she was 6–with the ruffled panties underneath.  It just doesn’t have the same charm on a grown woman.  Fortunately, another popular length is the midi dress which is between 36-37 inches and hits most ladies near the knee.

I also saw a lot of jewel necklines which are rarely flattering on anyone.  And fit and flare styles that could be a lot of fun for girl’s with narrow waists and wide hips that would melt away under fluffy skirts.

Have you seen trends I didn’t find?  What’s your favorite spring look?

Weekend Links: Easter

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Easter is early this year.  I’m still not sure what to do for Easter clothes for the kids, but I’m thinking a thrift store-a-thon is called for.  Then we might check out Kohl’s, Sears and Penny’s.  And if nothing will do within our budget, I’m reserving staying up all night sewing as a last resort.

Do you already have your Easter outfits ready?  Don’t tell me if you do.  Never mind, Do tell me and then send me where to go for the fashionable and frugal.  I’ve been shopping online at various places like Old Navy and Kohl’s, but am pretty disappointed in what’s available for the teenage crowd.  Hello!  I don’t want my daughter showing up anywhere strapless or haltered and her skirt mid-thigh.  Especially not to church.  She’s gorgeous already and way too valuable to flaunt around. On the other hand, no need to wear gunny sacks or quilts when there’s modest fashion to be found…..uh, where do you find it?

And then, it’s quite possibly going to be cold.  We have 2 feet of snow on the ground today (I’m posting ahead–it’s late February to my fingers but mid March to my readers.) I like the Easter outfits to be something that will boost the summer wardrobe.  So do tell.  Did I ask that already?

Anyway, here’s what I’ve been pinning to help me get ready for Easter.  And note, I’ve been pinning, not so much doing.  But I’m sure the doing will come later.  I’m a good last minute sort of motivated person :).  I have my ideas all jotted down for the kid’s baskets, I’ll share what I’m actually doing later.

 

Source: bhg.com via Angela on Pinterest

Source: juxtapost.com via Angela on Pinterest

 

Peanut Butter Apple Oatmeal

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You look hungry.  Come on in and have some breakfast.

Apples and Peanut Butter Oatmeal

This is one meal that will stick to your ribs :).

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It’s sugar free and high in protein.  But we don’t have to tell the kids.March Blog photos 026

The apples are cold, sweet and crunchy.March Blog photos 027

The peanut butter oatmeal is warm and creamy.March Blog photos 028

Dairy free?  Perfect.  Gluten Free?  Take a huge bowl.March Blog photos 029

Yes, it’s Fit Mama approved.  No guilt here.

Print
Apples and Peanut Butter Oatmeal

Prep Time: 1 minute

Cook Time: 5 minutes

Total Time: 6 minutes

Yield: 1

Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups (all of it)

Calories per serving: 341

Fat per serving: 13g

Apples and Peanut Butter Oatmeal

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup rolled oats (I use quick oats, but you can use any kind. If you are gluten free, be sure to get specially marked gluten free oats.)
  • 1 cup milk (I use almond milk since this is a cooked recipe and can only drink cow's milk when it's raw.)
  • 1 Tbs stevia (I use Aldi's brand of stevia in the raw)
  • 1 egg
  • 2 Tbs peanut flour (Peanut butter will also work. I use peanut flour because it is higher in protein and lower in fat and calories without sacrificing peanut flavor. It is all natural and can be purchased online from Southern Grace Farms.)
  • 1/2 chopped tart apple (I like Fuji, Jonagold, or Braeburn)

Instructions

  1. In a small saucepan whisk together egg, milk and stevia. Stir in rolled oats. Cook and stir over medium high heat until thickened and creamy. Stir a lot so it doesn't burn on the bottom.
  2. Remove from heat and take a few tablespoons of oatmeal and stir the peanut flour in until it is smooth. Then return to the entire batch and stir in. (If you try to stir the peanut flour into the whole batch, you will get powdery clumps that never seem to stir in.)
  3. Roughly chop the apple and sprinkle over the top.

Notes

41g carbs including 9g fiber; 20g protein!; and 48g of calcium 🙂

http://www.groceryshrink.com/peanut-butter-apple-oatmeal/

What’s your favorite breakfast?

Meet Work at Home Mom, Lori Taylor

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MomCeo has been our longest and most loyal sponsor of the GroceryShrink blog.  Many readers here have started their own home based businesses with her support.  One of these mom’s is Lori Taylor.  Come on in and meet her below:Dec 2011 133
My name is Lori Taylor. I’m 42 and headed into my 20th year of marriage. The funny thing is,I still feel 30 and most days my husband still amazes me like he did way back when. I think a big part of staying young is children and we have 4 of them.  Seeing the world through their eyes is always an adventure. 
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Hannah our oldest is 16 and then there is Perry Austin who is 15.  So this past year we have been working on driving.  I can laugh or yell.  Most of the time I laugh.
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IMG_4483Then we have Laney who is 10. She is our quiet, analytical kiddo that we all want to be like.  When she was born we called her the grand baby because she was so easy and still is. Since Laney was so easy we figured we had the parenting thing figured out and went for number 4. We found out quickly it was not our parenting.

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Ella our 7 year old is wide open. Everything in life is an adventure and she has us all running to keep up with her.

Before I began working part-time from home I  home-schooled our children for 10 years and before that I was an elementary teacher for 10 years. In November of 2011, I  found out about MOMCEO from my friend Danielle Ray. At the time I was homeschooling two of our children, plus chauffeuring children to baseball, football and cheer practice. I was very busy, just like everyone, but busy is also a matter of perspective. My friends, Danielle and Brandie McNeal, introduced me to MOMCEO and Sandi Sullivan. At the end of October I met Sandi and realized what she was doing made complete sense.  I can remember lying in bed one night and being more afraid of not making the most of the opportunity and teaming up with Sandi and my friends than I was of doing it. My husband, Perry, told me to try if for three months and see what happens.
I had no idea what 2012 would hold for our family nor what my home-based business  would come to mean to us financially. In January we hit a major financial snag in our traditional business. It took a huge financial and emotional toil on our family.  While my husband battled that, I continued to consistently work my part-time business. Soon I had others that wanted to team up with me.  I saw that others had needs greater than mine and my part-time business quickly became about others and not about me.  So through 2012, my part-time business paid our bills, kept us from dipping into our savings, kept us from all credit card debt, and allowed us to continue our tithe as a testimony to God’s faithfulness. On top of that, our efforts have blessed others. It truly amazes me how God used us in our need to help others.

Our children have been challenged this year. Being a stay at home mom allowed me to be available to them and to accommodate them and all of their activities.  This year they had to pull together to help both me and their dad.  They learned that life was not all about them.  We started putting monthly goals on the refrigerator and they began to help me with meeting those goals. They give me names of their friends parents and tell me to call them. “Mom, you need to call Anslee’s mom.  She is working three jobs now and she needs to do what you are doing. You can help her.”

So, knowing what I know now, what advice would I give someone considering starting a home based business?  First of all, know why you would want to do it.  It has to be more than just money.

Second consider the timing. I’m not talking about hours in your day. A major life change could be a reason to begin a home-based business or it could make a great opportunity a flop. Thirdly, know and evaluate your business…does it make sense, what does it require financially and timewise. Is it backed by a reputable company.  Is it financially sound? And I guess last, will it make a difference to others and do you believe in what you are doing?

With the company I work with I have no doubt that what I am offering to others is the best and nothing compares. I have great confidence in what I am doing and I believe others can do the same.

Featherlicious finds at Cargo Largo

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Cargo Largo and I have a love hate relationship.  It’s a railway salvage store that carries odds and ends of stuff.  You can find food, beauty supplies, clothing, furniture, tools, books, etc.  If you saw my episode on TLC’s Extreme Cheapskates, Cargo Largo is like a clean Dirty Don’s.

My problem with Cargo Largo is their prices.  They want to charge retail or higher for damaged, dirty, smashed and otherwise lesser quality goods. On the other hand, you can occasionally find a good deal if you know your prices.

I recently went inside after my Sister-in-law called me with a good find on protein bars.  I ended up passing up the bars because they weren’t my favorite flavor, but found real feather throw pillows for $2 each instead!  They are West Elm brand too.  They also had larger versions in Pottery Barn brand for $5.  After seeing this post at The Nester, I’ve been on the search for cheap feather pillows.  I paid triple that for faux feather pillows half price at JoAnn, so am super excited about the feather inserts.

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I’ve been allergic to feathers since I was a kid, but after I purchased a real feather duvet by accident (I thought it was faux down and since it was at Cargo Largo–there was no label or package information–but it was also KING size and only $35) and had no reaction to it, I decided to try pillows too.  Now I’m convinced that I’m not allergic to feathers, just DIRTY feathers.  And I’m really encouraged by the Nester’s reports that she machine washes her feather pillows with good results.  Who would have thought?  (Need a tutorial on sewing a pillow cover?  I have one for you here.)

Anyway, the trip also resulted in Zand brand zinc lozenges for just $.50 a package (normally $2.99) and gum for Easter baskets $1.99 for 3 large packages, large spice bottles for $1 a jar, sliced almonds ($1.50) and a box of overnight size diapers for $7.99 (regularly $13.50.)

I still plan to mostly stay away from Cargo Largo, it’s better if I don’t find too many good deals, lol.  But it was a happy skip home today :).

Haircut!

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I’ve had my hair long for years.  Darren prefers long hair and I do too.  But mine was damaged from too many highlights and too few trims.  Plus it’s thin and stringy when it gets very long. I rolled over it one too many times with my stability ball while doing some Fit Yummy Mummy exercises and was annoyed with the longness of it all.
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So I whacked it off.  What I mean is I hired Susan Guthrie to whack it off.   I had intended to go blond, but I showed Susan so many photos off pinterest that it was a little confusing.  We decided that the next time I go in she could lighten it.  But for now, I love it. This was a big decision for me simply because I usually get my hair done in the shop once a year.  A dramatic change in color, means more maintenance, more time spent, and more money.  Darren said he’d work it out since he’s been curious how I’d look blond for awhile.

I’m glad to get some time before seeing it very blond.  I’ve always believed there was a little glamour to being blond and my business coach and fitness coach–have it. That’s them below.

Carrie and Holly

And then there’s my first business mentor ever–Andrea Whitcomb, my Mary Kay director who is a gorgeous blond too–and just as pretty inside as out.

Maybe because I admire these ladies so much that I don’t feel quite worthy of the blond.  But I’m getting enough gray that a little lightening helps to bring it out.

Any way, Here’s some before and after photos:

book day, granola 048

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Weekend Garden Links

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If you are starting seeds at home, it’s time!  I’m not, just so you don’t think I’m super awesome or anything.  I’m going to happily plunk down my money at the greenhouse for real plants–only after I get my rabbit fence up.

I had a very expensive garden fail last year when the cute little fluffies razed everything to the ground in the night.  So you can be sure not one seed will hit the ground until my rabbit fence is built.

I decided instead of fencing each bed individually, I’d like a fence around it all so once I’m inside the perimeter I can work freely.The plan is to buy 100 feet of 4 foot tall galvanized chicken wire.  Then bend the bottom foot of wire in an L shape like a foot for the fence to stand on.  We’ll bury that a few inches underground to discourage digging and then fasten the wire to fence posts every 3 feet.  Of course, there will need to be a gate.  I’m not sure how that will work out, but my farmer husband says not to worry.  He’s built many a fence, so I’ll let him take the lead here.

Below are some of the garden ideas I’ve loved from pinterest :).

 

A fun blogpost on how to involve kids in the process.

Source: daddystractor.com via Angela on Pinterest

 

Grow potatoes in a chicken wire frame.

Source: urbanfarmerseward.posterous.com via Angela on Pinterest

Concrete stained and stamped to look like wood.

Source: thelilhousethatcould.com via Angela on Pinterest

Garden Bed Ideas

Source: overthebigmoon.com via Angela on Pinterest

Stack pots for a cute  container garden.  I think this would be perfect for my front porch.  Maybe two?  And with plants that are shade friendly.

Source: joybx.com via Angela on Pinterest

Pop bottle self waterer

Source: curbly.com via Angela on Pinterest

How to grow ginger.

Source: dreamstateinspiration.blogspot.com via Angela on Pinterest

Long term root vegetable storage.

Source: Uploaded by user via Angela on Pinterest

Using cinnamon instead of root hormone.

Square foot seed planting guides (Darren will you make me a set –pretty pleas?)

Source: chiotsrun.com via Angela on Pinterest

Making a compost bin from chicken wire.  I think I’ll have some left from my rabbit fence!

Source: sunset.com via Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ Belle on Pinterest

Dangers of Blogging

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Blogs:  Friend or Foe?  Blogging is popular these days.  For most, it’s a fun type of virtual scrapbook.  A way to record how the children are growing and family activities.  For a few it turns into a full time business!

laptop

I love to read blogs and find it brings out the best and worst in myself.  On the positive end it motivates me to try new things and opens up possibilities I never thought of. On the negative end, blog reading turns me into a self-critical; consumer driven; time wasting; ungrateful mess.

I see all their beautiful decorating, their amazing thrift store finds, and children activities and look around and feel pretty dissatisfied with my life.  It’s almost as bad as the HGTV syndrome–where a crew completes an entire makeover in 24 hours and I think my husband and I should be able to do the same. Only to get it half torn up in the same amount of time to emerge dusty and tired, irritated with each other, and not sure what to do next.

As a blogger the same good and evil is present.  I love looking back over the pictures of my children and trying new things.  But lately I’ve spent too much time comparing my blog to others–the amazing ones I like to read–like The Nester or Centsational Girl.  And to be honest the comparison has put me into a funk.  These ladies are amazing!  And my blog just isn’t in their league right now. (I know because I get about 100 spam comments per post and 3 or 4 real ones, lol.)

When I look at my blogroll list, there’s not a frugal living one on the list, unless it has to do with decorating.  Part of the reason why, is I’m afraid of the competition.  I just don’t have the self-confidence to face pure competition and smile.  I’ve also noticed that my frugal blogging peers are often funnels for posting good deals.  Sometimes it’s better not to know about something that’s on sale, so I won’t be tempted to buy something I don’t need–no matter how good a good deal it is.

To try to boost my blog into the same level as the ones I admire, I’ve been studying photography skills; new plugins; blog layouts; ways to go viral on pinterest etc.  And it’s taking a lot of time.  I bought a blog planner and spent  January planning out my year of posts.  I stopped enjoying blogging.   I avoided it because I hated it, only to feel guilty about avoiding it in return.  I wish I had a dollar for every time I thought about quitting altogether and just enjoy being a mother.  Then I’d have enough money to retire, lol.

But I know myself.  As much as I love being a mother and a good clean on my house, I love the social aspects of blogging and the self expression.  Our family has grown used to the income from selling ebooks and the menu plan.  Then, there’s the emails I get from women who say the books and menus have really helped them.  I get one of those notes and feel a renewed interest in the business part of things.   If I could just put my blinders on and not concern myself with page views; what my reader’s think or comparing myself to other bloggers and just enjoy.  Then I’d have the perfect blend.

What I’m trying to say, is I have a new determination to live in the REAL.  To spend time enjoying my family; to appreciate the talents of others without criticizing myself; to blog less often and when I do, to stay true to myself.  To show more appreciation to my advertisers without worrying that I might annoy my readers.  And to be okay with my amateur picture taking skills and even cell phone photos if that means more family time. I vow to conquer my fear of taking new steps in business.  To not let the voice of the rare mean person overshadow the encouraging words of the  majority.

You might not notice a difference in my blog at all, but I will.  🙂