Joyful Abode

Beaded Choker

You Will Need:
Size 10 crochet thread
29 small glass beads
Beading needle
Optional Clasp
Steel hook size 4/2.00mm (or size needed to obtain gauge)

Gauge: 7 hdc per inch
Note: If you plan to add a clasp for closure, make the size closest to your actual neck measurement. If you plan to tie the ends together to fasten your choker, make a size or two larger.
Before you begin: String 29 beads onto the crochet thread using a beading needle. Remove needle and make a slip knot as normal.

Ch 122 (136, 150).
Hdc in 3rd ch from hook and in next 29 (36, 43) chs. Ch 4
(Hdc in next 2 chs, ch 4) 29 times.
Turn. Ch 2. sc in top of first ch-loop.
(Ch 3, pulling a bead into 2nd ch, sc in top of next ch-loop) 29 times.
Ch 1, turn.
*Sc around ch beside bead (side closer to your hook-hand), ch 1 taking care to pass the ch behind the bead, sc around ch beside bead (side farther from your hook-hand)
Rep from * 28 more times.
Sl st down to the foundation ch.
Hdc in ea ch – 30 (37, 44).
Finish off.
Weave in ends.
Attach clasp, if desired.

For my choker, I used solid-colored crochet thread with multicolored beads.
Try one color of beads with a variegated thread for a different effect!

If you use this pattern to make a necklace, please post a link to your blog entry or your photo in the comments. I’d love to see it!

Contact me if you’re interested in using my patterns to create items to sell to raise money for charities. You may not sell items made from these patterns (even if you change them slightly) without my permission or for personal profit. Please refrain from republishing my patterns to other websites (including blogs), but feel free to link to this website!

Click here for my other patterns.

I found a house… it’s in “twinsville” aka a neighborhood where everything is exactly the same … but it’s in our price range, and clean and well-kept, so I think it will be really good!
We’re going to send the application soon. Cross fingers for us!
(There are really two. The first one wins because it is cheaper, has a newer fridge, includes a washer and dryer, and has a great screened-in porch. The second one was way better in person without all the ugly furniture in their online pictures, and has an adorable garden in the backyard, with a birdbath. But I figure we can plant some things probably, and make ours pretty too.)

There was also an AMAZINGly beautiful house in the historic district, for cheaper. But the current tenant said the electiricy bills are around 400 dollars. I guess that’s probably because it’s an older house (but in great shape)… so less efficient. Sad! If not for that, I’d definitely jump on that house.

I also got one job offer… waiting to hear about the other, so we can make a decision.

And my friend Joy went down with me… which was awesome! Not only is she fabulous for company and snuggling, but she’s funny and also very observant (”Hey, did you notice all the hooks on the ceiling? So weird!”… in a house we named HookHouse)

We went to the beach one day, and it was really nice! The water was so warm. I can’t wait to go back with my bathing suit on. It was drizzling when we left the hotel, so I didn’t think it would be swimming weather, but it was gorgeous when we got there. The quiet side had little fishes that kept biting me, but the gulf side was amazing and the waves were good and the water is GREEN.

So… August 1 I’ll be living there.

While we were there, we went to McGuire’s and I had a 2 dollar margarita that was quite tasty! And I also got the artichoke spinach dip, which was FANTASTIC. Huge chunks of artichoke!

And we also went to Po Folks… there was one in Charleston, SC when I was growing up, and we went there a LOT. Then they closed, and I thought there were no more Po Folks. So I was SO EXCITED when I found out they still exist and in PENSACOLA! So … I ordered breadsticks,which were just like I remembered them. And so were the hushpuppies. And the other food was good too… AND Tuesdays they have a deal. 2 adults eat for 10 bucks! What luck!

I should have taken more pictures, but I didn’t… I might post a few, but definitely more pictures when I move.

I am driving to Pensacola, FL today to look for a house and a job. I have about 10 house possibilities and 2 job interviews. Wish me luck!

I will not be updating while I am in Florida, but you can make sure you’re notified of new updates when I come back. Look on the left side of my website for the “bloglines” button and the email subscription service. Pick which one you want, and sign up to stay informed!  If you use Livejournal, there is also an RSS feed you can add to your friends list here.

So… Tell me about your househunting experiences. I want to hear it all: the good, the bad, and the unspeakable! Spill.

Blue Star Cloche

You Will Need:

• Worsted weight yarn
• Small amounts of contrasting yarn for accent.
• Size H/8 hook (5.00mm)

Note: Pattern stitch (ps) is [2dc ch2]

To Begin: Ch 3. Join with sl st. (or use a “magic ring” to begin)

Round 1: Ch 3 (counts as first dc). Work into ring: dc ch 2. 4 ps. Sl st to join.

Round 2: Ch 5 (counts as first dc and ch 2). *2 ps in next ch sp* 4 times. [1ps 1dc] in next ch sp. Sl st to join.

Round 3: Ch 3 (counts as first dc). [1 dc ch 2 1 ps] in first ch sp. *1 ps in next ch sp. 2 ps in next ch sp* 4 times. 1 ps in next ch sp. Sl st to join.

Round 4: Ch 5 (counts as first dc and ch 2). *2 ps in next ch sp. 1 ps in next 2 ch sps.* 4 times. 2 ps in next ch sp. 1 ps in next ch sp. 1 dc in next ch sp. Sl st to join.

Round 5: Ch 3 (counts as first dc). [1 dc ch 2 1 ps] in first ch sp. *1 ps in next 4 ch sps. 2 ps in next ch sp.* 3 times. 1 ps in next 4 ch sps. Sl st to join.

Check your gauge now! You will now have a wobbly looking shape which is approximately 6” across. There are a total of 24 ch sps around the perimeter. Got it? Good! Continue. Too big or too small? Adjust your hook size accordingly and start over. Sorry, Charlie!

Round 6: Ch 5 (counts as first dc and ch 2). 1 ps in next 23 ch sps. Dc in last ch sp. Sl st to join.

Round 7: Ch 3 (counts as first dc). [1 dc ch 2] in first ch sp. 1 ps in next 23 ch sps. Sl st to join.

Rounds 8-15: Repeat Rounds 6-7

Round 16 (Shell border): Ch 3 (counts as a dc for the last shell). sc between first two dcs. *7dc between the next 2 dcs. Sc between next 2 dcs.* 11 times. 6 dc between last two dcs. Sl st to join.

Finish off. Weave in end.

Star Accent: Use worsted weight yarn and an F hook.

Ch 2. 5sc in second ch from hook. Sl st to join.
*Ch 3. sc in second ch from hook. hdc in next ch. sl st to next sc in ring.* 5 times.

Finish off.

Weave the ends to the center-back of the star. Use them to securely tie or stitch the star onto your cloche.

If you use this pattern to make a hat, please post a link to your blog entry or your photo in the comments. I’d love to see it!

Contact me if you’re interested in using my patterns to create items to sell to raise money for charities. You may not sell items made from these patterns (even if you change them slightly) without my permission or for personal profit. Please refrain from republishing my patterns to other websites (including blogs), but feel free to link to this website!

Click here for my other patterns.

Bug bites, thorns, skinned knees… it’s easy to get blood on your clothes.

And it’s easy to get it out too. I don’t know what is in this magical product, but Carbona has a blood/protein remover that works wonders and completely removes blood from fabrics. All you do is apply a bit of the solution, undiluted, to the fabric, and rub. Sometimes it takes another couple drops of the solution, and more rubbing, but it has never failed me.

My little sister also said that if you bleed on something, you can spit on it and your spit can remove your own (or a close relative’s) blood… I haven’t tried it, but maybe the next time I’m out bleeding on my clothes in public without my Carbona stuff, I will give it a test.

I know this sounds like a commercial, but the love I feel for this Carbona product (and really, their whole line of specialized stain removers) is true and pure.

If you can’t remember the last time you switched your windshield wiper blades for new ones, it’s probably time to do it. Check the rubber strips on your blades. If they look cracked or uneven, they need to be replaced. Of course, if you’ve been getting streaky effects on your windshield, you don’t even need to think about whether to spend a few minutes on this DIY maintenance.

Head to the parts shop (or Wal-Mart) and find the wiper blades. There, you will find a book in which you can look up your car’s make, model, and year. The book will tell you what size blades to get.

Now, it is possible to just buy the rubber strip. DO NOT do this! You will tear your hair out. Just buy the full blades. They can run you between 5 and 15 dollars each. I sprung for the 11 dollar blades, because they looked sleek. Aesthetics is as good a reason as any, right?

Step 1: Approach your car quietly, from the side so that it can see you but won’t suspect any suspicious motives. Pet it and say hello.

Step 2: Figure out if you need to remove your wipers or not. Most cars will let you pull the arm up into a locked position. Mine don’t do that. Mine will snap back into place no matter what. See the little metal part on the top side of the arm, near the base? That’s the release pin. If your car has one of these, pay attention. If not, you can skip to Step 4 once you have your wiper arms locked in the upright position.

Step 3: With one hand, lift the arm as far as it will go.

While holding the arm up, use your other hand to pop the release pin into the out position (it doesn’t come all the way out though; it’s like a switch).

Then, lower the arm a bit and pull outward. The wiper arm will come off.

Step 4: Remove the old blades. There are three basic types of blades attachment mechanisms.

One looks like a hook. For this kind, swing the blade so it is perpendicular to the arm. Then, find the release lever on the bottom, and firmly slide the blade toward your car.

The second type is a bayonet arm. You shouldfind a lever to release the blade, and slide the blade away from the car.

If yours is like mine, it has a pin. Now this sort is SUPPOSED to have a spring-loaded release button on the blade that you can push with a screwdriver. Or a release lever. Mine Didn’t. And my blade was rusted to the pin. So to get mine off, I had to use a lot of WD-40 and a lot of force. If you have a pin on yours, look for a release button or lever before you start pounding it on the asphalt.

Step 5: Once you get your blades off, orient the new ones in the same direction the old ones were facing…

…and put them on. Basically, do the same thing you did to get them off, but backwards and easier.

Make sure you lock (listen for the snap) the blades onto the arms, using whatever mechanism your wiper blades are equipped with.

Step 6: If you had to take your wiper arms off, replace them. Lower the arm onto the attachy-dealie, and snap the release pin back into place. Gently lower the blade onto the windshield.

New wiper blades!

Step 7: Try out your new blades. Squirt the washer fluid and let the blades go crazy. If they don’t fly off, bounce, or squeel, you should be good to go!

Now you have no excuse! Go forth into the world, buy thyself new wiper blades, and live streak-free!

PS. If this looks too confusing and you don’t want to replace your wiper blades yourself, usually the guy at the auto parts store will be happy to help you out for free (if you buy your new blades there). Be sure to say thank you!

For the flickr group, Self-Portrait Tuesday .

The Solomon’s Knot Shawl is definitely my most popular pattern. There aren’t that many patterns out there that use this stitch, but it’s a shame… the Solomon’s Knot stitch (aka True Lover’s Knot Stitch, Hail Stone Stitch, or Love Knot Stitch) is beautiful and a great way to show off special yarn.

More pictures here.

You Will Need:
Lion Brand Incredible Ribbon Yarn (2 balls)
OR the yarn of your choice (use appropriate hook)
Size H/8 hook (5.00mm)

SK = Solomon’s Knot
sk = skip

Click here to learn how to make the SK. They call it a love knot, but it’s the same thing.
Or click this one for a different site’s take on it.

Foundation: Ch 1. Make 22 SK, each 2.75 inches long. Make 2 SK, each 2
inches long.

Note: From now on, make each SK 2 inches long.

Row 1: Sc in 3rd SK from hook.
(Make 2 SK, sc in next st) 21 times.
Turn.

Row 2: Be careful that you don’t twist your work during this row!
Make 1 SK. Sc into first st.
(Make 2 SK, sk 1 st. Sc in next st) 21 times.

Note: The skipped stitch is the sc from the previous row. From now on, you will always crochet into a SK stitch, not a sc.
Turn.

Row 3: Make 1 SK. Sc into first SK.
(Make 2 SK, sk 1 st. Sc in next st) 20 times.
Turn.

Row 4: Make 1 SK. Sc into first SK.
(Make 2 SK, sk 1 st. Sc in next st) 19 times.
Turn.

Row 5: Make 1 SK. Sc into first sk.
(Make 2 SK, sk 1 st. Sc in next st) 18 times.
Turn.

Row 6: Make 1 SK. Sc into first sk.
(Make 2 SK, sk 1 st. Sc in next st) 17 times.
Turn.

Rows 7-22: Follow the pattern established above.
On Row 22, you should only (Make 2 SK, sk 1 st. Sc in next st) once.
Turn.

Finish: Make 1 SK. Sc into first SK (the point of the shawl).
Finish off.

Cut pieces of yarn for fringe. Choose how long you want it to be, and how
many pieces you want per knot. Attach fringe to each knot on the bottom two edges of the shawl, pulling the beginning and ending “tails” into the fringe to hide them.

If you use this pattern to make a shawl, please post a link to your blog entry or your photo in the comments. I’d love to see it!

Contact me if you’re interested in using my patterns to create items to sell to raise money for charities. You may not sell items made from these patterns (even if you change them slightly) without my permission or for personal profit. Please refrain from republishing my patterns to other websites (including blogs), but feel free to link to this website!

Click here for my other patterns.

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(You can see the chart better at my flickr.)

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I love baking, especially from scratch. And one of my favorite smells is vanilla. But have you ever actually tasted store-bought vanilla extract, straight from the bottle? It’s vile!

Imagine how fabulous it would be if the vanilla you put into your baking actually tasted like something you wanted to drink? Or eat in your food?

When I was at the Strip in Pittsburgh, I bought 2 vanilla beans for 3 dollars each. They’re usually about 7, so that was a deal! I was quite thrilled.

And a few days ago, I bought some rum and a great bottle. Visions of vanilla extract are dancing in my head.

Now, a lot of people use vodka when they make extract, because it has less flavor to interfere with the other ingredients in your baking, but if you use rum, it’s supposed to be a sweeter, fuller vanilla extract, so that’s what I went with.

I cut the vanilla beans lengthwise to expose the seeds, and dropped them into the bottle. Then I drowned those suckers in rum and shook it to release some of the seeds. Now, I wait. In 4-6 weeks it should be useable, but some people who make their own vanilla extract won’t even touch it until it’s been extract-ing for a year.

Must… be… patient.

 PS I should probably stick some more vanilla beans in there. If I find some more reasonably-priced ones I’ll do that. Should’ve bought a few more in Pittsburgh!