Oct. 14, 2008 - How to make super cheap cloth pad (when you don't really sew)

Okay, here is today's idea.  Cloth menstrual pads.  I know many of you are getting sick right now, but for those of you that aren't getting sick and are interested here is my tip for getting a supply made inexpensively.

First, take you favorite disposable pad and lay it out flat onto a sheet of paper (you may need to extend the wings so they overlap, as some adhesive winged pads aren't long enough to overlap around panties).  Trace around it and cut out your pattern.  Then take some fleece fabric and cut out your pad shape.  Next cut a horizontal strip on each end of the pad (the top and bottom), this will hold in you "pad".  Next sew snaps on your wings.  You can buy snaps to hand sew on at Walmart or any fabric store.  Next, find yourself some washcloths, towels or flannel fabric and fold it to fit.  Slip fabric under strips and you are good to go.  When fabric is soiled just remove from holder and slip in fresh fabric.

Here is a pic of mine:

For my pad I have some ready made pads that slip right in.  If you do sew you could make some of these really quickly by cutting out several layers and sewing around the edges.

Enjoy your fast and frugal new cloth pads!

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Oct. 12, 2008 - I started designing a sweater to go with the hat and booties!

It will be a different color since I only had a smidgeon of the original color left.  But I think it will be cute.  And it will be EASY to make.  Because I'm really just a beginner at these types of things.  It  should be ready in the next few days.

And here is a tip for anyone that is exhausted at night and doesn't always get the things done they should at night.  If you are using the Flylady cinnamon bun recipe, and you flake out and don't assemble it the night before, you can still succeed in time for breakfast.  Just get up at 6:00 a.m. and assmebe it with the frozen rolls, then pop it into the oven at 140 degrees for about an hour and a half and then it will be ready to bake.  I was so tired last night that I fell asleep before assembling my oldest son't birthday breakfast.  Bad mommy!  But all is well, it's smells wonderful as it's baking right now.

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Oct. 11, 2008 - Super Easy Hat and Bootie Pattern

Being baby bootie challenged I was getting frustrated that I couldn't find a bootie pattern that worked for me.  Either I couldn't interpret the pattern, or I didn't like how the bootie turned out.  I wanted something soft, with a weave that didn't have too many holes.  I also wanted a nice cuff so it didn't need ties.  So, I designed my own bootie and I'm sharing the pattern.  Hopefully I wrote the instructions down in a way that can be easily understood and won't cause frustration.  After I made the booties, I wanted a hat to match so I designed this simple hat to go with them.  Have fun!

BOOTIE

Stitches used:

magic ring

slip stitch

Chain (1 or 2) -ch

single crochet - sc

half double crochet - hdc

double crochet -dc

front post hdc & back post hdc

crocheting in front loop only (FLO) or back loop only (BLO)

*Do not join rounds unless noted.  Work in a continuous spiral.  Use a stitch marker to mark your beginning stitch.

*Supplies used: 

G/6-4.25 mm crochet hook

Small amount of Bernat Baby Coordinates yarn (I used Sweet Pink)

Stitch markers

Yarn needle

Toe Area:

1.  Make 6 sc into a magic ring.

2.  Work 2 sc in first stitch, sc in next stitch.  Continue this pattern around ending with 9 stitches total.

3.  Work 2 sc in first stitch, sc in each of next 2 stitches.  Continue this pattern around ending with 12 stitches.

4.  Work 2 sc in first stitch, sc in each of next 3 stitches.  Continue this pattern around, ending with 15 stitches.

5.  Work 2 sc in first stitch, sc in each of next 4 stitches.  Continue this pattern around, ending with 18 stitches.  (If you want a bootie to fit an older baby, then you would add one or more increase rows here following the same pattern of increase.  So, the next increase row would be 2 sc first stitch, sc next 5 stitches etc.  This would give more width to the bootie for a bigger baby)

6-13. Sc in each stitch around.  (This works out to 8 rows)  (If you want to make the bootie longer add extra rows here to increas toe area.)

Heel Area:

14.  Chain 1, turn.  Sc in each stitch around, leaving 3 stitches unworked.

15-19.  Ch 1, turn.  Sc in each stitch around.  (This works out to 5 rows)  (Again to increase the size add an extra row or two for an older baby.)

Cuff:-Double Ruffle Option:

Working in top edge of heel area now to make a cuff:

20.  Ch 1.  Sc around entire top area, including 3 stitches left unworked, joining two sides to make circle.

21.  IN BACK LOOP ONLY of each stitch:  Ch 2.  Hdc in joining stitch and in each stitch around.  Join.

22.  Ch 2.  Front-post hdc first stitch, Back-post hdc next stitch around.  Join.

23.  Ch 2.  Front-post hdc first stich, Back-post hdc next stitch around.  Join and fasten off.

24.  Join yarn in Front loop on back of bootie with slip stitch.  Sc in each stitch around.  Join.

25.  IN BACK LOOPS ONLY:  sc, ch 2, sc in first stitch;  sc in next stitch.  Continue this pattern around.  Join.

26.  IN FRONT LOOPS ONLY:  ch1. sc in first stitch, hdc, dc, hdc in next stitch.  Continue this pattern around.  Join and fasten off leaving a long tail to sew up back of heel. 

27.  Sew up back of heel, weave in ends and cut any loose yarn tails. 

You are finished!  Make the second bootie :)

Cuff-Single Ruffle Option:

Working in top edge of heel area now to make a cuff:

20. Ch 1.  Sc around entire top area, including 3 stitches left unworked, joining two sides to make circle.

21.  IN FRONT LOOPS ONLY:  Ch1.  sc, ch2, sc in first stich; sc in next stitch.  Continue this pattern around.  Join.

22.  IN BACK LOOPS ONLY:  Ch 2., hdc around.  Join with a slip stitch.

23.  Ch 2.  Front-post hdc first stitch, Back-post hdc next stitch around.  Join.

24.  Ch 2.  Front-post hdc first stich, Back-post hdc next stitch around.  Join and fasten off leaving a long tail to sew up heel opening.

25.  Sew up heel opening.  Now make the second bootie :)

To make the booties for a boy, just leave off the ruffle completely.

 

HAT:

* Join all rounds.

1.  Make 6 sc into a magic loop.  Join with a slip stitch in first sc.

2.  Ch 3.  2 dc in each stitch around.  Join.  (12)

3.  Ch 3.  2 dc in each stitch around.  Join.  (24)

4.  Ch 3.  2 dc in each stitch around.  Join.  (If you need a larger hat for an older baby, continue to increase in this method)  (48)

5-10.  Ch 3.  Dc in each stitch around.  Join.  (This works out to 6 rows.)   (If making this hat larger for an older baby, add extra rows here for length as needed)  (48)

11.  IN FRONT LOOPS ONLY:   Ch 1, sc, ch2, sc in next stitch;  sc in next stitch.  Continue this pattern around.  Join with a slip stitch.

12.  IN BACK LOOPS ONLY:  Ch 1. Sc next stitch;  hdc, dc, hdc in next stitch.  Continue this pattern around.  Join with a slip stitch.  Fasten off and weave in ends.

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Oct. 10, 2008 - Nothing new and exciting

There is nothing new and exciting happening today.  At least I hope we don't get some unexpected excitement, with 6 kids that is not always a good thing, lol.

So today I will knuckle down and actually pay the bills (I don't know why it's like pulling teeth lately to get me to pay the bills....what is up with that?).  And I will work on getting some of the recent patterns I have designed organized to be placed on my blog.

The children are still sick with the flu and I don't feel really great so we will take it easy.

Oh, there is a mix up at the DMV involving our car insurance and the DMV wanting to suspend our registration on two of our cars.  I contacted the insurance company and the DMV weeks ago and thought it was resolved.  But registered mail recently recieved shows that the insurance company dropped the ball and the DMV is suspending our registration on the 17th.  So, Monday I'm going to head into town and try to get this resolved.  If you think of me, please pray for this situation.

Well, I'm drowsy and chilly, so I"m going to curl up in bed with some pink yarn and a crochet hook.  Have a wonderful day.

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Oct. 9, 2008 - YAWN

Today I am just tired.  I haven't done much of anything.  A little laundry, a little dishes and that is pretty much it.  And now I'm so tired I just want to curl up and sleep.  Hmmmm, I wonder if there is any way I could work that out......

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Oct. 8, 2008 - Things I love.....

Today's list of things I love....

-My children and snuggling with them

-Braxton hicks contractions....they get me ready for labor

-Spaghetti with cheese......mmmmm pretty much a pregnancy thing

-Crocheting baby things

-My husband......he is truly the love of my life

-The Lord of course, lol!

-Stores that put a garbage can conveniently located in the parking lot

-STORK PARKING (shouldn't this be everywhere????)

-Clean laundry......mmmmmm

-Hot fudge sundaes after spahetti with cheese

-Happy children

-An organized home.....someday I'll have this.....I will

-Window shopping on the internet and then not buying anything (no cart to unload, and no pain in my checkbook, lol)

-Momys

-An almost finished Christmas craft list

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Oct. 8, 2008 - I was super blessed this weekend!

 A special friend, Christina sent me a package.  The package contained an Edgery Doo set and I was so excited.  I couldn't believe it when I opened it, I really wanted one, lol.  It was such an unexpected surprise.  Thank you SO much Christina.

Here is what I have made with it so far.

A crochet hook case:

And a hat, bootie and blanket set (the hat and bootie patterns will be coming soon):

 

I had so much fun this weekend creating these.  I used this edge for the blanket.  And this pattern for the hook case.  Both were really fast to make, and they turned out really nice.  The only change I would make for the hook case is to add a second chain to hold the hooks, so they are straight.

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Sep. 28, 2008 - We had fun today!

My oldest daughter, who is 8, went with me today to dry all the baby things at the laundromat.  We had 4 large loads of baby blankets, washcloths, diapers, clothes and the diaper bag and some misc items.  I washed them all at home and then we went to have "alone time" as she calls it.  She was such a great help and really enjoyed it.  She folded diapers and washcloths and I folded the blankets and clothes.

It only took us about 30 minutes and then we went to McDonald's to get a hot fudge sundae as a treat, lol.

So, even though we still don't have a dryer, I honestly don't feel like it's a big deal.  Even if I go to the laundromat to dry every couple days in the winter it will be fine.  And if I take only one child at a time, they will all get to enjoy some "alone time" with mommy.

So, what could be bad about that?

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Sep. 24, 2008 - Look what I want, lol!

Isn't this the neatest thing? 

It's a plastic template kit that allows you to punch holes into fleece to create beautiful blankets.  You can also connect smaller pieces of fleece together making a pretty quilt.  They have an EdgeryDoo for different needs.  One for rounded edges using a worsted weight yarn, one with rounded edges to use with baby or fingering weight yarn, and the squares, which allow you to make different size squares to be connected into various things.

I want the basic starter kit, the original trianular template kit.  It of course is too pricey for right now, but hopefully sometime next year I can afford it and then I can make each of my children a special blanket for next Christmas.  How fun would that be?  Something with a lacey edge for my girls in a print that is special to each of them.  And something plainer and more "manly" for each of my boys also in a print that is special to each of them.  And for making gifts for others it would be fantastic too.  It wouldn't take as much time as crocheting or knitting an entire afghan, and they would be so warm and cozy.

I love finding new things to add freshness to my crafting, lol.  Don't you?

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Sep. 11, 2008 - Yummy bread machine recipe

Sweet Butter Bread

2lb loaf

Ingredients:

1/2 cup milk

1/3 cup water, just slightly over the line

1 large egg

1/4 cup butter, cut into small pieces

1 teaspoon salt

3-1/3 cups flour (I just use all-purpose flour)

1/4 cup sugar

2-1/2 teaspoons yeast

 

Place all ingredients into bread machine pan in the order suggested by the manufacturer.  For mine I put liquid ingredients in first, yeast last.  Choose the Basic/Light bake cycle.

Yummy for PB&J sandwiches, toast etc.

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Sep. 10, 2008 - More play food I made

Here is the most recent crochet play food that I have made.

Pizza slices (my own pattern but I haven't had time to post the pattern yet):

 

Cupcakes:

Ice Cream Cones:

Bowl of cherries (lousy picture sorry):

Hot dogs:

I'm working on some doughnuts and I have some ideas for like salad, spaghetti, nachos, tacos etc.  But time is limited when my girls are asleep that I can work on this stuff.  And if they are awake they want to know exactly what I'm making, lol.  So no secrets can be kept.  Hopefully by the time baby comes I'll have a good mix of play food for the play kitchen.

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Sep. 8, 2008 - Need I say more?

This is the day the LORD has made;
       let us rejoice and be glad in it.

Psalm 118:24

 

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Sep. 1, 2008 - If you want to visit a fun cooking site/blog....

Then here it is.  Tammy's Recipes is great with recipes and frugal information for all kinds of things.  This recipe is a great find from that site.  I'm considering trying her bread recipe too.  But that would involve grinding some wheat....do I want to or not, lol.

So have fun browsing her site, it's loads of fun!

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Aug. 30, 2008 - Crochet Cheeseburger Pattern

I searched and searched for a crochet cheeseburger pattern to go with the play food set that I am crochet-ing.  But I just wasn't happy with the free patterns that I found.  I did find a cute one for sale, but being on a tight budget, I didn't want to buy it.  So, I made my own up.  And now I will do my best to share it with you.

 

 

To make this set you need to know how to slip stitch, single crochet (sc), make a magic ring, double crochet (dc), sc2tog, crochet in back loops.  Each piece is worked in a continous round without joining.

Inside of buns (make 2):  Using an F -5 hook and an off-white worsted weight yarn

1.  Make 8 sc into a magic ring.  (8)

2.  2 sc in each stitch around.  Pull magic ring closed tight.  (16)

3.  1sc in next stitch, 2sc in next stitch around. (24)

4. 1 sc in next 2 stitches, 2 sc in next stitch around.  (32)

5.  1 sc in next 3 stitches, 2 sc in next stitch around.  (40)

6.  1 sc in next 4 stitches, 2 sc in next stitch around.  (48).

7.  Fasten off and weave in ends.

 

Bun Top: Using an F-5 hook and tan or light brown yarn.

1.  Make 8 sc into a magic ring.  (8)

2.  2 sc in each stitch around.  Pull magic ring closed tight.  (16)

3.  1sc in next stitch, 2sc in next stitch around. (24)

4. 1 sc in next 2 stitches, 2 sc in next stitch around.  (32)

5.  1 sc in next 3 stitches, 2 sc in next stitch around.  (40)

6.  Sc in each stitch around.  (40)

7.  Sc in each stitch around.  (40)

8.  Sc in each stitch around.  (40)

9.  Sc in each stitch around.  (40)

10.  Fasten off leaving a long tail for sewing.

 

Bun Bottom:  Using an F-5 hook and tan or light brown yarn.

1.  Make 8 sc into a magic ring.  (8)

2.  2 sc in each stitch around.  Pull magic ring closed tight.  (16)

3.  1sc in next stitch, 2sc in next stitch around. (24)

4. 1 sc in next 2 stitches, 2 sc in next stitch around.  (32)

5.  1 sc in next 3 stitches, 2 sc in next stitch around.  (40)

6.  1 sc in next 4 stitches, 2 sc in next stitch around.  (48).

7.  *1 sc in next 10 stitches, sc2tog IN BACK LOOPS ONLY.  Repeat from * around.  (44)

8.  Fasten off leaving a long tail for sewing.

Now assemble your bun by sewing a bun bottom with an inner and a bun top with an inner, stuff before closing.  If you would like embroider some "seeds" on the bun top with white yarn before sewing and stuffing.  Now you have a nice round bun!

 

Lettuce:  With an F-5 hook and some green worsted weight yarn.

1.  Make 8 sc into a magic ring.  (8)

2.  2 sc in each stitch around.  Pull magic ring closed tight.  (16)

3.  1sc in next stitch, 2sc in next stitch around. (24)

4. 1 sc in next 2 stitches, 2 sc in next stitch around.  (32)

5.  1 sc in next stitch, 4 sc in next stitch around.  (80)

6.  Fasten off, weave in ends.

 

Tomato:  Using an F-5 hook and using red worsted weight yarn.

1.  Make 8 sc into a magic ring.  (8)

2.  2 sc in each stitch around.  Pull magic ring closed tight.  (16)

3.  1sc in next stitch, 2sc in next stitch around. (24)

4. 1 sc in next 2 stitches, 2 sc in next stitch around.  (32)

5.  1 sc in next 3 stitches, 2 sc in next stitch around.  (40)

6.  1 sc in next 4 stitches, 2 sc in next stitch around.  (48).

7.  Fasten off and weave in ends.

 

Cheese:  Using F-5 hook and yellow or orange worsted weight yarn.

1.  Make 8 sc into a magic ring.  (8)

2.  1 sc, 3 sc in next stitch around.  (16)

3. 1 sc in next 2 stitches, 3 sc in next stitch (*1 sc in next 3 stitches, 3 sc in next stitch around) ending with 1 sc.  (24)

4.  1 sc in next 3 stitches, 3 sc in next stitch (*1 sc in next 5 stitches, 3 sc in next stitch around) ending with 2 sc.  (32)

5.  1 sc in next 4 stitches, 3 sc in next stitch (*1 sc in next 7 stitches, 3 sc in next stitch around) ending with 3 sc.  (40)

6.  1 sc in next 5 stitches, 3 sc in next stitch (*1 sc in next 9 stitches, 3 sc in next stitch around) ending with 4 sc.  (48)

7.  Fasten off and weave in ends.

 

Patty:  Using J-10 hook and 2 STRANDS TOGETHER of dark brown worsted weight yarn.

1.  Make 6 sc into a magic ring.  (6)

2.  2 sc in each stitch.  Tighten magic ring.

3.  1 sc, 2 sc in next stitch around.  (18)

4.  1 sc in next 2 stitches, 2 sc in next stitch around.  (24)

5.  1 dc, 1 slip stitch around. (24)

6.  Fasten off and weave in ends.

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Aug. 29, 2008 - I don't....

• I don't want to cook today.
• I don't want to clean today.
• I don't want to bake cupcakes and go shopping today.
• I don't want to be sweet and patient and attentive.
• I don't want to organize another thing today.
• I don't want to referree disagreements, and train my children today.
• I don't......

I just want to be a selfish woman today.

But......I will....

• I WILL cook 3 meals today cheerfully and with a thankful heart that we have food to prepare.
• I WILL clean up after those meals and clean whatever else I find time for.
• I WILL bake cupcakes and go shopping so that we can enjoy my youngest daughters birthday tomorrow.
• I WILL do my best to be sweet and patient and attentive to each of my children today.  Knowing that these days are fleeting and I'll treasure every conversation later.
• I WILL organize some other area of my home today to make my family's life easier in some way.
• I WILL referree disagreements and train my children today.  This is so that I can reap the rewards of that training tomorrow.
• I WILL.....

You know why I will?  Because I am supposed to work as unto the Lord.  And love my neighbor as myself.  And if I'm being my own selfish woman today then I am not working as unto the Lord, I'm serving only myself.  And if I'm only serving myself, then I can't possibly be loving my neighbor as myself, because I am too focused on me.

So, how about you?  What are you going to do today that you just don't want to?

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Aug. 28, 2008 - What I've been crafting

Here are just some quick picks of the things that I have been crafting.

A stocking for the new baby:

A small gift bag (cinches at the top):

Mini checkerboard:

Mini tarts:

Oreo and chocolate chip cookies (I just made up the cookie jar to fit them):

Breakfast (eggs, bacon, toast):

I also made a newborn neck pillow, but I haven't taken a picture of it.  It was super easy and fast.

I want to make this neck pillow for my daughter for Christmas.....we'll see how much I actually get done, lol.  The play food will be a Christmas present for my girls.....all soon to be four of them.

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Aug. 24, 2008 - My messy, stinky cat box solution

I enjoy having cats.  My children enjoy having cats.  My husband enjoys not having mice because of the cats.  But, I dont' enjoy cat litter boxes.  No matter the litter it's either tracked everywhere or smells bad.  So you have to scoop it regularly, which isn't happening while I'm pregnant, sweep constantly, also not happening or buy an expensive litter box set up.  I did have a top entry box that I loved for keeping the dog from snacking and containing the litter, but it smelled soooo bad and so had to be scrubbed and bleached regularly.  Which is another thing that isn't happening while I'm pregnant.

So, desperation drove me to find an affordable solution.....or at least a workable solution.  There is no way I was going to buy a $100-200 cat litter system.  Ummm, these are cats, it's waste products, and well my family likes to eat and be clothed.  So I had to get more creative.  As I would shop I kept seeing these disposable cat boxes that I used to spurn in disgust.  I mean who would use one of those?  Well, over time I decided to research them a bit, and found only good reviews on them.  Hmmmm, would they work for me?

I bought a package of these disposable litter boxes.  My original concern was that urine would soak through the box and it would be a huge mess.  But I wanted to try them.  I opened my package (came in package of two for $6-7 at Walmart) and plopped a box down on the floor.  Then I filled it with scoopable cat litter, just the cheapie kind.  I plopped a cat into it to see the response.  Kitties get excited about fresh boxes, lol.  My two cats loved it.  It completely stopped the odor, lasting for over a week before needing to be replaced.  It didn't soak through and I didn't have to scoop my box!  Amazing!  There was one problem though, the litter had a tendency (like every use) to fly out of the box, ick.  Not all of it, just enough to make the floor constantly messy.  I loved not having the smell, but the mess was driving me nuts.

My solution to that problem was to buy a large Sterilite bin with a lid and place the disposable box inside it.  I then had dh cut around the edge of the lid leaving a lip on it all the way around to make it easier for the kitties to jump in and out.  This has two benefits, doggie can't help himself to "treats" icky, icky, icky, and the kitties can paw the litter as energetically as they like and it stays inside the large bin.  The children just have to take the large bin outside, remove the disposable box, dump any stray litter inside the large bin, then put in a new disposable box and litter. 

The one thing is that most likely without doggie helping to scoop out solid waste the children will have to scoop midweek, but that is not a big deal at all.

So, if you want a solution to the smelly/messy cat box dilema then I really suggest a system like this.  Nice and tidy.......and fresh smelling.

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Aug. 21, 2008 - Ooooo, look at this!

I was made aware of Snugglebottoms diapers and I think I'm going to buy half a dozen for the diaper bag.  They are super reasonably priced and have good reviews.  I prefer to have special dipes for the diaper bag so I don't have to keep switching things around.  I'm weird that way.  And if I like them I just may use them for the next size up diaper because they are so affordable.  I'm not sure yet because I really like the way flats wash up.  If I do go with the next size up, I will probably not go with velcro closing, and just use pins.

I have plenty of time to decide, lol. 

I really need to turn my mind away from baby planning to Christmas planning because it is really sneaking up on us.  And to afford it this year will take lots of creativity.  It's a good thing that is one of my gifts. Ha-ha.

Well, I need to try to get some rest this morning, because I keep falling asleep at 7:30.  Have a good day all.

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Aug. 19, 2008 - Crochet a toilet paper roll cover!

I made 4 of these to cover extra toilet paper to store in the bathroom.  I just put them on the back of the toilet and they look cute.  I chose to make smilie faces because I thought the children would have more fun with that and be encouraged to replace the toilet paper rolls.  Here is a pic of one completed:

You could do different things like using a prettier color and instead of a smilie face you could put a pom-pom on it.  Make them in seasonal colors etc.  Even find cute flowers or leaves to crochet to sew on top.

Here is the pattern that I worked out.  This fits our large rolls of Scott toilet paper.

Supplies:

Small amount of worsted weight yarn, yellow

Small amount of worsted weight yarn, black

H crochet hook

Abbreviations:

ch = chain

sl. st. = slip stitch

dc = double crochet

dc 2 tog = double crochet 2 together (decrease)

back loops only note

1. Row 1:  Using an H hook chain 5.  Slip stitch together to form ring.  Make 14 dc in ring.  Join with sl. st. to first dc.  (14 stitches)
2. Row 2:  Chain 2.  2 dc in each dc around.  Join with sl. st. to first ch 2.  (28 stitches)
3. Row 3:  Chain 2.   dc in the next 2 stitches, 2 dc in next stitch, *dc in next 3 stitches, 2 dc in next stitch.  Repeat from * around, ending with 2 dc in stitch.  Join with sl. st. to first ch 2.   (35 stitches)
4. Row 4:  Chain 2.  dc in next 3 stitches, 2 dc in next stitch.  *dc in next 4 stitches, 2 dc in next stitch.  Repeat from * around.  Join with sl. st. to first ch2.   (42 stitches)
5. Row 5:  Chain 2.  dc in back loops only of each stitch around.  Join with sl. st. to first dc. 
6. Rows 6-13:  Chain 2.  dc in each stitch around.  Join with sl. st. to first ch 2. 
7. Row 14:   Chain 2.  in back loops only, dc in each of next 2 stitches, dc 2 tog next stitch.  *dc in next 3 stitches, dc 2 tog next stitch.  Repeat from * around, dc 2 tog in last 2 stitches.  Join with sl. st. to first ch 2.   Finish off and weave in ends.

This is the first time that I have written out a crochet pattern that I have written.  So please forgive any mistakes.  I have made 4 and followed these instructions, but writing them is a whole different thing.  I tried to make them understandable.  I placed links of all the stitches required to make this so that even a beginner could make it.

Enjoy!

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Aug. 18, 2008 - How I currently plan menus/shopping

As a member of Momys, I get to benefit from the wisdom of many other mothers of many children.  Instead of struggling through certain areas on my own, I am blessed to be able to ask others that have gone before me and have had victory.  One very special Momy shared her menu/shopping system and I have latched onto it and it has saved me much sanity.

Here it is, have a repeating weekly menu that you use over and over.  Making the same basic things over and over takes the stress off, helps to get you into a predictable routine and makes shopping loads easier.  So I made a master menu and put it into my household binder, and I made a master shopping list for that menu, also in my binder.  I also took the recipes needed for the menu and put them in my binder for easy access.  Now, you may be thinking, isn't that boring?  But honestly it isn't for me.  It frees me up, by knowing that I have everything I need to make meals for the next two weeks.  Also, because I buy staples, I have the freedom to change things up a bit if I want to.  For instance, I don't always have to make the same type of pizza or cook the chicken in the same way.  But I know we'll be having pizza or chicken.

Here is my menu:

	Breakfast	Lunch	Dinner
Mon	Eggs, Hashbrowns	Peanut Butter Sandwiches	Potato Soup, Bread
Tue	Oatmeal	Grilled Cheese Sandwiches	Mushroom Chicken, Mashed Potatoes, Corn on the Cob
Wed	Rice with Cinnamon/Sugar	Peanut Butter Sandwiches	Bean Soup, Cornbread
Thu	Oatmeal	Grilled Cheese Sandwiches	Bean & Cheese Burritos, Mexican Rice
Fri	Rice with Cinnamon/Sugar	Peanut Butter Sandwiches	Chicken Soup, Bread
Sat	Waffles, Hashbrowns	Grilled Cheese Sandwiches	Pizza, Salad
Sun	Eggs, Hashbrowns	Peanut Butter Sandwiches	Leftovers

 

I just grab a list from my binder and highlight anything I am out of and write in any extra things that I don't buy regularly.  This has saved me a lot of time.  And I'm hoping to be able to eventually do my main shopping once a month and then just buy produce once a week.  But so far I haven't been able to swing it financially.  Hopefully soon.

So, this is how I am currently dealing with meals here.  Next year, I will re-write the menu and shopping list and we will have a different set, but the same system.

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