Wow.  It has been a long time since I blogged.  The photo is me, my brother in law, and my sister, Judy.  In that long time, I turned 72, my two cats have passed onto the Rainbow Bridge, and my 2 sisters have died.  Lots to think of and do.  Missing my son, Timothy, more than words can say.  Missing my son, Shawn, who is in Michigan and I don't get to see him.  My son, Kevin, has been driving me back and forth for surgery, etc.  I did trip on a metal table leg and fell...fractured and dislocated my ankle and spent a lot of time recovering.  Had to have a second surgery to remove the hardware as I had a really bad reaction to it.  I have a lot of time to meditate on life.  Ain't it grand?  Sometimes.  I hope that someone is able to use my patterns.  I loved doing them.  Now I don't crochet or knit at all.  I think I'm hooked on reading and word variety puzzles.  And life goes on...  This, too, shall pass.

I apologize to any followers as I am getting old and don't "do" blogs anymore plus I certainly don't have the wherewithal to write down patterns.  I still crochet every day and make things for the homeless and the SPCA (to raffle off) but my life is slowed down.  I wish I wish I wish that someone would take my patterns and put them on a crochet pattern site so that they can be used.  I am disabled and tired.  But I hope my patterns have been used by someone.  Thank you.

This is my granddaughter Tegan in a cowl I whipped up cuz she liked the colors. 

Easy Peasy Moebius, Getting older, Learning New Stuff

I have been trying my darndest to get into my blog and the rules have changed and so I have to learn something new.....slowly but surely.  I am getting on in years...I admit it.  I finally gave in and bought a "cane seat" so that when I am walking -- and I do walk every day -- and things start hurting, I can whip out that little seat and sit down.  Before I was just stopping where I was until I could go on but I was afraid the neighbors would think I had to go to the bathroom or something.  Embarrassment.  whoa.

Anyway, I created this easy peasy moebius as a quick gift for elderly women who have no family so that RSVP can give it to them at Christmas.  I have made 2 of them.  No one has tested the pattern, but I do have 2 friends who are going to give it a try.  I sure hope you can use this pattern. I love sharing.  Linda

Easy Peasy Moebius 

by Linda Graimm

Worsted Weight yarn  (I used Caron Simply Soft in Pagoda, I think the color was...something like that)
Size J or K hook....whichever you feel more comfortable with
Gauge:  makes no never mind  Smile

PATTERN:

Leaving a long chain about 12", Chain 127

Single crochet in 4th chain from hook, chain 3.

Row 1:   Skip 2 chains, single crochet in next chain across.  ( you may end up with 1 or 2 extra chains.  Ignore them and work them in later.  You need to have a number of ch 3 spaces across that are divisible by 2 with 1 extra so that you start with a ddcs and end with a ddcs (see next row).

Row 2:   Turn work.  Chain 2, in first chain 3 space place:  (double crochet - ch 1 - double crochet - ch 1 double crochet)  (double double crochet shell = ddcs);   *Skip next ch 3 space and in next chain 3 space, place a ddcs*  across the row, ending with a ddcs.

at this point, you will lie the work down and make one twist in the work and then slip stitch in first dc of row just worked (skipping the chain 2) to connect the row.  Now you will work around in rows and the work will have a twist in it.  You will use the beginning long chain to sew the first row together to make work look neater.

Row 3:   slip stitch into first ch 1 sp in ddcs, ch 1, sc in same space.  *Chain 3, sc in next ch 1 space* across row.   Slip stitch in first sc.

Row 4:   Slip stitch into first ch 3 space.  Ch 2,  place ddcs into same ch 3 space,  *skip next chain 3 space and place ddcs into next ch 3 space* across.  ending slip stitch into first dc of first ddcs.

Repeat Rows 3 and 4 until as wide as you want the moebius (for sure to fit around your head plus 4 rows or 6 rows if you don't like snug things.  Finish off with ROW 3....this leaves a somewhat lacy edging to match beginning.    Weave in ends and let me know how it goes.
emmalemmon47@yahoo.com

This is such a warm hat!

Baby's Baker Hat

Worsted wt Yarn (#4.  I used Red Heart Super Saver in blue variegated for the Boy's Hat and Impeccable for the girls hat--cuz those are the colors I had.  (Thank you to everyone who donates yarn to me so I can make hats for the homeless, hospitals and prayer shawls/lapghans!!!)
Size I Hook.

Size:  Newborn.  For a smaller size Preemie you could use a G hook;  For a toddler, you could use a K Hook.  Just guessing here as I have only made the newborn size.

Sts Used:    sc, hdc , dc,

Lazy Shell (sc in indicated chain, ch 3, 2 dc in same ch 3),
Modified Lazy Shell (sc in indicated chain, ch 3, 1 dc in same ch3),
Hdc ribbing (ch indicated number of stitches, hdc across row, ch 2, turn, hdc in BACK LOOP of each hdc of previous row.  Repeat until desired length),
Crab Stitch (sc backward to end of row and join in 1st sc).

Shrinking Rib (this is made after body of hat is finished.  It draws the top of the hat together and makes a neat pattern):  ch 6, turn, sl st in first 2 sts, sc in next 2 sts, hdc in last st.  Turn.  Working in Back Loops only for the rest of the SR:  sl st in next 3 sts on row below on body, turn work, hdc in 1st st (remember back loops only), sc in next 2 sts, sl st in last 2 sts.   *turn work, sl st in first 2 sts, sc in next 2 sts, hdc in next st.  sl st in next  3 sts on body of hat (this is to decrease so you can work 2 or 3 as you see the work sitting flat), turn work, hdc in hdc, sc in each of next 2 sc (again in back loops only), sl st in next 2 sl st. * until you have reached the beginning of the work. sl st last row and first row together,  Fasten off, weave in ends.   If you ended up in the center of the work, leave a long tail of yarn and sew the opening closed.  If you end up at the other end away from the circle, just cut yarn, take a long piece of yarn and a yarn needle and sew center closed.

Instructions:
Ribbing--
Row 1: Ch 10.  Hdc in 2nd ch from hook, hdc across chain.  8 hdc
Row 2:   TURN, Ch 2.  IN BACK LOOPS ONLY, hdc in each hdc across.  8 hdc.
Row 3-24: Repeat Row 2.
This piece when laid flat and not stretched measured 12".

Next:  Fold ends to meet (making a circle) and slip stitch the end rows together, turn piece so that seam is inside the hat and continue working on this piece.

This is the part that decides if it is a boy's or girl's hat--

For Girls:  (working a sc in the ridge part of the ribbing and 5 dc in the middle of each ridge section around.)  To clarify:  ch 1, sc in same st as last sl st.  sk end of this hdc row and place 5 dc (shell)  in end of next row.  *sc in end of ridge, 5 dc in end of next row* around.   Join in first sc.  (12 sc, 12 5-dc shells)  Fasten off and weave in ends.
PHOTO
For Boys:  You can either leave it plain and start working on the body of the hat from this very same position OR you can do a Crab Stitch (Backward Single Crochet) around the edges.  If you do the Crab Stitch, join at end of row, fasten off, weave in ends.

Body of Hat--
Attach yarn at opposite end of seam, ch 1, sc in same st as joining.

Row 1: ch 3, place 2 dc in the sc you just made, sk 1 st.  *sc in next st, ch 3, place 2 dc in the side of the sc you just made* (lazy shell made).  Work in this way around the side rows of the ribbing opposite the girl/boy edging of course.  Join in 1st sc.  (20 lazy shells)

Row 2: TURN WORK, ch 1, sc in base of joining, ch 3, 2 dc in side of sc just made.
Sc into ch 3 of previous row/next lazy shell.  ch 3, 2 dc under same ch 3 space.  (finished lazy shell).  *sc under ch 3 of next lazy shell on last row, ch 3, 2 dc under same ch 3 space* around.  Join with sl st in first sc.  (21 lazy shells)

Row 3: ch 1, TURN, sl st in 1st 2 dc and into ch 3 of previous lazy shell.  Ch 1, in ch 3 place a Lazy Shell (ch 1, sc, ch3, 2 dc all in next ch 3).  Repeat around.  (Piece will start looking incredibly large.  Not to worry)  Join with sl st in 1st sc.  (21 lazy shells)

Row 4: TURN, sl st in 1st 2 dc and into ch3 of previous lazy shell.  Ch 1, sc in same space, ONE (1) dc in ch 3.  *sc in next ch 3, ch 3, 1 dc in same ch 3 (Modified Lazy Shell).  Proceed to put a Modified Lazy Shell in each Lazy Shell around.  Join to beginning sc.
(21 Modified Lazy Shells).

Row 5: Ch 2, Place 2 hdc in each ch 3 around.  (42 hdc)  (Note:  I worked this row quite tight.)

INNER RIBBING:

Row 1: `ch 7, turn, working back on ch you just made,  sk first loop, sl st in next 2 ch, sc in next 2 ch, hdc in last ch.  Now comes the "interesting part--)  sk joining, sl st in next 2 hdc on last row worked.

Row 2: turn work so little "tail thingy" is on your left.  IN BACK LOOP ONLY, make a hdc in 1st hdc on tail,  sc in each of next 2 sc (again back loops only...you will be making a shrinking rib), sl st in next 2 sl sts.  (hard work but u can do it--I just pick up whatever I can get in the back loop and go on.   doesn't show)

Row 3: ch 1, sl st in bk lp only of 1st 2 sl sts, sc in bk lp of next 2 sc, hdc in hdc.
sl st in next 3 sts on body of hat....
Continue in this manner until you are at the beginning.  If you have a problem, consult the directions above for Shrinking Rib.  You can always email me for clarity.  Emmalemmon47@yahoo.com

View of top of hat w/shrink rib.

Grow-able Hat Crochet Pattern

BOYS (& Girls) Reversible and Grow-able Hat

           

This is a Very Easy Pattern.
Worsted Wt Yarn.  I used Impeccable and then RedHeart and both worked.
Size J crochet Hook

I would say that this pattern fits a 4 or 5 year old and can grow into a 7 or 8 year old.  I have it on my little mannequin head and it fits well.  You could do the same pattern with a larger hook for a teen or adult and a smaller hook for a younger one.   My friend Pat tested this for me and made the girl's version.

The Right Side of the work is for the smaller size.


NOTE#1:  Adjust pattern in any way you wish.  I made one that had alternating rows of hdc/sc for the first 8 rows and it made the hat smaller and warmer on the top.  Feel free to post or use this pattern anywhere, even to selling the finished product.... except to claim it as your own.

Thanks.

INSTRUCTIONS:

Row 1:  (RIGHT SIDE OF WORK) ch 3, 6 sc in 2nd ch.  Join.  Pull yarn tight.

Row 2:  ch 2, 2 hdc in each sc around (14 hdc)

Row 3:  ch 2, *2 hdc in first hdc, 1 hdc in next hdc* around.  (21 hdc)

Row 4:  ch 2,  *2 hdc in first hdc, 1 hdc in each of next 2 hdc* around.
(28 hdc)

Row 5: ch 2,  *2 hdc in first hdc, 1 hdc in each of next 3 hdc* around.  (35 hdc)

Continue increasing each row, using hdc, until you have 49 sts.
(should be 2 more rows)

Row 8: ch 2, hdc around, increasing 3 sts evenly space so that you end up with 52 sts.

Row 9-19:  ch 2, hdc in each st around (52 sts)

Row 20:  TURN WORK:  ch 3, dc in back loop of each stitch around.
Join.

Row 21:  ch 2, dc in each st around (NOT back loop).  Join.
Fasten off.

NOTE#2:  You could also make this into a girls' hat by using "girly" colors and even adding a row after the two brim rows----:  ch 1, sc in first st,  skip 2 sts, 5 dc in next st, *skip 2 sts, sc in next st, skip 2 sts, 5 dc in next st*.  Repeat ** around.



This is now a reversible, growable hat...as soon as you tuck or weave in the ends.  Smile.    When you turn the hat inside out it "grows".

 A run of hats.  I just decided to go wild with hat patterns. The ecru/beige hat shown here comes from the newest Crochet Today magazine.  It has 2 parts.  The bandanna is removable so it is actually 3 toppers in 1.  Nifty.  The green hat is a creation of my own.  I started off the brim from a patern and then got bored so designed as I went.  If anyone is interested in the green hat pattern, just write and ask me and I will write it up.  It would make a neat ponytail hat, I think.  My poor dummy's head is actually too small for an adult hat but she does well, don't you think?  Big Grin.

The gray and blue shawl is made from a #2 silk yarn that was sent to me by a friend.  It went to a woman who was going into the hospital to have surgery and she was thrilled to get it.  I don't know this person, as it is a prayer shawl and I don't know who gets them but I was glad to giver her a lift of her spirits.

The darker variegated hat is also a beret.  I love making those as they are versatile and can be dressed up or down.  The light variegated was worked up and down instead of around.  It was made from a chain of 34.   sc 3, hdc 3, DC 20, treble crochet in 5.  Turn, chain 4, sk 1st st, Treble in each of next 4 sts, DC 20, hdc 3, sc 3.  Turn, ch 1, sc 3, hdc 3, DC 20, treble crochet in each of next 5 sts.  I just worked until it fit around my little dummy's head and then sewed up the seam.  It is a very easy hat to make.

The very last hat photo was made from a pattern that I can't recall offhand but I mentioned it in the last post.  It came out gorgeous, I think.  The original hat was done in a single color but I was using leftover yarn which always makes things creative.  I so appreciate that I have the ability to crochet and to make things for people.  I am thankful to my Higher Power that she is there for me and has given me so many abilities!!  I will be teaching a basic Sign Language class starting in January.  I miss teaching sign language.  Thank you to you all for following my simple and "spastic" blog.   Have a Wonderful Holiday Season and no matter what the advertisements and other people say, Jesus IS the reason for the season and it is good to remember him both historically and spiritually.  Blessings.

Oh Boy.  Should I start off whining?  Nahhhhh.  I have been creating hat patterns but not writing them down.  In my old age I am getting too grouchy and LAZY!!  I so wanted to share my designs but feel as if I have come to a standstill and I apologize.
This is me and my Best Friend Harry at a dinner of some kind.  He has been in the VA Hospital and out many times with his eyes.  I have become officially his chauffeur.  It keeps me feeling useful in life.

I miss my son.  Oh, Timothy, I hope you know that you are in my prayers and in Julie's prayers all the time.  When Tegan comes to visit, I tell her little anecdotes about your life and who you were.  I want them to have memories of you.  
I bought the current Crochet Today! and made the Bessie Cap.  I used plain Caron Soft in a beautiful soft beige and it came out quite classy.  If you haven't seen the current Crochet Today! then you are missing some really nice sweater patterns.
On the PTSD front:  have been having a most difficult time with nightmares.  My nightmares are so detailed and complicated.  Sometimes I have to wake up and "finish them in my head" so they will stop bothering me. Fibromyalgia and Chronic Lyme Disease aer also rampant.  Some days I just would like to lie down and read a book without hurting.  OR even read a book sitting in a chair and have no pain.  I know that this, too, shall pass.  So keepin' on keepin' on is the only way to go.  I trust in the Lord so much and know that this cross to bear will be okay someday.

 Bearli is growing. I thought cats stopped growing at a certain age. He is 5 yrs old and getting longer, it seems.  He is like velvet and so scared of people.  Sometimes I think he has kangaroo genes or rabbit genes.
Regan is 10 yrs old and is my lap cat.  He loves to be held and scratched.  I am thankful that one of the cats likes to be held.  I know when I am away for awhile that Bearli misses me because he has to sit next to me for hours when I come home.  I am SO thankful for my boys--both cats and children, and no necessarily in that order.

When Christ comes again, I am looking forward so much to seeing my son, whole, hugging him, and just looking at him.
OK.  Enough of whining and down stuff.  Hope that everyone has a wonderful holiday season and that Christ is kept in CHRISTmas.  Thanks for bearing with me.
Linda

Missing Timothy

Good Morning.  For some reason lately I have been thinking heavily of my son, Timothy.  I am sure that never goes away.  He is the child of my heart and I miss him.  I am having dreams about him.  Or should I say that he is in my dreams.  There is this part of my heart that aches to see him once more.  I am better at understanding grief.  Each person grieves in their own way whether it be to make jokes, cry, withdraw from the world.... whichever form grief takes is okay.  
I have been crocheting a laptop carrier to felt.  Will include photos when I am finished.  It is HUGE!!!  The end result has to be 16"w x 11"h.  I designed my own and will give a brief description of how I worked it here and later maybe be more specific.  Before I sewed up the sides, it looked like an "H" with Huge sidebars and a teeny center bar.  When I sewed the sides, It is an envelop with about 3" sides and bottom.  I put a flap on it and to make it stronger, I made a strap with a wide shoulder handle/pad at the top and then sewed it over the bottom and sides.  I will put on a weight (looks like a tree of life) for the flap when I am done.   It is made from LionBrand classic wool and from all my leftover pieces so it is indeed a "Joseph's Coat of Many Colors" laptop carrier.  I am making it for the young woman who comes to sign a Bible lesson for me about 3X a month.  I am excited to see how it looks when it is finished.
My son Shawn has a family!!   He met a girl about 2-1/2 years ago that he worked with for 2 years and then they started dating.  She sounds very nice on the phone.  Haven't met her.  They moved to MI for his new job and took 2 of her sons with them.  So he has a ready made family and is starting out with a teenager.  Smile.  God does answer prayers!!  

Brendan and has family is doing well.  He has finished studying Greek and is now studying Hebrew.  That along with his family and being a Chemical Engineer in charge of 92 or so other engineers.  Whew.
Kevin is not calling me or communicating with me still.  He says he doesn't know if he loves me.  Ha!  I defy him to find anyone who hasn't made mistakes in their life and then he can say taht.  We were so very close.  And if I call him, we still talk about how much we read or like certain books.  What happened????  I don't know.  But if he won't tell me then I'm not guessing.   I have no recent photos of Kevin to put up.

My cats are both fine.  Doing so well.  I pray to God every day that they don't get sick cuz I can't afford it.  They are so comforting and beautiful.  Wow.  
That's about it.    My life has been slow and peaceful for the most part except for that heart piece that is missing.
Sincerely,  Linda

You know, I have been creating but not writing out the patterns as I guess in my old age I am getting Rawthah Lazee!    My 65th birthday just passed and I don't look a DAY over 64...
This photo is a lace valance that I made for myself (surprisingly enough!) out of thread that my friend had sent me.  I don't usually work with thread, however, this pattern worked up fast!!
I have made more of my easy shawl pattern.  They work up SO quick!!!  And are mindless, essentially.  They make nice prayer shawls.  I have made many hats for the homeless and for Africa for this coming year. I also have been working on felted hats.  The pattern I use is "in my head" and is essentially:  hdc 10 into a ring, join.  2 hdc in each hdc, join.....and I add 10 new sts per row up until I have 140 sts.  Then I work hdc down until I have 28 rows.  Then I change colors for a 4 row stripe.  Back to original color and finish off with 4 more rows.  It is HUGE!!!!  And then I felt it and it becomes a medium man's or a large women's warm hat!!!  I am making them for my son, Shawn's, family.
The photo is my son Timothy Brian Patrick Rollins Arbuckle with his biological dad, Jackie Don Rollins.
We scattered my son, Timothy's, ashes this past week.  Because Tim was in the Coast Guard, they kindly took us out off of Fischer's Island (NY?) and 8 family members had a service of our own and we scattered him where he wanted.  My dil, Julie, has done all that Timothy wanted to have done.  She has done an incredible job of managing.  His children, Devin and Tegan, were there.  They did so very well.  I am proud of them and of all my family.  
2nd son Shawn has found a new job and relocated to Michigan with his family.  I think with the economy the way it is, for him to find a job that pays almost twice what he was making in FL, it is a miracle.  I don't know how all of them will like Michigan winters but....thank goodness it's not my job.  Grin.
Brendan and his family are doing so well.  He works very hard and travels 2 hours each way to work.  They are selling their home and will be moving closer though.  That is a big plus.  I will pray that they find a buyer quickly and then find a home with a mil apartment so I can see my grandkids more often!   Yay.
Kevin is not quite feeling up to par and he is home a lot.  He is disabled.  His wife works as a manager at a pet store.  She is such a good and hard worker!  When she and Kevin were managing a store together, they were The Best Team I have ever seen!!
If you have read this far then you will know that I wish Blessings on you and your family and my prayers are with you in whatever is happening in your life.
This, too, shall pass.
Linda

Quick & Easy Lacy Shoulderette Less than 5 hours!

Corrections made January 16, 2012:   SECOND FRONT, Row 12:  Ch 3, skip st, V-st across DC IN LAST DC, Turn.  (4 V-sts)  
Row 1 of edgework:  TURN,  Ch 3, V-st in each st to last st, V-st around...etc.
Row 2:  Ch 3, V-st in each V-st around to last dc.  You can increase with an occasional lacy V-st to keep work flat.


I have been so down that I have not blogged so that I may not inflict myself on the world.  (somewhere in there is part of a quote from Mark Twain (I shall lie abed until noon so that I may not inflict myself on the world).  Anyway, I have been making prayer shawls for many years and I have yet to find one that is so quick and easy and lacy and pretty (she says unabashedly).
This pattern has not been tested because there is only me....I have made 3 of them and am on my fourth and they all came out the same...whethere this is my brain remembering or the pattern is right, I have yet to know.  Smile.

PRAYER SHOULDERETTE OR QUICK AND LACY SHAWLETTE (5 hours or less)

I got the idea for this shoulderette from a photo of Tammy Hildebrand’s for her BLUE SKIES JACKET (July 2008 CROCHET MAGAZINE.COM).  Thank you, Ms. Hildebrand.

Skill Level:  Towards Intermediate

Finished Measurement:  25” across back of shoulders;  middle of neck to bottom of back -= 15”;  From shoulder to front point = 16”

MATERIALS:  --For the green, I used #3 weight yarn (ends I had with no label), off-white is #4 worsted weight yarn (Wintuk 3.5 oz, 4 ply)  You need 2 skeins or approximately 8 oz.

--Hook size “M” (M/13-9.00) (I found metal was the quickest)

--lg-eyed needle to weave in ends

Gauge:  Not Important.  One Size Fits Most

Pattern Notes:        1)  ch-3 at beginning of row counts as first dc.

2)    Special Stitches:

V-ST = (dc, ch 1, dc) all in stitch indicated.

Lacy V-ST = (dc, ch 1, dc, ch 1, dc) in stitch indicated.
  3)  Ch 3 counts as dc throughout.

SHOULDERETTE  (I personally pray as I make these.  Sometimes for the person who will receive it and sometimes for myself to keep me close to God.  At times I pray for the world and Peace.  It makes me feel serene and useful – and closer to Heaven.  You of course don’t have to.  Just for me, since my oldest son died this past March 2011, I find great need of this.  And it is helping.)

BACK:  Chain 53.

Row 1:  Sc in 2^nd chain from hook and in each chain across.  TURN. (52 sc)

Row 2:  Ch 3, sk next 2 sts, *V-st in next st, sk next 2 sts* across, end with dc in last stitch.  TURN EACH ROW IF I FORGET TO MENTION IT.  Smile.   (16 V-sts)

Row 3-14:  Ch 3, V-st in center of each V-st across, dc in last stitch, TURN  (16 V-sts)

Row 15:  Ch 3,  dc in 1^st V-st, V-st in each V-st to last V st.  Dc in last V-st and Dc.

(14 V-sts)

Row 16:  Ch 3, Skip next dc, V-st across to last 2 dc, Dc in last Dc.  Fasten Off.

FIRST FRONT       Turn work so that starting chain is at the top and Right Side of sc row is facing you.

Row 1:    Attach yarn in 1^st chain, ch 3, skip next 2 chains, *V-st in next chain, skip 2 chains* across until you have 7 V-sts, skip 2 chains, dc in next chain, TURN.

Row 2:    Ch 3, V-st in ea V-st across, dc in last dc.  (7 V-sts)

Row 3:    Repeat Row 2.

[decrease rows]  NOTE:  dec sts are made at side edge)

Row 4:    Ch 3, V-st across.  Do not work in last dc.  TURN

Row 5:    Slst into V-st, Ch 3, dc in same V-st, V-st across, dc in last dc.

Row 6:    Ch 3, V-st across to last dc & Ch 3, sk dc and dc in top of ch 3. TURN.

Row 7:    Ch 3, 2 dc in 1^st V-st, V-st to end, dc in last st.  TURN.

Row 8:    Ch 3, V-st across to last 3 sts.  Dc in next dc, sk 1 dc, dc in last st.  TURN      (6 V-sts)

Row 9:    Ch 3, sk next dc, V-st across, dc in last dc.  TURN.  (5 V-sts)

Row 10:  Ch 3, V-st across 5 V-sts, skip last st.  TURN.

Row 11:  Slst into V-st, ch 3, dc in same V-st, V-st across, dc in last st.  TURN.   (4 V-sts)

Row 12:  Ch 3, V-st in 4 V-sts, skip next dc.  Dc in last st.  TURN.

Row 13:  Ch 3, 2 dc in 1^st V-st.  V-st across, dc in last st.  TURN.  (3 V-sts)

Row 14:  Ch 3, V-st across to last 3 sts, dc in next st, skip 1 st, dc in last st.  TURN.

Row 15:  Ch 3, sk next st, V-st in each V-st, skip last st.  TURN.  (dc—3 V-sts—dc)

Row 16:  Repeat Row 11.  Fasten Off.

SECOND FRONT:  W/ starting ch at top and right side facing, skip 2 sts,  attach yarn,

Row 1:    ch 3, skip 2 ch, *V-st in next ch, sk 2 ch* across to last 3 chs.  Sk 2 chs, dc in last st.  (7 V-sts)  TURN.

Row 2-3: Ch 3, V-st in ea V-st across, dc in last st TURN.  (7 V-sts)

[decrease rows] 

Row 4:    Ch 3, 2 dc in 1^st V-st, V-st across, dc in lst st.  TURN  (6 V-sts)

Row 5:    Ch 3, V-st across to last 3 sts, dc in next dc, sk next st, dc in last st.  TURN.  (6 V-sts)

Row 6:    Ch 3, sk next st, V-st across, dc in last st.  TURN (6 V-sts)

Row 7:    Ch 3, V-st across, skip last dc.  TURN  (6 V-sts)

Row 8:    Ch 3, dc in 1^st V-st, V-st across, dc in last st TURN.  (5 V-sts)

Row 9:    Ch 3, V-st across to last 2 sts, skip st, dc in last st.  TURN.  (5 V-sts)

Row 10:  Ch 3, 2 dc in 1^st V-st, V-st across, dc in last st.  TURN.

Row 11:  Ch 3, V-st across to last 3 sts, dc in next st, skip st, dc in last st.  TURN.  (4 V-sts)

Row 12:  Ch 3, skip st, V-st across, Dc in last dc.  TURN  (4 V-sts)

Row 13:  Ch 3, V-st across, skip last st.  TURN.  (4 V-sts)

Row 14:  Ch 3, dc in 1^st V-st, V-st across, dc in last st.  TURN.

Row 15:  Ch 3, V-st to last 2 sts, skip st, dc in last st.  TURN  (3 V-sts)

Row 16:  Ch 3, V-st across, dc in last st.  (3 V-sts)  

DO NOT FASTEN OFF.

From this point on, you will be working around side edges of shoulderette)

Row 1:    TURN.  Ch 3, V-st in each st to last st, V-st around the ch 3 (corner), V-st in end of next 2 rows.  Continue to V-st in end of each row around to next corner.  You will place a Lacy V-st [dc, ch 1, dc, ch 1, dc] in ch3 just before corner at row end st.  --You are essentially V-st’ing around, end dc in last st (without working the neckline).  TURN.

Row 2:    Ch 3, V-st in each V-st around to last dc.   [NOTE:  add an occasional lacy V-st to ease fit.  TURN.

Row 3:    Ch 3, *V-st in 1^st st, dc lacy V-st in next st* around to last st.  Turn work so you will b working around neck edge:

      

Working around ch 3, (last st of previous row) work Lacy V-st, work in ends of each row up to starting chain.   (alternating V-st, Lacy V-st still).

Sk 1 chain, Lacy V-st in next ch, sk 1 ch, V-st, Lacy V in ends of rows to starting chain of previous row.  Dc in base of Ch 3, Ch 1, slst in top of beginning ch 3.

FO.  Weave in ends.  Voila.   

Good Saturday Morning

I just noticed that I have 8 followers.  I am thankful for any followers.  I have been creating crocheted objects without writing down the patterns.  Since my son died, I am not motivated to do much except make prayer shawls and lapghans.  Am including a few in this post.  I think I just finished my 35th since March 28, 2011.  My priorities are so changed, my life feels so useless.  I have very good help and counselors but I miss my son on this earth so vry much.  I have 3 others and I am now so afraid that I will lose one of them.  It is so different when it is someone old because you know they have led long lives.  When it is someone young and so full of life, it is difficult. 
Today my daughter-in-law is taking Timothy's two teenagers to King Richard's Faire.  I hope they have one helluva time all to my son's honor.  Timothy loved King Richard's Faire.  It is in Carver MA.

This weather is grand.  I have been sharing the scents and colors with Timothy via candles.  I used to think people who talked like that were weird but now I understand.  I am so proud of my son.  He was beautiful...even though all my sons think that word doesn't describe boys...they were all handsome, gorgeous, cute, football player type, adorable, whatever other word you can think of. 
This shawl was made for Timothy's father and his stepmother.  I tried to make something for everyone because I needed to be busy and it is my contribution even though I have no money. 

Has anyone checked out the double stitch twins blog and work?  They are incredible and the their things work up fast.  I made one sweater from them and just finished their newest newsboys cap.  Very cute.

My youngest cat has been sick with allergies.  He is sitting here next to me.  It's amazing he will even be in the same room with me with all the meds I have had to inflict on him.  I bought pocket pills to help give him one med and  he doesn't like the treat.   yikes.  Anyone reads this and has any ideas please comment and let me know.  Thank you.

This prayer shawl was made for my daughter in law, Jenn.  I love the colors.  Sigh.  Life goes on and I will go on until the Parents in Heaven call me home.  Meanwhile, I will do the best I can.  What else is there?

Agony and Grief, Priorities

Isn't this a a marvelous creation??  I got the pattern online and it is a vintage one.  If I could only remembere the name of where I got it....I call it a gypsy scarf but I think the designer called it a Movie Star Scarf.  At any rate, it was quick to make and so pretty.  My friend who is Islam says she can wear it.  I am so glad when my crocheted stuff is used and appreciated!  With four boys, it just doesn't happen much.  Smile.
I am down today.  I miss my son.  I am going through grief and trying hard not to deny it so that I can experience it and move on.  On Mother's Day, it was hard becuz my son Timothy always called me.  He is so beautiful!  --in looks and heart and spirit.  He had grown so much.
My priorities have changed and I find myself getting very angry at people who bicker and talk about stupid things (did you see they were sitting together?  did you see what she had on?  duh duh duh).  I have now to work on directing my anger.  I have had doubts about my faith.  I have always believed there is a God and Goddess (or Father and Mother God, or whatever name you wish to give) and my Faith has been Strong.  Now it is wavering becuz I am afraid I will never see my son again.  It was amazing becuz I walked into his hospital room and had an immediate and very colorful vision of his being in a thick garden with an old old library off to the side.  And I knew he was going to study with the thinkers.  It was so strong.  And yet now I can't bring it up becuz my brain fights it.  It is so difficult to talk to anyone about these things unless they are going through them at the same time and I don't think that happens.  Everyone is in a place of their own and this is the loneliest thing I have evere gone through.  I pray for a sign from God that Timothy is at Peace.  And I know that is selfish.  I just want to know.  It hurts so bad.
Oh man.  Oh, God and Goddess.

This is a prayer shawl that I "exploded" from a doily pattern wth leftover yarn.  I have made my 28th prayer shawl since March 28, 2011.  That is the day Timothy died.  I came right home and started on ones for Timothy's close family (daughters-in-law, daughter) and have been doing it ever since.  I watch old movies or old tv series (cd or dvd) and pray at the same time.  It has kept me sane and going "one foot in front of the other."  Plus I feel useful and not quite so lost.   I hope reading this helps someone else.   I didn't write anything deep, just honest and I am so lonely in my grief.

Don't know where to turn...

Timothy  April 18, 1969 to March 28, 2011
I have been crying all morning.  I don't want to be a whiner or complainer, but I am in such pain.  I miss my son, Timothy, so much.  And I miss feeling sane.   I don't like people.  I just want to be alone and hide.  I cry and I live in such a small apartment community that I know others can hear me.  I wwant to scream at the top of my lungs.  I want to be dead.  I want my son to be alive on this earth to experience his children.  It hurts so very much.  I can't even handle the slightest change in my surroundings.  I feel like one gigantic nerve ending that I just want to cut off.   My heart is not whole.  It is missing my son.  And I miss my son, Shawn, who even though he hasn't died, he doesn't contact me.  He hates me.  I am tired of worrying about everyone's feelings.  I just can't even find my Peace...the Peace that I had when I went through the dying of my son.  I had a vision and it was Timothy in a beautiful green garden near a giant old old library and he was looking forward to the libralry.   I can't hold that in my head anymore.  I just want to lay down and not hurt or get up and not hurt....both physically and mentally.  I have and had so much love to give and I don't know how to give it.  I am hurting so much.    Please, God, help me.  
This morning my youngest cat (3 yrs old) jumped out of the 2nd story window and hid in the bushes.  I thought I was gone then.  I have this beautiful spirit of the cat that I am supposed to take care of and instead I got so wrapped up in shaking rugs i didnt even notice.  What kind of person is this?????  I don't like m lifee.  I don''t like anone righ tnow.  I don't have any answers.  Ihad so much Faith and I still believe in God and have Faith that my son is where he is supposed to be.  But i can't overcome all the pain int he world and the pain that I have caused people from my Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome (oh, yeah, now it's a lousy syndrome and not a disorder....pshaw).   Stoopid.   giving it aname doesn't make it any easier.  I love my sons and I have no way to take back who I have been.  Please God, help me. 

Sunday, Feeling Overwhelmed

This is a photo of my Aunt Gert Stimpson with cousin Roger;  Gloria Stimpson Kahler with Richard;  Gwendolyn Stimpson Monk Cretinon with Linda (me); and Ruth Stimpson Williams with Alan.  Roger has passed away, Richard lives in CO, I live in RI, and Alan passed away when he was around 25 yrs old.  Gert is a sister-in-law who married my uncle Orrin, the other 3 women are sisters.

Did not want to get out of bed this morning. I wonder how many people start their day thinking the same thing.  I am a morning person so usually just get up and start going.  I write down what I need to accomplish on any given day.  But today I have played silly games on the computer and finally did the cat litter.  Once I move, I am better, and I know that.  But there are days when I just "don't wanna."   My gosh I sound like a whiny child.  Sigh.  Guess I better get on that.

I spoke to a friend from long ago last evening.  My son's death has brought us to being friends again.  I am so grateful to be talking to her as I have missed her.  I am getting old and sometimes I forget that because my brain is still 18 or so (with more knowledge, of course) but the time goes so fast that is seems impossible that our children played together and hers babysat mine...and they are all in their 40's and 50's and have grown children of their own.  What is this miracle called growing up?  whew.

I have finished many prayer shawls and that makes me feel good.  Gave one to Stephanie yesterday and it looked so good on her. Must make Lynn one now.  I really like Lynn and I think she gets the bad end of the deal from her mother.  Can't change the past but maybe I can remind the mom that she has 2 daughters.  I am BOLD. 

Speaking of Bold, I watched evanglist television this a.m...  Dr. Stanley. His son was speaking about being bold.....how we have opportunities to speak of Christ and we don't...or to talk to someone new, or to welcome them or even just listen to them.  I work at that.  But I find the anger from my son's death hangs over me and I get angry if people put their egos forward or hurt others or me.  I'm getting better at standing up for me, also.  Feels good.  But not that great at it yet.....anyway, I just want to be home and crochet and walk outside and read and watch dumb movies while I crochet.  I also crochet while I am on facebook and I feel that I am a useful human being.

I think am rambling here.  Focus, Linda.  I need to wallow in my Strength and my Faith.  I need to pray every minute (and sometimes I do) so that I am not overwhelmed.  I cry and mourn and also mourn that my children aren't close to me and I work so hard to keep in touch with them and two of my sons get angry with me and don't respond at all.  Timothy and Brendan were the only ones who called me or sent cards.  I wonder if it is because T & B have children and know more about life now.  Sigh.  I'll never know but I don't want to go to my death with them holding grudges and I can't fix them, I know.  I have been the best person I was able to be with what I had to work with and did a darn good job.  But they don't know that.  They didn't live my life.  My heart hurts for all the pain in the world and for me and Timothy's children and for his brothers and Julie.  Oh, God,, my heart hurrts.   Time to pray.  And thank God for the time that I had with my son.  Better get busy and stop this whining.  sigh.

Losing a Child

I am not doing well.  Every day I am the ocean with waves knocking me about.  And I can't breathe.  I am held in place by anger that wants me to die in my son's place.  Simple every day things elude me and feel so senseless.  I have great Faith in God and am trying to let this happen so it will get easier.  When does it get easier?  Dear Mother and Father God, know that I am desperate to see where Timothy is now and I need to know he is at peace. 
Please take me, take me.  I love all my sons so much and could have done an infinitely better job of raising them.  I need to know that my son is at Peace. 
I am learning the lesson, "Not my will, but Thine."  It hurts it hurts so much.

Timothy Brian Patrick Arbuckle, April 18, 1969 to March 28, 2011

This is Timothy and his beloved Julie.My son, Timothy, passed away this past week.  He has gone from this earthly plane and is flying in the Universe toward his Dao Garden.  He is a hero and will be again.  He had a most gorgeous face and was extremely kind to all those he saw as needing kindness and very protective.  He was a companion to Julie and worked very hard and the people at his work loved him so very much.  Timothy has 2 children that this is hard on...Tegan 13 and Devin 15.  Timothy was surrounded by love the whole time he was in the hospital -- from Thursday to Monday.   He is missed so very much.  He is so special.  I am asking God for a very strong sign that Timothy is at Peace.  I guess all parents ask for that.  I learned one very painful and difficult thing here--be sure to tell your children the truth.  Nothing else hurts you so much as having not told them the truth.  It catches up to them and you and then there is so much to weed through.  I admit to being greatly in love with my sons as they stood...but I had dissociation that came along with my Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and so told things as I "saw them," and learned later it wasn't the truth.  That is killing my heart.  I seem to be speaking in gibberish.   Well, anyway, I shall miss my son every day of my natural life and then when I am in Heaven I shall see him again.  I have great Faith.  I now understand a little tiny bit of what Father and Mother God went through when Jesus Christ was crucified...just a tiny bit.  I didn't have any precognition that this was going to happen to Timothy and Father God did know.  Oh my God.  It takes my breath away.  I love my sons.  I wasn't perfect but there were good times.  Please pray for my sons that they will remember the good times.  Thank you so much.  I have written more patterns but have to get the wherewithal (anybody got an extra one somewhere?) to put them up. 

All-At-Once

Girl’s Short-sleeved sweater designed by Linda Graimm

I have wanted to design a sweater "all in one" since 1980’s and finally got around to it. This is a simple and straight-forward sweater. All you have to do when you are finished is weave in the ends. It has not been tested so, if you make it, please let me know how you fared. I imagine you could make a smaller size sweater by using smaller hooks and vice-versa. This sweater is crocheted mostly in half-double crochet--lace, sleeves, and seams are worked in as you go. The pattern assumes that you know basic skills of crochet such as slst, sc, dc, hdc, and ch (see abbr). There is no shaping for bust.

Although I have not seen this on anyone--yet-- I imagine it would look great with a turtleneck, over a bikini top or a tanktop or whatever.  It is SO soft due to the Caron SS yarn!!!

Size: Girl’s size large (30” around chest).
Gauge: with K hook -- 11 hdc and 8 rows = 4”

Materials: Caron Super Soft Bright Blue 1 skein
Crochet Hooks sizes I (for lower bands and neck) and K (for body)

Abbreviations used:  chain (ch);  double crochet (dc);  each (ea);  half-double crochet (hdc);  hook (hk); 
repeat (rep);  single crochet (sc);  slip stitch (slst); 

NOTES: Chain 2 at beginning of rows does NOT count as stitch.

INSTRUCTIONS: Using I hook, ch 46.
Row 1: Hdc in 3rd ch from hk, hdc in ea ch across. (44 sts)
Rows 2-4: Turn, ch 2, hdc in each stitch across.

Change to K hk;

Rows 5-29: Rep Row 2 until there are 29 rows total. (44 sts)  (measurement across piece center is approx. 16” across and 13” from starting row to top.)

Start Sleeves:
Row 1: Still using K hk, Ch 12. Work across 10 ch and main body of sweater/sleeve. At end of row, using scrap piece of same yarn, ch 10. Cut scrap yarn and continue working main yarn across 10 ch. (64 sts)

Row 2-8: Rep Row 2 until there are 9 rows total on sleeves. (64 sts)
Row 9: (start lace shaping) Hdc in 1st 27 sts, *sc in next 3 sts, slst in next 4 sts, sc in next 3 sts*, hdc in 27 sts. (64 sts)

Row 10: Rep Row 9. (Note: when working slsts over slsts be sure to pick up both loops of previous slst = turn work down toward self and you will see the full loops of the previous slst)
Row 11 & 12: Hdc in first 25 sts *sc in 4 sts, slst in 6 sts, sc in 4 sts*, hdc in 25 sts. (64 sts)

Row 13: Hdc in first 23 sts, *sc in next 18 sts (work over the “mess” of prev slsts), hdc in next 23 sts. (64 sts)
Row 14: Hdc in first 23 sts, (sc in 5 sts, slst in 8 sts, sc in 5), hdc in last 23 sts. (64 sts)

Row 15: Hdc in first 27 sts, Skip 3 sts, V st in each of next 4 sts (*dc, Ch 1, dc* all in specified stitch), skip 3 sts, hdc in last 27 sts.
Row 16: Hdc in first 27 sts, *sc in space of V st, ch 1* to last V st, sc in last V st space, Hdc in last 27 sts.

Start of Back: Change to size ‘I’ Hk.
Row 1: Hdc in 21 sts, changing to ‘K’ hk, Ch 24 sts, changing to ‘I’ hk, SKIP 22 sts, hdc in last 21 sts. (64 sts – even though you have 2 more chains, you will not be working the 1st and last chains on your next row)
Row 2: Ch 2, turn, hdc in ea stitch and chain across, skipping fist and last chain. (64 sts).

Row 3-13: Change to ‘K’ hk, work in Ch 2, turn, hdc in each stitch until you have completed 13 more rows.
Row 14: Ch 2, fold sleeve section in half so that first row of sleeve (chain) is lined up with Row 13. Slst in first st of Row 1 of Back, hdc in 1st st of Row 13. *Slst in next st on Row 1, hdc in next st of Row 13* for 9 more times. (You have used up 10 sts of the sleeve. Hdc in each of next 54 sts, turn.

Row 15: Ch 1, holding Row 1 of sleeve and Row 14 together, slst loosely across 10 sts. (you have now created a “pocket” with head opening in it) Hdc in each of next 44 sts. Turn work sideways and slst in 1st and 2nd rows on body. Turn work so you are working in last row completed, hdc in each of 44 sts, slst in side of 2nd and 3rd rows on body…

Next and succeeding rows: Continue working in this manner (slst in next 2 rows on body) until there are the same number of rows on back of body as there are on front up to sleeves, excluding last 4 rows done with ‘I’ hk.

NOTE: Just be sure that work lays flat and occasionally you will have to slst in side of 3 rows, instead of 2. You may have to “fudge” work so it drapes correctly.

Change to ‘I’ hook: Work last 4 rows using above joining.
Weave in ends and you have a short-sleeved sweater done “all at once.”
Optional: You can work 2 rows of hdc around sleeves (34 sts)

Singing, Dancing, Cats, Growing Old....Neglecting things!!

I originally started this blog to keep a sort of record of my past and to put up the designs I crochet.  But I never did keep it up.  I have had the stomach flu for 8 days.  Wow.  Bo-ring.

Trish and I entertaining.  What fun!!  Trish has a voice that is so wonderful!  And mine is more jazzy/throaty.  Now when you add Sue!!!  We do good.  Smile.

I have been singing karaoke more.  And am now crocheting a girl's top.  I have wanted to do this pattern for ages and am now working on it!  Proud of myself, me.
Want to wish everyone a Happy and Blessed New Year.  Gotta stick more with my promises to myself.
Emma

Oh Wow....Getting Old isn't Easy!! But I'm not aloooonnne!!!

Yikes.  Aches, ,pains, hard of hearing, unable to carry things for long distances, etc etc.  Is this a complaint?  Probably. I wanted to share my latest things I have crocheted for Christmas gifts.   The above is three cardigans I made for  my dil and granddaughters.  I am hoping they will have their photos taken in them.  I think they will be so great!  Very simple.  The basic pattern is from an old 1973 McCall's Crochet Treasury book and I changed it a bit to update it.  The yarn is #3 weight yarn and it was hard for me to hold on to it, however, I persevered.  Ta-da.
It is raining today...the kind of rain that we used to love to play in when we were kids...wet, lots of it, big puddles.  So much fun.  I loved walking through it today.  Thank you Mother God and Father God for the rain.  I love it as I love You!

Here is another work of crochet:   It is from the 100 Hats book and it is a guy's cap. I kind of like it.  I made them for my sons and grandsons.  They are warm.  I also made the felted handbag below.  My friend lined it and I gave it to her.  It was fun to make and used up a wool yarn the color of which I didn't know what to do with....terrible grammar, but you get the idea, I think.
 I have been doing a lot of farmville on FB.   It is kind of neat to socialize with people while I am working on the "ole' farm."  I am in touch with my friend Patricia, friend of 60 years!  And it is a relaxing way of spending a little time socializing.  I also crochet while I am on farmville.  Sometimes it is slow that I crochet a whole scarf.  Hm.  Internet, gotta love it.  I don't have much else to write except I pray every day for my son Shawn, Brendan and his family, Kevin and Jenn, and Timothy and Julie.  I love them.  I hope they know it.  Mistakes be darned.  I have always loved them!!  He who is without sin may cast the first stone..... and that stuff.  Blessed Be!!

A Lifelong Fear of Cats and Dogs

All my life I was deathly afraid of dogs and terrifically nervous about cats.  Whenever my family and I were going to go somewhere, I had to realize that I might spend the whole time in the car or hiding because wherever we were going there might be a dog or cat.  It is a lousy way to spend your life as a child but even lousier as you become an adult.

I couldn't sleep in a house with cats unless I had control over the door of the room in which I slept so I could be sure where the cat was at all times.  I ran into my house when I was a teenager because the man nextdoor had a dog who might be unleashed.  What a lousy way to live.  I walked to our church and went in the back door and spent hours teaching myself to play the piano.  On the way was a German Shepherd and he barked and barked...but one day he was out and he bit me.  It speaks to my love of piano that I kept walking to the church and played anyway, however, I now had to find a different route to the church.  Life was scary!
People were always telling me that their animal wouldn't hurt me.  Didn't matter what they said, I didn't TRUST animals.
Then, when I was 55, I was staying with my goddaughter and a stray cat left one of its kittens (about 2-1/2 weeks old) and she brought it into the house.  I feel instantly and totally in love.  This cat had HUGE feet.  Smile.  And lots of fur.  And I took the kitten to the vets and got all the info I needed to raise him.  I named him Regan, after one of my son's friends, because I liked the name, and proceeded to raise and train a cat.
I didn't get over my fear instantly (although it is totally gone now with only a healthy watchful eye when I meet new dogs and cats).  I waffled about keeping Regan.  One thing that helped me was that I made the decision to keep Regan as an indoor cat and when he was neutered, I also had his front claws removed.  I know there is a lot of controversy over that and I myself feel guilty once in awhile but it has worked just fine.   Regan is a Norwegian Forest Cat/Maine Coone type and has a wonderful personality and demeanor.  He still acts like he has claws.  We have been a very good and loving team for 8 years now.
Then came Bearli.  When I moved where I am living, there was a stray cat who had kittens and was instantly killed and a lady here rescued the kittens.  The first one was gray and it was only 12 hours old.  I was able to keep it alive until it was 4 days old and then AJ (April if it was a girl, June if it was a boy) died.  We buried it here under a beautiful marker.  Then I got the brother that was by this time 2 weeks old.  All black, tiny, bearly formed, covered with bugs, mites, and walking dandruff (my vet kinda laughed a little when his computer spit this info out as he had never seen it before) and skinny.  I pulled out my little bottles, got the formula and went to work.  Named this little tyke Bearli (after "bearly formed" and Bearli the goat from "Heidi" because this little kitten looked like a little bear cub).  And today Bearli is 2 years old and has a bit of a wild and jumpy streak in him but by the same token he will sleep in my lap for hours, very relaxed.
I have gone over in my past why I was so afraid of cats and have spoken to my sister.  She is the same way.  My paternal grandfather was quite mean to animals and used them for things better not discussed here and I think that is why we both reacted so badly.  But I am over it.  Yay!!  What a lifting.
I just wanted to share this with whoever. 
I am thankful to Mother and Father God for all that I have, all that I am, all that I will be.