Now I've got that Huey Lewis & the News song in my head, especially after crocheting these afghan squares like a mad woman! Here are all the squares from the Crafty Daisies Learn to Crochet Lesson 3.
Because there were 6 squares to do for this lesson, I'm a little behind with starting Lesson 4, which was posted last Tuesday. Actually, I'm really looking forward to this lesson because it's about increasing and decreasing, the latter is the one that I've had the most trouble with when trying to learn it myself.
I'm a little late with this post as I have been crocheting non-stop, working on the squares. Here are the 3 that I crocheted for lesson 2:
Now on to finish the squares for lesson 3!
Last week as I was catching up on my daily blog reading, I happened upon a new craft blog, Crafty Daisies. Heather, one of the blog's contributors, just started a 12 week "Learn to Crochet" class last week, and new lessons are posted every Tuesday. Each week, participants crochet a pattern in the form of a square, using stitches learned in that particular lesson. The goal at the end of 12 weeks is to have a cool afghan to show off your hard work.
The first lesson was awesome! Heather is very good at explaining and illustrating the techniques using close up photos and videos. Here is my first completed square, which consists of single crochet:
I can't wait for the rest of the lessons to learn more techniques! Thanks for doing this, Heather! Meanwhile, off to create my next square...
As I originally said here, the plan was to start making recipes from my collection of cookbooks, and then post about them. About a million months later, here's the first one! In celebration of Cinco de Mayo, we decided to make carnitas tacos with red rice (arroz a la mexicana). The rice recipe can be found in this cookbook, which is one of our favorites.
It has been a while since I've posted anything...a lot has been going on, but I'm back and hope to update this blog more frequently! In addition, I have been quite the reality show junkie recently, watching this and this every week. I must say that I'm not as into AI this season...I feel as if there is something missing. DWTS, on the other hand, has been offering more excitement with all the great performances. It's really hard for me to choose my favorites!
I took up knitting a few months ago and absolutely love it! I haven't decided if I like it better than crochet yet...anyway, I have been going in to a fancy LYS (more times than I can count!) to drool over the specialty yarns and these awesome needles. I finally broke down and splurged last week on two pairs, 10s and 10.5s in the rosewood and ebony. They are so beautiful! Now I just have to justify the purchase by finding some cool patterns to knit with these gorgeous needles...any suggestions?
How do you eat your pizza: folded, flat or with a fork and knife?
Submitted by danimass.
Depends on the size of the slice and if we're eating out or at home. If we are at a pizza joint or other restaurant and it is a HUGE slice, I usually fold it. Otherwise, I eat it flat. If we're at home and order out, we like to put the slices on a pizza stone so the bottom crust is crispy, and then I eat it flat.
When I first started this blog, my intent was to try to post something at least every other day. Little did I know that this is harder than it seems! My hat certainly goes off to all the people that are able to keep up with their blogs on a daily (or almost daily) basis. Between working full time, experimenting with different crochet stitches, trying to learn knitting, and getting caught up in two reality shows, there isn't really much time to get to posting. I know, I know, lame excuse! And I am a little ashamed that I have yet to post photos of the first couple recipes from my ridiculous collection of cookbooks, which I promised a million weeks ago. I hope to get to this within the next couple days...
I was so irritated last night. 5 minutes before the finale of PR, our satellite service went out due to crappy weather. I quickly called my co-worker (yes, I have no shame!) and begged her to record the episode for me. I spent all night and all day today deliberately avoiding reading blogs (or just getting online overall) so I wouldn't come across any spoilers. Thank goodness it worked out!
I have to admit that I'm not surprised Jeffrey won. I just had a feeling after seeing a couple of his pieces in the first part of the finale last week. I loved several pieces from his collection, but my favorite one by far was the twelfth piece that Marilinda wore. The cut of the dress and the use of zippers was so innovative! As far as the other collections are concerned, the only one in which I loved all the pieces was Uli's. There seemed to be a connection between each of the pieces, and I thought the "wearability" was very high. I thought Uli's collection was the only one that could have given Jeffrey's a run for his money. I absolutely couldn't stand Laura's collection. I've never been a fan of her style; she caters to a very specific population. Can I just say exactly HOW disappointed I was in Michael's collection? He is definitely a better designer than that! I am completely bummed because I wanted him to win. Seems like all of them will probably do quite well. Until next season, I'll be watching Top Chef. I saw the premiere episode last night after PR and there are already quite a few personalities that I'm not liking. I hope they get kicked off soon! Any other PR fans out there that are also fans of TC? Check out these blogs.
This is the question that all die-hard PR fans are asking after Part 1 of the finale earlier this evening. Now, I've never really been a fan of Jeffrey. I think he is a big time jerk and that most of his designs so far haven't really been that great. I will admit to the fact that his jet setter garment was awesome though! (Of course, by now you all know that I am a huge fan of Michael!) I also have to admit, as much as I hate it, that I am intrigued by Jeffrey's collection, mostly because of his Japanese theme, and the pieces that they showed in tonight's episode. Dang it all!
As to whether I thought he sewed everything himself or not, I don't really know what I think. The designers did get 2 whole months of their own time to do their collection. However, when he was confronted by Laura and questioned by Tim, he seemed a little hesitant. So, who really knows? But there has been a whole lot of speculation flying around. As if there wasn't enough drama on the show.
As for the other designers, I'm not too thrilled with Laura's collection. The one thing I like about Uli's is the bone detailing, and I loved the white lace-up piece from Michael's. I am a little worried about Michael's collection, after hearing Tim Gunn's comments. Guess we'll have to hold our horses for another week. What do you all think about the Jeffrey scandal?

Leeber,Aw, thanks! I'm really enjoying the crochet classes so far. I think she is going to do a similar class... read more
on Learn to Crochet!