Pray & Crochet

something new

2008-11-10T15:37:00.000+03:00

It is starting to get cold here so I am working on afghans!!

long time no post....

2008-08-20T22:02:00.001+04:00

I didn't have much time for crocheting last year. It was my final year of language school and I had way too much homework to contend with.

I am currently working on a sweater for one of my teachers and a skirt for me!!

little blue sweater

2007-12-04T22:14:00.000+03:00

This is the first thing I have made in a while... I decided it was cute enough to post a photo of. The young lady I made it for is 7. She put it on right away and showed it off!

yes, I'm still crocheting!

2007-11-18T00:24:00.000+03:00

I have a few things that I am working on.
I was able to purchase more cashmere.
I am also knitting right now.
It has been hard to find the time to take photos and actually post here.
Or maybe I have just gotten lazy!

How to measure your body!

2007-08-18T19:11:00.001+04:00

Since I knit as well as crochet I have a subscription to Knitting Daily. Today's email had instructions on how to measure yourself for a project!

http://www.knittingdaily.com/knittinghelp/measuring1.html

Now I need to find my measuring tape!

not so happy!

2007-07-18T09:55:00.000+04:00

here is the finished product... I think it is too small for me!

Since I am doing this without a pattern this is basically an experiment that I will keep at until I get it right.

I have already started another.... I guess this one will have to be a gift to someone who wears a medium!

I think it will look better on me if I start the solid part before the third pattern starts.

Russian Sweater Pattern

2007-07-17T09:18:00.000+04:00

Here is a close up of what I have so far... I am using a 4 mm (size F)hook.

I found it here:

http://club-rukodelie.com/hook/mod_h/katy.html

I like using charts now that I can actually read them! I am making few modifications to the pattern. I don't want it to be quite so open across the bust line so I am knitting it in stockinette stitch up to the collar line. The bottom half is done in the open crochet.

Tank Top

2007-07-14T17:35:00.000+04:00

I finally finished up my latest project! The body of the tank is knitted. But the trim on the collar and the lace at the bottom are crocheted. I am happy with how it came out and will most likely wear it to church tomorrow!

I haven't forgotten

2007-07-12T11:17:00.000+04:00

about this blog... I have been knitting lately, I am working on a tank top. I plan to trim it with crochet!

I have not taken any photos of my WIP yet. I suppose I should do that!

another block!

2007-06-26T06:48:00.000+04:00

I actually finished this block quite some time ago... I just remembered that I had not posted it!

update on Pavlik!

2007-06-16T08:25:00.000+04:00

Pavlik gets his cast off in 8 days. He will be going to Moscow and will do rehab on his hand there. Funds have been raised to replace all the wooden windows in their apartment.

Thanks to everyone who prayed for this young man!

Pray for Pavlik

2007-06-06T21:32:00.000+04:00

Please pray for this young man.

He was opening a window and it broke. He had to have a three hour surgery to repair the damage. He is the son of one of our pastors in Russia.

His parents are Lena and Valodia, I am sure that they can use your prayers as well.

Where oh Where has the Bernat Yarn gone?

2007-06-05T13:26:00.000+04:00

I went to two different stores today looking Bernat Softee Chunky yarn in black. After being unsuccessful pounding the pavement under the hot New Mexico sun I decided to let my fingers do the walking on the internet.

In Russia my choices are limited and I am used to that. I have two stores to go to and that is that.

At Bernat.com there is a store locator and to my surprise one of the stores that I went to was listed as having this yarn. I have several other store options but, I won't rush out the door in the morning....

My lesson for the day:

Check the internet and then call to see if they have what you are looking for. Gas is too expensive to run from store to store... and the time in car is time I could spend crocheting at home!

Circle Jacket Completed!

2007-05-29T11:54:00.000+04:00

I am finally finished. I may shorten the sleeves if I can... once I steamed it to block it the sleeves really grew!

I followed the pattern for size M/L... next time I will do S/M! I am only 5 foot 2 so I don't really need it to be so long.

The pattern does caution that measurements are different when it is hanging verses laying flat. Lily Chin talks about this in her book Couture Crochet.

Circle Jacket

2007-05-28T09:41:00.000+04:00

This is my current work in progress!

You can find the pattern here. The terms are British so you might want to down load the guide that explains the terminology as well.

I still have to do the trim and the sleeves.

this shows where the sleeves will go!

My first square

2007-05-21T09:13:00.000+04:00

Now that I am done with the ripple afghan I decided to dive in and try my hand at making some of the blocks in my new book. I have two of these made already and today I sketched out an afghan that I am going to make using squares from the book.

I did have some difficulty following the pattern at first. I had to read it over several times and I actually started it over three times before getting it right.

My suggestions when you start a new pattern:

Make a copy of the instructions (so you don't have to have the book open the entire time)

Write out the instructions as you understand them

and finally,

make some kind of hash mark or checkmark beside the instructions for each row as you complete it so that you can keep your place!

If you are using this book I found a link to corrections here! You can also find a review of the book here!

Spencer's Ripple

2007-05-20T10:55:00.001+04:00

I finished this ripple on Saturday. Spencer chose his own colors and waited patiently and sometimes impatiently for me to finish. I am glad that he is so pleased. He wanted it bedspread size until I reminded him that we have to take it back to Russia in his suitcase!

Lily Chin!

2007-05-15T15:29:00.000+04:00

Today is my birthday! My oldest son bought me this great book by Lily Chin. I have to admit that I am a little intimidated by the word Couture but I am willing to give it a try!

200 crochet blocks

2007-05-09T08:30:00.000+04:00

I just got this book as an early birthday present!

Star Ripple

2007-05-08T02:46:00.000+04:00

I found this pattern through a post over at Crochetville.org. I am enjoying doing ripple afghans and I would love to give this one a try!

Nathan's ripple

2007-05-02T10:38:00.000+04:00

Here is a photo of the ripple I made for Nathan while we were traveling. I think I finished it in Oregon and then we used it in a few hotels on the trip back to New Mexico!

whirlwind tour

2007-04-30T11:27:00.000+04:00

We went to three different states, visited many friends and some family along the way. We came back exhausted and overwhelmed.

Tom hurt his back during our time away. Spencer was faithful to load and unload the bags at each stop.

He is an incredible young man!

I did a bit of yarn shopping however, since I have the ability to buy high quality yarns in Russia very inexpensively I did not buy much.

I made an afghan for Nathan that I need to take a picture of... he is enjoying it and I love how it turned out!

and they are off!

2007-03-21T11:27:00.000+03:00

Please pray for us as we travel! We leave today for Arizona, California and then Oregon. I am taking my second ripple with me. I only have ten rows left to complete it. And then I plan to try a round one.

my first ripple

2007-03-20T02:16:00.000+03:00

here is a full view

I wrapped it up

more detailed view

I enjoyed making this for a young lady I met while traveling. She is single and expecting next month. I have been praying for her and the baby. I admire her choice to keep the pregnancy and I pray this blanket is a blessing to them both.

on the road

2007-03-12T08:53:00.000+03:00

We are traveling again and that means I get to shop for yarn! I found some things at Hobby Lobby in New Mexico. And I have a vest that I made already. I am still trying to decide about buttons or maybe a zipper this time.

I met a young lady who is expecting a baby here in Texas... I would like to make her a baby blanket and I am thinking of doing a ripple blanket for her. I have not done one before and think I am up for the challenge!

Cashmere Sweater

2007-02-13T21:52:00.000+03:00

I finally got around to taking a photo of the sweater I made with my yarn from Christmas... it only took me two weeks to finish the sweater and maybe another two weeks to take a photo!

I have only worn it a few times. Once here at home and once at church. It is very soft and feels wonderful to wear!

The closures on the front are crocheted on. I have not learned button holes yet but, I actually like this look.

songs from my youth

2007-02-06T01:08:00.000+03:00

I was reading an online Bible study that my Aunt writes and these lines stood out for me.

Remember, no matter how bleak things get, our God is loving and caring and Sovereign. He is in complete control. Like the song writer says, "We've come this far by faith - leaning on the Lord. Trusting in His holy Word - He's never failed us yet."

I remember singing this song in choir growing up. I think back on those old hymns and spirituals and realise that they are filled with God's truths and wisdom.

Living in Russia takes effort and there are days when I don't want to have to work so hard to understand and to speak. Yet, I know that even when I feel as if I cannot do this anymore, God is still in control. He has never failed me and I can look around and see just how far I have come by faith!

Cashmere

2007-01-25T22:18:00.000+03:00

This is the new yarn that I was able to purchase with my Christmas money. I love working with the cashmere. It is very soft and easy to work with. This is a sweater that I am working on. I can hardly wait until it is done!

New Book

2007-01-14T23:54:00.000+03:00

I love it when packages come in the mail... simple things like that thrill us! We got a package on Saturday that had a new book in it for me.

Thank you so much Julie for the new book. I love hymns and I always will!

Prayer needs:

Raising support for long term work here in Russia

Nathan leaving home at the end of the month

health and langauge acquisition for Tom and I

working on a sweater

2007-01-12T02:36:00.000+03:00

I am working on a sweater... I have actually been avoiding working on the sweater. I don't always enjoy doing the same thing twice. This is my third sweater, I think, and I love how it is turning out. I will take a picture when I am done.

I guess the only thing I don't like about it is making the second sleeve. Somehow I need to motivate myself to get it done!

flowers

2006-12-25T22:13:00.000+03:00

I just started working on some six petal flowers. I don't have a plan for them yet... for now I am just learning how to make them.

wool sweater

2006-12-21T12:52:00.000+03:00

Here is the wool sweater that caused me to sneeze! I need to find someone to give it to who is not allergic to wool. Spencer tried it on and he said it felt itchy. I like how it turned out and hope that someone can use it!

being sick

2006-12-19T11:17:00.000+03:00

I hate being sick. I have not felt much like crocheting. I did start knitting a scarf but I may take it apart... see, being sick is not good for crafting!

I told Tom that I wanted to make myself a cashmere sweater. I am going to be able to buy the yarn I want for Christmas. Hopefully, I will get down to the wholesale warehouse and choose a nice color before it is too warm to wear a cashmere sweater!

allergy

2006-12-09T12:57:00.000+03:00

I finished another sweater that is made of wool. I sneezed all the way through working on it. That sneezing turned into a cold. And now I feel yucky! No more crocheting with wool for me.

anniversary shrug

2006-11-29T23:40:00.000+03:00

front

left sleeve

full view

I made this shrug in just three days. It is a raglan shrug started from the neck down. There are exactly 25 rows in each sleeve... one for every year that Tom and I have been married.

I plan to use a silver ribbon to close it with. I am excited about wearing this to the banquet. I think I will wear a black top and skirt with it!

works in progress

2006-11-26T22:56:00.000+03:00

I am working on a shrug to wear at our anniversary banquet. I will post a photo when it's finished. Our wedding colors were burgundy and silver and I am making a burgundy shrug that I will most likely wear with a black skirt and blouse.

I finished up 24 hats for Christmas presents for the orphanage. I will find out from Judi how many we have altogether. It was easy to sit and make a hat while we watched movies. I hope that the children enjoy the things we have made!

long time no post

2006-11-23T00:12:00.000+03:00

I have been doing more knitting than crocheting. I am taking a break and resting my hand.

We are looking forward to Thanksgiving. It feels strange to note that this is Nathan's last Thanksgiving at home. I bought all the ingredients to make stuffing and he is very excited about that. I am just going to do a pork roast, veggies, stuffing and several desserts.

Out next big thing is our 25th wedding anniversary banquet on December 13th. We are currently in the planning stages. It is hard to believe that we have been married that long. I honestly don't feel old enough. Of course it helps to get married at 18!

Social Work!

2006-11-11T00:54:00.000+03:00

Spencer and I were at the orphanage tonight. It was great to get back to work. We will do a Christmas party for the kids on the 22nd of December. That means I have to get to work on more hats! We had over 40 kids tonight. I don't know how many will show up for the Christmas party.

still crocheting and lots of praying

2006-11-08T13:33:00.000+03:00

It seems as if there is a lot to pray for. The director of our school has a mother who is very ill. We are very concerned for Tanya and her mom.

We know people who are facing major decisions, others who are ill and others who are interested in coming here to work. As I sit and crochet I take all of these things in and pray over them. Just like my blog title I pray and crochet... everday!

2006-10-30T19:35:00.000+03:00

I have 15 hats so far... this is just a few of them. I will try to get to twenty five. The children at the orphanage range in age from toddler to teen.

Most of the hats were made from things I have in my stash. Some of the yarn was more expensive then others. I made purchases in America, Italy, Ukraine and Russia. So the hats are international!

2006-10-24T17:48:00.000+04:00

I went shopping for yarn today with two friends. They had never seen this store before and it was fun to experience it with them.

The red skein is for a young lady here who is ten. I told her I was going shopping and asked her if she needed anything. She needed red, yellow and blue. I found a great red so I picked that up. She makes clothing for her Barbies and toys so I wanted to encourage her efforts.

It was fun to watch the other women shop. Everyone went home with several skeins of yarn!

We are planning to make around 75 hats for all the children at an orphanage here in town. I am sure this will not be our last trip to get yarn!

finished in two weeks!

2006-10-17T01:23:00.000+04:00

here is the back:

and here is the front...

I wore it today and got a lot of compliments... it was a great feeling to be able to say that I made it!

Sweater update

2006-10-10T21:06:00.000+04:00

I am enjoying the time spent on this project. I am almost finished with the second sleeve now!

I only have two skeins left of this color so unless I can find more at the yarn store here I won't be able to make it as long as I had hoped. Since this is my first raglan I was not sure what to expect... I already have so many ideas for the next one!

My First Raglan Sweater

2006-10-03T15:25:00.000+04:00

I have tried to make sweaters from patterns with no luck. After reading online about Raglan sweaters and seeing a few posted on other blogs I thought Iwould give one a try.

I am using the instructions provided in Maggie Righetti's book "Crocheting In Plain English". I have only had to rip out and start over once so far! My collar is longer than what she gives instructions for and so far that is my only modification to her written instructions.

Wish me luck!

what do you do with a drunken monkey?

2006-09-28T13:25:00.000+04:00

Have your photo taken! Here is a photo of me wearing the lavendar shawl. I used triple crochet and bobbles. It was done freestyle without a pattern. The guy in the monkey suit was drunk and wanted an outrageous amount for posing with us. Our guide gave him a few "griven" but not the twenty he was asking for. We could tell by the smell of him that he was going to use it for alcohol... and we didn't want to fund that purchase!

Krasnodar Day!

2006-09-24T19:07:00.000+04:00

The sign says:

Kuban be blessed! Cossack region! Rich Region!

We enjoyed the celebrations yesterday and were amazed at how much they cleaned up the downtown area for this special day! Streets were paved, buildings were painted and new sidewalks were put in!

Christmas List

2006-09-22T11:44:00.000+04:00

Okay, I finally put together a list for Christmas. It consists of items we cannot get here. Thanks to everyone who sent us gifts last year.... we truly value the support!

clothing trimmed in crochet

2006-09-21T16:29:00.000+04:00

I love the trim on this clothing. It was exciting to walk down this street and see so much handmade work. The street is lined with art galleries. People simply set up shop along the street to sell their wares. I think walking this street is one of my highlights from Kiev!

ponchos

2006-09-19T20:12:00.000+04:00

Crocheted items for sale

2006-09-19T20:03:00.000+04:00

granny square sweater

2006-09-19T19:54:00.000+04:00

This lady was one of several people wearing something crocheted. The colors were very fibrant and so was her personality!

Sighted in Kiev

2006-09-19T19:38:00.000+04:00

We just got home last last night and I can finally post a few photos! As we were out for a stroll on St Andrew's descent we saw this spinning wheel. I wish I could have afforded it. I love antiques!

Weekend Sales

2006-09-10T15:44:00.000+04:00

As we were out sightseeing here in Kiev yesterday I saw many women selling there crocheted items. Some of them were very beautiful and unique. I can hardly wait to get home and post my photos here.

I finished a sweater. It is part mohair and is very warm! I was sweating when I wore it the other day. It will be perfect for the upcoming winter in Russia.

The lavendar shawl is also done. I have pictures of it as well. Ukraine has wonderful people and I have gotten many compliments on my work. It feels as if there is a great appreciation for creativity here.

Kiev

2006-09-04T13:55:00.000+04:00

I have found two different places to buy yarn. The first place is inside a fabric store. They have just a few choices and everything is behind a glass case so you have to ask for what you want. Thank goodness she spoke Russian and I was able to communicate with her. Some people here speak Ukrainian and I don't understand some of those words even though the two languages are closely related. I purchased three skeins of white cotton/viscose blend for about 6 dollars.

The second place had a larger selection but was inside a clothing store. I have not purchased anything from that store yet... we still need to pay for processing our visas and I want to make sure I have enough disposable income before I go wild!

Lavendar Shawl

2006-08-30T00:01:00.000+04:00

I am going to be taking this project with me to Kiev. It is colder there. So this will come in handy when it is complete. I will use this as a head covering if needed. I really don't want anything to heavy.

I wrote about head covering last year when we were in Odessa, Ukraine.

You can read it here:
Head covering is not a pratice in my church but, in the Baptist church and in the Orthodox church it is done. So even if we just go to an Orthodox church to look at the artwork I have to cover my head and be wearing a skirt to be allowed in the church.

What do I pack for Kiev?

2006-08-29T02:00:00.000+04:00

I haven't decided all of what to pack but I do believe this book is a priority! We will be in Kiev, Ukraine for 2 full weeks. I want to learn some new stitches while we are gone. That means this book is a must for my suitcase... and perhaps I will throw in a few clothes and my Russian homework!

the month is coming to an end!

2006-08-26T12:14:00.000+04:00

September cannot come soon enough. For some reason I made a commitment to only use the yarn I have on hand for the month of August... this started off being a fun thing to do. That is until I went to the craft store here on Friday.

I walked out with only a new book on crocheting and terms (in Russian) and a new hook. However, it was a close call. I saw all the beautiful new colors and textures all around me and I almost caved in. I need prayer on this... it is Saturday morning and that store is calling my name!

Signs from God

2006-08-23T23:52:00.000+04:00

I got this in an email from my friend Barb in California. I thought it was very clever! My favorite is "Don't make me come down there!"

When do you find the time?

2006-08-21T20:26:00.000+04:00

We had guests this morning from Kirov. It is a city north of us. They have a one year old daughter and the mom was saying that she has no time for cross stitch anymore. I am so grateful that my children are beyond the age where they need my constant supervision.

I can pick up my crocheting or knitting project anytime of day or night I want. The hard part for me is putting it down to cook dinner or go to bed!

Completed project!

2006-08-19T21:46:00.000+04:00

I only used yarn I had available. I thought about ripping it out and doing the stripes over... but I am just going to leave it like this. It was my first triangle, first time not specifically buying yarn for a project and first time using a symbol pattern. I will take it to Ukraine with me. Last year it got a little chilly when we were in Odessa. And we attended the Baptist Church in town and I had to keep my head covered. I don't know what kind of church we will find in Kiev.

This shawl may be a little to heavy for a head covering but since I only have to put it over my head during prayer I may be able to use it anyway!

crocheted necklace

2006-08-18T00:13:00.000+04:00

I finally found one of the projects that I completed while we were traveling in 2005. I made this while staying in New Mexico with hubby's folks. I crocheted 9 separate stands and then braided 3 separate cords of three together and then all of them together. I don't remember what magazine it is from. Now I need to find something to wear it with!

Shawl Progression

2006-08-15T03:58:00.000+04:00

This is where I am so far on my shawl.

I think I can finish it up in a few days... or

maybe tomorrow since I don't have school!

Russian Pattern in the works!

2006-08-12T15:52:00.000+04:00

I found the newest issue of my favorite
crochet magazine here in Russia!
Malenkaya Diana (little Diana)

Triangular Shawl

this is what I have completed so far:

This is the first time I have tried a symbol pattern. My language helper Lena was very excited that I actually understood the skehma! (pattern). It is not as hard as I thought it would be.

my favorite color is lime green

2006-08-10T00:18:00.000+04:00

I have loved lime green for a long time.

I even own a lime green leather jacket.

Have you ever seen someone in an outfit in your favorite color that made you go "eeeeewwww!"??

I was riding the trolleybus to school this afternoon and I look up and this woman in a lime green crocheted pants suit gets on. Okay so I love crochet and I love lime green BUT a lime green crocheted pantsuit... YUCK!

I did love her lime green sandals... they were styling!

christmas stocking hidden in purse!

2006-08-09T00:03:00.000+04:00

It was so hot when I was in Assisi.
I had the choice of hanging out in internet cafes
or churches to keep cool. I worked on this for a bit
inside St. Francis Basilica! I took pictures and I
crocheted in church... how naughty was that?

Made a button!

2006-08-07T22:50:00.000+04:00

My son thinks he is no longer needed because I actually did most of this by myself... he did tell me the most important piece though.

After I made the button I had to "save as" and then the next step was to put it on photobucket so that I could put it on my blog from there. Skipping that step just gives you the code printed out on the blog and not the actual picture of the button.

After that I followed the tutorial at crocheville and it actually works!

It is fun learning how to do technical things... now if I could just finish some of my unfinished projects I would really be a happy woman!

challenge complete!

2006-08-07T00:01:00.000+04:00

I did my first Crochet-Along. I finished up 85 -- 4 inch squares. I was not doing the right size to compete for a prize. It was all about actually participating with a group of crocheters.

I was able to use up some of the yarn that I moved with me from California to Russia. I am dedicating this month to using what I have. That means that when we take our trip to Ukraine in September I will have saved up money for new yarn from Kiev! If anyone knows of a great store there let me know!

Here is a new word added to my vocabulary last night from a Russian crochet pattern...петля (pet-lia) it means loop. My goal is to have a complete crochet vocabulary so that I can tackle the Russian patterns I have picked out.

russian crochet patterns

2006-08-06T02:10:00.000+04:00

I love this website:
www.yarn.ru

I love this hat!:
tp://www.yarn.ru/natalia/model/model_12.htm

I was browsing for Russian patterns and finally sound this site. On the main page a link to machine translation is available. I have purchased a few Russian crochet and knitting magazines and books and I am getting better at reading symbols.

My original intention was sharing the items I have purchased with those who cannot afford them. It has been great fun sitting with a cup of tea and my books and magazines spread out with various women. I have enjoyed chatting about what they would like to make. Now there are a few projects that I hope to tackle for myself. The hat being one of them!

2006-08-04T20:50:00.000+04:00

My first grannies! I read about how to connect them and made a scarf for myself. Yep, I am actually going to keep this one... I think!

I just signed up for a weekend CAL over at Crochetville (see sidebar for link) and that means more squares. The goal is to see how many you can make over the weekend.

I am off to work on more grannies!

2006-08-01T23:40:00.000+04:00

Here is the black Christmas stocking I made for my oldest son. He thinks it is cool!

I simply followed the pattern for a toe up sock and just kept going until it was stocking length.

The stitch pattern was single crochet in the back loops only. And then several rows of alternating single crochet, double crochet (the textured looking rows are done this way).

My son knows the true meaning of Christmas... that has never been an issue. I just wanted to give him something that fits his personality. He never wears anything that is not black!

Little Knit Purse

2006-08-01T01:24:00.000+04:00

I made this little purse for Rhianna with some

of the yarn I bought...the handle is crocheted of course!

lucious yarn!

2006-08-01T01:18:00.000+04:00

here is the yarn I finally chose!

Ago, Filo, e...

2006-08-01T01:10:00.000+04:00

Here is the outside of the store.

Ago (ah-go) is needle. Filo (fee-low) is thread and e (eh) is and!

Yarn Store in Assisi

2006-08-01T01:04:00.000+04:00

I had a great time choosing yarn in this store. I am still looking through my receipts to find the exact address. If you are in Assisi and you go to Santa Maria Degli Angeli church... just walk up the street going toward the train tracks. If you get to McDonald's you have gone too far!

2006-07-25T19:35:00.000+04:00

Make up, books or yarn?

I loaded Rhianna (my goddaughter) into the backpack and we went bye bye today. We were finally able to get over to the yarn store by the Baptist Church.

I think that store is now my favorite. It was mostly just a yarn store. They did have some lingerie but not as much as most of the others. There was a wide range of colors and they prices were great.

The stores name is Lana Gatto (the bag features a photo of a cat)
The address is Piazza S. Lorenzo In Lucina, 38 and the phone number is 06-6876547

I also went to Anglo American Bookstore and The Lion Book Shop and Cafe. Both places specialize in English books. Each store had one knitting book and The Lion Book Shop had a book on thread crochet. I didn't spend any of my precious euros there.

I also found the MAC store here in Rome. I am running low on foundation but I can always order something from the internet store. I didn't spend my precious euros there either.

What did I spend my precious euros on?
Yarn! I have to make the skull beanie for my oldest sons birthday. He will be 19 in August!

2006-07-19T23:35:00.000+04:00

This is my first ever sock. I love this toe-up sock. I modified this pattern to make my christmas stockings.

You can find the pattern here:
http://www.graftonfibers.com/socks.htm

As soon as I get home from my time here in Italy I will post photos of what I have made here.

I have completed:
a black christmas stocking for my almost 19 year old son.
my goddaughter's christmas stocking.
a new scarf for me.

The yarns I have found here are very soft and great to work with. My favorite is 42% cotton and 58% viscose. If feels very luxurious to the touch.

2006-07-16T16:08:00.000+04:00

I am still here in Rome. I decided I would go to Rome Baptist Church today. Not only was a I blessed with a wonderful church service in english... but, a few doors down from the church is a yarn store. Isn't God good!

http://www.crossspot.net/rbc/aboutrbc.htm

2006-07-03T15:28:00.000+04:00

Is there something unusal about a woman knitting or crocheting in public.?

Older women look at me and smile. Small children just stare.

I just feel peaceful and content knowing that I am contributing to the beauty in this world!

2006-07-01T21:34:00.000+04:00

Is taking pictures in a church any more holy than crocheting?

I have no problems whipping out my camera to photograph something. Even when I have been told "no photos" I still find a way to sneak one in. I got four great photos in St Clare's Basilica yesterday after being yelled at!

It took me a lot of courage to get out my needle and work on my god-daughter's christmas stocking in St Francis's Basilica today. I think I did a row before I felt like I was being stared at for having the gall to crochet in a church! It was nice and cool in there. It was tranquil and I felt like crocheting!

2006-06-30T18:28:00.000+04:00

I was working on the Christmas stocking for my god-daughter this morning. I put my headphones on and was listening to some praise music in Russian while I worked. And I realised how grateful I was to be crocheting in Italy.

I decided I needed to find a yarn shop here and I did.

I purchased a wonderful skein of yarn that is multi colored. I also bought a set of knitting needles. I decided it would give my wrist a break if I alternated between a knitting and crocheting project. I found the yarn shop to be a combination lingerie and yarn shop. I guess they do things a little bit different here.

I had to wait two hours for St. Claire's Basilica to open up. People were standing around with nothing to do. I was sitting comfortably on a bench overlooking the valley below and I was knitting. Thank goodness my first priority of the morning was finding that yarn shop!

2006-06-17T13:43:00.000+04:00

As I watch my crochet hook go back and forth I begin to ponder this thought. “was the first crochet hook created by a shepherd?”

Did he need a warm scarf for a cool night or perhaps a pair of socks to take the chill off his feet?

I pray as I crochet each stitch. I invite the Spirit of God into my work. I ask for creativity and inspiration. I ask for the needs of the person I am thinking of for this sweater or that blanket....

I pray and crochet!