Diddle Daddle Designs

Another Scarf

2009-10-27T09:24:00.002-05:00

Crochet Scarf from Vintage Lace Pattern
Originally uploaded by diddledaddledesigns

I purchased this scarf pattern from Etsy seller Timaryart last year and have made a couple of these. Very easy pattern. I really like the way different yarns work up on this one. Another addition to my daughter's evergrowing collection.

A Little Sewing Going On

2009-10-03T09:00:00.003-05:00

Fall is definitely in the air around here. There has been a crispness in the air. The trees are just beginning to change into their autumn decor. Tobacco barns are smoking and corn fields have been cut down. All signs of the arrival of Fall.

An interesting sight outside of my kitchen window is the bluebirds and sparrows contending as to who will make their home in the birdhouse below.

My cousin recently had new windows installed in her home and but the window treatments were too short. Not wanting to purchase new treatments, the best solution was to make them longer. Easy enough and what a difference.

Her bedding is a peach and green somewhat stripe pattern. This is what we picked out. The fringe trim was the perfect piece to tie it altogether. Hopefully I can get a picture of the room. I had just enough fabric and trim left over to make a 16" X 16" pillow.

A basic square pillow is so easy to make and can be just the thing to complete a project.

We are doing the same thing for her master bedroom. I will try to take pictures.

Well, Hello There

2009-09-18T17:21:00.009-05:00

I so admire all of you ladies who keep your blog updated daily. Even weekly. That should be my goal. Maybe the daily thing is just too much for me. Weekly that might work. Surely I could fit that in. Oh, I could, just a matter of "Will I?" I always have great intentions but my little blog seems to be put on the back burner so many times. Doesn't mean I'm not following along on the daily "going ons" of so many of you though. I am intrigued at some of your writing skills. The way you put your thoughts into words. Even when there is really nothing to be said it is said so eloquently.

We just completed week 5 of our new endeavor called Homeschooling. It is too early to report our likes and dislikes.

It has been a year since I participated in the Christmas Cottage Quilt Block Exchange. Unfortunately, my blocks haven't become a quilt yet. I received some really cute blocks and need to put them together. Most of my crafting over the last year has consisted of a hook and yarn. I have completed a few projects recently. Of course, the biggest was the rug. Another recent completion was this bag.

I saw this bag, well SewRitzyTitzy's bag on her blog and contacted her inquiring as to where I could get the pattern. She kindly responded telling me that the pattern could be found in Mary Jane Hall's book "Crochet That Fits". What a wonderful book. I liked it so much that I ordered Mrs. Hall's other book "Positively Crochet".

I am enjoying both of these books. The author has gone beyond crocheting in "Positively Crochet" in that she has included inspirational paragraphs throughout the book.

I must put in a plug for Swagbucks because that's the way I purchased these books. I cashed in my bucks for Amazon gift cards and bought the books with these cards. No cash out of my pocket. If you still haven't started using Swagbucks for your search engine, you might want to consider it now. You can click on the link below. Of course, if you do sign up using the link below, I am awarded a Swagbuck for every one you win up to 100. So, we both win.

Well, I've done enough rambling for now. Hopefully I will be updating this blog a little more frequently than once every month or so.

Yay For Finishes

2009-08-11T08:33:00.004-05:00

I finally finished my rug late last night. I am very pleased with it. Many hours went into it. (I do wish I had kept count.) I enjoyed every one too. I can't always say that about every project but this one was truly enjoyable. Round and round I went only having to count every other row, so basically mindless hooking. The finished rug is approximately 74".

I have Christmas gifts on my mind now, yes it really is that time again.

Drooling Over These

2009-08-10T15:15:00.004-05:00

Today I received my copy of Fall 2009 Keepsake Quilting Magazine. Something about fall gets me thinking quilts. This magazine is full of fall inspiration as well as so much other eye candy. Ahhhhhh, if a quilt only came together quickly. I do have my eye on one. Have you seen this?

Another gorgeous creation by McKenna Ryan. I love love love her patterns. I have never made one even though over the years I have had huge intentions. Maybe I should start with just one block instead of a whole quilt.

I would enjoy hearing if you have tried her projects and seeing any pictures. I wonder if there is a Flickr group for her creations. I need to check that out.

Work In Progress

2009-08-07T06:52:00.002-05:00

Crocheted Rug
Originally uploaded by diddledaddledesigns

Once again, I have been away from this blog for too long. I have been quite busy with school preparation. As I've mentioned, we are homeschooling our son this year and preparation for that has consumed a lot of my time. Choosing curriculum has been challenging but fun too. There are so many options which can be exciting as well as overwhelming. Sorta like a kid in a candy store. I have enjoyed the process of research and we are just about ready to begin school.

While I haven't had too much crafting going on, this rug is a work in progress. I will be using it underneath my kitchen table. It still needs to be about a foot wider. I have no idea how much yarn I have used but I can tell you that it is a lot. Two strands, single crocheted. Slow moving but gradually growing. Yay for progress.

A Must See Makeover

2009-07-25T06:59:00.005-05:00

Do you need something to get your creative juices flowing? Take a look at this fabulous makeover!!!

I wish I could take credit for this, this is not my project. Be sure to click over to City Chic Country Mouse's blog for all the details and how to's.

Farm Chicks Giveaway

2009-07-24T09:01:00.003-05:00

The Farm Chicks are hosting a Giveaway on their site. Pop on over and enter. Go on....................................just click here.

More Summer Beauty

2009-07-04T11:26:00.002-05:00

Enjoying more of the beauty of summer. The temperatures have been unseasonably cool over the last couple of days. What a treat!!

Outside My Kitchen Window

2009-07-03T12:03:00.002-05:00

Just outside my kitchen window this morning!!!!!

Happy Flag Day

2009-06-14T18:08:00.003-05:00

Flag Day, is a day for all Americans to celebrate and show respect for our flag, its designers and makers. Our flag is representative of our independence and our unity as a nation.....one nation, under God, indivisible. Our flag has a proud and glorious history. It was at the lead of every battle fought by Americans. Many people have died protecting it. It even stands proudly on the surface of the moon.

As Americans, we have every right to be proud of our culture, our nation, and our flag. So raise the flag today and every day with pride!

Did you Know? There is a very special ceremony for retiring the flag by burning it. It is a ceremony everyone should see.Your local Boy Scout group knows the proper ceremony and performs it on a regular basis. If you have an old flag, give it to them. And, attend the ceremony.

Did you Know? If you like to study flags, then you are a Vexillologist!

Bring out the Crayolas here is something for the kids: A flag coloring page.

Chalkboard Craze

2009-06-06T12:08:00.008-05:00

There is a lot of chalkboard love around blogland. I would be included on that list too. Everyone can use a little encouraging word or reminder. Chalkboards are perfect for that.

I wanted to share another idea. You don't have to use a chalkboard though. Have you purchased these:

There's another brand out there too but I purchased these at Michael's. They work terrific on chalkboards but did you know that you can also write on ceramics, glass, mirrors, etc. Anything with a non-porous surface.

I tried writing on a lone yellow plate that I purchased from the Goodwill just because I liked the color and the detail.

Cleaning is a cinch, use a damp paper towel or cloth and wipe away. That's it, just like on a chalkboard.

Neat O !!!!!!! Guess what, my son just asked me how come I didn't change the saying on my largest chalkboard today. I told him I don't change them everyday, why was he asking. His response, "because I like reading them". Planting seeds of encouragement and we didn't even use a book.

Look What I Just Bought & Show & Tell

2009-06-05T08:05:00.005-05:00

For Show & Tell this week: For next month's celebration, I made this:

I really like pennants for celebrations and this one is definitely one of my favorites. The colors are just so, well, ExPloSive, hehehehe.

Look what I just bought:

This is something I have been wanting for a while. I finally found one that I liked. It will be hung over my kitchen sink. The best thing about it: I purchased it using my swagbucks and it cost me nothing out of pocket. That's right, if you haven't signed up for swagbucks, you should, click on the banner below.

The main thing to remember though is download the toolbar so you don't forget to use swagbucks as your search engine.

For more Show & Tell, visit Kelli's house.

Freedom

2009-06-03T15:42:00.002-05:00

Freedom Pennant
Originally uploaded by diddledaddledesigns

In celebration of our upcoming 4th of July holiday, I made this.

Freedom.

I might put one of these in my Etsy shoppe. Would anybody be interested? Or maybe another celebration?

Product Review - And Other Goings On

2009-06-02T08:34:00.006-05:00

Normally I wouldn't consider writing about a product especially NOT a cleaning product. I don't know, cleaning is just one of those things that we must do. It is definitely on the priority list but I don't find myself looking forward to cleaning days. I do try not to dread them but I mean REALLY, I would much rather be doing something else. With that said, I'm not sure why I purchased this glass cleaner last week while at the grocery. I didn't have a coupon or anything persauding me. I just saw it and thought I would give it a try. I'm sold. What is it, you ask? Sprayway World's Best Glass Cleaner. This product is in a spray can and comes out like furniture polish but its glass cleaner. It's ammonia free and streakless. And the smell, oh the smell!!! So fresh and clean. Not that harsh ammonia smell that so many cleaners have. After its wiped up, the smell lingers. It can be used on windows, mirrors, windshields and other glass surfaces, just like the popular "W" window cleaner. I purchased my can at Walmart for around $2.50 to $3.00. I didn't really pay attention (not like me).

I finally found some of the chalk markers that everyone has been raving about. I purchased mine at Michaels. They were $11.99 for a set of 4 but I had a 50% off coupon. Final cost $6 plus tax. By the way, if you go to Michaels.com and register to receive the e-blast email, they will send you a 50% off coupon in your email box.

I purchased the metal tray at Goodwill a while back. The picture was nice but I got tired of it. Out came the chalkboard paint.

A sneak peak at a project I'm working on:

Have a happy Tuesday!!!!!

Vocabulary Friday & Show & Tell

2009-05-29T13:35:00.005-05:00

I have fallen off of the blogging bandwagon over the last couple of weeks. Hopefully, I am back in the wagon to stay.

My vocabulary word for today is:

Graduation, (noun) - Regular progression by succession of degrees. Improvement; exaltation of qualities.

I chose "graduation" as my word for this week because last Sunday we celebrated my daughter's high school graduation. What a wonderful day it was. Hannah, mom and dad are so proud of you.

"Don't live down to expectations. Go out there and do something remarkable." ~Wendy Wasserstein

For Show & Tell, I'm showing you these quilt blocks that my father in law makes for me. I have six of these blocks, each of a different pattern. He is a master at woodworking. Such a perfectionist and it shows in his work.

Be sure to visit Kelli's house for more Show & Tell.

Happy Mother's Day

2009-05-10T07:39:00.004-05:00

Happy Mother's Day, Mama. I am so thankful for my mom. She not only is my mom but she is a good friend to me. I Love You.

One of the most rewarding things in my life is being a mother. I'm certainly not perfect and am so thankful to the Holy Spirit for leading me everyday. On looking back over the last 18 years (my oldest is now 18) I can testify as to the goodness of God. He has given me wisdom and guidance to raise my children. I am so grateful.

Vocabulary Friday & Show & Tell

2009-05-08T09:10:00.007-05:00

My word for this week is:

Puissance (noun) Power; strength; might; force.

To participate, pick out a word and includes it definition. You could include the dictionary that you used, you don't have to but it may be interesting. Post the Vocabulary Friday Picture (just save the picture and copy to your blog) along with a link back here.

If you would like to join in, please leave your *permalink* below, along with your first name only (this makes the list easier to read). Have fun!

Get your children involved in this. I'm sure they would have fun finding your words while learning new ones too.

It doesn't have to be a word that no one has ever heard of before, lol. Just pick one out. We will all benefit.

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Show & Tell:

I had two of these pictures.

The prints coordinate with one another. I really like the prints but the mats did nothing for the pictures. (I guess somebody liked them). I took one apart, spray painted the frame black and added some scrapbook paper to the background, cut the picture to the size that I liked and even added some stitching.

Much better, I think.

I hope to get to the other one this weekend.

Visit Kelli's house for more Show & Tell.

HaPPy MoNDay

2009-05-04T09:09:00.009-05:00

Making a grand appearance in my yard this morning.

Do you remember your Senior Prom? I do, but the memories are very vague. My daughter attended her last prom on Friday night.

She attended this prom with a good friend and said she had sooooo much fun. No pressure, no awkwardness, just plenty of laughs and lots of memories.

What does "last" prom for daughter (our son is not there yet) mean for mom and dad........well, a lot of things but one thing for sure, easier on the clothing budget, now THAT is a Good Thing.

Vocabulary Friday

2009-05-01T09:07:00.007-05:00

I've decided to start something new on my blog. Every Friday will be Vocabulary Friday. You see, I have school and learning on my mind. Another school year is coming to a close and I am thinking ahead to fall. We have decided to homeschool our son this fall. This is a huge decision for our family and we will take it year by year following the direction of the Holy Ghost.

Back to Vocabulary Friday. I figure I can certainly expand my vocabulary while keeping my mind active and alert. Maybe you would like to join in. I will choose the word, give the definition from the Webster's 1828 Dictionary. I really like this dictionary. If you do not own a copy, you might want to consider getting one. This is part of the reason I like it, "....the 1828 American Dictionary of the English Language represents a veritable treasury of America's Christian history and education. It provides us with a primary source for the original meaning of Christian Constitutional terms as used in the founding years of this nation." (Quote from the dictionary) It has been said that if you use a new word in a sentence at least 3 times a day, that word becomes part of your vocabulary.

It doesn't have to be a word that no one has ever heard of before, lol. Just pick one out. We will all benefit.

My word for this week is:

Aboriginal, adjective - First; original; primitive; aboriginal people are the first inhabitants of the country.

Aboriginal, noun - An original, or primitive inhabitant. The first settlers in a country are aboriginals; as the Celts in Europe, and Indians in America.

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Get your children involved in this. I'm sure they would have fun finding your words while learning new ones too.

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To participate, pick out a word and includes it definition. You could include the dictionary that you used, you don't have to but it may be interesting. Post the Vocabulary Friday Picture (just save the picture and copy to your blog) along with a link back here.

If you would like to join in, please leave your *permalink* below, along with your first name only (this makes the list easier to read). Have fun!

I'm really not sure how I just found wonderful site; Old Fashioned Living but it is a wealth of information. Everything from celebrations, garden care, helpful hints for cleaning products, crafting, a library corner, etc.

Paper Crafting Wednesday

2009-04-22T09:22:00.004-05:00

On Wednesday's, Kelli hosts Paper Crafting Wednesday. I don't usually join in but I really enjoy looking at everyone's ideas. Take a look at some of her ideas and even if your not a paper crafter, which I'm not, you will be intrigued. I needed a card this week so I made one instead of buying it. Handmade cards are so special because you can add your own little touch. To most any card I make, my own little touch is stitching. Yes, stitching with a sewing machine. Of course, I use a dull needle for this. The sound that the needle makes when it pierces the paper and creates the stitches is pleasing to my ears. Give it a try and you'll see what I mean.

This card was very simple. Three scrapbooking papers, 2 stamps, glue runner, stamp pad and embossing powder. The birdhouse and Thinking of you stamped images are embossed which gives them a raised crisp appearance. Unfortunately you can't tell from the picture.

Nothing fancy but I think it turned out cute.

Trying, I Really Am

2009-04-21T12:22:00.004-05:00

I've been diligently working on reducing my fabric stash. Really, I have. It doesn't seem to have reduced any but I know that it has. Working, working, I'll keep working.

In my talk about my fabric collection, I never mentioned my yarn, hehe. Yes, I have quite the collection of that too. I made a small dent in it last week. Well at least in my Sugar and Cream Cotton yarn. I made several washcloths, dishcloths, spa cloths, whatever you want to call them. We can always use more around here. On Sunday afternoon, I was perusing the paper and came across Michael's ad and guess what was on sale, Lily's Sugar and Cream cotton yarn for $1.19 a skein. Temptation right before my eyes in mouth watering colors of purple, pink, blue, yellow, red, turquoise, pink stripe, blue stripe, yellow stripe, etc. I was strong on Sunday but then came Monday. My son had an orthodontic appointment and library books had to be returned and wouldn't you know within 2 little miles is Michael's. My reason was/is I had used up all of that particular stash and it was such a good (no great) price, how could I possibly resist.

Resist, I did not. I came out with 12 skeins of yarn. Does it count that I have already used 2? I'm destashing my newly acquired stash, yay!!!!

On another note, my daughter's high school graduation announcements arrived in my mailbox yesterday. She hasn't seen them yet as she is away on her senior trip. Coming home tomorrow. I am so excited. I think this is the first trip she has taken that I have not accompanied her.

Doing A Little Thinking

2009-04-20T09:20:00.005-05:00

In general, my blog has been a place for sharing my craftier side. A place to connect with other crafters with the same interests, etc. I have met so many wonderfully talented people with the same interests as me. I have found that quilters and crocheters are some of the nicest people around. So willing to share a technique, a simple how-to, personal patterns, etc. (I'm not saying that other crafters are not the same way, quilting and crocheting are just my particular areas of interest). I found this the other day on flickr and had to read the blog entry. The fact that Kim Werker, a published author and an obviously accomplished crocheter, would actually take the time to photograph and blog about a subject such as common mistakes in double crochet spoke loudly to me. That's what I mean when I say nice people.

Lallee's Cottage has a quote at the top of her blog by C.S. Lewis that says, "Friendship is born at that moment when one person says to another: What! You too? I thought I was the only one."

Sharing common interests is what drew me to blogging.

Only on a few occasions have I shared personal things. Mostly because that was not the original intended purpose for my blog. I know as a blog reader we can sometimes get the idea that everyone's life is always neat and tidy, problem and stress free, life is greener on their side. Get my drift. But you and I really know that is not the case. Life is real. With real dust, real windows that need cleaning, floors that need vaccuuming, dishes to be washed, bathrooms to be cleaned, laundry in the laundry basket, etc., etc., etc. And that is only the household chores, that doesn't even include the most important thing in our lives that need attention, our family. The most valuable treasure we have on this earth.

I will continue my blogging adventure, learning more about you and sharing a little more about me.

Our God Is So Wonderful

2009-04-14T09:37:00.005-05:00

Spring is definitely a reminder of how much our Father loves us. Just look around in your own yard. Signs of love everywhere!!! Why else would He create so many wonderful things for our eyes to look upon?

Every April this tree makes its reappearing in grand appearance. And this beauty is for me. Me, me, me. All for my pleasure. A constant reminder of just how much God loves me.

Look around at all of the springy goodness and relish in the Father's love for you!!!!

According to Candace, its a flowering cherry tree. Thanks Candace.

Vintage Clip Art

2009-04-06T09:38:00.005-05:00

One of my favorite things is vintage clip art. I thought I share some of my collection with you. Enjoy.

More items will be added to my shoppe in the next day or so.