Saturday, February 11, 2012

Versatile Blogger Award

Hello all my bloggy friends!

Rob at Men Crochet was so kind and nice to think of me and pass this Versatile Blogger Award on to my blog. Thank you very much, Rob! I cannot believe my blog is versatile! I'm very chuffed! :) 
Now it's my turn to follow the rules:

1 Add the award to your blog
2 Thank the blogger who gave it to you
3 Mention 7 random things about yourself.
4 List the rules
5 Award to 15 bloggers
6 Inform each of those 15 by leaving a comment on there blog.

1 - 2 - 4: Done. Now I have to list 7 things about myself - I just wish I can skip this part! :)
  • I love coffee.
  • I started to try spicy foods a few years ago, and I just love it.
  • I don't smoke.
  • I love dark chocolate.
  • My favorite color is orange, green, cream and recently I feel I like blue.
  • My sweet honey just brought to my home 2 chickens, they are very cute in the garden!
  • I met my honey 8 years ago and we don't celebrate Valentine's Day. I love gifts, love flowers, love chocolate,..., but don't need to have them on Feb 14.
    This part is also not easy, I have to choose 15 blogs to pass this award on to. Here goes, in alphabetical order:
    I hope you like the award, but you don't have to participate - a smile would be good enough! 

    Great weekend to all! see you sooooonnnn.........

    Wednesday, February 8, 2012

    Learn more about "45 Lessons..."

    Hello everyone!

    Thank you very much for your comments on my last post and I'm so happy you like the "45 Lessons Life Taught Me".

    After reading one of the comments on my blog that Regina is an Urban Legend, my dear friend Donna had spent time to find more about her from her official site and found that Regina herself is the author of  "45 Lessons Life Taught Me" not anyone else. She wrote this when she was 45, and added 5 more to her list when she was 50, you can refer those on her site above, "50 Life Lessons". She is not an Urban Legend.

    Both Donna and I agreed that we should post this to our blogs, as Regina is really an incredible woman and her life lessons are really wonderful and honorable.

    Thank you for your time. Wishing everyone a gorgeous day!

    All the best,
    Lovestitch

    Saturday, February 4, 2012

    45 Lessons Life Taught Me

    After reading this from my friend's blog, Donna at GG's Creative Corner, I know I will print it out to read and remember it by each day. My craft blog today has a non-craft post as I would love to reprint it here to share you all. Hope you like this as much as I do. Thank you Donna for sharing these precious words...

    Written by Regina Brett, 90 years old, of the Plain Dealer, Cleveland, Ohio.

    "To celebrate growing older, I once wrote the 45 lessons life taught me. It is the most requested column I've ever written.

    My odometer rolled over to 90 in August, so here is the column once more:

    1. Life isn't fair, but it's still good.

    2. When in doubt, just take the next small step.

    3. Life is too short – enjoy it.

    4. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends and family will.

    5. Pay off your credit cards every month.

    6. You don't have to win every argument. Stay true to yourself.

    7. Cry with someone. It's more healing than crying alone.

    8. It's OK to get angry with God. He can take it.

    9. Save for retirement starting with your first paycheck.

    10. When it comes to chocolate, resistance is futile.

    11. Make peace with your past so it won't screw up the present.

    12. It's OK to let your children see you cry.

    13. Don't compare your life to others. You have no idea what their journey is all about.

    14. If a relationship has to be a secret, you shouldn't be in it.

    15. Everything can change in the blink of an eye But don't worry; God never blinks.

    16.. Take a deep breath. It calms the mind.

    17. Get rid of anything that isn't useful. Clutter weighs you down in many ways.

    18. Whatever doesn't kill you really does make you stronger.

    19. It's never too late to be happy. But it’s all up to you and no one else.

    20. When it comes to going after what you love in life, don't take no for an answer.

    21. Burn the candles, use the nice sheets, wear the fancy lingerie. Don't save it for a special occasion. Today is special.

    22. Over prepare, then go with the flow.

    23. Be eccentric now. Don't wait for old age to wear purple.

    24. The most important sex organ is the brain.

    25. No one is in charge of your happiness but you.

    26. Frame every so-called disaster with these words 'In five years, will this matter?'

    27. Always choose life.

    28. Forgive but don’t forget.

    29. What other people think of you is none of your business.

    30. Time heals almost everything. Give time time.

    31. However good or bad a situation is, it will change.

    32. Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.

    33. Believe in miracles.

    34. God loves you because of who God is, not because of anything you did or didn't do.

    35. Don't audit life. Show up and make the most of it now.

    36. Growing old beats the alternative -- dying young.

    37. Your children get only one childhood.

    38. All that truly matters in the end is that you loved.

    39. Get outside every day. Miracles are waiting everywhere.

    40. If we all throw our problems in a pile and saw everyone else's, we'd grab ours back.

    41. Envy is a waste of time. Accept what you already have not what you need.

    42. The best is yet to come...

    43. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.

    44. Yield.

    45. Life isn't tied with a bow, but it's still a gift."



    Monday, January 30, 2012

    Knitting Lace Scarf

    Hello, hello everyone!

    Finally I can find some time to blog and have something to share with you after a long break... I just finished a scarf during my Holiday of Dragon New Year. This is the first time I tried lace knitting, but this scarf turned out so beautiful in lavender and so soft! I just love, love, love it!!! I'm sure the photos did not treat it well!

    I selected a pattern in my knitting book to make the scarf, called a "Cell Stitch". It's a simple combination between YO and K2TOG, but with this special type of yarn, it came out much over my expectation! 

    My friend Donna sent this yarn to me a while ago, she loves lavender color and generously shared it with me. It ruffles itself, and is very soft, especially it creates an amazing stretch for the scarf!!! I believe it made the scarf more special beside the stitches! Thank you, thank you so much my friend for giving me a great opportunity to experience this wonderful yarn, and in turn, this one will be another gift to be sent back to California! I'm more than happy with that!

    I made a crochet chain for the edgings instead of adding fringe or tassel, as this kind of yarn unravels easily when cut in to a short piece, and the second reason is just to save yarn for the scarf body! :)

    This scarf is really glamorous to me, so I hope she will love it and enjoy it as much as I do! 
    Thank you ever so much for taking the time to visit my blog and your comments are always most appreciated! Wishing you all a wonderful New Year!!!

    Best wishes, ♥

    Tuesday, January 3, 2012

    Ruffle Scarf for the New Year!

    I made several scarfs before, in both crochet and knitting, but until the weather has changed recently, when it's getting cold here I just realized I don't have any scarf for myself! I really wanted to have one. I found this pattern when surfing for a scarf and it was always in my mind until I could start it!


    This scarf was made with 2 skeins of Lion Suede, the yarn my dear friend Donna (visit her at her wonderful blog here) sent to me in our last "Dove".  I actually thought about making something with this yarn all the time so I was very happy with this project! The pattern calls for 3 skeins so I had to adjust a bit in the last row, worked only 1 dc in each stitch along and finally it was also sufficient, till the last scrap! Thank you so much, my friend for sending me such beautiful yarn! You know how much warm I feel! It's great on me and I just love it!

    I'm also making on another project with another yarn she sent me, and must say I'm really excited with it, but I will reveal it once I'm done!! :)

    Thank you for stopping by, hope everyone had wonderful Holidays and wishing all the best for your New Year!!!

    See you all,

    Sunday, January 1, 2012

    ~ Hello New Year!!!

    Hi everyone!

    Thank you very much, my friends, for always visiting my blog and uplifting me with your words of encouragment over the past year, that meant a lot to me and I do appreciate!

    I would like to wish you and your loved ones a very Happy New Year! May your new year be filled with love, joy, happiness and so many crafting creations!
    Blessings and Lots of love,

    Lovestitch, ♥

    Rose Brooch Pattern

    After I made this rose brooch and attached it into a hat in my earlier post, some firends have asked me for the pattern. I found this pattern in chart form somewhere on internet and could not remember the source, so I reprinted it in written term here just in case you need.
    Rose pattern:

    Chain 75.

    Row 1: Ch 1, 2 sc in the same ch, 2 sc in the next ch, 1 hdc and 1 dc in the next ch, 2 dc in each of the next 4 chs, *1 dc in the next ch, 2 dc in the next ch. Repeat from * until the last 3 chs, 1 dc in the next ch, 2 hdc in the next ch, 1 sc in the last ch. Turn.

    Row 2: Ch 1, sc in the same st, 1 hdc in the next st, 2 dc in the next st, 1 dc in the next st, 2 dc in each of the next 3 sts, 1 dc in the next st, 2 dc in the next st, 1 dc in the next st, 2 hdc in the next st, sc in the next st. *2 hdc in the next st, dc in the next st, 2 dc in the next st, 1 dc in the next st, 2 dc in each of the next 4 sts, 1 dc in the next st, 2 dc in the next st, 1 dc in the next st, 2 hdc in the next st, 1 sc in the next st. Repeat from * 2 more times. 2 hdc in the next st, dc in the next st, 2 dc in each of the next 4 sts, 1 dc in the next st, 2 dc in the next st, 1 dc in the next st, 2 hdc in the next st, sc in the next st. **2 hdc in the next st, dc in the next st, 2 dc in each of the next 4 sts, 1 dc in the next st, 2 hdc in the next st, sc in the next st. Repeat from ** 3 times. 2 hdc in the next st, 2 dc in each of the next 4 sts, 2 hdc in the next st, sc in the next st. 1 hdc in the next st, 2 hdc in the next st, 2 dc in each of the next 3 sts, 2 hdc in the next st, 1 hdc in the next st, 1 sc in the next st, slip stitch to the last st.
    Weave yarn and shape into a rose and secure in to place.

    I sewed a brooch pin in the back of the rose and attach it into a hat, I love the way it matches the hat! Or you can sew it into your hat directly, it will come out lovely I beleive! 

    Take care and all the best! xxx

    Sunday, December 18, 2011

    ~ Puppy and Christmas ~

    Hello! How is everyone doing? I hope all is well and your weekend have been gorgeous!

    While I have been inspired with so many crafting projects from so many talented bloggy friends, I would really wanted to make something for Christmas this year and I almost gave up the idea until I found a pattern in last minutes! I was so happy that I can't wait to start it right away! Look how it turned out!

    I spent my whole Saturday with this little doggy and his Christmas Hat, Christmas scarf... Isn't he cute?!! :)
    I found the pattern in a Japanese crochet book and I love this! Have a look at him from the back...
    And see what he is thinking... Perhaps he needs some snow but that never happens here!!! Poor puppy!
    Christmas is coming so close, you all must be so busy with home decoration or so... Enjoy your time and Happy Holidays!!!

    Best wishes,

    Sunday, November 27, 2011

    PATTERN: Crochet Hat for My Mom

    Hello friends!

    Thank you so much for all your comments on my last post, I'm so warm in my heart with your kind thoughts and uplifting words. They are so precious to me, just let you know how much I appreciate!

    I have received some messages from some of you recently asking for the pattern of the hat I made for my mom a while ago. When I made it before I just moved the stitches and didn't notice to write the pattern down (lazy me!), that's why I couldn't remember the pattern to share. But I've been so happy you like it! So now I just wrote the pattern and made another one to test, with different yarn and hook. Hope you like it and give it try!

    I made this hat with the same cotton yarn of the rose brooch I made a few months back. This way I don't have to make a flower to attach! But it looks nice, isn't it? :)

    With the brim turned up... This pattern is quite simple and easy to make, but it turned out just lovely!

    Well, enough for my showing, it's time for the pattern!

    HAT PATTERN:
    Yarn: Cotton yarn (Sugar 'n Cream also works well with this pattern).
    Hook size: F - 3.75mm

    Make a magic circle.

    Flat circle for the top:
    • Round 1: Ch 1, 7 sc through the loop. Do not join, place marker and work a continual round.
    • Round 2: 2 sc in each sc around (14 sc)
    • Round 3: *1 sc in the next stitch, 2 sc in the next stitch. Continue around from *. (21 sc)
    • Round 4: *1 sc in each of the next 2 stitches, 2 sc in the next stitch. Continue around from *. (28 sc)
    • Round 5: *1 sc in each of the next 3 stitches, 2 sc in the next stitch. Continue around from *. (35 sc)
    • Round 6: *1 sc in each of the next 4 stitches, 2 sc in the next stitch. Continue around from *. (42 sc)
    • Round 7: *1 sc in each of the next 5 stitches, 2 sc in the next stitch. Continue around from *. (49 sc)
    • Round 8: *1 sc in each of the next 6 stitches, 2 sc in the next stitch. Continue around from *. (56 sc)
    • Round 9: *1 sc in each of the next 7 stitches, 2 sc in the next stitch. Continue around from *. (63 sc)
    • Round 10: *1 sc in each of the next 8 stitches, 2 sc in the next stitch. Continue around from *. (70 sc)
    • Round 11: *1 sc in each of the next 9 stitches, 2 sc in the next stitch. Continue around from *. (77 sc)
    • Round 12: sc in each sc around. (77 sc)
    • Round 13: *1 sc in each of the next 10 stitches, 2 sc in the next stitch. Continue around from *. (84 sc)
    • Round 14: sc in each sc around. (84 sc). Slip stitch to the next 2 stitches. 
    You can adjust this flat top to fit your head by adding more or subtracting the last row (84 sts).

    Hat body: 
    • Round 1: Ch 3, 2 dc in the same stitch, skip 2 stitches, *3 dc in the next stitch, skip 2 stitches. Repeat from * till the last shell, join with the beginning chain. (28 shells - 84 sts)
    • Round 2: Ch 3, 2 dc in the same space, *3 dc in the next space. Repeat from * to the last space, join with the beginning chain. (28 shells - 84 sts)
    • From round 3: Repeat round 2 until you get the desired length.

    Hat brim:
    • Round 1: Ch 1, sc in the same stitch, sc in the next 5 stitches, 2 sc in the next stitch. *sc in the 6 next stitches, 2 sc in the next stitch. Continue around from *. Do not join. (96 sc)
    • Round 2: sc in each sc around. (96 sc)
    • Round 3: *sc in the 7 next stitches, 2 sc in the next stitch. Continue around from *. (108 sc)
    • Round 4: sc in each sc around. (108 sc)
    • Round 5: *sc in the 8 next stitches, 2 sc in the next stitch. Continue around from *. (120 sc)
    • Round 6: sc in each sc around. (120 sc)
    • Round 7: sc in each sc around. (120 sc) 
    • Round 8: *sc in the 9 next stitches, 2 sc in the next stitch. Continue around from *. (132 sc)
    • Round 9: sc in each sc around. (132 sc)  
    • Round 10: sc in each sc around. (132 sc)  
    • Round 11: sc in each sc around. (132 sc) 
    Slip stitch (or reverse sc all around) the last round.

    There you have the hat pattern, appreciate if you point out any mistake I might have. Thank you!


    Hope everyone had a great weekend and wishing your new week ahead is gorgeous!!!

    ~ Much love, ♥

    * UPDATE on July 24, 2012 *

    Many of you have asked about the rose pattern, I already posted it on my blog so I copied the link here for your convinience.

    Check out this link for ROSE PATTERN. Enjoy! x

    Sunday, November 13, 2011

    Missing Crochet and Blogging

    Hi everyone! How are you? It's been a long time since my last post, I hope everyone is so well and did enjoy a gorgeous weekend!

    I have been so busy for work and family recently and hardly find time for other things. It's been more than one month I didn't blog, but you - my bloggy friends - are still there, continue visiting, following my blog and leaving sweet words on my posts during my "absence", that really warms my heart... Thank you! I'm sorry for not either visiting back or leaving comments on yours as often as I wish, but I surely will, I will try to get back to my favorites as soon as I can!
    I've been missing crochet so much. I tried some moments I had in the busy days to make these small flowers...

    I also don't know what they will be for, just to crochet, just to pick my hook and touch my yarn again. That feeling is always so special to me...

    Thank you so much for taking the time to read my rambling today. Take care, and wish you all a wonderful new week!

    Love and hugs

    Monday, October 10, 2011

    Crohet Polka Dot Bag

    Hello friends! How you are doing? I do hope you all had a wonderful day, and had so many inspiring creations over the weekend!

    It's been quite a long time since my last crafting project, crochet, knitting, sewing,... have been in my mind during these busy days... But finally I have something to share to you all and must say I am so happy... What do you think about my newest crochet project? :)


    I actually started this bag a few months ago, but so many things happened then that I had to put it aside. Now look how the bag came out now and a few sneak peak of the lining...


    I'm so pleased with the lining fabric and also the zipper, their colors are quite match, right? Hmm, sewing zippers is now no more changeling to me, after so many times I had to sew and unsew again them in my other projects, hehe!

    In case you wonder what pattern this bag came from, you got it right here, I used it for the whole bag.

    It's hard to explain, but I'm always excited every time I get a crafting project done, whether it is a big project or just a little one!

    Enough for my new bag, I wish everyone a fabulous new week ahead!
    ~ xxxxxx ~

    Tuesday, October 4, 2011

    Second Giveaway Win!


    Hello everyone,

    I could not believe my eyes that I was noticed I won another giveaway just right after the first one! One on Saturday and one on Sunday! How happy and lucky I was to win two giveaways at nearly the same time! I had never won any giveaway before and then I won two! Don't you see it strange? But it's amazing!

    This necklace arrived at my doorstep in the midst of last week, from our very lovely lady Teresa and I was thrilled! Thank you Teresa for such a gorgeous giveaway, I love it! It's so beautiful!!
    Visit her shop here to enjoy a lot of handmade jewelry items in all kinds of bead, you will be amazed, for sure!
    Thank you again, Teresa!

    ♥ Take care, and hope everyone a happy day!
    Lovestitch, x

    Monday, September 26, 2011

    First Giveaway Win!

    I received this lovely giveaway from our very lovely friend Aurora Blythe in the midst of August but was too busy with my family troubles to post about it. This is the first time I won a giveaway and I'm really happy!

    Opened the box I was amazed with this beautiful fuzzy case! I love it so! Thank you, Aurora! x

    Oh it's a lovely case with so many lovely stuff inside! A sneak peek first:

    See what I took out, aren't they wonderful?!! So many gorgeous things were packed for the giveaway that I was really lucky to be the winner!
    I love them all! Thank you very much, Aurora!

    ♥ Wishing everyone a fabulous new week ahead!

    Till next time,
    LS,  xxxxxxxxxx

    Wednesday, September 21, 2011

    ~ Thank You! ~

    Hello Friends!

    Thank you very much for your kind thoughts and treasured prayers on my father's illness and my family. They are such heartwarming words and mean a lot to me...

    I'm sorry I have not been saying anything to you all, honestly it has been so hard for me to find time and spirit for blogging during the time... But I'm so happy as now my father is getting better and on the road of recovery. On behalf of my family, I would like to express my big THANK YOU to all of you, my very kind friends!

    Thank you my dear sweet friend, Donna, for so much care and thoughtfulness, for always sharing and uplifting me in such a hard time, and, for the generosity in offering the wonderful quick post with such beautiful words... Thank you, my dear friend!


    I'm very happy finally I can get back to blogging, to my little crafts corner, not much time though, but I can be back, that's great enough to me! Once again, thank you!!!

    ♥ Hope you all enjoy a wonderful week!

    See you soon!
    Lovestitch, xo

    Sunday, September 18, 2011

    Quick Post from a Dear Friend

    Dear Blog Friends,

    It has been quite some time since our wonderful and dear friend, LOVESTITCH, has had time for blogging.

    She is just fine, so I hope to relieve your mind of worry.  Her precious, loving father suffered a massive stroke in mid August, and a second one while in the hospital a few days later.  He has come home now and is progressing well, but still needs much care.

    Please join me in praying and sending positive thoughts for her dear father for a complete healing, for her mother for strength, for our dear friend and her beau, as they work all day and care for her parents each night and weekends.

    She is strong and loving, and will be back to her crocheting, knitting and sewing very soon.  I know she will delight us with her new projects soon!

    Thank you all so very much!
    May you all be blessed and loved,
    Donna
    (grandma4five)