I've started a flower pillow.

As seen on Crochetme.com. This is in celebration of the fact that the crib has been officially converted into a toddler bed. I have a definite idea on what I want to do for the bedding (her theme is Butterflies and Bling), but I don't know where I'm going to get the materials from yet. I need cotton crochet thread in a large variety of "springy" colors. If you have any ideas let me know.

I'm having crocheter's block.

I've just ordered some variegated yarn, and plan to make a funky sweater for the toddler. I'm so excited. Exhausted too. I'll keep you posted fa sho! But in the mean time, I don't know what to do with my crochet energy. I guess I'm forced to tidy up. Help me, Lord.

Chic on a Halfshell Indeed

Well, the daycare will accommodate my new schedule. I will have to scoop the kids out of bed at about 4:20 am so that I can be to work at 5:00 am. My new purse and I took them to Chuck E. Cheese last night so that I can deal with my guilt.

I used two rolls of Aunt Lydia's 100%Mercerized Cotton thread for this project. It's what I had left over from the flower jumper. $1.50 each.

A jumper good for all seasons.

And also durable enough for this wild child. My thanks to Betty Branden and her book, Crochet For Babies & Toddlers. Superb!

Pink Sweater

My lovely model and the inspiration for 80% of my projects. Thank you, baby!

Zig Zag Skirt from Interweave Knits Crochet magazine.

This skirt is like my life, unfinished but still beautiful, high quality work. Yet totally unforgiving. I'd better get over it soon and get a high quality girdle before is gets too hot to wear this 100% wool cutie.

My co-workers an I have just been informed that overtime is required over the next four weeks (at least 8 hours per week). I am unhappy about this. I am praying that the daycare providers will comply. I will be extra patient with my kids. I will not cry. I will crochet a purse for myself.

Chevy Chaser Skirt Size 2T (Pattern Coming Soon!)

Rear View 

Sock Hats

Delight 

I love yarn. No, you don't understand me, I LOVE yarn. Holding some 100% fiber between my fingers causes me to fantasize. I spend way to much time committing myself to the completion of some project or other. It's like my fingers have to be doing something. My kids get so frustrated with me for not paying attention to their every move, but then they're delighted when I squeeze their heads into cozy sock yarn!

This is the compromise. They "tolerate" me focusing on something that's not the monotony of my life (Not really. I still constantly have to referee squabbles.) for a couple of hours a day, and I end up feeling as if I really can provide them with something that they need. A comfy hat, or a new dress for the party. The fact that I (me) can make something out of a string, that can provide vital warmth for my children, helps me deal with all these feelings of inadequacy.

This is what crochet does for me. It validates me. Not only is it a form of expression that so many artists have taken over the top. But, it's a valuable skill which I can use to provide for my family and also to maintain my mental wellbeing.

I stay in the constant pursuit of mastering someone else's patterns (and this frustrates me). Only to be disappointed to find that after I've committed my mind to creating their works of art, I can't afford to because the yarn the designer used cost $8 per 50 g ball and I need 20 balls!?! Oh my God! Is there something else that I could substitute? Not really. And if I do, it won't look like the one in the picture.

When I finally write my own pattern book, I'll be sure to make designs suitable for various yarns and forms of expression, from the least expensive to the most luxurious. And everyone who finishes one of my projects will feel validated.