Potter-Palooza Update!

O.K... I was up last night, playing around with my music playlist, and you may now notice the new opening song! Do you recognize what movie this is from? I LOVE this song from this 1968 movie! Do you like it too? Let me know!.. Well, anyways, here I am, having my second cup of coffee this morning, and I'm feeling ready to chitchat just a bit about what's going on around here. The weather has been hot and sticky, so all that anybody has felt comfortable doing, has only been done if it was while sitting in front of a fan! Under such conditions, at least I am getting a good number of projects done! I'm still doing a little bit of everything.. some crochet, some plastic canvas, and some sewing. In between, every chance I get, I try to fit in some reading, as I have just started the second book of the Twilight series, New Moon!

Having previously mentioned a few vague plans leading up to the release of Harry Potter and The Half Blood Prince in movie theatres, here are the latest details I can give you for that! I'm calling it "Beansie's Potter-Palooza", as you can see here. Please do feel free to use/post this graphic, if referring to this specific event in any future posts of your own, up until the 15th, or if for posting that you are a winner! I ask that you not use it beyond that date for any other purpose. The dates show that I am planning this in a span of 4 days, one day for each house of Hogwarts. Each day, my visiting guests will only need comment to place their name in a drawing for that day. If you are an established follower (on my followers list at my right side bar) visiting and commenting that day, you will get two entries. Finally, much like Harry's 4th year in Harry Potter and The Goblet of Fire, there will be a task for each of the 4 days, to be done for a third entry (perhaps even a fourth!) into that day's drawing. So you have a good number of chances to win one of 4 separate drawings during the course of the whole event, and I better have a good-sized fish bowl, if enough people participate! Winners will be announced on the 15th, and will each, soon thereafter, receive a surprise assortment of goodies, some of which I made, and some of which I purchased. If even you are not a Harry Potter fan, this does not mean you would not like what prize-packages I'm already putting together (at least, I hope!).. And I assure you, the proposed tasks should be relatively painless! One last note though, for now. Any winner in this 4-day event will win one prize, and one prize only. If name is drawn a second time, then in fairness, good sportsmanship, and generosity to other participants, that name will be discarded for another, so that someone else still has a chance to win. If you have any questions so far, please do comment, and I'll try to answer as best I can, as soon as I can. (*Note UPDATE! I have updated and corrected this entry from the original dates stating July 13-16th, to the updated schedule of July 11th - 14th. Please see July 1st entry.)

Well, I think I may bake some cookies today, while conditions are looking favorable, and the day's temperatures are running a bit cooler!

Recently Sally, from Ramblings of a Happy Hooker, challenged me to post the 6th photo in the 6th folder I have on my computer. Well.. I must confess, my files and photos are just NOT that organized to carry out such an assignment! If even just to go to the 6th photo, I do not want to post a photo without someone's permission first. So, I will simply post a photo of my choice, if that is permissible enough.

On my most recent Pink Saturday post, I mentioned my cousin Connie brought me a beautiful book, full of crafty sewing ideas and patterns, from her home in Japan! I got to see her one day during the past week for lunch; then again, this past Saturday, at a picnic the kids and I went to at my aunt's house. Here is a photo of the both of us, while my uncle was firing up the grill! I am hoping maybe I get to visit with her again before she goes, if time permits. If you don't foresee a trip to Japan in the near future, check out Connie's blog (also listed on my right sidebar). Browse through the entries, and you will at least SEE Japan, if even just sitting at your computer, in the many beautiful photos she has taken! My own favorites are of the festivals she sees. The colors are bright, and all the handmade crafts are just fascinating, so I can only imagine what it would be like if I were actually THERE! Connie has photos of everything from the tiniest creatures of the insect world, to all the beautiful cherry blossoms, the architecture, the people, to even the food so close you can ALMOST taste it! When you have the time, grab a cup of coffee, a soda, a cold beer, or whatever the case may be, get comfortably seated for the quickest flight to Japan you could ever hope for, and then see for yourself!

So-ooo, now I have to select 5 blog buddies, to take this same challenge. Here is my list, as I try to think of those who haven't already been tagged!.. and if they choose, of course, to play along:
1. Susie
2. Keri
3. Sherry
4. Debbie
5. LillySue

Here are the rules:
1. Go to you photo folders.
2. Select the 6th folder.
3. Select the 6th photo in that folder.
4. Write a story for that photo, and then post it.
5. Tag 5 bloggy buddies.
6. Be sure to let them know they've been tagged.

Remember Michael AND Gilda

Occasionally, I like to do a Sing-Along Sunday post, and in remembrance of Michael Jackson, I thought I'd share a favorite song of mine when I was just a kid watching the Jackson 5 cartoon series on Saturday mornings. In this video, Michael is older than when he sang it in the cartoons, but he looks happy here.. At least I hope he was. Now, make sure you pause the dolly-music in the background first!.. Then just look at the foot work Michael does! He had a style and charm all his own, and it was awsome! Here he is with his brothers, performing the song, "Going Back to Indiana". Can you sit still in your chair while watching this? I know I can't!!



On this day, having also said and read the tributes to Farrah this same sad period of time, I still thought we should ALSO remember Gilda Radner. Today would have been her birthday, had she not lost her courageous fight to ovarian cancer in May of 1989. One of the greatest comediennes of all time was lost to this world, but is best remembered for her 5 years as part of the original cast of t.v.'s Saturday Night Live. The characters I best remember her playing were Emily Litella, Roseanne Roseannadanna, Lisa Loopner, and Baba Wawa! Here she was doing a skit with the Muppets! Uh-oh.. Apparently there was some trouble with a sticky substance of some kind in Dr. Bunson Honeydew's lab!

Here she is in a following skit still having trouble with that same sticky substance from the science lab!



Said Gilda, "Some stories don't have a clear beginning, middle, and end. Life is about not knowing, having to change, taking the moment and making the best of it, without knowing what's going to happen next. Delicious ambiguity..."

And.. "While we have the gift of life, it seems to me the only tragedy is to allow part of us to die.. whether it is our spirit, our creativity, or our glorious uniqueness."

And finally, on a lighter note, she also said, "I'd much rather be a woman than a man. Women can cry, they can wear cute clothes, and they're the first to be rescued off sinking ships."

My Mini Dolls For Pink Saturday

It's Pink Saturday! I have been working with MANY colors this week, but here is one project I was working on, with a little bit of PINK! The little cloth cuties are called Mini Dolls, and you can see their actual size compared to the spools of thread. My set of little clown-face dollies are still not yet finished, as you may notice they don't have any ARMS yet, but I'm working on that. I just think they are so sweet, and easy to make for the most part. I just had a little trouble with the arms, the first AND second time around!.. But that's ok.. I'm stubborn and determined, and I will just make MORE arms! I tried twice with the muslin I was using, but to no avail. I admit, it wasn't the highest-quality muslin, so this could explain why the small pieces were fraying, and ripping so easily. It wasn't pretty, and by the second round, I wasn't happy! I don't know how many arms I threw in the garbage! This third try at making arms will be by using the solid fabric, which I'm hoping will work out much better. Once I have successfully given these dolls some arms of whatever kind, I will probably add some ribbons to their dresses and hats, and then I'll be done with this set. I would like to make more, with different faces of some kind, maybe different clothes or hats. I'm thinking on that, and of course time is always a deciding factor as well, so we'll see.

At a recent garage sale, I bought this Precious Moments water globe, with a little girl taking a bubble bath! I thought it was so cute! It now sits on my little makeup shelf in the bathroom.

My cousin is here visiting from Japan, and she brought me this book! I love it! It shows how to make Japanese decorations called sagemon. This book may be written in Japanese, but it is FULL of beautiful items and patterns to make these hanging decorations, or in simplest English, I suppose you could refer to it as a mobile. When I can make one myself, I will be sure to post it for you, and for my cousin to see! When you see a display of these in Japan, the bright and beautiful colors will stop you in your tracks. What a sight to see! I may never ever go there, but my cousin takes BEAUTIFUL pictures that help me pretend I'm there at least! Just to show you one of the items I'd like to try to make, here is a sweet little pink bird that doubles as a small purse/pouch! Isn't that CUTE! Thank you so much, for this book Connie!

Well, those are my pinks for the week! Thanks to Beverly for hosting Pink Saturdays, and I hope you'll stop to her place HERE, at How Sweet The Sound, to see more pinks that she and other participants have to share today! Happy Pink Saturday to everybody!

Potter Plans in Progress

Bubble, bubble, toil and trouble.. I've got a cauldron full of plans brewing, as the time gets closer for the movie theatre release of Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince on July 17th! I don't have everything perfectly planned and laid out just yet, but so far I can tell you that I may have a 4-day event, leading up to the big day. One day for each House of Hogwarts, and I'm considering giveaways for EACH DAY!! Whether you're a Harry Potter fan or not, surely a giveaway sounds like fun at least! As soon as I set things just the way I want'em, I'll let you know the details! What do you think? Does that sound like fun?

Now, if you're as big a Harry Potter fan as I am, then surely you have taken the quiz to see which house the Sorting Hat would place you in, right?.. No? Not yet? Well, I admit, I'm a big fan, and.. well, I am also up in the middle of the night here, because I couldn't sleep.. So I took the quiz, and here's where the Sorting Hat placed me!

It says, "Congratulations! Ravenclaw! Founded by Rowena Ravenclaw. Your symbol is the raven of course. Your head of house is Professor Flitwick, and your colors are blue and bronze. Your witty and clever. A student you may find in your house is Cho Chang. Good for you!" Gee, Loony.. Oops! LUNA Lovegood is a Ravenclaw too! Hey, if you find yourself up in the middle of the night, you can take this quiz too, right HERE!

May This Angel Get Her Wings Now

It's a warm and humid day today. I watched a movie with Dear Daughter while I crocheted a little. I have some chili cooking in the crockpot. I started setting up my sewing machine for a project or two. I went to check my emails, and then I saw the news. It looks like God has called Farrah Home today. I say everyone pick up a bell, any bell, and give it a little ring for Farrah, and say a prayer, so that this angel will get her wings in no time at all! She was brave and fought with everything she could. She was 62 years young. My heart goes out to her family.

I am home for the day, working on one project to the next.. just trying to keep cool. I have several going at once, of course! Some crochet, some plastic canvas, and some on the sewing machine. I still want to bake some cookies, so I may start those pretty soon. It's still too warm to run the oven, but I just cannot go THIS long without homemade cookies in the house! I'll just have to run a fan, I guess!

Fireworks shows will be starting soon, so we are checking out the scheduled times for different locations, and deciding where we'd like to see them this year. That's always fun of course, and I'm looking forward to packing up the coolers with goodies, and heading out with the kids!

Update: Just a few hours later, I'm hearing about Michael Jackson!.. He was only 50 years young. My gosh, his family must be in shock... My heart goes out to them as well.

Six Done, Six to Go

I wanted to do a quick post tonight, to show my sixth square, called Summer Romance, for my Calendar 'Ghan. April has been the hostess and designer for this crochet-along at Dishcloth Diaries. As I began this square, I could hardly BELIEVE this meant I am nearly half-way done!.. Half-way through the YEAR now? Is this POSSIBLE? Well, I guess it MUST be! The patterns for these squares are just beautiful, and April does a fabulous job writing these patterns. I still am tempted to start a second set of squares, so to make two of these afghans at the same time. I like the idea of having the two done ahead for Christmas gifts, which would then bring my count for afghans-in-progress up to FOUR! That's a little scary, but I still just might do it!

Well, I wanted to do some baking today, but that didn't happen. It is just too hot and muggy to be running the oven for the length of time I know it will take. I always do double batches! Nope!.. For the moment, having finished my June square, I'm putting the crochet hook down, at least for the evening. No, I haven't lost my head, and I'm not running a temperature! I just have my nose in a good book tonight! I'm about 2/3rds of the way through the book Twilight now, by Stephenie Meyer, and it's just getting too GOOD to put down now! I want to see the movie that has been out on DVD, but I refuse to watch it until I finish the book first! Of course, I need to get started on the second book, New Moon, before that movie comes out in November! I also hear that Edward and Bella collector dolls will be out this Fall, so you KNOW how excited I must be about THIS!

In the meantime, is anybody eagerly awaiting Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, the movie, like I am? Based on the series of books by J.K. Rowling, this one will be in theatres on July 15th! I've already read ALL of the books in this series, and the the kids and I, ALL want to see it as soon as we can!

Pink Saturday in Sequins and Sparkle!

This week I showed how I used homemade sequins on a cell phone case I crocheted. How did I make homemade sequins? I take colorful shiny empty juice packets, such as from Kool-Aid Jammers, or Capri Sun Coolers, rinsed and dried, then punch holes into them! From there, I've made everything from book marks, purses and tote bags, to Easter baskets and Christmas stockings! As all the shiny colorful dots left over from punching holes were piling up, they seemed too sparkly and pretty to just toss into the garbage! So a sparkly thought sparked my imagination! The thought to recycle arose, and my homemade jammer sequins were now being saved for future projects! How pretty they've even looked, just stored in a canning jar, till I decided on projects I wanted to try!

Here is a new dolly of mine, sweetly dressed in sequins and PINK!.. And behold the beautiful African Violet! I just picked this up for my kitchen window garden, and I can almost assure you that this is probably the most flowers you will ever see on it, EVER AGAIN! I wish I had a greener thumb, and I am working on that; but when any African Violet of mine blooms even ONE flower, I'm ready to take pictures and throw a party!! I have a Christmas Cactus that has NEVER bloomed, and well.. Let's just not even talk about that! Let's just move on...

Now I mentioned my crochet cell phone case, done in black, in a previous post, with a pattern!.. but here is ANOTHER, now done in PINK! Dear Daughter picked this one for herself! I'm so happy she likes it! My little princess, who is a teacher now, has asked me to make her a pencil case with some of my jammer sequins on it, so that's a little something I'll be working on soon!

Here you see a little flower keychain I made in a hot pink acrylic yarn with sequins and a very pretty button for the center. I know how rough I can be with a set of keys though, so this may just adorn one of my plain-jane tote bags, or maybe even hang from a rear-view mirror!

Thanks to Beverly, at How Sweet The Sound, for hosting this Pink Saturday event! I hope you enjoyed seeing a few quick and easy crochet projects I've done, and that maybe it inspires you to recycle and recreate too! Make sure you stop over to Beverly's to see a listing of all the other PINK Saturday participants. See the many fun and beautiful PINKS they all have to share on this fine day!

Finally, I'd like to share my pattern for the pretty little pink frock my fashion doll is wearing today! Again, I do hope that there are some girls out there, young and young-at-heart, who will enjoy it!

Pretty In Sparkling Pink!
Crochet dress pattern for any 11 and 1/2" fashion doll.
(c) Pattern designed and written by Beansieleigh (TS), on June 18, 2009
Pattern posted at http://beansiebabbles.blogspot.com/

Skill Level: Easy!

Materials Needed:
Small amount of 4-ply acrylic yarn, in color of choice
Crochet hook, size G (or size needed to obtain gauge and proper fit)
Sequins: store bought, or as I have, homemade!
Ponytail Hair Elastic (unstretched, approx 6" circumference)
Yarn needle, for weaving in ends
Sewing needle
Sewing thread that matches as closely as possible to the yarn used for this dress.
Scissors, and finally a thimble may be helpful.

Gauge: 2 sc = approx. 1/2"

Abbreviations used:
ch = chain
sc = single crochet
sc dec = single crochet decrease
dc = double crochet
st = stitch
sl st = slit stitch
FLO = Front Loops Only

Instructions:

Rnd 1: Crochet 30 sc around the hair elastic. Sl st to join the round. This is the top of the dress.

Rnd 2: Ch 1, *sc dec, sc in the next 4 st* around. Sl st to join the round.

Rnd 3-4: Ch 1, sc in each st around. Sl st to join the round. (25 sc)

Rnd 5: Ch 1, *sc dec, sc in the next 3 st* around. Sl st to join the round.

Rnd 6-7: Sl st over the next 4 st, sc in the next 11 st, sl st over the next 3 st, sk the last st, sl st to join the round.

Rnd 8: Ch 1, sc in each st around. Sl st to join the round. (18 sc)

Rnd 9: Ch 1, in FLO, sc in same st, 2 sc in the next st. *Sc in the next st, 2 sc in the next st* around.

Rnd 10: Ch 1, working in BOTH loops again, sc in the same st, sc in the next st, 2 sc in the next st. *Sc in the next 2 st, 2 sc in the next st* around. Sl st to join the round. (34 sc)

Rnd 11: Ch 3 (counts as first dc), in FLO, dc in same st, then proceed to crochet 2 dc in each st around. Sl st to join the round. (68 dc)

Rnd 12-14: Ch 3, working in BOTH loops, dc in the next st, and in each st around. Sl st to join the round. Fasten off main color, and attach white for the lacy ruffled hemline of this dress.

Rnd 15: *Ch 4, sl st into next st. Ch 4, sl st into same st. Ch 4, sl st into next st* around. (In so following this edging pattern, you will have one sl st in every other st, and then 2 sl st in the rest of the stitches around.) Sl st to join the round. Fasten off yarn and weave in end.

Take your needle and thread, and sew sequins to the top of the dress, and bottom of the dress, as shown in the photo. I also added one little sequin to the center of a flower I had in this dolls hair!

I hope you have fun with this! Make one, or make several!.. Enjoy!

This Panda Promotes Pleasantries!

I got a wonderful message today from Shana, at Blaze ~N~ Crochet! She has presented me with The Super Comments Award! I am so very flattered, and grateful to Shana for thinking of me!.. And I absolutely LOVE this panda bear! He is so-ooo CUTE!!

Thank you Shana! It has been a pleasure getting to meet you, and getting to know you and your family! I enjoy visiting your blog, I admire your values and your enthusiasm, and I consider the friendship we develop along the way a blessing.

It appears that there are no rules or conditions attached to this award, so I will just follow Shana's lead, and pass this on to 5 people who:

1) always make me smile when they leave a comment.. and
2) leave comments for me on a regular basis.

Having recently shared awards with a number of friends already, I would like to add a few new names to my running list of recipients, for such honors and fun! The following have indeed taken that moment or two to leave a kind word here for me, on several occasions! What's always nice about leaving that comment, is that sometimes just a few kind words can turn a downright miserable day into a wonderful day for anybody! What's more, that goes for not only the receiver, but for the one who left the comment! So, it is with a happy heart, and my sincere appreciation, that I pass this award on to the following 5 recipients...

1) http://yarnjeanniescrochetcache.blogspot.com/
2) http://simone-lindengrove.blogspot.com/
3) http://gramcracker-sherry.blogspot.com/
4) http://maidenshade.wordpress.com/
5) http://apeaceofbliss.blogspot.com/

May this cute little panda bring as big a smile to you, as it did to me!

One Blingy Ringy Dingy!

I love my cell phone! I did away with the land-line phone a long time ago, because frankly, "Who needs it?" To me, it's outdated, it's history, and it's a extra bill I don't want! I've got new yarns and fabrics.. new purses and shoes.. and let's not forget all the Ice Cream shacks and parlors that call to me far more loudly than Ma Bell ever will again!

But in a day's time, as I enjoy the luxury of this portable little line to the outside world, on my person everywhere I go, every minute of every day, chances are very likely that it will fall and hit that hardwood floor or a cement sidewalk at any unfortunate moment! So I love a crocheted cell phone case for that padded protection of my beloved little device! Not only is it an essential measure of security to me, but of course it is now a fashion statement as well! I love making and carrying them around in all different styles and colors, and matching one to whatever outfit I'm wearing for the day! They are so quick and easy to make, that why not?! I must have close to a dozen by now, and if one looks a little dirty to me, I just toss it into the machine with the rest of my wash, then flat-dry it as easy as that! I have one basic pattern I've written up for my own phone. From there, I design, alter, and embellish to my heart's delight for each new case I make.

Now you might remember the jammer-sequin dots, just a bunch of leftover hole-punched dots from empty Kool-Aid Jammer packets, which I have stored from Easter projects some time ago? Having saved them all with future crafty RECYCLING intentions in mind, here you see one finished project I've made using this shiny homemade bling!.. And here is the pattern I want to share, so that you can make one too!

Blingy Ringy Dingy Cell Phone Case
(c) Pattern Designed and Written by Beansieleigh (TS), June 17, 2009
Pattern posted at http://beansiebabbles.blogspot.com/

Finished Size: Approximately 2 and 3/4" x 3 and 3/4" (but pattern can be easily adjusted to fit your own cell phone by changing hook size, or by adding/subtracting stitches/rounds.)

Skill Level: EASY!

Materials Needed:

4-ply WW acrylic yarn, in color of choice
Crochet hook, size G
Yarn needle, for weaving in yarn ends.
1 (3/8") button, for the strap of this case.
Sequins, either store-bought, or homemade like mine! (I used approx. 90)
Thread matching the color yarn used, and sewing needle
Scissors.. and you may find a thimble to be of great help!

Gauge: 2 sc = approximately 1/2"

Abbreviations used:
ch = chain
sc = single crochet
st = stitch
sl st = slit stitch
Rnd = Round

Instructions:

Rnd 1: Ch 7, 2 sc in second ch from hook, and in each of the next 4 st. 3 sc in the next st. Now working down the opposite side of chain, sc in next 4 st, sc in the last st (where you already have 2 sc), sl st to join the round.

Rnd 2: Ch 1, sc in same st, 2 sc in the next st, sc in next 4 st, 2 sc in the next st, sc in the next st, 2 sc in the next st, sc in next 4 st, 2 sc in the last st. Sl st to join the round.

Rnd 3: Ch 1, 2 sc in same st, sc in next st, 2 sc in next st, sc in next 4 st. *2 sc in next st, sc in next st* twice. 2 sc in next st, sc in next 4 st, 2 sc in next st, sc in the last st. Sl st to join the round. (24 sc)

Rnd 4: Ch 1, sc in each st around.

Rnd 5: Ch 1, sc in same st and in each of the next 11 st. Sc dec over the next 2 st, sc in next 8 st, sc dec over the last 2 st. Sl st to join the round.

Rnd 6: Sl st over to the next st, ch 1, sc in each st around, sl st to join the round. (22 sc)

Rnd 7-12: Ch 1, sc in each st around. Sl st to join the round.

Rnd 13: Sl st over to the next st, sc in each st around. Sl st to join the round.

Rnd 14-15: Ch 1, sc in each st around. Sl st to join round.

Strap: Chain 22, sc in 5th chain from hook (button hole made). Sc back down the remaining in 17 ch, sl st to the same st where you started your chain from. Fasten off yarn, and weave in end. Sew a button to the top opposite side of Round 13 of cell phone case.

O.K.. At this point, you'll want to set up your beverage, snacks, your thread, needle, your jammer-sequins, and a good movie. This next step takes a little time, but is easy and well worth it! Just make yourself comfortable, and you'll probably have all the sewing done by the time your movie is over! Take your needle and thread, and working from the top side of your case, around and downward, sew one sequin to every other st, down every other round, being careful enough with placement so as not to have the appearance of columns. For the protection of your fingertips and manicures, I would suggest using a thimble. Just weave your thread through the crochet stitches, into the sequins, and back through the crochet stitches again till you reach the bottom. Fasten off thread securely, and you're done!

Now you may ask why I gave my pattern such a silly sounding name, but this may help to explain. I'm a big fan of Lily Tomlin. Here is one of the many great characters she is most well-known for.. and with Cher too! Oh! You'll have to turn off my background music first! I hope you can stop back Saturday, to see some PINK jammer-sequin projects I came up with!

Some Quality Reading Time & An Award!

I was out and about today, trying to get a couple of errands done on this fine day! But it just got a little finer when I saw this being sold on the magazine stands! I know I'm not an official participant of "Blue Monday", but wouldn't THIS be an awsome blue post! Oh, I don't know if this one actor is EVERYBODY'S cup of tea, but come on! Who didn't just for a minute or two, wish they were just a little bit of a bad girl turning Jack Sparrow's head?!.. And who didn't think he was the CUTEST in Benny and Joon?! Then of course, there is Sleepy Hollow, Secret Window, even 21 Jump St., if you remember that t.v. series?! Well, this month's issue of Vanity Fair features Johnny Depp as this month's cover boy! I don't often buy magazines, but this one is ALL MINE! I've got my coffee, my donut.. Oh!.. which I HAD to buy after making all those crochet ones!.. Now my glasses.. I HAVE to have those! I don't want anything looking fuzzy, while I'm reading about Johnny! I think I'm all set. Now you can see how I'll be spending my afternoon today! I SUPPOSE I'll put him down for awhile, while I SUPPOSE I'll have to make dinner tonight!

Before I sign off today, though, I want to thank Bev, at One Yarn After Another, for honoring me with a Kreativ Blogger Award! My gosh! Here I had my hair done, makeup done, and yet no cameramen at my door! Now you just KNOW, if I was hanging around in my fuzzy bathrobe, and my hair a mess, things would be different, right?! Well that's alright! All kidding aside, I am flattered and very excited to have this! Thank you so very much Bev!

The rules with this award are to:
1) List 7 things you love.
2) Link back to the person who gave you the award.
3) Pass it along to 7 other bloggers.

The seven things I love are:
1) My Heavenly Father, who is always there for me, watches over me and my kids, and blesses us everday in countless ways. People ask me how I've come this far, and I know it is because He watches over me!
2) I love my kids!.. And I thank God for blessing me with them in my life. I don't know where I'd be without them. I know I would never have loved so deeply, or been so happy had it not been for Dear Daughter and Dear Son!
3) I love my home... Home Sweet Home!
4) I love our furbabies too! Our home would not be complete without them... Ubu, Tuffy, and Skyler!
5) I love whatever level of artistic imagination and creativity God blessed me with, and the many things I can make with my own two hands.. I feel it is something that He saw fit for me to use in whatever ways, but in exactly WHAT ways I'm not sure. I just try to be giving and sharing with whatever talent he has blessed me with. I love to see the things I make, make other people happy!
6) I love collecting things! I love to make and collect dolls! I love collecting anything Irish! I love collecting anything of The Muppets, Charles Schultz's Peanuts, Gone With The Wind.. I love old books and milk glass. Oh, and I love shoes and purses, of course!.. Just to name a few things!
7) I love sweets! Cookies, Candy, Cake, Chocolate.. I love them all!

Now for the 7 blogs I pass this on to:
1) Brooklyn Stars Forever (I believe Nicole is graduating college today!! Bravo! Congrats! and Best Wishes to her today!!)
2) 1st Floor Flat
3) Blaze and Crochet (..who's prize I just mailed out today, just before noon!)
4) It's A July Thing
5) Ramblings Of A Happy Hooker
6) The Kansas Hooker
7) Maidenshade Matters

Saturday Morning Coffee And Donuts

Recently I saw a project done by Yarnjeannie, HERE in Blogland, that looked like fun! She's whipping up a batch in all different colors and flavors! She certainly inspired me, and I must say, it's definitely not the first time! She does beautiful work on everything she makes!

Well, I've seen these crocheted donut pincushions before, but the timing was just right for me to try them out now. You see, I have to admit I really had nothing planned yet for my Pink Saturday post, and I did need to find something quick to either make, or just take a picture of. Lucky for me, these little baked goods were just what I needed! They are easy, and can be made in no time!.. So Thank you Yarnjeannie!

Actually, this is a great project for a beginning crocheter! If you're teaching someone to crochet, it doesn't always have to start with a potholder! A younger girl who is just learning might find this much more fun to make!.. And wouldn't this also be just adorable to add to a little girl's first sewing box?!

These are also a great scrap-eater type of project! It's so nice to be able to use up all the little leftover balls of yarn I accumulate for such a cute project like this! I plan to make a few more of these as Christmas gifts for some friends of mine who also sew! If you'd like to make a crochet donut pincushion, or maybe even "a baker's dozen" for friends, HERE is where you can find the pattern!

Be sure to visit Bev, HERE, and all the other Pink Saturday participants today! Enjoy your morning coffee, and Happy Pink Saturday!

Dolly Makeover And A New Pattern Too!

Well I've already posted "Garage Sale Dolly's" photo, in her "as is" condition, in a previous post. But if you missed it, here is the "Before" view of her, before I set to work on this Dolly Makeover.

Her hair, looks far shorter than it really was because, perhaps in the hopes of a quicker sale, someone I suspect with some well-trained hair-styling skills french-braided her hair in such a way, that you could not tell the mess that this doll's hair was really in! I suppose this may have been satisfactory to a young child who simply drags the doll around as a temporary companion, till the next newer, bigger, or better doll or teddy bear comes along. I, however, was not happy with this, and it took a good deal of time, patience, and the right products and tools to save the hair she had, without resorting to cutting it off, covering it up in a hat, or even having to buy a dolly wig! What I found to be the most helpful was fabric softener, a good strong comb and wire brush, and a good quality hair detangler, and a couple of hand towels. I must emphasize that I found time and patience far more helpful than the store-bought products, but all together, everything tested and tried, step by step, I found I was very happy with the results in the long run! Her hair was not only longer than I previously thought it was, but it was softer and shinier than I had even hoped for! You can clearly see the improvement in the photo, but even at this point, looks were still deceiving. After taking this picture, I still had to trim away approximately an inch of hair, just so that it could have at least some fair degree of manageability. By just doing this, I had a far easier time running a comb through her hair without a tangle or fight! If you have a dolly in need of a makeover, then I would suggest you could check out the following websites, here, and here.

Well, this all was great, and it was starting to feel like a job well done; but "Garage Sale Dolly" was starting to look far too pretty for a name like this! Bev, from One Yarn After Another, and I had put our heads together on that, and Bev had a couple of nice suggestions! The one name was "Lovey", and I just thought that was so sweet! So I decided on that, along with a middle name which brings me to a fun question for my readers! In all the time that I put into making over my new doll, her face kept reminding me of someone! I will give you ONE hint, and I'm hoping someone will concur and validate my opinion on this! I will only say that the person Lovey resembles is a on a weekday morning talk show. Between all three of today's photos, can anyone guess? Here at my house, one person definitely saw the resemblance, while another person did not see it at all!.. So I'm really curious what you think! In fact, I'm thinking that perhaps the first person to correctly guess who the t.v. celebrity is that I am talking about, via a comment, and therefore identifying Lovey's middle name, should win a prize! Unfortunately, I cannot tell you what that is, as I am frankly unorganized, and this is definitely spur of the moment! However, I hope to make it one that is fun and at least somewhat worth the effort for having just read this far into my post today!!

Well, anyways, having finally been given a name, Lovey was certainly in need of something to wear! I had my colors narrowed down to pink or yellow, and I had made up my mind to crochet her a dress, rather than sew one. I think that my excitement for the sunny summer season that's just around the corner now, was the biggest influence that lead me to choose a pretty shade of yellow! So, without further ado, I am sharing my pattern for this dress with you today!
I hope that girls of all ages will enjoy this pattern and the pretty new doll dresses made from it!
First, I'd like you to meet Lovey, as pretty as she now looks today!

Oh You Beautiful Doll Dress!
(c) Crochet pattern designed and written by Beansieleigh (TS) on June 11, 2009
Pattern posted at http://beansiebabbles.blogspot.com/

Dress is made to fit an 18" doll. This dress has a nice full flair to it, complete with pretty puffy sleeves, and a slip underneath.

Skill Level: Advanced beginner/Intermediate
Gauge: 2 sc = 1/2", 2 rows of sc = approx. 1/2"

Materials Needed:
Red Heart Super Saver acrylic 4-ply WW yarn, in main color (Cornmeal, one 7-oz. skein)
Red Heart Super Saver acrylic 4-ply WW yarn, in white, just enough for trim and slip
3 (5/8") buttons (*Note: number of chain stitches for button holes can easily be adjusted for the size buttons you may prefer instead for this dress.)
Crochet hook, Size G
scissors and yarn needle
thread and sewing needle (to sew buttons)
Silk Flower (optional)

Abbreviations Used:
ch = chain
sc = single crochet
dc = double crochet
trc = triple crochet
st = stitch
sl st = slit stitch
sk = skip
sc dec = single crochet decrease
dc dec = double crochet decrease
FLO = Front Loops Only

Special Stitches Used:

double crochet decrease: Yarn over hook, insert hook in next st, pull yarn through, yarn over hook, pull yarn through 2 loops, yarn over hook, insert hook into next st, pull yarn through, yarn over hook, pull through two loops, yarn over hook, pull yarn through remaining 3 loops on hook.

triple crochet stitch: Yarn over hook twice, insert hook in next st, pull yarn through, (yarn over hook, pull yarn through 2 loops) 3 times.

Beginning at the neckline of the dress, and with main color yarn...

Row 1: Ch 28, sc in 6th ch from hook (first button hole now made). Sc in each of the remaining 22 ch. across. (23 sc) Ch 1, turn.

Row 2: 2 sc in each sc across. (46 sc) Ch 1, turn.

Rows 3-4: Sc in each st across. Ch 1, turn.

Row 5: Sc in the first 8 st, 2 sc in each of the next 8 st, sc in each of the next 14 st, 2 sc in each of the next 8 st, sc in each of the last 8 st. (62 sc) Ch 1, turn.

Row 6: Sc in the first 8 st, ch 8, sk next 16 st, sc in next 14 st, ch 8, sk next 16 st, sc in last 8 st.
Ch 6 (second button hole made), turn.

Row 7: Sc in each st and ch across. (46 sc) Ch 1, turn.

Row 8: Sc in 8 st, sl st in each of the next 8 st, sc in the next 14 st, sl st in each of the next 8 st, sc in each of the last 8 st. Ch 1, turn.

Row 9: Sc in each st across, being careful to catch the furthest back loops, so as not to have unused loops showing on the right (see *Note below) side. (46 sc) Ch 1, turn.

*Note: When I refer to the right side of the dress, I mean that dress should be right side out, with button holes on the left side, buttons on the right side of back opening of dress.

Rows 10-11: Sc in each st across. Ch 1, turn.

Row 12: Sc in each st across. Ch 6 (third button hole made), turn.

Rows 13-15: Sc in each st across. Ch 1, turn.

Row 16: Sc in each st across, sl st to the first sc of this row, to now proceed crocheting in rounds.

Rnds 1-2: Ch 1, sc in same st and in each st around. Sl st to join round. (46 sc)

Rnd 3: Ch 1, then in FLO, sc in same st, 2 sc in the next st. *Sc in the next st, 2 sc in the next st* around. (69 sc)

Rnd 4: Ch 3 (this will always count as the first dc, now and for the remainder of this pattern) crocheting in both loops again, dc in the next st and in each st around. Sl st to join round. (69 dc)

Rnd 5: Sl st to the next st, ch 3, dc in the same st, dc in each of the next 2 st. *2 dc in the next st, dc in the next 2 st* around. Join round with a sl st. (92 dc)

Rnd 6: Ch 3, dc in the same st, dc in the next 3 st. *2 dc in the next st, dc in each of the next 3 st* around. Sl st to join the round. (115 dc)

Rnd 7: Ch 3, dc in each st around. Sl st to join the round.

Rnd 8: Sl st into the next st. Ch 3, dc in each st around. Sl st to join the round.

Rnd 9-10: Ch 3, dc in each st around. Sl st to join the round.

Rnd 11: Sl st into the next st, ch 3, dc in the next st and in each st around. Sl st to join the round.

Rnd 12: Ch 3, dc in next st and in each st around. Sl st to join the round. Fasten off yellow, and attach white at the same st.

Rnd 13: Ch 1, sc in the same st, hdc in the next st, (dc, trc, dc) in the next st, hdc in the next st, sc in the next st. *Sc in the next st, hdc in the next st, (dc, trc, dc) in the next st, hdc in the next st, sc in the next st* around. Sl st to join the round. (You should now have 23 scallops made.)

Rnd 14: *(Ch 4, sk next st, sl st in the next st) 3 times, sl st to the next st*, repeat from asterisk, repeating this pattern around. Join round with a sl st. (You should now have 3 little chain spaces for each scallop.) Fasten off, and weave in any ends.

Sew first button at the edge of right side opening, just between Rows 1 and 2, near the neckline of the dress.

Sew the second button at the edge of right side opening, just between Rows 7 and 8, down towards the middle of the back.

Sew the third button at the edge of right side opening, just between Rows 13 and 14, at the bottom of bodice of the dress.

Sleeves:

Attach main color yarn to underarm at 4th skipped st from left side of armhole.

Rnd 1: Ch 1, sc in the same st and in next 3 st. Now working in stitches at the top of the armhole, 2 sc in each of the next 16 st. Now working back in remaining skipped stitches at the bottom of the armhole, sc in the last 4 st. Sl st to join the round. (40 sc)

Rnds 2-3: Ch 1, sc in same st and in next 3 st. Hdc in the next 2 st, dc in the next 28 st, hdc in the next 2 st, sc in last 4 st. Sl st to join the round.

Rnd 4: Sl st to the next st, ch 1, sc in the same st, and in each of the next 3 st, hdc in the next 2 st, (dc dec over the next 2 st) 14 times, hdc in the next 2 st, sc in the last 4 st. Sl st to join the round. (26 st)

Rnd 5-6: Ch 1, sc in same st, and in each of the next 3 st, hdc in the next 2 st, dc in the next 14 st, hdc in the next 2 st, sc in the last 4 st. Sl st to join the round.

Rnd 7: Ch 1, *sc dec over the next 2 st* around. Sl st to join the round. Fasten off main color, and weave in yarn end. (13 st) Attach white to same st.

Rnd 8: Ch 1, sc in same st, *ch 3, sc in same st again, ch 3 sc in next st* around. Sl st to join the round. Fasten off white, and weave in end.

Proceed to make second sleeve in the same manner.

Underskirt/Slip:

Holding dress upside down, flipping the inside of the dress's skirt out, attach white yarn at a back unused loop from Rnd 3 of dress.

Rnd 1: Ch 3, dc in the same st, dc in the next st. *2 dc in the next st, dc in next st* around; dc dec over the last 2 st. Sl st to join the round. (69 dc)

Rnd 2: Ch 3, dc in the same st, dc in each of the next 2 st. *2 dc in the next st, dc in next 2 st* around. Sl st to join the round. (92 dc)

Rnd 3: Sl st to the next st, ch 3, dc in the same st, dc in the next 3 st. *2 dc in the next st, dc in the next 3 st* around. Join round with a sl st. (115 dc)

Rnd 4-5: Ch 3, dc in the next st and in each st around. Sl st to join the round.

Rnd 6: Sl st to the next st, ch 3, dc in the next st and in each st around.

Rnd 7-8: Ch 3, dc in next st and in each st around. Sl st to join the round. Fasten off yarn and weave in end.

Hairbow: With main color yarn, ch 80. Sc in second ch from hook and in each ch across. Fasten off and weave in end. Wrap around doll's head like a headband, and tie into a bow.

Silk flower bow at front waistline of dress (an optional embellishment): With main color, ch 50. Fasten off with a knot, cut yarn end. Weave chain through only a couple st, at the front bottom of bodice. Tie into a bow. (See photo) Sew, hot glue, or wire-wrap silk flower onto the top of this bow, keeping in mind your intentions/methods for washing dress in the future. (My advice: cool water handwash, lay flat to dry.)

"Something To Remember You By"

Recently, I was over to City Girl Em's at Blithe And Blonde, and she had this clever meme on her blog. It looked like fun to me, and seemed to be the perfect way to remember the legendary Judy Garland on this day, her birthday!

Choose one band, or one musical artist.
Using song titles from this one band/artist ONLY, cleverly answer these questions:

1. Are you male/female? I'm a "Pretty Girl Milking Her Cow" (Ha! Ha!.. on a pretty little farm in my pretty little dreams!)

2. Describe yourself: "How Lovely To Be Me"

3. How do you feel about yourself? "Can Do, Will Do"

4. Describe an ex-boyfriend/ex-girlfriend: "The Peanut Vendor"(said with a VERY BIG smirk!)

5. Describe your current boyfriend/girlfriend situation: "Call Me Up Some Rainy Afternoon".. But remember, "I'm Nobody's Baby"!!

6. Describe your current location: "God's Country"

7. Describe where you want to be: "Somewhere Over the Rainbow"

8. Your best friend(s) is/are: "Mean To Me" (Ha! Just kidding!)

9. Your favorite color is: "The Birth of the Blues" (I didn't see any PINK songs by Judy!.. but I love ALL colors, so that's o.k.!)

10. You know that: "When You're Smiling (The Whole World Smiles With You)"

11. What's the weather like? "I've Got the Sun In The Morning"

12. If your life was a television show, what would it be called? "The Joint Is Really Jumpin' Down In Carnegie Hall" (some days more than others!)

13. What is life to you? "It's A Great Day For The Irish"

14. What is the best advice I have to give? "Get Happy"

15. If you could change your name, what would you change it to? "Liza (All The Clouds'll Roll Away)"

So, what's playing on my DVD player tonight?.. "We're Off To See The Wizard"!.. We're going to watch "The Wizard Of Oz" of course! "Strike Up the Band"! I'm going to set up the snacks and beverages for the kids and me! Maybe I'll pick up some Dunkin Munchkins for the occasion? Sounds good! "How about you?".. "Wish You Were Here"!.. "Why? Just Because!"..

Did you think this was fun? Why don't you try it too?!

Now, "Chin Up, Cheerio, and Carry On!"

Taking Pink Personal

Well, I've participated in a fair number of Pink Saturdays now, and I guess one could definitely say there certainly is a wide variety of all kinds of pinks you'll see in this event. It just struck me funny last weekend as I stopped at a couple of neighborhood garage sales, thinking about all the beautiful pieces of glassware, stunning decorations for the home, the fine pieces of artwork and collectibles, and all the truly ELEGANT treasures that I have seen many of the Pink participants come home with, if not brand new from the malls, catalogs, or online shopping, then from garage sales, flea markets, and auctions! As I came home with only the few treasures I thought worth bringing home that day, here's what Beansie came home with; and honestly, this was much to my delight!! Wasn't I lucky to find this!.. Now I ask you.. WHAT does this say about ME?!!

Well, I'm not quite sure, but if I was happy about it, then I don't think that I should worry about it! I don't expect EVERYONE to like Kermit and Miss Piggy! In fact, I know I've said it before. I am a very complex person, and I know it definitely shows in my wide range of tastes for clothing, music, home decor, etc., etc.. Here's a pink baseball cap I just bought at a clearance price, because "My gosh!!" I didn't have one in PINK yet!! Now styles come and go, I know, but really, does the latest issue of Vogue currently suggest that you better have a BASEBALL CAP in EVERY COLOR?! Actually, the more important question would be, "Do they suggest one in ANY color right now?!" Oh I like to keep current with fashion, enough to keep looking young and "in style", but I just don't pay much attention to the magazines. Honestly, I don't think I CARE if baseball caps are in style or not. I LIKE this pink one, and there are days, occasionally, when I NEED one to keep the sun out of my eyes, or the hair out of my face on a windy day! Of course, I would find it necessary to want to match my hats with whatever outfits I might be wearing, so this is all very fashion conscious and perfectly reasonable to me! So-ooo... There!

If you find yourself still saying, "I just can't figure that Beansie out yet", then believe me when I say, don't hurt yourself trying. It's too much work! Now see what I mean? Look what I was just elated to find TODAY at the neighborhood yard sales.. Now I do HOPE this redeems some of ANY faith my Pink Saturday friends may have ever had in my style and tastes thus far!! I asked how much the woman wanted for them, and she said "a quarter a piece", really as if she couldn't wait to get rid of it! Sometimes it is truly sad to see such a lack of appreciation or sentiment for such fine things, but I was happy to be the one appreciating them now! Aren't they pretty?!

Well, I did come home with other beautiful goodies, but I'm afraid they weren't PINK! So, now I will move onto some PINK art-and-craft items. Earlier this week I showed the Annie doll I received from Jany, for Aunt PittyPat's Sugar And Spice Annie Swap #2. Today, she emailed me to say she got the doll I sent to her; so now, I can show you the one I made! Here she is, all "dolled up" in her little PINK romper, pink lacy socks, and pink bows and roses in her hair!

Up next, that I want to show you, is an apron I made, from an old pair of blue jeans, and some pretty pink fabric! This was really very easy to make, and I was very happy with how it looked when I got done! I had some trouble making the ruffle on another apron recently, so I was happy to find making this one went rather smoothly! If you are interested in trying to make an apron like this, there is a very good video tutorial right HERE! Just click the highlighted link for "Karen's Levi Apron~Tutorial", on the May 28th post!My friend, Cupy, just recently sent me this photo of her dog, Ally! Cupy and her sister got together and made this pink-dressy harness for Ally!! How CUTE is THIS?!.. I just HAD to post it with today's PINKS!In closing up my post for this Pink Saturday, I thought it might be nice to show my photo of ALL four dolls I now have to remember both of Aunt PittyPat's most recent doll swaps! They are all new friends all together, all so different in so many ways, but all made from the same pattern, really... I just think it's nice, and it reminds me of all the Pink participants for Pink Saturdays! Don't you think so too?! Happy Pink Saturday to Beverly and everybody who joins in to share their love of PINK! Make sure you check out ALL of the pinks there are to see today!

Beansie, Put The Kettle On

Today's a busy one. I don't mean to say that I'm doing anything to make history, or set world records, or anything quite as exciting as that; but it's just one of those days where I'm moving from one chore or project, right on to the next one!

As you can see, my garage-sale dolly, is getting the full pampering treatment. I'm not sure how much I can do to restore any kind of luster to her hair, but I'm trying. One tip I've read is to saturate it with fabric softener, then let it sit in there for some time. I put this in her hair yesterday afternoon. From there, there was a suggestion to steam the doll's hair, so Beansie put the kettle on, to do just that. I held her hair over the steam for about 5 minutes, and was seriously getting restless after this length of time, seeing this particular procedure was really making NO difference at all, not in this case anyway. It does not show in the photo necessarily, but Dear Dolly seems to also have an injured/lazy left eye for some reason. There is not much I can do for this, as far as i know, so thank goodness it is not TOO bad. As I am washing and conditioning her hair, it is very important not to do further damage to either of her eyes. I have to be very careful not to get water in them, or it can leave a damaging mildewy effect on them. If I was to make that mistake, it would be at least a 24 hour setback, because I would have to towel dry them as best I can, THEN leave her lying face down, for at least that long, to allow drainage of any further moisture! Now by tonight, I may try to start combing through her hair, to further assess what I'm working with, and what I may, or may not still need to do with it. This could very well be a difficult process, requiring a wire brush and/or comb. Most likely, this will NOT feel like pampering to poor Dolly anymore! In the meantime, I have been trying to decide on an outfit; and of course, I can't keep calling her "garage sale dolly", so I'd like to give her a name! She's going to deserve a real pretty one after what horrible hair-pulling she may be going through tonight!

Finally, I ran across a cute sewing project that also doubles as kind of a recycling project. I thought it was so cute, I had to get out all the materials I thought I might need to try it! My sewing machine is set up and ready to run! I should be able to post this by tomorrow, so stop back if you can, to see how it comes out! I'll post a link where you can try to make one too!

Oh, I wonder if Aunt PittyPat sees this.. I think she's going to know already what I'm making here! She's gonna be so-ooo proud of me too, if I do this right!!

Sugar, Spice, and Sunflowers!

The Sugar and Spice Annie Swap #2, hosted by Aunt PittyPat, was so much fun the first time, I had to sign up AGAIN when I heard she was starting a second round! My swap-partner, Jany should be getting the doll I made her, hopefully, tomorrow. We mailed each other's packages right around the same time; but I think her mailman is faster than MY mailman, because I just got my package from her TODAY! I think MY mailman better start eating his WHEATIES! I was not expecting Jany's package already, but there it was!

(Gasp!).. But, oh no!.. I can't open it now! I am on my way out to pick up Dear Son from school! I have to WAIT to open it! NO WAY! Can I wait that long to open it? I guess I'll HAVE to!

Well, I headed out to the school, picked up Dear Son, and got back home, thirty whole minutes later, which was just torture, ya know! How did I ever do it?!.. Well, it WAS good to see my boy. He told me his day went well, and we talked on the way home. I love that, and anything concerning an agonizing wait is forgotten now! Finally, we got home, and I was ready to open this box, and as you can see, here she is!

An adorable little Annie, wearing the sweetest little sunflower dress, with matching bow in her hair, big beautiful eyes, and the prettiest little smile on her face! Jany also sent a cute little terra-cotta pot with a fabric sunflower in it, a packet of sunflower seeds, a very pretty tag (which I am determined to try to make some myself one of these days!), and then, of course, she also enclosed a small personal note. I have already emailed her, thanking her, but here I want to thank her again! She is clearly a very talented artist with all that she does! I just can't wait now, to see how she likes mine when she gets it! I will post that doll when she does, so as not to spoil the surprise.

If you would like to see more of Jany's work, just head on over to her blog, Look In The Nook.

Well, now that I've posted and boasted all about my new Annie doll today, I want to show you what I just finished, fresh off my crochet hook, this morning...

Here is my 12-inch, May "Flower Garden", the fifth granny square, for the Calendar 'Ghan crochet-along, over at Dishcloth Diaries. April's next June granny square is named "Summer Romance".. Hmmm, what colors should I do THAT in? Fiery Reds? Flaming oranges?.. or in Icy Blues?! Ha! Ha! I'll have to think about that! It seems most of the participants are doing their squares in single solid colors, but no, not me! I guess I'll find out how it all ties in together in December, but I'm liking my colors well enough so far!

Finally, here's a doll I found at a garage sale this past weekend. They were closing up shop, and I have to tell you there is always a soft spot in my heart, for the orphaned dolly laying in an abandoned heap, ready to be carelessly tossed into the nearest trash can or dumpster. So I said I'd take her, for the dollar they were still asking, and I'll see what I can do to clean her up, and make her feel special again! This is it, her "before" picture! Her tag says "Our Generation", and she appears to be about the same size as the American Girl dolls. Her hair is definitely dried out and slightly matted, so I think a wire brush may be necessary to style her hair as best I can. She's fairly clean, so I'm not too worried about that. She had NO clothing, the poor thing! I may have some sewing patterns to make her something to wear, but I might still prefer to crochet her a new outfit. I'll post the "After" picture of a hopefully happier new dolly as soon as I can!

Beansie's Bikini Beach Bag!

As the warmer weather approaches, and as we're running to the gym, trying on new swimwear, and consequently watching our diets in anticipation of hot summer days on the beach, I thought I would share my pattern for my Bikini Beach Bag! I designed this a couple of years ago, but having only just started this blog, and here it is June already, I'm only happy to be able to share it with you now!

Bikini Beach Bag
(c)Pattern designed and written by Beansieleigh (TS) July 6, 2007
Pattern posted on June 2, 2009 @ http://beansiebabbles.blogspot.com/

Materials:
Worsted Weight acrylic yarns in your choice of colors
Size G Hook (or size needed to obtain preferred size of bag)
Beads (optional)
Button, for belly ring (optional)
Yarn needle for weaving ends and sewing sides together
Note: I did not choose to line this bag. After 2 years so far, this has held up very well! However, this IS an old pattern of mine, so if there are errors, please do not hesitate to let me know, and I will make the necessary corrections.

Finished Size: Approximately 16" wide x 18" high (not including straps)

Abbreviations:
ch = chain
sc = single crochet
hdc = half double crochet
dc = double crochet
sc dec = single crochet decrease
sc inc = single crochet increase
st = stitch
BLO = Back Loops Only

First Side of Beach Bag:

First Side of Bikini Top:
Row 1: With color chosen for bikini, ch 9, sc in second chain from hook, and in each stitch across.
(8 sc) Ch 1, turn.

Row 2: 2 sc in the first st, sc across, then 2 sc in the last st. Ch 1, turn.

Continue this pattern of increases, until you have reached 34 st, at Row 24. Fasten off.

Attach two triangles together by stitching from two bottom corners, up 6 rows only, then pull yarn slightly to gather, for a little bit of a puckered look. Fasten off, weave in end. You are now prepared to crochet a complete row (midriff section) across the bottom of the two triangle/cups of your bikini top.

Midriff Section of First Side:

Row 25: Starting at first st, at bottom of one of the triangles, now choosing a right side, and REMEMBERING, attach skin toned colored yarn. Ch 1, sc in same st, and in each st across, up to the last few stitches, just before the middle puckered area made. Because of this gathered pucker, you must as best you can, crochet into stitches most visible and reachable; but while doing this, what you want in this center area is a set of stitches that will even out/straighten out your following rows.. So, as you approach this center of the bikini top, you have to determine the center/middle stitch. This is how MY row worked out: Sc in 32 st, hdc in 2 st, dc in the most center stitch of this row, hdc in the next 2 st, then sc in the remaining 32 st. (total of 69 st).

Row 26: Sc dec in first 2 st, sc in each st across, sc dec over last 2 st.

Row 27: Sc across (67 sc) Ch 1, turn.

Rows 28-29: Repeat Rows 26-27. (65 sc) Ch 1, turn.

Rows 30-32: Sc across. (65 sc) Ch 1, turn.

Rows 33-39: Repeat Rows 26-32. (61 sc) Ch 1, turn.

Rows 40-46: Repeat Rows 26-32 again. (57 sc) Ch 1, turn.

Rows 47-48: Sc across, fasten off, and weave in end. Attach color of bikini top to begin bikini bottom of this side of bag. Ch 1.

Bikini Bottom of First Side:

Rows 49-54: Sc inc in first st, sc in each st across, sc inc in last st. (69 sc) Ch 1, turn.

Row 55: In BLO, so as to add fancy edging or beaded embellishment later, sc in each st across. (69 sc) Ch 1, turn.

Rows 56-79: (working in both loops again) Sc in each st across. (69 sc) Ch 1, turn.

Row 80: Sc dec over first two st, sc in each st across, sc dec over last 2 st. (67 sc) Ch 1, turn.

Row 81: Sc in each st across. Ch 1, turn.

Rows 82-85: Repeat Rows 80-81 twice. (63 sc) Fasten off, weave in end.

Second Side of Beach Bag:

Repeat all of Side One. Sew two sides together with yarns, changing color when necessary, at the sides and bottom.

Bikini Top/Beach Bag Straps:

Attach yarn to top first st of one triangle, ch 1, sc in each st across. (8 sc). Proceed to crochet 35 rows of sc on this side of bikini top, then the other triangle of this side of the bag.. THEN, do the same for the other side of beach bag, so that you will have 4 straps made of 35 rows of sc. Stitch together the 2 straps from one side of beach bag to form middle of one completed strap handle of one side of your bag. (See photo) Do the same for handle on second side of bag to finish.

Embellish bag to your own preference, with beads, trim, buttons, sequins, etc.

Have fun on the beach!