Plain & Simple (But Bright) Dishcloth

Here is my first set of crocheted dishcloth:

Here is a close up of one of them:

I just need to block these since they did not come out as square as knitted ones do.

Supplies:
Pattern: Plain & Simple Dishcloth / Washcloth by Laurie Laliberte from Big Girl Blog
Yarn: Bernat Handicrafter Cotton Peace and Love #W260961 - Orange Chill
Hook: US 8/H

Easy Does It Dishcloth

Here is my first "real" crocheted dishcloth using cotton yarn:

I figured I would attempt this dishcloth before moving onto learning new stitches.  It went so much quicker than knitted dishcloths.  Once I figured out the best way to hold my yarn and needles, it came together rather well.

Supplies:
Pattern: Easy Does It Beginner Washcloth or Dishcloth
Yarn: Lily's Sugar N' Cream #00158 - Pastel Delights
Hook: US 8/H

The Thorn (Rose Trilogy #1) - Beverly Lewis

Summary from Good Reads: Lancaster County, with its rolling meadows and secret byways, may seem idyllic, but it is not without its thorns. THE ROSE TRILOGY is the stirring saga of two Amish sisters on the fringes of the church, and the unforeseen discoveries that change their lives. Rose Kauffman, a spirited young woman, has a close friendship with the bishop's foster son. Nick dresses Plain and works hard but stirs up plenty of trouble too. Rose's sister cautions her against becoming too involved, but Rose is being courted by a good, Amish fellow, so dismisses the warnings. Meanwhile, Rose keeps house for an English widower but is startled when he forbids her to ever go upstairs. What is the man hiding? Rose's older sister, Hen, knows more than she should about falling for the wrong man. Unable to abandon her Amish ways, Hen is soon separated from her very modern husband. Mattie, their young daughter, must visit her father regularly, but Hen demands she wear Amish attire--and speak Pennsylvania Dutch, despite her husband's wishes. Will Hen be able to reestablish her place among the People she abandoned? And will she be able to convince Rose to steer clear of rogue neighbor Nick?

Rose Kauffman takes care of her paralyzed mother but she has not been involved in any youth activities since the accident.  Rose longs to go to singings again.  But she has spend time with Nick, the bishop's foster child, who is an Englisher who has not accepted the Amish ways.  Rose has been the only person to connect with Nick.  Nick works with Rose's father caring for their animals and working on the farm.

Rose's sister, Hen, left the church and was never baptized, married Brandon, an Englisher.  After being married five years and having Mattie Sue, she decides that she missed her Amish ways and wants Mattie Sue to learn them as well.  Brandon want nothing to do with the Amish, her family and any form of religion.  Hen is torn between being respectful to her husband and following her heart.

I really enjoyed the first book of this series!  I have not read any book from Beverly Lewis in over a year and I think I am reading another great series.  I started The Judgement right away and I am loving how the stories are unfolding!

Pastel Delights Redeeming Grace Dishcloths

Here is another set of redeeming grace dishcloths:

Here is a close up of one:

I really enjoyed making this pattern!  It was so easy!

Supplies:
Pattern: Redeeming Grace by Harvest Moon Designs
Yarn: Lily's Sugar N' Cream #00158 - Pastel Delights
Needles: US 7 on 32" Cables

The Wounded Heart: An Amish Quilt Novel - Adina Senft

I am participating in an Amish blog tour for The Wounded Heart: An Amish Quilt Novel by Adena Senft .

I was approached by the publisher since I do book reviews and I quilt.  I was honored to be asked.

Summary from Good Reads: When a business offer turns into something more personal, Amelia is torn between what logic tells her is right, and the desire of her heart.

A widow with two small children, Amelia Beiler is struggling to make ends meet. She is running her late husband's business, but it's not what she was raised to do, which is run a home. When she gets an offer for the business from Eli Fischer, she's only too relieved to consider it-especially when it looks like Eli's interest might include more than just the shop. But when she begins to experience strange physical symptoms and is diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, it's difficult not to question God's will. If she pursues the treatment she believes in, she risks going under the bann. But how can she allow Eli to court her when she can't promise him a future?

Amelia is a widow with two young children and her husband's business to run.  She starts having so medical issues and is unsure on which path to take for her treatment.  There is already a member of her community with multiple sclerosis and she is strapped to a wheelchair.  Amelia does not want to be like her and be on medicationn for the rest of her life.  She was informed of another treatment in Mexico that could possibly cure her but her bishop would not allow it.  Going to Mexico for the treatment would cause her to be banned from her Amish community.  She prays to God for an answer.

Meanwhile, she meets Eli Fischer who was a relative of local family who is interested in buying her business.  As she gets to know him, he tells her that he would like to court her but she can't.  She does not want to be a physical burden on a new husband with her MS and pushes him away.  Besides, it has almost been a year since her husband was killed in a buggy accident.  Eli is widower who also lost his wife and son in a buggy accident.  He is looking for love in a new place and to be able to begin a new life for himself.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book! This is the first book that I have read form Adina Senft. I am looking forward to reading the next book in this series, The Hidden Life! I cannot wait to read more about Emma as a senior single in the community.

A special thanks to Faith Words Publishing for giving me this unique opportunity to participate in this blog tour for this amazing book!

Kitchen Bubbles - Crown Jewles Dishcloths

Here is another cool pattern from Harvest Moon Designs:

Here is a close up of it:

This was another easy to memorize pattern.  I loved this color of cotton yarn too! 

Supplies:
Pattern: Kitchen Bubbles by Sue Schaeffer of Harvest Moon Designs
Yarn: Lily's Sugar N' Cream #19313 Crown Jewles Ombre
Needles: US 7 on 24" Cables

Single Crochet Sample Dishcloth

I could not wait for my Joanns order to come in so I starting searching on You Tube for crocheting videos.  I found this one, How to Crochet Part 1 of 2 from Naztazia.  Here is my sample square:

This was made using 100% acrylic yarn so it will not be an acutal dishcloth.  I am going to add a border to it and use it as a block for a baby blanket that we are making at work.  One of our fellow knitters is becoming a grand mother and we are all making blocks in the same size to put together as a blanket for her grand son.

It was super easy for me to pick this up after already knowing how to knit.  Back in high school, over 20 years ago, my mother taught me how to crochet but she does not know how to read patterns and does double crochet rows for afghans or granny squares.  It'll be nice to learn it thoroughly now!

I'm now ready to watch How to Crochet Part 2 of 2 from Naztazia!!!

Supplies:
Pattern: Single Crochet Sample
Yarn: Red Heart Super Saver Solids - Buff
Hook: US 8/H

Learning to Crochet

Look what I just ordered:

 

And check out this cool hook holder from Katie Fleck Designs from Etsy:

I came across this book below and I needed to learn how to crochet so I could make some.

There are 99 patterns in this book.  Plus I found plenty of free patterns for crocheting dishcloths over on Ravelry.  I'll keep you posted of my progress in learning to crochet!!!

Orange Chill Redeeming Grace Dishcloths

Here is a new pattern I recently discovered:

Here is a close up:

I found this designer, Sue Schaefer from Harvest Moon Designs, last week.  She has TONS of wonderful dishcloth patterns.  I purchased 40 patterns for $20 from her and I am working on making a list for another order.  She has 580 knitted dishcloth patterns available.  Check her out HERE!!!

These are one of the two sets of dishcloths I made while making 4 at a time!  Read about doing that on this blog post!

Supplies:
Pattern: Redeeming Grace by Harvest Moon Designs
Yarn: Bernat Handicrafter Cotton Peace and Love #W260961 - Orange Chill
Needles: US 7 on 32" Cables

The Healing by Wanda E. Brunstetter

Sumamry from Good Reads: Seek a fresh start with Amish widower Samuel Fisher as he journeys from Lancaster County to Bluegrass Country, hoping to find a balm for the grief he’s carried with him. Will this single father, burdened by yesterday’s memories, discover a new and perhaps better life in Kentucky, the land of tomorrow? Esther Beiler, who helps watch Samuel’s children, develops a crush on Samuel and a true affection for his kids. Can she win his heart, or has she already lost it to an English woman? How will God untangle star-crossed lovers when jealousies and misconceptions threaten to tear them apart?

Samuel Fisher moves to Kentucky with his four children after the death of his wife Elsie.  He wants a fresh start where there are no reminders of her and he moves in with his brother Titus.  Samuel is battling severe depression and needs to find a job to keep himself busy.  A friend of his, Allen, finds him a job helping to bring an old house up to date to be used as a bed and breakfast by an Englisher named Bonnie.  He also meets Esther who needs a job since her parents moved back to Pennsylvania to help care for her brother with MS.

Esther falls in love with all of the kids.  She helps them adjust to live in Kentucky but Samuel has no time for his kinner.  After spending time together, Esther and Samuel start to take a liking to each other but is Samuel ready.  He is still mourning the lose of his wife and promised her that he would never love anyone else ever.

I enjoyed the second book in the Kentucky Brothers series!  I am really hoping that there is a third book.  There were some loose ends with Timothy and Hannah in Pennsylvania.  A special thanks to NetGalley for allowing me to review this book in advance.

A Lancaster County Christmas - Suzanne Woods Fisher

Summary from Good Reads: Jaime and C. J. Fitzpatrick began their married life as most couples do--in love and looking forward to a bright future together. But four years later they've drifted apart and are almost ready to call it quits.

 

Mattie Riehl was hoping to give her husband Sol the Christmas gift they have both longed for--news that a baby was on the way. But as usual, she is disappointed. The holidays bring an acute awareness to Mattie that her dream of a big family isn't likely to become a reality.

 

Then a winter storm raging outside blows the Fitzpatricks into the Riehl home--and into a much slower pace of life. Can these two couples from different worlds help each other understand the true meaning of love this Christmas?

With her trademark plot twists and attention to detail, Suzanne Woods Fisher offers readers a beautiful Christmas story of love, forgiveness, and what truly matters in life.

Mattie and Sol Riehl are a simple Amish couple.  All they ever wanted was a large family but Mattie was only able to have Danny, their 6 year old son.  At the doctor's office, they meet Jamie who was there to get a prescription for sleeping pills to help her sleep since her mother's tragic death.  Upon leaving, Jamie is asked to bring Danny's toy to them that he left at the office.  Jamie and CJ are heading to the airport to go on a cruise with her father for Christmas.  When they arrived to the Amish home, her car rolls backwards into a frozen pond during a terrible snow storm and they get stranded there two days before Christmas.

Was this a Christmas miracle for everyone?  During the two days, everyone became very close and they all realized things that they would not have if they weren't brought together.  All things happen for a reason.  Each person discovered something about themselves, their relationships, their families and God.

This was a nice short Christmas story with a lesson for all.  I really enjoyed another book by Suzanne Woods Fisher and I am lookign forward to reading more in the future!

Available September 2011 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

Buried Sins - Marta Perry

Summary from Good Reads: WANTED: DEAD OR ALIVE

Had her brand-new husband been involved in something shady? Before Caroline Hampton could confront him, he was killed in a car crash...or so it was claimed. Unsettling incidents--escalating in dange--warned her he could be very much alive. And so Caroline fled for the safety of her sisters' Amish country inn. But someone who suspected her--handsome police chief Zachary Burkhalter--was waiting for Caroline. Waiting for her to slip up. And watching her every move. Daring her to trust him with all of the truth.

Caroline decides to come back to her family in Pennsylvania after being confronted by someone of her recently deceased husband.  She decides that it is best to start over and get away from it all.  She learns that her late husband is not who he said he was.  She meets Zach, the county sherriff, who is suspicious of her but as they get to know each other, they become friends.  Will Caroline learn the truth of her husband's death?

This is the third book in the series, The Three Sister's Inn.  I read the first one, Hide In Plain Sight, but I thought this one was much better.  I really enjoy reading Love Inspired books!  I read this one in a day.  But I must admit that I listened to it on my kindle while I was knitting out on the deck on Sunday!  LOL!  Thanks Marta for writing another great book!

Quilt Colors DW Dishcloths

Here are some more DW dishcloths using varigated yarn:

These came out great too!  They are heading into my stash of completed projects for when I need a quick gift!

Supplies:
Pattern: DW Darrell Waltrip Dishcloth by Rhonda White
Yarn: Lily's Sugar N' Cream #19003 - Quilt Colors
Needles: US 7 on 24" Cables

Weathered Rose Squidge Cloths

Here's another cool textured pattern that I recently discovered:

Here is a close up of it too:

I love that this pattern is totally reversible!  Plus the cool zigzag of colors is breath taking!

Supplies:
Pattern: The Squidge Cloth by Sasha
Yarn: Lily's Sugar N' Cream #19001 - Weathered Rose
Needles: US 7 on 24" Cables

Check This Out!

Look what I started yesterday:

I figured that I knit two socks at a time, why not try it with dishcloths??!!  I was going to try two of the same pattern in different yarn.  Then I realized that I was going to have to do it again to make the other half of the set.  So I wound some more yarn to knit four dishcloths at a time!!!

I have the four balls of yarn lined up inside the bag and I flip it when it is time to work on the other side.  There are lots of strings but it is pretty easy to keep it all under control.  As long as the cat does not come to sit on my lap!  LOL!

This pattern, Redeeming Grace by Sue Schaefer from Harvest Moon Designs, casts on 33 stitches so I was able to use a 32" cable for it.  I will have to change to a 40" one if I need to cast on more stitches next time.

The Journey (Kentucky Brothers #1) - Wanda E. Brunstetter

Summary from Good Reads: Discover along with Titus Fisher how life can begin anew in Christian County, Kentucky. Moving from Pennsylvania, finding rewarding work, and leaving a broken romance behind is the best decision Titus ever made. But is he ready to consider love again when he meets two women: one who seems perfectly suited for any Amish man and one who challenges long held ideas of the woman’s role. Who will Titus chose, and will it be the right choice?

Titus lived in Pennsylvania with his family, including his twin brother Timothy.  Titus was a 22 year old baptisted Amish man who is not married.  He was in love with Phoebe since she was 13 but she was still unsure about becoming Amish.  She leave Titus and her family to venture to California to discover the English world.  A friend, Allen, comes along and is looking for some help in woodworking down in Kentucky.  Since Titus was trying to deal with a broken heart, he takes off to start a new life in another state.

Titus's job brings him to meet the Yonder's who own the woodworking shop where he will be working.  He meets their unmarried daughter, Suzanne, who bears a striking resemblence to Phoebe.  As Titus become comfortable with his new life in Kentucky, he makes several friends and starts to like it there.  But God confornts him with the biggest challenge in his life so far.  How will he decide?

I really enjoyed this book!  This is the continuation of the story of the twins, Timothy and Titus, who were from another series, The Daughter's of Lancaster County.  I loved that series and to read about the characters all of again made reading this book feel like talking to family and close friends.  I am looking forward to reading the next book in the Kentucky Brothers series, The Healing.  Thanks Wanda for bringing this family back!!!

Psychedelic DW Dishcloth

I found this cool pattern that focuses on varigated yarn.  Here is my first set of dishcloths in this pattern:

Here is a close up look at the pattern:

This pattern was so much fun to knit!  It was easy to memorize and the results are amazing!  I will be ordering more varigated cotton yarn just to knit this pattern!!!

Supplies:

Pattern: DW Darrell Waltrip Dishcloth by Rhonda White

Yarn: Bernat Handicraft Peace and Love #W260865 - Psychedelic

Needles: US 7 on 24" Cables

Blue Yonder Maddox

Here is Maddox:

He is for Gavin's first birthday!  He will be the perfect size for him to carry around and love!

Supplies:
Pattern: Maddox The Mischievous Monster by Rebecca Danger
Yarn: Knit Picks Wool of the Andes Tonal #25418 - Blue Yonder
Needles: US 5 on 47" Cables
Accessories: Navy Blue and White Embroidery Floss

Leftover Ribbed Dishcloth #2

This is the last ribbed dishcloth using the remaining yarn from the three previous solid color.

I think that I have made enough dishcloths for myself for a little while.  I have added 12 new ones in the past month.  I should be good for a while.  Now I can start making some more, in a different pattern, as Christmas presents!  My MIL requested some while we were on vacation in Maine in August so I need to get going on them!  LOL!

Supplies:
Pattern: Dishcloth - Ribbed
Yarn: Lily's Sugar N' Cream #18010 - Yellow & #18712 - Hot Green & #18004 - Ecru
Needles: US 7 on 24" Cables

The Promise of An Angel - Ruth Reid

Summary from Good Reads: After a barn raising accident, Judith Fischer's convinced she's met an angel. However, her attempts to convince others end up frustrating her Old-Order Amish community. Only Andrew Lapp believes her, but the rest, including Levi Plank, the man's she's waited to marry, demand she forget the nonsense. Meanwhile, her younger sister Martha has taken a fancy to Levi and sees her sister's controversy as a perfect distraction for turning Levi's head.

In a dream, the angel tells Judith she must choose her path. As her faith continues to grow, so do her feelings for Andrew. Will she continue to place her hope in the angel's message, even if it means losing all she knows and loves?

Judith is good with entertaining children with stories.  When her younger brother, Samuel, has an accident at a barn raising, he becomes paralyzed and is told that he will never walk again.  Judith sees an angel who tells her differently.  When she starts talking about it with Levi, Andrew and her family and everyone does not believe her and is convinced that she is making up more stories again.  The bishop becomes involved and it may affect her as a member of the community.

I felt that this was a heart warming story!  My friends over on Good Reads have been commenting about wanting to slap Levi and I was dying to know why!  I now know and I totally agree with them!  With that aside, Judith discovers a friendship with Andrew that was never there as he is the only one who believes her.  I enjoyed this book and I am looking forward to reading more from Ruth Reid in the future!

Ecru Ribbed Dishcloths

Okay, here are the last of the three colors in the ribbed dishcloth pattern:

I just LOVE this pattern (as you can tell)!  It is so easy to memorize and I can get one completed in about a day!  I think my personal stash of dishcloths is pretty full for right now.

Supplies:
Pattern: Dishcloth - Ribbed
Yarn: Lily's Sugar N' Cream #18004 - Ecru
Needles: US 7 on 24" Cables