The perfect gift

Tonight the ladies from church are going out to dinner as a farewell party to a Russian exchange student who has been worshipping with us for the last few months.  I really wanted to get her something as a going away present (and of course handmade would be preferred, but not essential)  I also didn't want it to take up much room, because I know space is a premium. Then I remembered this:

I made up a whole bunch of these bookmarks at Christmas time and had one left over!  It is perfect for my new friend who I must say goodbye to!!

Last October my mom had brought me a very similar cross that my great grandmother had made and wondered if I could reproduce it.   The pattern follower that I am, I went in search of a pattern that matched what I saw.  This is very very close and I couldn't be happier with the results.  In case you are interested:

Pattern:  Cross Bookmark

Thread:  I used size 20 I think.  You could use a heavier thread/yarn if you want, but then the bookmark is bigger.  This one is about 3 inches tall.

Hook:  Don't remember really...I would guess a 8 or 9, but whatever size works for you.

Mods: I used two colors and put the tassel at the top....that was how my great grandma did hers.

Christmas in July

When I got married and joined my DH's family there was concern over my Christmas stocking.  The kids in DH's family had granny square crocheted stockings that were clearly well loved over the years.  My MIL is not a crocheter and so there was serious concern that I wouldn't have a matching stocking (I don't recall who made the originals).  I looked at the stocking and thought...I could make that.  I searched for a pattern and none was found, so I just tried to mimic what I saw.  Anyway, I got my stocking done for the family before the next Christmas (mine isn't faded like the others, but it works)  I also thought it would be nice to make a set for our house!  I started them and hadn't finished them.

Recently, I found the almost finished stockings (just needed some seaming, edging, and weaving in of ends)  Of course that is my favorite part!   (must be why they were left unfinished)  I think they have been sitting undone for 4 years, but now they are finished and ready for Christmas 2008!!!

There are 14 granny squares seamed together and a row of double crochet at the top to neaten things up.  The heel and toe take a little thought to assemble correctly, but once I realized that the heel is made by sewing 2 edges of one square to 1 edge of the other is helped.  The yarn...Red Heart (red, white, and green)

My Story:

What did the Lord teach me during brain surgery? (what didn't He teach me?)

1. He is faithful!

2. He grew my faith and I got to live out my faith in a way I never had before!  I would say I no longer had my parents faith, but my own.

3.  We all have a testimony.  It may not always be dramatic in our eyes, but becoming one of His is huge in God's eyes.  We all can and should share how God has worked in our lives.

Recovery went well.  I went back to college after 3 weeks to start the fall semester (not sure how my mom let me go)  I felt fine, but looking back it took about 6 months for me to have energy and really be myself again.  I slept lots. (my body just needed to heal)  My grades suffered at first because I just couldn't remember things, but by the end of the semester my grades were up to their normal standards.  Who would have thought that after brain surgery I could go on to get a Phd?  God is so good.  His plans are perfect!   

So in all this, my boyfriend (of 2.5 years) saw more of the recovery than anyone else (he was at school with me).  From what I hear my personality was affected for awhile...I think a lot of that stemmed from being so tired.  I had always wondered how I could be sure who I was to marry.  It seemed such a daunting decision.  But he stuck through all the hard times and never left me!  He could have, there was no reason to stay.  We knew we loved each other, but....well.... many relationships don't last.....ours did.....now he is my Dear Husband (DH).

4.  I got confirmation about who to marry!   

5.  and so much more!

Contest & FO

Lately I have seen so many people with one type or another of reusable bags that I wanted to make some of my own.  I had a cone of cotton lying around, so I thought this Crocheted Grocery Bag was perfect.  I don't really care to knit with cotton....too hard on the hands.....so this was perfect.  It is about the size of a regular plastic grocery bag, but I think will hold a little bit more because you don't have to worry about it breaking.  So far I've made two and want to try them out before making more because some alterations may be necessary. (yep there is still more cotton on the cone)

Now on to the contest!!!!  I always love when other people do contests (and have won two) that I wanted to do one myself.  But then came the decisions...when? how? prize? oh my?  Then I got it!  

Not my Birthday, not my blogiversary, but an anniversary of a special time in my life! (Thus July 10-26th....I will tell you more details in the coming days) Eight years ago my life changed! I was 19 years old, had just finished my first year of college, (oh no....did I just admit my age) I thought everything was perfect. Until July 10th! Everything was definitely not okay, but God was in control. Okay, okay....on with the contest details....plenty of time for my story later!

Contest:

3 Ways to Enter:
1) Comment on a post dated between July 10-26th (1 comment per post please)
2) Announce my contest on your blog (just let me know that you've done it)
3) Keep your eyes open for a special post that will be worth a double entry!

Prize:
$25 gift certificate to The Loopy Ewe!!!!

(nonknitters are welcome to enter too....I will make sure you get something you like, but a guarantee a Loopy gift certificate will be awarded) I like my stash....so I didn't want to give it away....and this way I know you will get something you like!!!

Why:
So why do a contest....I think they are fun....I want to thank everyone who reads my blog (THANKS!!)....and I hope to find a few new readers too!

So let the contest begin!!!