The Crochet Dress

This dress is got to be the most frustrating. Not the pattern itself (or maybe it is the one with the error?) but the inevitable mistake on my part.

This is the dress I'm attempting to make ...


It's a Vanna White pattern. There is also a matching sweater that I hope to make ... one day
... when I figure out the dress!


The first time I took it apart because it was too big and the sides were getting wider and wider as I went up.

Then I started it again but after a few rows gave up and put it away and when I picked it up again the guage was off from when I had started.

The THIRD TIME I picked it up I was at a course and wasn't focusing on measuring the actual length. As a result I have ended up with this ...

I thought I might be able to continue and make it for myself. But, sadly (or a good thing??), it's even too big on me!



See the measurement? It's supposed to measure 26 inches TOTAL. Not for half!





So now for the frog stage (rippit, rippit!). I'm going to be sad doing it but I am also more than determined to finish it and get it right. And it should only take a day or so now that it's going to be HALF the size it is now!!

I should say a thank you to my husband who, when I showed it to him asked which way was length/width and when I told him laughed at me hysterically pointed out the error of my ways. Wish me luck (and attention!) on my fourth attempt. I'll post the final product WHEN I get it done.

Have you ever had a project that took several failed attempts to get it right? If so, I'd love to hear what the project was and what inspired you to continue through the irritations of failing at first.

Menu Plan Monday ~ November 22-26

Lunch Menu
Monday: Ham Sandwiches, Clementine Oranges, Yogurt
Tuesday: Quiche (see Monday dinner), Toast with Butter, Apple Slices
Wednesday: Macaroni and Cheese, Grapes
Thursday: Deli Meat, Cheese, Toast, Clementine Oranges
Friday: Hot Dogs with Buns, Cheese Slices, Bananas


Dinner Menu
Monday: Easy Bacon and Egg Quiche
Tuesday: Pork Tenderloin
Wednesday: Steak
Thursday: Leftover Buffet
Friday: Pizza Night

Check out other menu plans at Org Junkie.

Wedding Quilt Reveal

I am so thrilled with this quilt that I made for my cousin's wedding on Saturday, November 13th.
Here it is laid out and ready to be sandwiched.

  

I rarely pose for photos on my blog so here is me with the finished product.
I am so pleased with how it turned out. When I chose the fabrics I wanted something that would be gender neutral as I hope the happy married couple will want to use this perhaps as a summer blanket for their bed.

The backing is solid green. Here is a peak at it. I love how the detailing of the top stitching showed exactly how it's supposed to on the back! (Did I mention this is my second quilt so I'm new to this coolness).

And here is another rare shot of my husband and I at the wedding. We literally took this photo and were served up with the first course of an enormous but delicious meal. I was so impressed with how the banquet hall was able to serve over 100 guests and have each meal piping hot. It was heaven.

Blog Parties I'm sharing with ...
Made By You Monday @ Skip to My Lou
Craftastic Monday @ Sew Can Do

Market Yourself Monday @ Sumo's Sweet Stuff
Metamorphasis Monday @ Between Naps on the Porch
Toot Your Horn Tuesday @ A Silly Little Sparrow
Get Your Craft On @ Today's Creative Blog

Menu Plan Monday ~ November 15-19

Lunch Menu

Monday: Bologna and Cheese Sandwiches, Bananas

Tuesday: Potato Leek Soup, Toast with Butter, Apple Slices

Wednesday: Spaghetti Ham Bake (see Tuesday Dinner), Grapes

Thursday: Peanut Butter and Jam Sandwiches, Clementine Oranges

Friday: Hot Dogs with Buns, Cheese Slices, Bananas


Dinner Menu

Monday: Ham, Squash, Salad

Tuesday: Spaghetti Ham Bake (using up leftover ham. Thanks to Org Junkie for this one!), Salad

Wednesday: Hamburgers, French Fries

Thursday: Chicken Caesar Wraps

Friday: Pizza Night

Check out other menu plans at Org Junkie.

Halloween Decorations & New Buffet!

I kept meaning to post this but was waiting for the opportunity to take photos without the children around. They are busy doing other stuff so I took a moment to share the Halloween decorations and my new buffet!

I was a little late going to the Dollar Store this year to purchase some Halloween display items but when I did I was pleased with my purchases.

Originally I was going to decorate the top of my kitchen cabinets but, due to the lateness of this project, I decided to put them on top of our dining room temporary buffet.

And some on the dining room table (see also the homemade place mats decorated by the kids!).



And on top of the stereo we needed a squeaky black rat with creepy red eyes.



And then we got this beauty. I love having a buffet with a nice wide and long surface. Oh! The things I can do to decorate for the holidays now ~ especially since there is no fireplace mantel to play around with.

See how un-squishy the display looks now?

After I took these photos I took down the Halloween decorations and am planning to get my Christmas "mantel" planned. I can hardly wait!

Halloween Trick or Treating

This year is a great year for holidays. The children are old enough to appreciate them and participate. I also have been organized and have prepared for them so that I am not stressed.

To celebrate Halloween there were a few days of interest I'd like to share with you.





The boys (Travis is in the middle, C is on the right) and I walked Ava to the bus stop. She was to dress up for her junior kindergarten's Halloween party (she's Cinderella if you can't tell from the bit of dress peeking out from under her coat).

As they were posing for the photo a big gust of wind blew their fireman hats down the street.

This was, of course, hilarious to all. "Did you see that?" Ava asks us all seconds later.





While Ava was away at school, myself and a fellow caregiver got all our pre-school age friends dressed up to celebrate.

And here is creating the Jack-O-Lantern with our secret tool!

And now some random photos of the trick-or-treaters ...

See the final results of the pumpkin carving with the secret tool?

Menu Plan Monday

Lunch Menu
Monday: Deli Meat, Cheese, Bread, Apple Slices

Tuesday: Chicken & Broccoli Crescent Wreath, Oranges

Wednesday: Hot Dogs with Buns, Cheese Slices, Bananas
Thursday: Potato Leek Soup, Toast with Butter
Friday: Crock Pot Chilli and Corn Bread Muffins

Dinner Menu
Monday: Chicken & Broccoli Crescent Wreath
Tuesday: Crock Pot Chilli and Corn Bread Muffins
Wednesday: Potato Leek Soup, Toast with Butter
Thursday: Salmon, French Fries, Salad
Friday: Pizza Night

Check out other menu plans at Org Junkie.