My Awesome Xmas Hot Pad Parcel...

I've had a hard time getting online recently, so I am a bit late in getting this posted, but I'm finally taking the time to get his out here for all to see.  My swap partner, Jennifer, sent me some beautiful items.  WOW is all I can say, and a HUGE thank you!  Jennifer does beautiful crochet...just look at the hot pads she made for me, including a gorgeous doily!  Not only that, but she sent me some really nice yarn, note pads, stitch markers, necklace & matching earrings, candles and dishcloths pattern booklet.  I definitely got spoiled with some VERY NICE things!  Thanks again Jennifer!  This swap has been a lot of fun!

Thank You Mary Kay

I have had this package for a week, but the weather has been so dreary that there was no way to post a worthy set of pictures that would do justice to the kindness of Mary Kay. Just look at all the goodies. I love my potholder very much, Mary Kay. It is currently sitting prettily under the trifle bowl on kitchen island. I love how I can use either side, the colors are perfect, and I feel so special. Apparently MaryKay thought I could use a little spoiling as well. She made soap! It smells delicious and it came in its own specially made gift bag. Oh, Mary Kay, the time you have put in just for me. Thank you.


Mary Kay has been a snoopy little thing on my blog and discovered I like coffee and chocolate and I know what the word groovy means! Ha! We were laughing just the other day as our fifteen year old told a story about her teacher at school exclaiming, "Right on!" She had no idea what the teacher meant. We get it. The beans are from a coffee shop, Groovy Grounds, that Mar Kay visits each Friday for friendship and crochet.


I love the cotton yarn. What a great color and it matched perfectly with the vintage apron she chose just for me! Oh how I love aprons. The apron is from Mary Kay's sister-in-law's vintage clothing shop in St. Paul, MN. How cool is that?


It is clear that Mary Kay is a very special woman. She included a pattern for the Loving Georgia Lee Tyler Hat - I have linked the pattern for you. Mary Kay makes these hats and donates to the cancer treatment center. I feel absolutely spoiled, Mary Kay. You have been a dream partner and have shared so much of yourself in this precious gift. Thank you.

I just popped your in the mail so look for it. I just had to add one more goody, sorry for the delay. I hope you like it. The girls oooed and awwwed and grumped about me sending it off to someone they don't know. Silly girls.

~Kelly

Dishcloths, Hot Pads and Washcloths

I'm hooked on crocheting dishcloths, hot pads and washcloths! They are quick to work up, I love working with the cotton yarn, and they make great gifts! I also love using them in my own home... Ever since receiving my very first hand knitted dishcloth from Sara in the Kitchen Swap 2009 this past spring, I haven't gone back to store-bought dishcloths!
Pattern names, instructions/where to find, and who designed them:

• Springtime Triangles Dishcloth - Pattern Designed By: Renata Russell
• Lily Sugar'N Cream Daisy Pot Holders to Crochet - Pattern Designed By: Unknown
• Pretty Pastels Dishcloth - Pattern Designed By: Eldonna Ewers
• Lily Sugar'N Cream Chrysanthemum Dishcloth to Crochet - Pattern Designed By: Unknown
• Ladder Stitch Crocheted Dishcloth - Pattern Designed By: Brian McGaunn
• Meadowbrook (Round) Washcloth - Pattern Designed By: Unknown

Hand-crocheted dishcloths, washcloths and hot pads / pot holders are great last minute gifts...crochet a few up to keep on hand, or some patterns can even be started and completed in an hour! Crochet up a matching washcloth and face towel for a gift basket and add some handmade soap and bath salts. I just love all the colors and shapes and varieties of the patterns and cotton yarns I'm finding as well.