I’d like to make a book for each of our grandkids too. It’s something they can save and show to their kids, when they have some later on.

I’ve been checking out reviews of such programs and found a good one for under $40. But all this will have to wait until I move and get my stuff out of storage so I can scan old photos to put in mom’s book.

1. Decide on how formal your wedding will be. This has an effect on the design and wording of your invitations.

2. Look for do it yourself wedding invitation ideas by searching the web. You can find sites that offer free templates with or without designs and word samples. You can download templates to use as is or you can adapt them to suit your needs. Some sites will only allow you to download free templates if you purchase your wedding stationary from them.

3. Decide on your design or image and the wording that you will use.

4. Pick a font that goes best with the theme and style of your invitations.

5. Buy your stationery, including cards for any enclosures, such as RSVPs, Thank You cards and programs. You can use stationery blanks that are available in a wide variety of sizes and colors. Be sure to buy a few extra in case of a printing mishap.

6. Make sure you have plenty of extra ink cartridges so that you don’t run out in the middle of printing your invitations.

7. Set aside the time to create your invitations and then print them. It shouldn’t take more than a couple of hours to complete them.

8. Before printing all of the invitations, print one copy of each piece on plain paper cut to the sizes of your stationery. Doing this you can make sure that everything is lined up correctly and check for typing errors.

9. Make sure your printer can adjust to the different sizes of your stationary.

10. Get family and friends who have great handwriting to help you address your invitations.

Put the picture in a frame that’s much larger than the picture then use a colored piece of paper as the background then apply stickers, writings, banners, cut-outs and other things to decorate around the picture, across the bottom or top, or down the sides of the photo.

(click for bigger) this is a side view so you can see the pattern of the basket. I used black yarn but the light from my lamp makes it look brown. That pattern is done by alternating 2 front post double crochet with 2 back post double crochet. A single double crochet stitch is done at 3 of the corners. The 4th corner is done by joining the row to the top of the chain 3 beginning stitch of each row.

No I didn’t get the pattern from A New Earth, Awakening to Your Life’s Purpose.. I got the pattern from Annie’s Attic. I joined the club and get a bunch of patterns each month for roughly $6.00 a month. It’s a pretty good deal. I got 8 patterns in my 1st shipment this month.

I didn’t have enough beige/tan yarn to make the basket part so I’m using black for that. I’m about halfway finished and it will probably be done tonight. I think it’s cute. I know cover-ups aren’t for everyone and they usually aren’t for me, but I saw this pattern and thought it was adorable.

Crocheting keeps my hands busy at night while I’m watching TV. It’s better than sitting around doing market research or smoking!

You start with Worsted Weight yarn and a size H/8 crochet hook. Chain 6 and join in 1st chain to make a loop. Chain 3 then double crochet 7 times and join at the top of the chain 3 (8 dc). Next round.. chain 3 double crochet in same space. 2 double crochet in each of the next 7 spaces (16 dc). Join at the top of the chain 3. Next round… chain 3 double crochet in same space. 2 double crochet in each of the next 15 spaces (32 dc). Join at the top of the chain 3. The circle should now be the same size as the bottom of a soda can.

Next round, working in back loops only, chain 3 and double crochet in each space (32 dc). Join at the top of the chain 3. Do the same for the next 6 rounds. You can either finsh it off and leave it plan or you can get a bit fancy and chain 5 skip 3 dc single crochet all around then fasten off. Weave in the loose end.

I hope you enjoyed this crochet project as much as I enjoyed making them.

First the pattern picture:

The pot holder in progress:

The potholders will go quick and easy. I’m half way done with one already. I’ll take some pictures tomorrow when I have more light in here.

The case is sitting on my knitting/crochet box. In that box is the case, yarn needles, patterns and in the bottom lots of yarn and crochet cotton. The can with the hole in the lid was my grandmothers. It holds a ball of yarn. You thread the end though the hole and you don’t have to chase your ball of yarn across the room. My grandmother is the one who taught me to knit and crochet when I was young.

The next picture shows the case open. It gets the top folded over and the sides folded in and is held closed by velcro.

The next picture is a closer one of the slots for the knitting needles and crochet hooks.

I started out knitting years and years ago then I went to crochet. I like crocheting so much better. I always used to crochet and sew Christmas presents for the family. I’m thinking I’m going to get an early start on Christmas presents for this coming Christmas.

So stay tuned for a new feature on this blog! I get to use my “crafts” category! lol