Found beautiful giveaways

Click on the picture to go over to the giveaway for this beautiful sachet pillow

And another beautiful giveaway!

wow more!

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FO Friday 27/01/12

I'd like to say a big hello FO Friday

Negative: Still got my viral throat infection

Positive: I've been given numbing spray so I can eat without being in pain

The best ever positive: I got the most fantastic parcel delivered to my house!

During December Kathryn at:

http://www.crochetconcupiscence.com/

Had 31 fantastic giveaways!

I was lucky enough to win 3 of them!!!!!

If you haven't visited the site please do it is a fantastic site that offers so much!

One of the prizes was supplied by BearyAnn www.prayerfullyhandmade.com

I was feeling a bit down after having my throat infection for so long

The fatigue has really kicked in and the house looks like a bomb has hit it.

Then I saw a van park up outside my house!

If I had the energy I would of jumped up and down.

I was so excited opening up the box and it was even better when I opened it up.

The bag is fantastic, I love the tapemeasure handles

Looking inside was better than Christmas

Fantastic books and magazines

Beautiful yarn and more books :-)

More beautiful yarn!

and a cute little tape measure

I just don't know what I am going to make with all this yarn and which book to choose something from first :-)

Back to FO Friday:

Here is the secret image finished :-)

My five year old son wanted me to make a bag for his girlfriend

It's his first ever girlfriend so who am I to say no.

If they don't stay together to Valentines day I know of a couple

of other little girls who would love this bag.

I used a Tunisian Crochet knit and purl stitch

I don't think it's too bad for my first go

Please go and see the other things that have been made by other fantastic crafters;

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WIP Wednesday 25/01/12

Happy WIP Wednesday everyone.

How is your day going.

Negative: I still have my throat infection & it's got a lot worse

Positive: I've just got out of a really relaxing bath

My son has his first girlfriend

I love Tunisian crochet

My new bamboo knitting and Tunisian crochet needles have arrived

My son if going to craft club after school so I get an extra hour of peace :-)

This is a sneak peak of something I have finished,

you'll have to come back on Friday to see what it is :-)

My Tunisian cowl.  I am making it out of fantastic chunky wool

I've made a couple of mistakes but I love it.  It is going to be soooo warm.

I haven't used a pattern I'm just making it up as I go along.

My blanket is coming along nicely.

I didn't buy as much yarn as I thought I was going to from Lidl but I still bought 4 packs of wool for my stash.  I think I need to make more to clear some of my stash ;-)

I haven't made anything today as it has been a day of rest and recuperation.

Hopefully this infection will clear up soon and if not I'll just have to spend more time resting and maybe more time crocheting.

Isn't it funny how crochet can clear your mind, help your muscles relax and just feel at peace.

Some people think I'm not resting while I crocheting but it is the opposite. 

I don't think about things when I crochet, my mind clears and I relax into the repetitive motion.

I save anything complicated for the days when I'm not suffering from as much brain fuzz.

On the other hand a repetitive pattern can just help you to empty you mind and get rid of that stress.

I hope you are having a fantastic Wednesday.

Please pop by to Tami's WIP Wednesday and look at some of the other fantastic things that are being made.

Also check out:

http://frontierdreams.blogspot.com/2012/01/keep-calm-craft-on-crafting-on.html

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Valentine Headband/Earwarmer & thoughts on CFS

Better pictures and free pattern to follow but wanted to show you what it's looking like:

I enjoyed making this headband.  It didn't take long to make and spent the rest of the day resting.  I decided to keep to my Valentine theme and give it a shell edge as well as the heart.

I'm thinking of making myself a cowl next, just depends on how I'm feeling :-? 

This throat infection doesn't seem to want to shift.

As soon as hubby is back from walking the dog I'm off to bed.

It will probably be later on in the week before I get chance to post the pattern.

I have just had a conversation with a friend and it has me thinking:

Why do you crochet and if you sell you things why do you do it?

I'm going to have a rant now so if you aren't interested don't worry I don't mind if you don't read it :-)

I started to crochet because I lost all the sensation in my hands for 5 days and only had pins and needles.  I also suffer from CFS (Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, also known as M.E.)

as part of this condition I have to take rest breaks regularly.  

When my condition started to get worse and I had to rest more I used to get depressed about the state of the house. I used to get depressed because I felt useless. I would spend many an afternoon crying for the most stupid of reasons.

Since starting to crochet I don't get the pins and needles as much in my hands and arms.  Don't get me wrong I still suffer from it, just not as much.  I do still suffer with the problems in my legs and feet.  I have been tested and I have lost some of the nerve function in my arms and hands but at least I can still crochet at the moment.  I'm due to go for another appointment at the hospital to find out just how bad the damage is and to see if they can diagnose the reason for the nerve damage but the specialist doesn't hold out much hope.

When I rest I used to think a lot and cry a lot, crocheting stopped that. Crochet takes my mind off everything and helps me to relax completely. Don't get me wrong I can't do it all the time, I just spend a couple of hours maximum enjoying my time crocheting on the days where I can.  Some days I am not capable and some days I am.

Some days when I am ill it's the only thing that takes my mind off the pain. 

I sell some of the things I make so that I can afford to buy yarn, patterns etc.  I don't make a profit I just do it so that I can afford to carry on making things.

I am moving over more to writing patterns as this means I get to make things but I only need to make them once to start selling the pattern.  I don't know what the future holds and if my dreams will come try but you don't know if you don't try.

I have set-up websites etc but that is just me, if you are going to do something do your best :-)

I also have my own website as the costs involved with going through other sites were just too great for me to be able to afford it.

Through this blog/website/facebook/twitter I have found some fantastic online help/support & friendship.  each comment I have received has boosted my confidence and mood greatly!

It's funny people see me everyday and see me trying to carry on with as normal life as possible but they are dealing with all the pain, illnesses and issues.  I try to act normal and be as happy as possible because no one wants to hear about my health everyday, it bores me at times! 

Today I am a bit down but that's due to a lack of sleep last night because my throat was so sore.

Next time you hear someone has CFS or ME don't judge them on what you think they have an haven't got judge them on the awful symptoms they are suffering which you can't see.

Just for info I have listed below the symptoms I am suffering from at the moment:

• Prone to catching viruses, especially upper respiratory and viral infections. There hasn't been a month this year when I haven't had an infection.  My infection are lasting approx 5 weeks at least.
• Pins and needles in hands & arms (from just below the elbow) and in my legs & feet (from just below the knee) - I still walk normally and type and write normally because I have the pain a lot so you just get used to getting on with things even with the pain.
• Balance control - I can't count the amount of bruises I have at the moment and also fall and break things a lot more.
• Pain - I suffer from join and muscle pain, the more fatigued I get the worse I get.
• Migraines - Medication doesn't help much so have to take very strong medication if I am really bad.  When I have a migraine I react to smells, light, sounds and movement.  I have to take a lot of medication and then go to bed for hours till I am in a state where I can move without screaming in pain and vomiting.
• IBS - Not even child birth comes close to the pain when I get a really bad attack.  I have ended up in A & E a number of times as I can't get the medication to stay down to stop the spasms in my stomach.
• Sleep - I can't get into a deep sleep without medication. If I don't take my medication I wake a lot more during the night and when I am asleep I dream all night so wake up worse off.
• Night Sweats - Hate these, I can wake up to 3 times a night at least on the worst nights dripping in sweat and shivering because I am so cold.
• Unable to control temperature - If I get too hot it can take up to 3 hours for me to feel like I've cooled down.  In this time I still have a bright red face and am dripping in sweat (I never really sweated until I got this condition so it came as a shock).  No matter what the temp is of a room I can feel either really hot or really cold and it will take a long time before I feel a normal temperature again.
• Memory - my short term memory is shot.  I write lists and carry a diary but I forget the lists or forget to put things in my diary - go figure.  If my fatigue is really bad I forget words & names & times of day.  I say the wrong word i.e. I'll ask for a square instead of a packet of crisps.
• Brain Fuzz - When I am at my worst it feels like I can feel the sensation of brain fuzz.  I struggle to hold conversations and in shops I can't take the figure that I owe, look at my cash and figure out what money to give.  I usually pay by card when I think this may happen as I hate it when I give the wrong money in the shop.  I have done it a number of times in our local corner shop.
• Fatigue - I know I don't get fatigue as bad as some other people but I have always made a promise to myself.  No matter how bad I feel I still make myself get up out of bed.  I might sit on the couch all day but I have to get out of bed. If you've ever had fatigue then you know it's not just being tired.  Even opening and closing your eyelids feels like you are running a marathon.
• Depression - I'm not perfect and don't have this all under control, something can knock me sideways and put me back.  The big thing that has helped here is the crochet.  When I finish a project it makes me feel sooo happy.  If I get a compliment it makes me feel like I am cloud nine.  I still have bad days and even now I still feel like crying at some things and hiding in my bedroom.  Somedays I don't want to leave the house and I don't want anyone to visit but I work through those days and put a happy face on for the world.  I feel it's ok to break down when I get home on these days.
• Concentration - I can't watch some of the programs I used to watch, especially if they involve emotions.  I can't always read a book and I can't always crochet. I just can't always follow things and I get angry, frustrated and just give up when I am like that.
• Noise - If I'm having a bad day I hate noise.  it tires me out soooo quick.  I love sitting in silent rooms.  Not good when you work on the phones all day!
• I can't have anything with any sugar substitutes in, I am really ill if I do.  I also can't have dairy in the morning and probably shouldn't have it at all.
• Alcohol - doesn't bother me cause I can't drink anymore, medication made sure I'll never drink again.
• Weight - This is one of the things that bothers me the most.  I used to be a maximum of 8 stone, used to be!  I now don't even weigh myself because it just upsets me! I know I am at least 4 stone heavy than that.  

My Life, my husbands life and my sons life have all been different due to my condition.  I can't plan a night out anymore, not unless I have the next week to try and recover!

This isn't a feel sorry for me rant.  I have a condition I am luckier than most. 

I am thankful for every good day I have.

I just want everyone to think the next time you see someone don't take them at face value.

Sue

x

P.S. I promise not to rant like this again. I just wanted others to understand what some people are struggling with.

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Pattern Testers

I am looking for some pattern testers.

I am looking for 2 testers for each pattern

You can choose which pattern you would like to test.

You will have to supply your own yarn but you will get a copy of the finished pattern for your use.

You can use what ever colour you have available.

I want testers that are willing to say if anything is confusing or the pattern doesn't work.

All constructive criticism welcome.

The yarn is double knit which I think the equivalent is worsted yarn 3 or 4.

The pattern is in U.S. crochet terms.

Panda Hat Newborn-12months. You choose which size you prefer to make

Lion Hat 3yrs+  (I find the hat stretches to adult size)

Sew on Googly eyes required or you can design your own eyes

Lion Scarf

Cat Bib

Sew on Googly eyes required or you can design your own eyes

Approx. once a month I will post patterns that need testing.

So keep looking out for them.

I will also hopefully have a free pattern coming soon!

Watch This Space :-)

Details

I supply you the pattern:- a pdf pattern by email

You make it with your own yarn

You advise me of any queries/problems/mistakes

When you have finished you supply me with a picture of what you have made

I post the picture on the blog so people can see your wonderful work

I supply you with the altered pattern for your own use.

If you are a tester of my pattern can you please follow this blog or like my business on facebook.

Thanks

Just a note I supply the pattern for your use only but I don't mind if you sell the items that you make

Please if you do make the items for sale give credit to me as the designer :-)

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For the history books ;-)

I know I've already posted today but I wanted to record this for history :-)

My son Little Red has his first girlfriend.

He didn't tell me as he was all shy about it and said it was secret.  Instead he told D my husband when he was getting him changed after swimming.

It's just too sweet, he is only 5 years old :-)

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FO Friday 20/01/12

Yeah it's Finished Off Friday!

:-)

My negative positive for today is:

Negative:  Been ill this week and struggling to crochet at times

Positive:  I have time to relax, soak in the bath and think of new ideas

I always love having new ideas in my head.  Just wish I had more hands so I could make them quicker.

I've got a number of FOs as I've been making things for Valentines Day:

My Valentine Kindle Cover

I wanted to soften the top off so instead of doing a straight finish I decided the shell stitch would work better.

So many people are buying kindles that I thought it would be a nice cover to make.

I do love my hats :-)

I may even take a picture of me wearing this one as it looks really good on.

I think I'm creating my theme for Valentines.  I love the colours and I think the shell stitch gives a soft romantic edge.  Of course as it's valentines it needs a heart.

A mug cosy.  I'm going to take a better picture (if it ever brightens up)

A coffee cosy.

I have also made my first charity hat.  I wanted to make a basic beanie so that I can make more quicker and then everyone gets one similar.  I have chosen a bright orange to start as I wanted to combat the dull at the moment with something bright.

To my excitement I have started learning Tunisian crochet

I wanted something basic to start with so I decided to make my son a cowl

My son loves it which is the most important thing.  This should be the inside of the cowl but my son loved the texture of it and wanted it as the front instead.  I love the way it looks like knitting but it's just as fast and easy as crochet :-)

I also made him a hat and mittens to match.  The mittens were meant to be fingerless but Little Red want them to have ends on that he could open if he wanted to

last but least here is my little man wearing his new set.  He is wearing his pjs as he wanted to wear them as soon as he got up this morning.

I hope you've enjoyed all my FOs

I will be selling my Valentines items on my website:

www.susand1408crochetaddict.co.uk

My website has just been updated

Go over to Tami's to have a look at some other fantastic FOs

And Fiber Arts Friday:

And Creative Friday:

And weekend wrapup party:

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