What Shall We Give?
A Chocolatey Christmas
It is a well-known and highly documented fact…
that the best kind of friend in the world…
sends…
you…
CHOCOLATE!!
For big occasions…
for little occasions…
and better yet, no occasion at all.
My wish for you this holiday season–is love, hope, rock & roll and a big box of chocolate under your tree…
after that…
world peace is a given.
Handmade Christmas Gifts
Browsing around as some of us do…ahem…I’ve stumbled upon some really clever gift ideas–some of them quick and some are more involved. It’s always more fun to work them up myself and show you–but sometimes imitating the cleverness of others would be like re-inventing the wheel…or the Cheeto.
And you know how I feel about Cheetoes.
This creative planet just goes on and on…
Adorable “Crayon Roll” at Skip To My Lou.
“Easiest-Ever Baby Headband“ at Hooked on Crochet
“Simmering Pot Recipes” at Fragrant Home
“Covered Clipboards” right here at Gracious Rain -shameless plug
“Alien Abduction Lamp” at Dollar Store Crafts
“Monster Repellent” at Little Birdie Secrets
“Personal History Prompt Jar” at Gracious Rain- 2nd shameless plug
“Needle Book” at Nini Makes
There now…something for anyone and everyone.
Go forth…
Create.
Christmas Dolls
Did you have a favorite Christmas doll when you were young? Do you still remember when you first saw it under the Christmas tree?
Some of the memories of Christmas morning are so vivid to me that I swear I can still smell that new plastic whenever I see the pictures.
Oh, I remember the tinsel sparkling in the darkness as we tiptoed into the front room–long before we were suppose to. There seemed to be a tangible feeling of fresh magic just moments after Santa had left, enough magic in fact to make two covert children feel positively sick and shaky with excitement.
Then, finally, finally–when we were officially allowed to get up and the lights were turned on—oh…it took our breath away. Complete enchantment!
And even though I am many decades away from those days–I still have many Christmas morning reminders around me.
For years I kept some of my favorite dolls–from ancient days–in boxes in the basement or garage, never quite willing to give them away or give them up.
So a couple of years ago, I thought about those dolls and how rotten it must be for them to be stuffed away in those boxes. Don’t get me started on whether or not toys are alive–I’ll take you down.
ANYWAY–I took the dolls out, cleaned them up and now they decorate my room. When I wake up each day it’s like I’m reliving 15 Christmas mornings all scooped up into one.
After all these years, I’ve come to the realization that growing up is highly overrated…and in my case–
entirely unnecessary.
Everybody’s Slippers
Here it is—“the” pattern. The reason it is called “everybody’s slippers” is because you really can adjust the size to work for babies, children and grown-ups pretty simply.
As you can see, I’ve made them for everything that walks on two legs at this place. My friend Lynnette has asked for the pattern since last year and I guess I’m about ready to try my hand at writing it all down. The pattern I’m sharing will be for a woman’s slipper. Be kind–I’m new in these parts.
If something is unclear–please email me.
Here goes…
I”m using Peaches and Cream 100% cotton–it isn’t as sturdy as wool, but I like the feel better. Choose the yarn you like most against your skin–that will be the best. I use an “I” or “J” hook.
Womens’ Slippers
Chain 29.
Row 1: Single crochet (SC) in 4th chain from hook and in each stitch across. Chain 4 at the end of row and turn.
Row 2-13: SC in back side of each stitch across. Chain 4 and turn (the chain 4 will make a small loop at the end of each of these rows).
Row 14-18: Double Crochet (DC) in each stitch across. Chain 3 and turn.
Row 19: Decrease–Insert hook into next st and draw up a loop–four times. Yarn over and draw through all loops on hook–for toe.
Row 20: Decrease this row by drawing up a loop through remaining stitches as one…
Pull stitch through all remaining loops on hook.Fasten off.
With needle and yarn, sew the top part of slipper foot together leaving the ankle area open. Sew up the back of slipper as well. Turn slipper right side out.
Chain two 65 stitch “laces” and thread them through the loops at the top of the ankle area of slipper.
Tie in a bow.
These slippers make wonderful Christmas presents and can be made to fit any foot just by increasing or decreasing the starting chain and making more or less rows to fit the individual foot.
Good luck!.
Oh, and in case you didn’t know–today is National Donut Day.
Take the appropriate precautions.
——————-
Womens’ Slippers
Chain 29.
Row 1: Single crochet (SC) in 4th chain from hook and in each stitch across. Chain 4 at the end of row and turn.
Row 2-13: SC in back side of each stitch across. Chain 4 and turn (the chain 4 will make a small loop at the end of each of these rows).
Row 14-18: Double Crochet (DC) in each stitch across. Chain 3 and turn.
Row 19: Decrease–Insert hook into next st and draw up a loop–four times. Yarn over and draw through all loops on hook–for toe.
Row 20: Decrease this row by drawing up a loop through remaining stitches as one…
Pull stitch through all remaining loops on hook.Fasten off.
With needle and yarn, sew the top part of slipper foot together leaving the ankle area open. Sew up the back of slipper as well. Turn slipper right side out.
Chain two 65 stitch “laces” and thread them through the loops at the top of the ankle area of slipper.
Tie in a bow.
These slippers make wonderful Christmas presents and can be made to fit any foot just by increasing or decreasing the starting chain and making more or less rows to fit the individual foot.
