I'm Back!

I haven't posted in years!  Well, I'm back and I hope I can post something crafty at least once a month.  I've done a lot of crocheting and I've taken up machine embroidery.  

Here are a few of the crocheted things I've made.  Visit my Etsy shop here:  Alice Addictions on Etsy

Florida Gator Afghan

I crocheted this afghan for a friend. It took me months to complete because with all those color changes, all those strands of yarn would get knotted up and I would get aggravated and put it away for a day or two or sometimes for a week. You're probably wondering why I bothered to continue to work on it, if it was so aggravating. Even though I was having problems with the yarn getting tangled, I really did enjoy making it. I didn't want to give up because I wanted to see the finished product. I believe it was worth the effort. I have started another one but I have put it away and have been working on other things. I won't give up on this one either. I will eventually get it out and work on it off and on until it is complete and I will probably try to sell it.

I have been trying to come up with a way to manage all those strands of yarn. I had an idea that made it a little better. I put the balls of yarn for sections of the afghan in baggies and then used clothes pins to attach those baggies to the afghan. Then when I flipped it to work back the other way, they wouldn't tangle as bad. I'm wondering if there is a better way to manage all those strands of yarn when you have several color changes within a row. If anyone has any ideas, please post a comment. I would appreciate it.

Little Crocheted Flowers

I love making these cute little crocheted flowers. They can be used to add flair just about anywhere. They can be added to scrapbooking, barrettes, clothing, purses, greeting cards, and anything else you can think of.

Personalized Crocheted Baby Blankets

I've been making personalized crocheted baby blankets for family and friends for the past several years. I have designed the filet crochet patterns in excel spreadsheets. Some of the borders have been borrowed from embroidery patterns. These blankets are a lot of fun to design and make.

Visit my etsy shop at http://alicesaddictions.etsy.com

Having Fun Making Little Dresses

A few weeks ago I was searching for a pattern for my granddaughter and found a blog that offered a pattern for a "Gymboree-style" top. This turned out to be a nice pattern and not too difficult to make. I lengthened the pattern and turned it into a dress. So far I have made 5 dresses for my little cutie.

I'm so glad I found this free pattern at http://fiddlehead.blogspot.com

I'm Retired . . . . maybe

I "retired" after 30 years at the same place and started a new job which lasted nine months before I was layed off. I've been "sort of" looking for a new job but I really wouldn't mind staying home and doing whatever I feel like each day.

I have spent a lot of time crocheting and sewing over the past few months. I've even opened an Etsy shop with some of my crocheted items. So far I have no sales. I'm hoping that will change soon.

Recently, I created my own sewing pattern for a toddler dress from my granddaughter's dress. I must say the dress from that pattern turned out really nice. I am planning to create a tutorial and put it on this blog.

Visit my Etsy shop: www.alicesaddictions.etsy.com