The Alford Family Blog

Crochet

The Alford Family — Mon, 15 Feb 2010 02:01:00 GMT

So the "blanket from h*ll" has found a new home in the very far reaches of my closet! Well not literally but metophorically. When I started stiching all the pieces together I could not get the thing to line up straight! I un-did what I had stitched three times and then decided that enough was enough. I've kept all the material so perhaps one day when I have built my patience back up I will pull it out again and finish it. I never thought it would be so hard! I've done a number of blankets that I've had to stitch pieces together but this one just pushed me over the edge mentally. So for now Miss Reese will be getting the blanket that matches the layette set I made for her trip home from the hospital. I started it this morning and I'm already about a 1/3 of the way finished. So perhaps by this coming weekend I will have a picture to post of it.

My sis-in-law Tina asked me if I would be interested in doing some photography props. Etsy has some awesome examples here. They're all crocheted props. Tina has taken up photography and trying to make a go of it professionally...you can check out her website here. I love what she does and if Michael and I can ever find the time and money we're going to go for a visit and have some photos done of the two of us one day!.

Anyway, so I attempted a baby cocoon with a little bit of success. I think it's a little to short though so my next attempt I'm going to have to go longer. This one is about 15" long and I think from what I've found out on the internet most are anywhere from 17" - 22" long. So I'll make another attempt shortly after I finish the baby afghan for Reese. Oh and I can't wait to make an attempt on the teddy bears. So my little fingers will probably be aching here shortly!

So much to do.....

The Alford Family — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 04:09:00 GMT

So little time.

I've gotten a little further along on Reese's baby blanket but not a ton. I've got the first row of blocks sewn together but haven't gotten any further. Maybe if I spent more time on my current project and less time on searching the web for new projects I would get something accomplished!

This is the newest pattern that I bought. I've liked several of her things, but just couldn't resist buying the pattern for those bears!!! I'm gonna try to finish the blanket first but can't wait to take a run at the teddy bears soon!

I almost forgot!! Well I was actually waiting on Kari to post the details first....

Kathryn Reese Griffith made her entrance into the world on January 29, 2010. Congrats John & Kari!! You've given me another beautiful niece!! <3 ya!

What a pain in the behind!

The Alford Family — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 02:23:00 GMT

So after I finished my detour project, I got right back to work on this blanket from H*LL! I've finally finished all the panels and I've managed to get the interior borders done. Now that I've spent my evening ironing the pieces so that they would lay flat and I could get an idea of how this was going to work, I'm going to go to bed and try to accomplish more tomorrow. This blanket is insane and at this point it is a strong contendor for making it to the "Things I'll NEVER do again!" list!!!! Kari, you better love me for this one!!

Side tracked...

The Alford Family — Sun, 24 Jan 2010 17:39:00 GMT

So some how Michael got me side tracked last night and I started google-ing mario brothers crochet patterns. For those of you who don't know Michael is a big Mario Brother fan and a big gamer. So anyway I found THIS blog along with the Goomba (the mushrooms from Mario Bros.) crochet pattern. So Michael and I made a trip to Hobby Lobby and purchased what we needed to make the stuffed toy. With Michael's help on the felt part this is my first attempt at making a stuffed toy...

Now Michael has put his order in for his Mario blanket. He's got this wallpaper....

Now I've got to graph it out and see if I'm really good enough to pull this one off. After I finish the baby blanket of course!

Happenings

The Alford Family — Sat, 23 Jan 2010 00:49:00 GMT

Not much has been going on with Michael and I, but my brother and his wife have welcomed a new addition...

Finley Evelyn Crowell
Born 01/21/2010
This is the picture Kory e-mailed yesterday.

Isn't she a cutie!

Michael and I have just been taking it one day at a time. I've been fighting sinus issues, which sucks. But other than Finley we haven't had any excitement around here.

I am working on a new project though. I'm trying my hand at a blanket like no other blanket I've done before. I've got 7 out of 9 panels done and it's going good with those so far, but what I'm worried about are the bears and accents that I have to crochet and then stitch them to the blanket. It's a kit I got from Mary Maxim, I'm excited about it but anxious too.

I'm making it with a pink border, so if it turns out well it will be Reese's baby blanket. Speaking of Reese, Kari is ready to give birth and we're ready to see her too, so I'm praying for another niece in the next week or two!

Saturday

The Alford Family — Sun, 17 Jan 2010 01:38:00 GMT

Kari, John and Trae came down today to get baby Reese's coming home outfit and to hang out with Aunt Klancy for a little while! It was fun, we spent a little time mall shopping and baby shopping. I love shopping for little girls!

Kari thought the coming home outfit for baby Reese looked even better in person then this picture, so that made me feel really good! I can't wait to see little Reese in her outfit!

Sleeping Beauties!

The Alford Family — Fri, 01 Jan 2010 19:59:00 GMT

This is their preferred way of napping! I can't tell you how many times I've found them sleeping like this with Michael holding her like a baby! She is most definately spoiled rotten by him! And to think he didn't even want a dog!

2010 Resolutions

The Alford Family — Fri, 01 Jan 2010 00:48:00 GMT

Change my eating habits (perhaps I’ll work on my exercising next year).

Work on my attitude and try to have a positive outlook.

Manage our finances in the way that works best for us and not feel guilty when I can’t do for others like I would like to. (I’m tired of apartment living and I’m past ready for a house of our own!)

Be a better wife. Don’t get me wrong I’m pretty darn good! But I suppose we could all use some tweaking!

Focus on myself and do what is best for me instead of what is best for everyone else and not feel guilty about it. I’m a giver and it’s time that I try to find a balance because I’m wearing myself out at a very young age by trying to be everything to everyone.

Merry Christmas!!!!

The Alford Family — Fri, 25 Dec 2009 13:40:00 GMT

Visit to Ninny's

The Alford Family — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 02:13:00 GMT

We spent Saturday morning with Michael's grandmother and uncle. We went to put down new flowers at the family gravesites and then we went to lunch. It was a good trip and a great way to spend the morning. While we were there Michael's granmother gave him a handmade quilt that his greatgrandmother made. I was blown away when we got home and unfolded it! It is absolutely beautiful!!