Friday, August 1, 2014

Lined Crocodile Stitch Purse

I just had to share with you my newest project that I love! My crocodile stitch purse!  
It is difficult for me to follow patterns without deviating at least a bit; so this time I decided I'd create one on my own.

Such a CUTE bag! And a joy to make! 
With a stylish white "scale" ~  it gives the stitch even more definition.

This bag is about 9x6" created with dark green medium weight yarn and lined with a light-weight cotton. Strap is about an inch wide by about 18-20" long. One button closure that is the same color as the yarn. See the photos for details. (Crocodile stitch is only on the flap of the bag.)


It does close by itself, but I added a button to help secure it more. Made to order in almost any available color you request.
Would you like one in a different color and/or size? Just add your desired color and/or size preference to the comment section of the order form. Order today! Would make a wonderful and unique gift!
It will be ready to ship in about 5-days. Order today through my Etsy shop page. Cost is $38.50 plus $8.00 shipping by Priority Mail. But get free shipping when using this code on any order over $30, when ordering through Etsy!  FREESHIPPING2014

Friday, July 25, 2014

Take It All Off!

Five things you can do to protect your dog.

By Nancy Kerns

I was pretty traumatized recently by a phenomenon I had heard about many times but had never before seen: the intense, chaotic, life-or-death struggle that ensues when one dog gets his jaw stuck in another dog’s collar.
Continued...

Here are five things you can do to keep your dog safe when he’s playing with other dogs.
1. Play Naked! Remove your dog’s collar or harness. A harness may not present the same choking hazard as a collar if another dog got tangled in it, but on the other hand, a harness has many more straps to get caught in.
2. Use a Collar With a Quick-Release Buckle. If you’re nervous about having your dog naked (and without ID), use a collar with a buckle that can be released even under tension. Another option is a safety breakaway collar, such as Premier Pet Product’s KeepSafe Break-Away Collar (see premierpet.com or call 800-933-5595).
3. Don’t Allow Your Dog to Play With Dogs Who Are Wearing Gear. At times, this may mean your dog won’t be able to play at a dog park, because it’s nearly impossible to get everyone to comply with sensible rules at a dog park. If I had a young dog who really liked wrestling and mouthing other dogs, I just wouldn’t take him to a dog park that was crowded with collar- and harness-wearing dogs. Not after what I saw.
4. Spread The Word. I’m now telling every dog owner I know about the way, the truth, and the light. Many people have never considered this potential hazard and may be open to hearing about how they can prevent a tragedy happening to their dogs.
5. Keep Something Sharp Handy. This is quite a long shot – and yet, I now know a young woman who saved two dogs’ lives with sharp scissors. I now have a box cutter in my car, and another one on a shelf near my office door. I hope to never witness this again, but I feel a little better knowing that there would be more I could do to help.

Friday, July 18, 2014

How to Calculate How Much Yarn You Need

Once again I found an interesting topic for you from The Crochet Crowd




Figuring out the amount of yarn you need when you are forced to do a yarn substitution is much easier than you realize. Grab that trust old calculator and let’s figure out the math.  Continued...