The Legend of the Candy Cane

According to legend there was a candy maker who wanted to invent a candy that was a witness to Christ.

First of all, he used a hard candy because Christ is the rock of ages. This hard candy was shaped so that it would resemble a "J" for Jesus or, turned upside down, a shepherd's staff. He made it white to represent the purity of Christ.

Finally a red stripe was added to represent the blood Christ shed for the sins of the world, and thinner red stripes for the stripes He received on our behalf when the Roman soldiers whipped Him. Sometimes a green stripe is added as a reminder that Jesus is a gift from God.

The flavor of the cane is peppermint, which is similar to hyssop. Hyssop is in the mint family and was used in the Old Testament for purification and sacrifice. Jesus is the pure Lamb of God, come to be a sacrifice for the sins of the world.

So, every time you see a candy cane, remember the message of the candy maker:

Jesus is the Christ! 

Happy Thanksgiving

Happy Thanksgiving!

I finished Block 10 of the Brownie Knits Blanket Along. Thank you Gina for a new challenge.  A basic knit and purl pattern that was easy and fun. I'm about halfway through with block 11. I'll show you when it is complete. This year has gone by so fast. I can't believe block 12 and the final construction is only a couple of weeks away!


I was so kindly gifted the Chuncky Ribbed Scoodie by Zoe Deterding. Thank you Amy Gibson for your generous gift. This was an awesome pattern and easily crocheted. I added the simple contrasting edge in white. 

The Simple Scoodie also by Zoe. Less complicated than the basketweave design, it still is a beautiful pattern. I added the shell edging in a buff color.
While I was in the Scoodie mood, I completed

It has been a month of crochet. Maybe that's why the November knit block isn't finished yet. 😉 The next project was the Lace Stripe Ear Warmer.  A quick project that keeps my ears warm. This cute crochet project incorporates the V stitch. The pattern called for a button and button hole. I chose to just join the ends as a regular headband. Not the neatest job I've ever done, but it works!

The latest sewing project is the Bag Minders. Walker and wheelchair safety is extremely important.

 Using both hands is essential.  Trying to hold onto your purse or shopping bag at the same time can be a tricky operation.  The bag minder will secure your bag for a helping hand.  See the demonstration video. 

Bag minders are not just for the walkers or wheelchairs.  Use it as a handle for carrying several bags at once.  Strap a bag to your cart or bicycle handles. You could even use it a plant hanger over tree branches or deck railings.  The set makes a great gift too!

Wishing each and everyone of you a wonderful Thanksgiving and joyous holidays.  In a world full of terror and evil men meaning to do harm, be thankful for all you have.  Hug a love one today and get past the family drama that so easily occurs and threatens to destroy relationships and joy.

Lady Bugs Everywhere!!

Lady Bugs Everywhere!!

Block 8

I finished Block 8 of the Brownie Knits Blanket Along. Thank you Gina for a new challenge.  The fisherman's rib was easy enough once you knew how to work the stitch.  But don't make a mistake!  Three inches into the block I noticed a mistake five stitches ago. Evidently, the fisherman’s rib does not lend itself to tinking back. I became so frustrated I frogged the whole thing and restarted. I tried to use a life line, but that seemed to distort the stitches. Hopefully it will wash and block nicely. 

Block 9

Block 9 and more cables, but this time they seemed much easier.  Perhaps because there was not as many as in Block 5, or because I felt more comfortable.  Whatever the case, I think it turned out lovely. 

Have you tried Periscope or Meerkat yet?  So much fun!  But beware, it can be addicting.  For those who don't know, both Periscope and Meerkat are apps for your phone or tablet.  They are related to Twitter and part of a social media trend of today. Periscope is the new kid and has grown by leaps and bounds.  Because of the unexpected growth, Periscope is having a bit of trouble handling the popularity. Lost connections are common place and frustrating.  But these are overlooked often times because you're having fun.  Both platforms offer a way to communicate with your viewers in real time.  The viewer types in comments, the broadcaster responds.  Meerkat broadcasts can not be replayed without a third party app.  Periscopes are available for replay only for 24 hours. Check them out and test how strong you are not to drop what you're doing when that notification sound whistles at you.  😉

Wheat Scarf

Aside from the Brownie Knits blanket along blocks, I don't have any finished knitted items this month. I do have a scarf that I'm working on called Wheat by TinCanKnits.  It is a simple "learn to knit" project that I use as my car knitting WIP.  The pattern is easy to memorize and easy to knit. 

We continue to explore Tennessee.  Husband's job took him to Signal Mountain.  He took me up there the following weekend to explore. Some very nice homes and very nice views!  We also found the Spaceship House". It looks like a flying saucer, complete with retractable stairs. Sort of reminds me of the Jupiter 2 from Lost in Space. 😱

I have been keeping busy with sewing a couple more project bags, more seat belt pockets, and dpn holders.  I fell in love with some lady bug fabric.  Can you tell?  Everything listed in my Etsy shop is available for immediate shipment, of course, but they are also examples.  Feel free to contact me to customize an item especially for you.  This form may make it easier for you to convey to me what you're looking for in material, prints, size and accessories.