How to Crochet a Basic Cup Cozy

My crochet cup cozies are fun and quick to make! I like to use pretty yarns and decorate them with a motif or vintage button(s). Worsted weight yarn in wool or acrylic works best with a 'G' hook.

Chain 28, make sure the chain is straight and join to form a circle, chain 2

1st row: half double crochet(hdc) 28, join front loop only top of chain 2, chain 2

2nd row: double crochet(dc) back loop, dc front loop to total 28, join through both loops of chain 2, chain 2

3rd row: hdc 2, 2 hdc's in next stitch, hdc 12, 2 hdc's in next stitch, hdc 12, join back loop only top of chain 2, chain 2 (30 total)

4th row: dc front loop, dc back loop to total 30, join through both loops of chain 2, chain 2

5th row: hdc 9, 2 hdc's in next stitch, hdc 12, 2 hdc's in next stitch, hdc 7, join front loop only top of chain 2, chain 2 (32)

6th row: dc back loop, dc front loop to total 32, join through both loops of chain 2, chain 2

7th row: hdc 14, 2 hdc in next stitch, hdc 15, 2 hdc's in next stitch,1 hdc, join through back loop only top of chain 2, chain 2 (34)

8th row: dc front loop, dc back loop to total 34, join through both loop of chain w and finish off, weave in ends.

Embellish as desired! Enjoy! These are stretchy and fit a variety of sizes!

A Few Words and Pix on Yarn Bombing

International Yarnbombing day is almost here

June 11th(that also happens to be my dad's 91st birthday.)

Here's the wiki definition:

yarn bombing, yarnbombing, yarnstorming, guerrilla knitting, or graffiti knitting is a type of graffiti or street art that employs colorful displays of knitted or crocheted cloth rather than paint or chalk.

As a textile artist and (seasoned) crocheter yarn bombing intrigues me. But I don't really think it's anything new. It really reminds me of what I'd like to call 'domestic yarn bombing'. It's been going on for generations. I'm thinking of the doll turned toilet paper cozy that adorned the back of my folks' toilet forever. (Apparently these are back in style.) I decided to make my own version in the form of a coffee cup.

In any event, yarn bombing can be as big as the cover for a tank or as small as a flower or as plain as a band on a pole. Domestic yarn bombing is also the use of crochet for impractical purposes, only in the home. Either way, the hope is it yarn bombing will brighten your day.

I'm a Lucky Girl

I've had my online shops for just over a year and it couldn't be more fun! Here I sit at home in my pjs (and today is National Wear Your Pajamas to Work Day) 'working.' I've been looking over past feedback from both shops and I am thankful to have had the privilege to connect with wonderful customers around the world. Besides a passion for my art I learned young the importance of good customer service and it is a joy to serve every day. Sometimes it's as simple as thinking through the golden rule, So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets, Matthew 7:12.

Here's a sampling of favorite feedbacks.

From Cage Free Fibers:

Wow! Quickest ship ever! Bought this for a gift and the receipient received many compliments on the first use!!! Thanks Cage Free! -- Jennifer, Huntington Beach, CA

I LOVE THEM ALL! I CAN'T WAIT TO TAKE THESE HOME AND GIFT THEM! THEY REALLY ARE WORKS OF ART! SO FAST, TOO! -- Patricia, Rockville, MD

Wonderful seller, great communication, quick delivery, and GORGEOUS product. I love the coffee cozy so much I'm going to order more!! -- Doreen, Staten Island, NY

I received your cozies today and I will quickly become your #1 fan! These are beautiful and your work is exquisite! You are very talented. Thank you so very much, I love them and the recipients I give them to will as well. -- Debbie, Corona, CA

Love your cozies, can´t have enough of them :-))) -- Daniele, Austria

I am so happy with my purchased item, beautiful! Plus a special gift for being a 200 customer, amazing kindness. Would strongly recommend this site to others, the items are beautiful and quick, friendly service. What more can I say, but Thank you. Will be back! -- Sandra, UK

From Grandmas Ceder Chest:

This set is OUT OF THIS WORLD!!! Probably the nicest Etsian ever, I can't believe how great this outfit is. I hope to buy more from this seller soon! -- Bailee, Oak Harbor, WA

A beautiful girl was telling me how much she liked this jacket. She was very bummed out when it sold before she could buy it. I surprised her with it and she loved it! Thanks! -- Jake, South Carolina

Excellent Seller! Fast delivery and nice quality of product. A++++,Thank you very much for your detailed explanation about the product.Thank you for ur kindness!!And Thank you for ur letter!! -- Miho, Japan

Such a beautiful dress and I am honored to have it. I will give it many years of love and care, please let your mom know and tell her thank you so very much! I am so happy and proud to have these dresses. Love-Jenn xoxoxo -- Jennifer, West Seneca, NY

Great seller. Even more gorgeous than I expected!! Thank you so much. -- Melise, Brooklyn

Thanks to all my wonderful customers who make what I do such a pleasure and especially thank You, Heavenly Father, for blessing me with loving people in my life and the many opportunities to give back.

Dilly Bread

I think bread baking should be done in the morning. I hadn't baked bread in quite some time, but want to get back into it. It can be the freshest, healthiest way to eat it. I decided to take an old family favorite and put a healthier spin on it. We've always loved my mom's dilly bread, so here it is followed by my healthier changes:

1 package yeast

1/4 cup warm water

1 cup cottage cheese, heated to lukewarm

1 tablespoons sugar

1 tablespoon minced onion

1 tablespoon dill seed

1 teaspoon salt

1 egg

2 1/2 to 4 cups flour

Soften yeast in water. In mixing bowl, combine cottage cheese, sugar, onion, dill seed, salt and egg. Add yeast. Add enought flour to form still dough. Knead about 15 minutes. Let rise in warm place until light and doubled in size (50 to 60 minutes). Sir down and let rise a second time. Grease and flour loaf pan or pans. Shape into loaf or loaves and place in pan(s). Bake at 350 degrees for 40 to 50 minutes until golden brown. Brush with soft butter.

So I used organic whole wheat flour and some organic milled flax seed and I brushed it with olive oil. It's not as light as the original recipe, but that is to be expected. It is yummy! I think it made a pretty, rustic loaf and I will do it again. I took some of the dough and made 2 hot dog buns for Jim and I to have for supper. So tonight slaw dogs on whole wheat dilly buns!

Song From Mom

Mothers' Day is nearing. Sears is suggesting we buy gifts for all the moms in our life -- sisters, friends, anyone and everyone who has mothered you or your children. It's all about the stuff you get. I'm asking my kids for a different gift -- a little of their time. We're going to hike and have a picnic. I really don't want anything else! I wish I could see my mom! I'm having an orchid corsage sent for her to wear to church Sunday. And we'll talk! We'll leave it at that. I don't know if most moms realize the impact they have on their kids or if most kids are aware of how precious they are to their moms. Let her know Sunday! Let her know every day!

Here's a poem I wrote when my girls were small. Looking at it now I feel fortunate to have had time to spend with them then and even more fortunate that I'll spend time with them this week!

Song From Mom

Is there room for you
In all my clutter?

You shouldn't have to ask!

But when the days busyness clutches me
I neglect my most precious task!

Bring me back my little ones,
To the essence of the day.

And by your side I'll run, I'll dance,
Yes, by your side I'll play!

Linda O'Rourke
April 30, 1992

My New Security Blanket

I had been wanting to make an infinity scarf so I created this one to crochet. It is fun and simple and not only can it be worn in infinite ways, it can also be made with infinite variations and infinite yarn types. I've already done two for me. The black one is so cozy I don't want to take it off.

The first was made with Debbie Bliss Cashmerino DK black (2 skeins) and a G hook
It measures about 5 inches wide and 64 inches around. I crocheted 5 flowers from 100 Flowers to Knit and Crochet by Lesley Stanfield to embellish it.

The second one with Crystal Palace Waikiki Cool Jazz (2 complete skeins) and an F hook . It measures 4 inches wide and 70 inches around.

base - chain 250 to 300, make sure they are straight and slip stitch to 1st stitch

round 1 - SC in each chain and SS to top of 1st SC

round 2 - chain 5 skip 3 and SC in 4th stitch repeat to end of round

round 3 thru 14 (or desired width) - chain 5 and SC in chain 5 space continue crocheting in the round to desired width
3rd to last round chain 3 and SC in space

15th round - 3 SC in space, 1 SC in SC to end and SS to top of 1st stitch

16th round - chain 1,* DC, SS , DC, SS, in 1st stitch, SS, in 2nd stitch continue to end and SS to first chain

finishing attach to base row chain 1, DC, SS, DC, SS*, in 1st stitch, SS, in 2nd stitch continue to end and SS to first

embellish as desired

You are welcome to use these directions, it's the first time I've tried to write out my own, so I apologize for any mistakes or other sloppiness. Let me know about any glaring mistakes. I would love to see other peoples creations with it.

Also, let me know if I can make you a security blanket scarf of your own. You can make requests on my etsy. Prices will vary depending on yarn and size.

And The Beat Goes On

It's hard to believe I wrote Kroger Karaoke 15 years ago. There are some changes, updates if you will. First, my oldest daughter now has a bachelor's in Piano performance, who'd a thought. Next, she has broodened my love of music to include country and even opera. But the biggest thing probably came not long after we moved to the northwest from Georgia some 12 years ago.

I went to my new favorite grocery store, Fred Meyer, and there he was in the snack isle singing his heart out. He was not singing to the piped in music, no, he was singing hymns and he sounded pretty good.

I can't tell you how good it made me feel. Just a little less homesick for Georgia, a little refreshed. It made the world a little smaller. I thank God that there are people everywhere who are not afraid to praise God and share His love.

Kroger Karaoke

I love music. I thought everyone did, but I guess there are varying degrees of affection. Only some of us have a true passion for music. I know there are varying degrees of skill involved with us ‘lovers of music.’ I have a mediocre voice and can pick out songs on the piano with one finger. I don’t love music any less because I lack skill. There is an employee at Kroger who shares my passion for music.

The mention of grocery store music brings back memories of much younger days. I was a child and what I heard at the grocery store was old people’s music. Now I am older and I like much of that piped in music. It’s James Taylor, John Denver, Cat Stevens, lots of my old favorites. No more Guy Lombardo. Now my music is old people’s music. I am getting old. I do like a variety of music, everything from classical to jazz to pop. However, I have no passion for country, heavy metal or opera.

Well, as I have hummed my way up and down the isles of Kroger listening to old favorites, I’ve passed my fellow ‘lover of music’ on more that one occasion. He’s busy stocking the shelves with Fruit Loops and Lucky Charms while belting out those old tunes at the top of his voice. He has a mediocre voice, too, more volume than me, nonetheless.

One day he sang a whole song one phrase ahead of the music. I think it was I Can’t Get No Satisfaction. Or maybe a Beach Boys song, I really can’t remember. Anyway, he knew it well, word for word, one line ahead of the piped in musicians. You know you just can’t get good entertainment like that at all the grocery stores.

In fact, I walked into Piggly Wiggly the other day and saw what could possibly been my music lover’s brother. They looked that much alike to me. And he wasn’t humming. He wasn’t even smiling.

His brother always smiles. He may not sing well, but he smiles! That may be the essence of what I like most about music. The pleasure it brings. From a smile on a grocery worker’s face, to a giggle from me, to that joy that comes from praising God through song. Music is the most natural way to worship our Lord. We can praise Him in church, in the car and even in Kroger.

Linda O’Rourke
February 16, 1995