What to Give in Christmas?

This is a Sponsored Post written by me on behalf of Bidazzled. All opinions are 100% mine.

When people know that you are good in knitting and crocheting, they expect you give something handmade to them. They don't know how much times and efforts that goes into handmade stuffs. Sometimes they even think that handmade stuffs is given because it is cheaper than buying in the store. This is one of the reasons why I don’t give people my handmade stuffs. I only make things for people than really appreciate my creation. As for the rest I normally bought something online.

Recently, I found an online auction market called Bidazzled. Launched in early November, Bidazzled.com is redefining the online auction market by offering savings of up to 90% on name brand merchandise all while funding a lung cancer charity (The Ruch Foundation: www.ruchfoundation.com ).

Commonly called Penny Auctions or Pay-Per-Bid auction sites, bids are purchased in advance and then used to bid on merchandise. The price increases a few cents with each bid placed and a few seconds are added to the countdown clock to give others a chance to bid. The auction ends when no other bids are placed. So if a new laptop ends at just a dollar, then you win the laptop for a dollar!

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Cross Stitch: Baby Cats in the Basket

I learned to do cross stitch when I was 12 years old. After I did about a dozen or so projects, I got bored. I didn't know whether I still keep all my finished project or not. Some of them is hanging in my parent's house, but the rest, I just keep it somewhere.

Anyway, if you like to do cross stitch, I got a free pattern for you. You can download the pattern in here. Enjoy!

Heirloom Project

I am a sentimental person and like to keep all things that have sentimental value. Recently I heard an idea that has in turn given me some ideas for quilts I would eventually like to make. One of them involves saving all the Little League (or whatever) uniform shirts while your child is young. By the time they reach college, the shirt fronts with the team name and logo, and the shirt backs with their individual number can be used for squares on the front and back of a quilt. The border fabric could be a print fabric with baseballs, basketballs, or whatever is appropriate to match the squares.

Another similar idea is using fabric scraps either from sewing projects that involved special events for the child or from actual outfits worn by the child during special events such as a school play, a Halloween costume, a wedding they were in, or any other special occasion. It could even be a favorite outfit that would bring back memories of special events. I have an abundance of ideas in this same vein such as vacations, etc. I can't wait to have time to do use some of these ideas in quilts myself.

At this moment, I need to read my Server Migration assignment.

Bobbin Organizer

I don't know about you, but I have tried numerous ways to keep my bobbins organized over the years and have yet to find the perfect method. Here are a couple of ideas for you to think about.


Clover offers the Stack 'N Store Bobbin Tower, a freestanding bobbin keeper. I like the fact that each stand holds 30 bobbins, and the towers can be stacked on top of each other for even more bobbin storage. Individual bobbins are easily snapped in and out of the tower, and thread colors are clearly visible. Although this is not an inexpensive choice, it is the closest I have come to the perfect product for bobbin storage.



A less expensive choice is Bobbin Wraps. This is one of those products that you look at and think, "Why did't come up with this idea?" It really does tame those stray threads. Additionally, since my sewing machine utilizes a clear plastic bobbin, I am able to see the thread color through the top of the bobbin. However, if your machine uses a metal bobbin with a limited ability to see through to the thread color, this is probably not your best choice as it covers too much of the thread color. Bottom line: This product is inexpensive and keeps stray threads securely locked into place.

Holiday Buying Guide

This is a Sponsored Post written by me on behalf of Dirt Devil. All opinions are 100% mine.

My favorite thing about Christmas is seeing the excitement on everybody when they open their gifts. Normally I wrap my gifts beautifully with lots of ribbons and trimmings. Besides having fun wrapping them, I want my gifts to stand out among other people’s gifts.

As for the content, I don’t think I want to give something handmade. The main reason is because I don’t think I can find time to make it. Also, not everybody appreciate handmade items. They though that if I make something from scrap, it is because I want to save money. They don’t know how much time and efforts that goes to handmade items.

I try to organize myself early on in this incoming Christmas. I made a list of things to buy as gifts for my family and I tried to find good bargain online.

I just found out last night that Dirt Devil published holiday buying guide. It lists over 300 websites, tricks, and celver ways to save when you shop online. For example, if you want free shipping, you just browse the links that the buying guide lists under free shipping. The buying guide also lists a bunch of link to website that provides coupons. So, before buying anything make sure you check these website, sometimes you find coupon that will save you even more.

I found it interesting that this buying guide also includes the links to handmade items. They list out etsy, but I can’t find artfire there. Probably it’s because artfire is new.

Anyway, I found this buying guide useful because I can find so many tricks and tips to find good deal, not to mention the “Dirt Devil” good deal itself. How can I resist a good deal like “A hand and stick vacuum in one” for only USD 29.99,- ?

Quilt Festival

The Palm Beach County Convention Center will be host to the first World Quilt Show on Nov. 13-15, 2009. The event will be host to the 2009 Grand Finale of the World Quilt Competition XIII. This international quilt contest draws entries from across the globe. Last year's 2008 competition displayed quilts from 10 countries spanning Europe, Africa, Asia, North and South America, and including Australia and New Zealand. It is the largest and most comprehensive showing of international quilts in the United States.

Hearts & Garlands by Liz Jones was the 2008 Best of World quilt in the World Quilt Competition.

Valley View by Pamela Druhen won third prize in the Innovative category in the 2008 World Quilt Competition

Scottish Dance by Linda Steele won third prize in the Traditional category in the 2008 World Quilt Competition.


The show will also present a Florida statewide prize-money competition. Entrants are required to be residents of the state of Florida. This, along with many other special exhibitions, is sure to create a spark of excitement with enough "eye candy" to satisfy any quilt-loving enthusiast in attendance. The festival will also boast a Merchants Mall with a lineup of nationally known vendors offering everything imaginable for quilters, wearable artists and home sewers. If you are in the Palm Beach area on these dates, swing by to see some beautiful quilts and buy a few yards of fabric to add to your growing collection. Go to QuiltFest.com to check out other locations of shows around the country.

Cooking

My husband likes to watch cooking show. Sometimes if the recipe is easy and the result looks good he would try to cook it. I can't cook and don't like to cook but I like to eat. So, it's nice to have someone to cook for me. Probably I should ask him to learn to cook at one of the culinary schools such as Northwest Culinary Institute. This school is a Division of International Air and Hospitality Academy. International Air and Hospitality Academy's main campus and corporate headquarters are located in Vancouver, Washington, just 12 minutes from Portland International Airport. This 15,000 square-foot facility accommodates up to 20 new students per quarter. For more information, visit: www.nwculinary.com.

Crocheted Necklace

Crochet isn't just for clothing or housewares. Some of the trendiest jewelry today is made from thread and beads. Even if you've never tried threadwork or beadwork before, this amazing beaded and crocheted necklace will probably be within your skill comfort level. Beads are threaded onto a double strand of thread, so it's fairly quick work too. It would make a wonderful gift for any girlfriend on your list, but be sure to make one for yourself too!

Need Better Vision

Embroidery has been around for a very long time. As long as people have sewn clothing, they have decorated it with stitching. Embroidery began in the Middle East and the Orient. I love to to embroidery, I just don't like the time it takes to do a project... or the vision to do it. When I was younger I used to be able to spend hours to do it without tiring my eyes, but not now. That is why nowadays I prefer knitting or crocheting. I can do it without looking.

Speaking of better vision, do you know that you can win $5,000 grand prize from Abbott Medical Optics Inc. (AMO) just by making video showing the impact of improved vision? If not, then hurry since the contest is still open for more entries. You can choose one from three selected theme:
1. My contacts are getting in the way of my good time
2. My favorite sport or activity would be so much cooler with better vision
3. You should see life after the iLASIK® Procedure

If I win this iLASIK Video Contest, I will do vision laser correction and nothing can stop me to do my beloved hobby again.

The Prizes
$5,000 Grand Prize
First Prize (one in each video category):
HDTV package — a $2,500 value
Second Prize (one in each video category):
The Flip UltraHD™ camcorder — a $199.99 value

Teaching Your Children to Crochet

One important key to successfully teaching children something new is to make it meaningful to them and have the result be something fun and creative. When teaching kids to crochet, it's generally best to use a smooth acrylic or wool yarn in a medium or bulky weight, and light or bright color, along with a larger-size crochet hook, such as size I, J or K. The lighter color and smooth texture of the yarn make the stitches easier to see, and the larger hook is easier for small hands to grip.

Naturally, learning to crochet starts with the simple chain. As kids get the hang of chaining, it's wonderful seeing them get "hooked" as they beam with pride at their accomplishments. Once kids feel comfortable with their chaining skills using the smooth yarn, you can then introduce them to a few novelty yarns with interesting textures.


What really makes learning to crochet "click" for kids is discovering what fun, cool things they can make -- even with those simple lengths of chain. Thanks to the flexibility of the crocheted chain, it can be used just about anywhere you might use a piece of string or cord.

Kids can turn longer chains into necklaces, which can be embellished with beads, buttons, charms, medals or school awards. Shorter chains are perfect for bracelets, anklets or even rings. Chains can also be made into cute hair decorations or colorful ties for holiday packages. With some cardboard, short chains and a hole punch, kids can make hanging tags to match!



For a personal, one-of-a-kind style, kids can string their shoes with their own unique crocheted chains, made to the same length as the original shoelaces. Colorful chains can also be shaped into pretty flowers and scrapbook embellishments or used to create simple bookmarks. Two or three long chains braided together make a cool-looking belt. The creative possibilities with the simple crocheted chain are virtually endless!


Not only will children enjoy putting their new crochet chaining skills to good use, but they can also help you use up your yarn scraps in the process. What's more, after seeing how much fun they're having with chains, kids will be eager to learn the next step -- single crochet.

Pocket Calendar

As a stay at home mom, I need to have 2 pocket calendars: a basic one (for doctor/dentist appointments, birthday/anniversary, etc) and the other one is lists of things to do.

I need to have a routine and stick to it. Monday and Wednesday are my doing things out of the house, Tuesday is cleaning bathrooms and laundry, Thursday is laundry again and Friday is dusting, mopping. If you like me and like to get organize, get pocket calendars and write things down so you can see what you have to do. They have nice selections and I am sure you can find one or two pocket calendars that you like.

If anyone asks me if we can do something on a certain day, I can look right then and see if we are free to go.

Crocheted Halloween Cozy

I know that the Halloween was over, but this Halloween Cozies are a fun way to dress up party treat cups. After the party's over and the goodies are long gone, these cup cozies can be used to hold all manner of kids' treasures. Make the same cozy patterns in different colors and embellish them in a variety of ways to create other special themes or decorative looks for any time of year.

Yarn in Vietnam

I have been to Vietnam twice and both were for business. I went only to two cities, Ho Chi Minh and Hanoi. Although I went there for business, I managed to do some sightseeing and some shopping as well. If you like handycraft things like me, you would surely fall in love with Vietnam. Along the street you will find small shops that sell handycraft things like smocking dresses, crocheted dresses, embroidery bedsheet, etc. You can even find cheap yarns if you diligent enough to ask around.

Several times, when I was walking in various cities, i would see a woman knitting on the street. They were all right-hand throwers, some knit, some purl, one twisted all her stitches. After asking several people, I found a market which some of the stalls sell yarns. Each of these stalls is about 6-10 feet wide, somewhat deeper, and cheek to jowl up against its neighbor. In this market, there were many stalls that sold yard goods. Interesting to watch. Anyway, the yarn booth had a bunch of yarn, each color packaged tightly in bundles of about ten or so. The light in the market wasn’t bright, so I wasn’t sure at the time if the yarn was good quality. It seems to be good quality.

If you are planning to travel to Vietnam after reading this post (grinning), Accor hotels offers "Accor Hotels 3-Day Super Sale Asia Pacific". Travelers will be able to take advantage of savings when they book on-line between 27 - 30 October 2009. Over one million room nights will be on sale, with rates starting as low as US$30 per night. Stay period Dec 2009 till Apr 2010.

So what are you waiting for, book your hotel now!

Crocheted Christmas Character

It's the little things that make a holiday special. Decorations all around the house make a cheery welcome for guests of all ages. And they don't have to be expensive or time-consuming either. By spending a few evenings with a basketful of yarn scraps, you can create a cast of Christmas characters to make your yuletide season bright. These little ornaments can be used to trim a tree or a wreath, or they would even make a clever gift embellishment that the recipient could use later on his or her own tree. A dozen of these in a Christmas gift basket would make a great gift and become a part of someone else's holiday tradition. For pattern, you can click this.

On Demand

Nowadays, there is always a fight everyday in my household. It is a fight to get a remote control between my daughter and my husband. During the day, normally my daughter can get to see her favorite programs on the Disney channel since I don’t like to watch TV (I prefer to do my sewing project). However, when my husband comes back in the afternoon, he doesn’t like to watch Mickey Mouse Clubhouse, Little Einstein or Pocoyo. He will switch the channel to AXN or cooking channel much to my daughter dismay. Probably it is my fault that I resort to entertain my children with TV when I am busy, but who doesn’t?

Recently, I read that if you have Charter digital, you have On Demand and it’s free to access. Charter Communications is an American company providing cable television, high-speed Internet, and telephone services, by the way.

There are over 6,000 movies and shows to watch anytime you want. No waiting, no schedules. Missed one of your favorite shows? There are many of your favorites the day after they air on TV. Free!

Your kids probably don’t understand or have the patience for TV schedules. When they want their Mickey Mouse Clubhouse, they want it right then. With this “On Demand”, they don’t have to wait anymore. You can learn more at charter.net/ondemand or you can get updates and fun extras on Charter’s Facebook page.

Raised-Shells Crochet Bag

If you are a big fan of shell and in the need to change your bag, then probably this Raised-Shells Crochet Bag is a perfect project for you. Made using a basic 5-dc shell with no space at the center, but with an added element to give the shells extra dimension. By working into the back loops only when creating the shells, you get a deeply textured pattern. Were these shells worked in rounds rather than back-and-forth rows, they would be worked in back loops only and then in front loops only on alternate rounds.

There is an interesting development when the raised shell stitch pattern is worked in two or more colors; the color that's the main color on one side becomes the contrasting color on the reverse, due to the projecting and receding pattern rows. So, if you use this pattern to make something like a scarf, for example, you'll end up with a reversible, two-for-one design!

One really cool element to this bag is the rulers that adorn the top edges. What a clever embellishing idea! The rulers not only give the bag a unique, eye-catching look, but they will certainly come in handy for quick measurements while working your projects. Click here for the pattern and enjoy your new bag!

The Power of Internet

Internet is the most important invention ever. Because due to the invention of internet, people are experiencing more advantages than before it’s invention. I learned how to crochet when I was 5 years old. I learned it from my auntie. Sadly, she didn’t know how to knit and I didn’t know anybody that knit. Only 2 years ago, when I was searching for something, I stumbled across somebody’s knitting blog. From there, I found a link to a site where you can learn how to knit.

Barack Obama understood the power of connections on the Internet. In February of 2007, Obama met with Marc Andreessen, Netscape founder and Facebook board member, asking for tips on how to utilize social networking for his campaign. Rather than invent a totally new product, Obama tapped into existing systems. His organizers published thousands of videos on YouTube. Obama and his wife, Michelle, both had personal pages on Facebook which they updated daily, and his staffers created and formed Facebook groups. The campaign created a website for its supporters called mybarackobama.com which utilized familiar tools from other sites such as Linkedin, eVite, Google Maps, and Facebook. Obama embraced existing communities and websites and used them to his advantage.

There’s even a report out called Obamanomics that studies this phenomenon. If you are interested to read more detail about Obamanomics, you can click on the link.

Ruffled Sachets

If you have a lot of leftover thread, here is the perfect project for you. This is a pattern for three beautiful Ruffled Sachets that will make elegant gifts for the special ladies in your life (or for yourself, because you're special, too!).

Combined, all three designs use just one large ball (400 yards) of cream, 50 yards or less each of peach, pink and green, and only 10 yards of yellow. For those who prefer working with yarn, I'm sure with a little bit of trial and error the round and square sachet patterns could be crocheted in light or medium weight yarn to fit ready-made pillow forms for gorgeous sofa or bed accents. Worked in larger-size thread or fine weight yarn, they could even be transformed into beautiful little purses. Whatever your stitching pleasure, I hope you will enjoy making these pretty projects!

Online Shopping

I find internet is the most wonderful tool to find things. Not only you can find any information online, but nowadays we can buy almost anything from the comfort of our home. With internet you will often have access to options that you never knew existed. You will also have many more choices and can often find a better deal on items online than in a brick and mortar store. One of examples that are advantageous to buy online is buying car parts. With the ability to search millions of websites and many different stores, you may be much more likely to find the right part for even the most obscure type of vehicle online than in the offline world. You may also find a better price at the same time. Visit the link and you can shop with confidence and get free shipping.

Finding The Time

I always finding time to knit or crochet, or sometimes do some small patchwork project. I always bringing my project along, so when I have to wait for something, I can take out my project and do it. There is always people that curious and ask me what I am doing. After I explain to them, normally they comment that they don’t have the time to do it. Most of the times I just smile and let it go, as I don’t really want to waste my breath to argue with them. It’s not the time that they lack, it is the interest. People have different interest or hobby. When you have the interest, you can always find the time.

Speaking of hobby, for you who like to play games, there is a new game called heroes of newerth. Heroes of Newerth is a new DOTA-clone game which is currently in beta.