What do you want,do you really,really want?

As a crafter and a self described generous person, I find gift giving very challenging. I don't seem to know what is a good gift or what my peers want as a gift. I see patterns for coasters or cowls but when I have made these I was rather... well.. underwhelmed by my recipients. Am I  the recent incarnation of the aunt who gives bunny PJs in that Christmas movie? Is my stuff ugly?? I never know and I would sincerely like some suggestions of handmade, crafted items that ya'll would like. Please! Check out Pinterest, or any search engine you like and send me ideas cuz creative gifts is all I am doing this year...so if you want something from me or just want to help me along the path of great gifts- Speak up! Thank you in advance.  

Wow it's been awhile.

I had no idea when I wrote last, so I checked the site and yikes February. Wow. Hmm. What have I been doing? Taking care of Business. The business of family. My daughter became pregnant with twins in February, and had to stop work in August. I have been caring for her, together with her wonderful husband, at my home. They have been saving for a house and this is a small obstacle. The twins are boys and very much anticipated. They have a fan club already in our family and I expect it will grow! Speaking of growing, my poor daughter is huge and immensely uncomfortable. I would love to show a pic, but I did mention she lives with me? Yeah I will be kind. So with the preparations for the boys, I have been busy sewing and knitting. I made some maternity stuff for V, and have done some work for pay. I am always excited that people like my work. I do try. I also care for my granddaughter who is 2 going on 30. She is amazing, gorgeous and smart. She also is a handful. So here are my reasons for being awol. I will try to become regular, but remember there will be some fascinating distractions soon, soooo, I will see.

Having a client that needed this technique reminded me to write about it. One of the most common new mom questions is- " how do I know if the baby is getting enough when they breastfeed?" I was taught so many tiny ques and observations but the one I figured out makes the most practical sense. Weigh them. A simple and non invasive technique. Medical scales at the hospital or clinic are sensitive enough for this task. A newborn will take 2- 4 ounces in a feeding after moms milk is in. A minimum feed of 2 ounces shows sufficient amount of intake. So here is the method. Weigh the baby, leave clothes/ blanket on for comfort. This is not an official weight, rather an observational tool. Make sure the diaper is clean. Feed the baby until they are satisfied, then before you change their diaper weigh them again. The gross weight of the baby with clothing or balnket, feeding,and dirty diaper should show a net gain equalling the amount of milk ingested. Tell your friends and you can thank me now!
I sincerely believe this to be my own idea, however I can't believe no one ever thought of it before, so if you know if this technique has a name or someone claims prior credit; please let me know and I will give credit.

Medical system nightmare

I am a doula, a woman who advocates for mothers and their families. I have had the pleasure and frustrations of being with women as they navigate the medical services needed for a healthy birth. The pleasures are deep friendships and being welcomed in at a very intimate time. The frustrations are the buracracy and human malicousness perpertrated on behalf of people who are petty tyrants and demigods of the public health system. I have seen nurses feed bottles to babes who 's mothers wanted to only breastfeed. I have seen Dr.s order and bully people into stopping breastfeeding because they could not quantify the baby's milk intake. A system more geared to obtaining vitals and observations and reporting them than the care of the patient. I was a LPN for 10 years until I was injured on the job. I chose not to return to the field when as a patient I experienced the brunt of poor medical care. I now rely on the public health system as I can not afford the medical insurance available to me.
I watch the workings and personalities and wonder how are they going to legislate being nice. Because it is not happening out there now, so someone will eventually get the great idea that it will fix things and it will be made to happen. Like the song a spoonfull of sugar makes the medicene go down, we need some sugar. Unfortunately it will be too late.
 The public system is experiencing culture shock and I believe they have a issue with their newest customers. You see, many people have experienced reversals because of the economy. Many are using the health departments and clinics as well. Together with higher education and the internet, todays patient is better informed to their medical conditions, their patient rights and are able to decipher good and adequate care from what they have offered in the recent past. With a greater influx I predict that conditions will deteriorate and even possibly collapse. Why? Because the private medical system is not willing or able to accomodate  mandated care. There will be many who fall thru these new cracks and you can't legislate concern and care in a world that already isn't fair or nice. Pray for good health because like a parent with too many kids; eventually somethings gotta give, and there will always be someone who is hurt.

Item for sale

Here are a few of my finished items for sale, prices are negotible and shipping is basicly the cost of postage. I take custom orders and while I am quick I will need time to make up custom orders, so order early!

 

acrylic unisex hat $7.00 plus shipping

mohair dark coral infinity scarf $20.00 plus shipping



very soft and light

 cotton Island print tote with coral lining $25 plus shipping

 soft acrylic infinity scarf $25.00 plus shipping

 acrylic granny square amish style baby blanket $25,00 plus shipping

 child size acrylic slouch hat $6.00

Hurricane colors unisex knit skull cap $10.00 plus shipping 

Apparently my photos are too big to put on Facebook so I have listed some of them here and will direct the interested to this website Hopefully my pretties will find a home.

One Good Thing entry

Jillee from "One Good Thing" is having a linky party. I love her site, and read it on RSS everyday. Today I am linking my site and I am so pleased to have her button at the bottom of my page. Try her you will like!

Cool weather items

 

Hello Peeps! Finally Fall is in sight!! Yes, exclaimation points !! I am so ready to do stuff and I am practically confined to the house in the heat. I simply cannot stand it and find it difficult to breath in the oppressive humidity. This morning is cool and low humidity. Heaven. Seriously. The other thing I like about Fall is the demand for my finished items. People don't think about blankets until its cold.Same for all cold weather wear. I have been working on hats and blankets all summer long and now I can show them and hopefully sell some, I need more yarn!! The family would scoff at that but I neeed some colors to finish some projects. Let's see what is in the finished files today.

shades of purple, this is 30 inches square



Already gifted but I really like the ombre, this pattern is on my repeat list

Childs size slouch hat

 

Hello Peeps! Finally Fall is in sight!! Yes, exclaimation points !! I am so ready to do stuff and I am practically confined to the house in the heat. I simply cannot stand it and find it difficult to breath in the oppressive humidity. This morning is cool and low humidity. Heaven. Seriously. The other thing I like about Fall is the demand for my finished items. People don't think about blankets until its cold.Same for all cold weather wear. I have been working on hats and blankets all summer long and now I can show them and hopefully sell some, I need more yarn!! The family would scoff at that but I need some colors to finish some projects. Let's see what is in the finished files today. This last hat is also a childs hat. I like using the balloons for photos but I really need a head to show them in their best light. Next item to look for! Enjoy the weather, I hope it stays mild for a while!
 

I am hoping to habitually increase my posting and using this place as a journal of my creative persuits. I have been knitting hats and blankets, and some crochet as well. I need to put up some photos as well.

Here is a crochet baby blanket I made for Tristyn. These are his father's favorite colors and it was a custom gift. I was looking at a box of baby something and noticed that this colorway was used on several items, like diaper wipes and formula and such. Since I have noticed these same colors and another of burgandy or fuchia as well. Wonder what next years colors will be?
This green and gold scarf has been a favorite of mine for a while. It is so large I could use it (I am plus sized and it is a good proportion for me. I then was playing with some Ideas for breastfeeding moms, and came up with this version of a cover up. It has 2 suspender clips top keep it on even when baby is wiggly, and is pretty enough to wear between feeds.Light weight and pretty. I hope to sell some of these as well.
 

Hey Moms!

Hello there, it has been a while but when there is nothing going on there is’nt anything to say. Today I was skimming the RSS feeds and saw an idea that is useful to pregnant and new moms. Jille at One good thing wrote on the additional uses for baby wipes. While she elaborated well, the one that struck me as very useful is to use wipes with Witch hazel added. She advised the aloe type and to add a bottle of witch hazel to the container. Use on hemorrhoids and also stitches! This would also be useful for any open or post-op site in the peri-anal area. There is already a good product on the market for this however it comes in tiny pads and you get stuff on your hands! This is Plus- Plus sized and can be used at home or when traveling by simply using a plastic wipes container (the small diaper bag sized ones). You can also line your panties with one to keep the witch hazel on the site. With hazel is an astringent that also has analgesic properties. That is it helps relieve pain topically. Come to think about it they would be useful for bites and scrapes on any part of the body. I am going to get some set up for the grandbabies who often encounter ants and mosquitoes. I bet they will go over well.

refashion!

Have you heard of refashioning? It is the practice of taking one old item and giving it a new life. You can use it as it is for a new purpose- a tote bag for a diaper bag. What I like is to change it at its most basic and totally change it's shape and use. I have cut off Levi shorts and made it into a book bag. All of the pockets are available plus the new ones inside. Cute,Useful and for sale lol.

One of my favorites is a old dress that came out great. I especially like the coral satin lining with pockets.

The outside is cotton and the inside is satin polyester. It went together so well ,I really might keep it for myself, but I feel that way about every thing I make! The question is what to make next. I like the idea of totes but I think I want to make some ipad and reader covers also.I have a lot of hand me down fabric and I don't want it to have to find a new home when I'm gone. I need to sew!

My first linky party!

Well I was hoping to do it, but I was unwilling to try it without help. When no rescuer showed I finally bit the bullet and finally I got the focus to follow the instructions. It was frustrating because some information is assumed and I am unexperienced in linking. Susan at Afford your Passions opened a linky party for stitching of all kinds and I submitted Nathan's Blanket. It is a shale pattern in burgundy and cream acrylic and is over sized approx 50 inches by 66. His Mom wanted an oversized blanket so they could wrap him up thru childhood. I don't know how to link to my own stuff within the site yet, so if you can teach me I would be grateful! So go to  http://www.livingbytheshore.com/ and check out my first linky!

Daniel Fast

January is the time my family devotes to a Daniel fast. It is a simplified eating plan that is supposed to allow more time to pray. I do it out of respect for my pastor who calls it and my husband who follows it each year. It is a good idea but it doesn't fit me very well. I am a diabetic and all the carbs is hard on my body. It thinks I am starving and my appetite and weight  increase. After 2 weeks of the 3 involved I started to have cramps and muscle pain; my dear spouse released me and I started eating turkey.Within hours I was relieved of the cramps and the pain has diminished as well. I have a sensitivity to rice so rice and beans raise my blood sugar alot,like over 500 on my medicine. The diet is just not good for me. Lots of fruit juice and fresh raw veggies and fruit are too high in sugars for me. I need grains and protein to keep balanced. I like salads and veggies but I need protein also. I pray regardless of my food intake, however I feel fasting is a good tool to keep the flesh at bay. So did I fail? Maybe but I know that God is working in my life and body and forgives me. I also believe that He will continue with me and that what I eat is not important to my spiritual; life only this flesh. I will continue to believe for health and to discipline my body to accommodate health in my body, I will not beat myself up for not being like everyone else.

Year recap

2011 has been over all a wonderful year for me and my family. God has provided and we are all together. We have a vibrant family life and meet at my house at least once a week. I see and am involved in my granchildrens lives. My husband is as loving and attentive as he ever was after 32 years together. Our church life is booming and we have deep friendships with many.I graduated with honors from Bible College. These are the positive recollections, I refuse to consider the negative ones.

On the crafting side I have opened a handmade shop at Meylah/kathyscrafts.com. and have made a myriad of items as gifts and shop items. I estimate that I made 12-15 hats for soilders, 2 baby/diaper bags, 8 crochet baby blankets, worked on a twin sized quilt, finished a top into a coverlet for a friend, 5 purses, a laptop bag,20 or so hats in assorted styles and sizes,10 wraps/scarves. 10 or so cowls, 5-6 headbands, some potatoe people, and several pair of booties. I also made a minky backed baby quilt. I also mended and fitted several baskets of clothing for family and friends. I am overwelmed looking back on all I actually got done. As I write this I am reminded of legwarmers and hat,Pillows and custom bags for car rides. Oh and the bean bags, wow I think I will list my projects this year on Ravelry or even in a notebook. I didn't even get pics of the Christmas gifts;(. Wow I did a lot. I can only hope to do as much or more this year! Happy 2012!!

Christmas Week

For various reasons the holidays haven’t been my favorite time. Grief, bitterness and pain have been my excuse but are not a reason for terrible past Christmas’. You see it is a choice to be happy or not. If your happiness is dependent on circumstances we could all work up a good cry. Many people are entering this week with loss, loved ones too far away, or unable to have the circumstances they desire.  Christmas comes and goes and sometimes we don’t have that miracle or wish fulfilled. But should that make you miserable? When I was a teen in Miami I had friends who bought and wrapped presents for family who were restrained by Cuba. They could not visit there either. I asked why in March the gifts were still in the living room. My friend answered that they would be coming and they were ready for that day. Since then I have applied that idea to many things in my life, the hardest was losing a child. 25 years later I can still choose to cry or laugh; cry for missing him or delight myself in the antics of my grandkids. When I choose to make my desire the least important one and strive to help another, I experience joy. My gifts are unimportant and I would be very uncomfortable with extravagant gifting. I also do not stress with reaching the finish line of Christmas morning. If I find the best gift for someone I give it right away. I do not wait for December. And yes, I don’t have a lot of gifts ready on the 25^th. Yet I enjoy giving all year round and I will not be restricted by a once a year holiday to love on my friends and family. Christmas may come but once a year, but the spirit of Christmas lives in my heart year round.

Finished items

I have several things that I have put in the shop at Meylah.kathyscrafts.com but I thought I could show you here as well. The top one is Abby's quilt in progress. I have it pinned and half quilted , so not quite finished. The others baby blankets long since given away.

This book bag is large enough to hold schoolbooks and notebooks as well as a laptop.

This skullcap is warm and cool.;0, and this tote has a surprise flash of color inside. This tote is also refashioned from a ladies dress. Sorry for the sideways pic,but if I stop to fix it this post will not get done!

Just some of the things finished here. More to come soon. 

Craft blog directory

Hey there is a new project starting that lists craft blogs. I know that I am an advice blog but there is also crafting going on. Much of my crafting is targeted at Christmas right now but I think I can show ya'll some soon. Regardless this directory is seeking blogs to list and promote them. If you have a crafty blog check them out at http://craftyrie.blogspot.com/2011/10/universal-craft-blog-directory.html.

 

CHRIST mas Season

Christmas Season
I saw a very interesting blog entry at I Am Momma Hear Me Roar. A guest blogger from Kojo Designs wrote about Advent decorations. I never really liked Advent calendars with my kids because they would have meltdowns with too much candy and all the ones I saw had candy or toys involved. With three children (and half the neighborhood in my house thru any given day) it had potential for being chaotic and pricey. Times are still lean and I am not giving candy out to toddlers. I really like my DIL. But these ideas were so varied that any crafty person could make some version of these.
The reason for the season is Jesus, so 25 ornaments with diverse names of Christ. The styles can be childish or adult and anywhere in between. They can also be given to a newly grown adult (first tree, etc) or even a new believer. I would give scripture as to why He has that name as well. You can easily Google the Names of Christ but there are far many than 25!
In this very commercial,stylized,modern day I welcome a reminder of why we celebrate a baby born in a stable,lain in a manger, sent by our Heavenly Father to save the world. Peace
/http://iammommahearmeroar.blogspot.com/ to see that post!

Crafting during pregnancy

What do childbirth and crafting have in common? Creativity! While you are waiting the mind starts to dream and restlessness increases. I found for myself the nesting instinct cannot always be satisfied by grand projects like nurseries. Circumstances like finances, rental property (no painting) and bedrest can deter all manner of plans. Some of us already had a hobby or skill. Pregnancy inspires ideas for the new one coming. Baby blankets, sweaters and hats, mittens and booties; the list grows! Of course it is a time for learning new crafts and skills.
There was a time when you could expect some items gifted to a new baby would be handmade. There is indeed a resurgence of this but those items tend to be put away as too nice for a baby. I really try to make things that are washable and soft, designed to be safe and useful.
Childbirth and pregnancy will teach a woman that this primal bodily process. No matter how much we try to be clean and beautiful thru pregnancy and labor there is a mess involved. We are dealing with the human body here. Blood, poop, and tears are common and are nothing to be ashamed of. We clean it up and deal with it. It is a time to mature, and accept the things we cannot control and do all we can in those things we have some control of.
Small handicrafts can be a really good distraction. I love the trend for kooky knit or crochet hats with eyes and earflaps or braids like pig tails. There are plenty of great ideas for useful projects as well. I like decorated burp cloths, fleece blankets, nursing cover ups, and pacifier clips. Easy and fun to accomplish a special item for baby.
There are many places on the web to learn “how to”. Visit the library for books as well. It doesn’t have to be a grand work of art, just a pleasant pastime to help you peacefully wait as your body finishes the wondrous work that is your baby. If you want some projects and cannot find a tutorial I will look for you or possibly walk you thru it!

This is a blanket designed by Dad that I sewed for Little man. It is Minky on the back, Winnie the Pooh on the front with satin trim at the ends. I then took yarn and tied it together at the corners of the printed pattern, easy wash and lovable.

I'm still here

Ok, it is cliche` to have a post apologizing for not posting. I am still here, of course busy, crafting like crazy and juggling life. I have several items to be photographed and I am also enjoying one of my grans and her parents staying with me. They will be moving on soon so I was enjoying it while it lasts.
I am planning some posts and am working on a schedule to have a routine and a plan. So I apologize and offer a gratuitous baby photo of my cutie potooie (Em).

Signs the end is near, for pregnant women

Ok, sensational title for a actual personal event. Yet, it is a real event and we all wondered what is going on in our body as we waited for labor to start. First off the powers that be American Collage of Obsetrics and Gynacology(ACOG), just a group of doctors, decided that pregnancy is too long so they decided to shorten it. However,God made it to be 42 weeks.You are not overdue until 42 weeks.It is not 38 weeks like these humans want it to be. These guys also think on the whole that c-sections are a reasonable mode of delivery and include reasons to do c/s beyond life saving measures.They are able to do "something" and get more money for it.Your body births your baby, ever wonder why they call it delivery? So,they set the image that they are absolutely necessary.That said; I personally needed an emergency c/s in '83 and it saved both our lives. When I became pregnant the next year, I had no hope of a vaginal birth,mainly because my incision inside came apart and needed to be fixed and there was danger to me of hemorrage. So, I am not against c/s! I want women to be informed and understand that birth does not need to be a surgical event for every pregnancy.
But this is about the signs that you are starting labor. It will start in the 36 week range with achy joints. Why? A hormone called Relaxin is slowly increasing in your body to soften your sacral cartilage so you can physically pass the baby.Baby also helps with increased weight and pressure as they hopefully settle head down in the top of the birth canal. Move carefully and avoid climbing and heavy lifting.You could easily hurt your back or fall in this period of time.Use heat or cold packs to achy spots, warm showers or baths are helpful too. Avoid aspirin and Nsaids because they can thin your blood. You are about to give birth and you don't need to bleed too much,so avoid things that thin it. Eat spinach and green leafy veggies for the vitamin K.
The next early events may be an assumed case of food poisoining. WHAT??? Yes,as you start to have minor contractions and shifting positions of the baby on your bowels it may cause diarrea and cramping. These are random, gassy cramps without rythmn so are not often recognised until after. Of course,eat carefully during pregnancy. Eat clean,wholesome food in moderation and not to excess. DON"T eat a half gallon of ice cream in a sitting, you will have gas and cramps that have nothing to do with labor! Avoid large amounts of dairy, spicy or fast foods. These can aggravate gallbladders and that is extremely painful,and you have to suffer thru it,so just be wise what you eat.You may also have a return of "morning sickness" or smell aversion, another change in hormones as you prepare. There are studies that suggest that these hormones interact with the baby and that the baby stimulates the actual labor. That would then go against the wive's tales of taking castor oil to cause loose stools to get things going. It only empties you and possibly weakens you right when you need strength.
Finally (for this post), Braxton Hicks contractions. These are real contractions however they are light, and a sign that the uterus is irritated. Commonly this is caused by dehydration. Ok, so get dehydrated and get things going! Right?? Absolutely NOT! The amniotic fluid is very important to support the baby off the umbilical cord, it(the fluid) also is being ingested and "breathed in" by the baby. It needs to be cycled every 12 hours or so to support, and prevent infection,remove waste products and prevent stress to the baby.To top that off, when you go to a hospital birth they start an IV and it will stop those in 5 minutes flat.So your bill is bigger and you wasted time and had to have painful things done to you; that you will just have to do again when you come in for the real thing.How can you tell the difference?You can't always tell. The discomfort especially for first time moms is real and follows the timing and duration,so let's go.
Not so fast. You really don't want to go unless you have been told differently for individual purposes. Labor takes sometimes weeks. Your caregiver will give you a time frame of when to go.This will be like "when your contractions are 5 minutes apart for an hour come and get checked." During that time drink water. If you were resting when it started ,get up and gently move around. Do the dishes,or take a shower.If you were moving around when they start ,sit or lay down,drinking your water. I mean a bottle or more, no sipping, DRINK! If you need a c/s they will make you throw up so don't worry ,(unless you are preparing for a c/s in less than 10 hours). Well this is overlong, I will probably add more in another posting.If you have questions, ask your doctor, and send me a comment. Always ask questions. They are good for you.