googleads

Tuesday 29 January 2013

Classic Wool DK - Fair Isle Fingerless Mitts - Patons Yarn

Heat up your cold weather wardrobe with these fun Fair Isle Fingerless Mitts. Shown in Patons Classic Wool DK Superwash.

Heat up your cold weather wardrobe with these fun Fair Isle Fingerless Mitts. Shown in Patons Classic Wool DK Superwash.

SIZE
One size to fit average woman.

MATERIALS
Patons® Classic Wool DK Superwash™ (50 g/1.75 oz; 114 m/125 yds)

Version A
Main Color (MC) Deep Olive (12205) 1 ball
Contrast A Apple Green (12223) 1 ball
Contrast B Aran (12008) 1 ball

Version B
Main Color (MC) Dark Grey Heather (12042) 1 ball
Contrast A Pumpkin (12630) 1 ball
Contrast B Gold (12609) 1 ball

Size 3.5 mm (U.S. E or 4) crochet hook or size needed to obtain tension.

TENSION
19 sc and 22 rows = 4" [10 cm].

INSTRUCTIONS
Notes:
• When working ribbing, sl st loosely, do not ch at beg of rows and carry colors not in use along side of work.
• When joining colors, work to last 2 loops on hook of first color. Draw new color through last 2 loops then proceed.
• Carry color when not in use loosely across top of previous rnd and work sts around it to avoid stranding.

Stripe Pat
With MC, work 2 rows.
With A, work 2 rows.
These 4 rows form Stripe Pat.

Ribbing
With MC, ch 16.
1st row: (RS). Working in back loops only, 1 sl st in 2nd ch from hook. 1 sl st in each ch across. Turn. 15 sts.
2nd row: Working in back loops only, 1 sl st in each of next 15 sl st. Join A. Turn.
Following Stripe Pat, rep 2nd row until work from beg measures approx 6" [15 cm] ending with 2 rows of A. Fasten off.
Sew 1st row and last row tog to form cuff.

Working along side edge of ribbing, join MC with sl st to any row end.
Mitt: Beg working in rnds: 1st rnd: Ch 1. Working along side edge of ribbing, work 30 sc evenly around. Join with sl st to first sc.
2nd to 4th rnds: Ch 1. Work Chart I to end of chart, noting 5-st rep will be worked 6 times. Join with sl st to first sc at end of each rnd.
5th rnd: With MC, ch 1. 1 sc in each of next 14 sc. (2 sc in next sc) twice. 1 sc in each of next 14 sc. Join with sl st to first sc. 32 sc.
6th rnd: With MC, ch 1. 1 sc in each of next 15 sc. 1 sc in each of next 2 sc. 1 sc in each of next 15 sc. Join with sl st to first sc.
7th rnd: Ch 1. (Work 1st row of Chart I) 3 times. With MC, (2 sc in next sc) twice. (Work 1st row of Chart I) 3 times. Join with sl st to first sc. 34 sc.
8th rnd: Ch 1. (Work 2nd row of Chart I) 3 times. With MC, 1 sc in each of next 4 sc. (Work 2nd row of Chart I) 3 times. Join with sl st to first sc.
9th rnd: Ch 1. (Work 3rd row of Chart I) 3 times. With MC, 2 sc in next sc. 1 sc in each of next 2 sc. 2 sc in next sc. (Work 3rd row of Chart I) 3 times. Join with sl st to first sc. 36 sc.
10th rnd: With MC, ch 1. 1 sc in each sc around. Join with sl st to first sc.
11th rnd: With MC, ch 1. 1 sc in each of next 15 sc. 2 sc in next sc. 1 sc in each of next 4 sc. 2 sc in next sc. 1 sc in each of next 15 sc. Join with sl st to first sc. 38 sc.
12th rnd: Ch 1. (Work 1st row of Chart I) 3 times. With MC, 1 sc in each of next 8 sc. (Work 1st row of Chart I) 3 times. Join with sl st to first sc.
13th rnd: Ch 1. (Work 2nd row of Chart I) 3 times. With MC, 2 sc in next sc. 1 sc in each of next 6 sc. 2 sc in next sc. (Work 2nd row of Chart I) 3 times. Join with sl st to first sc. 40 sc.
14th rnd: Ch 1. (Work 3rd row of Chart I) 3 times. With MC, 1 sc in each of next 10 sc. (Work 3rd row of Chart I) 3 times. Join with sl st to first sc.
15th rnd: With MC, ch 1. 1 sc in each of next 15 sc. 2 sc in next sc. 1 sc in each of next 8 sc. 2 sc in next sc. 1 sc in each of next 15 sc. Join with sl st to first sc. 42 sc.
16th rnd: As 10th rnd.
17th rnd: Ch 1. (Work 1st row of Chart I) 3 times. With MC, 2 sc in next sc. 1 sc in each of next 10 sc. 2 sc in next sc. (Work 1st row of Chart I) 3 times. Join with sl st to first sc. 44 sc.
18th rnd: Ch 1. (Work 2nd row of Chart I) 3 times. With MC, 1 sc in each of next 14 sc. (Work 2nd row of Chart I) 3 times. Join with sl st to first sc.
19th rnd: Ch 1. (Work 3rd row of Chart I) 3 times. With MC, ch 5. Miss next 14 sc (thumb opening). (Work 3rd row of Chart I) 3 times.
20th rnd: With MC, ch 1. 1 sc in each of next 15 sc. 1 sc in each of next 5 ch. 1 sc in each of next 15 sc. Join with sl st to first sc. 35 sc.
21st rnd: As 10th rnd.
22nd to 24th rnds: Ch 1. Work Chart I to end of chart, noting 5-st rep will be worked 7 times. Join with sl st to first sc at end of each rnd.
25th rnd: With MC, ch 1. 1 sc in each sc around. Join A with sl st to first sc.
26th and 27th rnds: With A, ch 1. 1 sc in each sc around. Join with sl st to first sc. Fasten off after last rnd.

This pattern can be completed with one of the following Patons yarns:

Patons Classic Wool DK Superwash

Download Free Pattern Details - Classic Wool DK - Fair Isle Fingerless Mitts - Patons Yarn

Sunday 27 January 2013

Bernat: Free Crochet Pattern - Bohemian Shawl

Luxury shawl with a webbed lace design. A delight to crochet and a dream to wear.

Luxury shawl with a webbed lace design. A delight to crochet and a dream to wear.

MEASUREMENTS
Shawl measures approximately 64" [162.5 cm] across top edge x 25" [63.5 cm] long (back length).

MATERIALS
Sheep(ish)™ by Vickie Howell
(85 g/3 oz, 153 m/167 yds)
Plum(ish) (00005) 4 balls

Size 6 mm (U.S. J-10) crochet hook or size needed to obtain gauge.
Yarn needle.

GAUGE
12 Fsc = 4" [10 cm] In lace pattern, 1 pattern repeat = 3½" [9 cm] (measured from center of V-st to center of next V-st) and 6 rows = 4" [10 cm] (measured from base of V-st to base of next V-st directly above).
Note: The gauge is “as crocheted". The shawl will lengthen and the lace will open up when blocked and worn.

ABBREVIATIONS
Ch(s) = Chain
Dc = Double crochet
Dtr = Double treble crochet
Fsc: Foundation single crochet (This technique creates a foundation chain and a row of single crochet stitches in one) –Step 1: Place a slip knot on hook, ch 2, insert hook in 2nd ch from hook and draw up a loop; yarn over and draw through one loop on hook (the “chain" ); yarn over and draw through 2 loops on hook (the “single crochet" ). Step 2: Insert hook into the “chain" of the previous stitch and draw up a loop, yarn over and draw through one loop on hook (the “chain" ), yarn over and draw through 2 loops on hook (the “single crochet" ). Repeat for the length of foundation
Ddc = Half double crochet
Sc = Single crochet
Shell = 5 dc in indicated stitch or space
Sl st = Slip stitch
Spike-sc = Spike single crochet (a single crochet that reaches down 2 rows below)—Insert hook under next ch-space AND the ch-space (or tall row edge space) 2 rows below, work sc that encloses and holds the 2 chains together
V-st = V-stitch—(Dc, ch 2, dc) in indicated stitch or space

Instructions
Notes:
• For a winged shape, increases are worked at center back and, at the same time, decreases are worked at beginning and end of each row. This results in the same number of pattern repeats across each row.
• The lace pattern works over a multiple of 10 stitches + 1 (e.g. 111, 131, etc. stitches). The shawl has the same number of lace pattern repeats on each side of a center repeat. To adjust the size of the shawl, work a foundation chain that is a multiple of 20 sts (10 sts on each side of center) + 10 sts (for center repeat) + 1.
Fsc 191, to measure approximately 63" [160 cm]; turn foundation over so sc edge is on top, begin work across sc edge.
Row 1: Ch 1, sc in first sc, sc in next sc, [ch 3, sk next 3 sc, V-st in next sc, ch 3, sk next 3 sc, sc in next 3 sc] 9 times, ch 3, sk next 3 sc, V-st in next sc, place marker in ch-sp of last V-st made (for center back), [ch 3, sk next 3 sc, sc in next 3 sc, ch 3, sk next 3 sc, V-st in next sc] 9 times, ch 3, sk next 3 sc, sc in last 2 sc, turn—19 V-sts. Move marker up as work progresses, keeping it at center back at all times.
Row 2: Ch 1, sc in first sc, [ch 4, shell in ch-2 sp of next V-st, ch 4, sk next sc, sc in next sc] 9 times (to center back), ch 4, 10 dc in ch-2 sp of center back V-st (increase made), [ch 4, sk next sc, sc in next sc, ch 4, shell in ch-2 sp of next V-st] 8 times, ch 4, sk next sc, sc in next sc, ch 4, 4 dc in ch-2 sp of last V-st; to complete last shell, work last dc of shell and a dtr together, as follows: yarn over, insert hook in same ch-2 sp, yarn over and draw up a loop, yarn over and draw through 2 loops on hook (2 loops remain on hook), [yarn over] 3 times (5 loops on hook), sk next sc, insert hook in last sc, yarn over and draw up a loop, [yarn over and draw through 2 loops on hook] 3 times, yarn over and draw through remaining 3 loops on hook turn—18 shells and 10-dc increase shell at center back.
Row 3: Ch 1, sc in first st, sc in next 4 dc, [ch 7, sc in next 5 dc] 8 times (to center back), ch 7, sc in first 5 dc of center back shell, ch 4, sc in remaining 5 dc of center back shell, [ch 7, sc in next 5 dc] 9 times, turn; leave last ch-sp and sc unworked—18 ch-7 sps, and 1 ch-4 sp at center back.
Row 4: Sl st in first sc, ch 1, sc in next 3 sc, [ch 3, V-st in next ch-7 sp, ch 3, sk next sc, sc in next 3 sc] 9 times (to center back), ch 3, V-st in next ch-4 sp, center back marker should now be in ch-sp of V-st just made, ch 3, sk next sc, sc in next 3 sc, [ch 3, V-st in next ch-7 sp, ch 3, sk next sc, sc in next 3 sc] 9 times, turn; leave remaining sts unworked—19 V-sts.
Row 5: Sl st in first sc, ch 1, sc in next sc, [ch 4, shell in ch-2 sp of next V-st, ch 4, sk next sc, sc in next sc] 9 times (to center back), ch 4, 10 dc in ch-2 sp of center back V-st (increase made), [ch 4, sk next sc, sc in next sc, ch 4, shell in ch-2 sp of next V-st] 8 times, ch 4, sk next sc, sc in next sc, ch 4, 4 dc in ch-2 sp of last V-st; to complete last shell, work last dc of shell and a dtr together, work as follows: yarn over, insert hook in same ch-2 sp, yarn over and draw up a loop, yarn over and draw through 2 loops on hook (2 loops remain on hook), [yarn over] 3 times (5 loops on hook), sk next sc, insert hook in next sc, yarn over and draw up a loop, [yarn over and draw through 2 loops on hook] 3 times, yarn over and draw through remaining 3 loops on hook (dtr edge counts as ch-4 sp and sc), turn—18 shells and 10-dc increase shell at center back.
Rows 6-29: Repeat Rows 3–5 eight more times.
Row 30: Repeat Row 3. Fasten off.

FINISHING
Edging

Note: Work finishing rows across sides and lower edge of wing shape, from one end of foundation to other end of foundation.
Turn after last row, join yarn with sl st in sc row edge of Fsc, begin working across row edges of first shaped side. A “tall row edge" is a row edge that either begins with sc, ch-4 or ends with a dc/dtr worked together.
Row 1: Ch 1, sc in same sc row edge, sc in next sc row edge, [ch 7, sk next tall row edge, work 3 sc evenly spaced across next group of short shaped row edges] 9 times, ch 7, sk last tall row edge; working across sts of Row 30, sk next sc, sc in next 3 sc, [ch 7, sk next ch-7 sp, sk next sc, sc in next 3 sc] 9 times (to center back), ch 7, sk ch-4 sp at center back, sk next sc, sc in next 3 sc, [ch 7, sk next ch-7 sp, sk next sc, sc in next 3 sc] 9 times; working across row edges of other shaped side, [ch 7, sk next tall row edge, work 3 sc evenly spaced across the next group of short shaped row edges] 9 times, ch 7, sk last ch-4 sp, sk next sc row edge, sc in next sc row edge, sc in Fsc row edge, turn—39 ch-7 sps.
Row 2: Ch 1, (sc, ch 3, sc) in first sc, [ch 4, spike-sc in next ch-sp, ch 4, sk next sc, (sc, ch 3, sc) in next sc] 39 times. Fasten off.
Using yarn needle, weave in all ends. Block shawl to finished measurements.

This pattern can be completed with one of the following Bernat yarns:

Vickie Howell Sheep(ish)

Source: Bernat: Pattern Detail - Sheep(ish) - Bohemian Shawl (crochet)

Thursday 24 January 2013

Waltz Shawl Vintage Crochet Patterns Hairpin Lace

This free pattern can be found at Free Vintage Crochet Com HERE.

I’m posting the instructions below for the hairpin lace'.

Materials Required:
AMERICAN THREAD COMPANY
"DAWN" BULKY YARN
7 ounces Buttercup for 15 inch length cape
8 ounces Buttercup for 19 inch length cape and
The Famous "PURITAN" STAR SPANGLED
MER­CERIZED CROCHET COTTON, Article 40
2 balls Gold Spangle or colors of your choice
1 — 4 inch hairpin lace staple
1 — 3 inch hairpin lace staple
1 — 2 inch hairpin lace staple
Plastic crochet hook size F
Steel crochet hook No. 7
2 hooks and eyes

Hairpin Lace: Make a loop at end of yarn and place left prong of staple in loop just made, wind yarn around right prong of hairpin staple, insert plastic crochet hook in loop, yarn over hook and draw loop through keeping work at center of staple, * drop loop from hook, turn staple ½ turn to the left, pick up the dropped loop at center, yarn over and pull through loop, insert hook through top part of loop on left hand prong, yarn over and pull through (2 loops on hook), yarn over and pull through both loops completing the single crochet (sc), repeat from * for desired length. All strips are worked with Buttercup and size F hook.
For 15 inch length cape work 1st 5 strips.
For 19 inch length cape work 6 strips.
1st Strip: With 2 inch staple work a length of hairpin lace having 89 loops on each side of staple.
2nd Strip: With 2 inch staple work a length having 133 loops on each side of staple.
3rd Strip: With 3 inch staple work a length having 155 loops on each side of staple.
4th Strip: With 3 inch staple work a length having 177 loops on each side of staple.
5th Strip: With 4 inch staple work a length having 199 loops on each side of staple.
6th Strip: With 4 inch staple work a length having 221 loops on each side of staple.
Note: When working strips, twists are taken out of all groups of loops and twist is left in all single loops. This will not be referred to again.

Wednesday 23 January 2013

Be My Valentine Throw Crochet Pattern - Red Heart

The heart is universally accepted as a symbol of love and warm feelings. Crochet this throw for anyone you love or as the perfect engagement, wedding or anniversary gift. Change the hearts to pink or a pastel for a young little miss.

Be My Valentine Throw

Project Number: LW3240

Designed By: Roseanna Beck

Skill Level: Easy

Project Type:

  • Afghans / Throws
  • Seasonal

Supplies:

RED HEART® With Love®: 4 skeins 1303 Aran A, 2 skeins 1909 Holly Berry B
Susan Bates® Crochet Hooks: 5 mm [US H-8] and 7 mm [US K-10 ½]

Size: Throw measures 44” x 53” (111.8cm x 134.6cm)
Heart measure 2 ½” x 2 ¾” (6.4cm x 7cm)

Gauge/Tension:

GAUGE: 12 dc = 4” (10cm); 8 rows = 5½” (14cm) with smaller hook. CHECK YOUR GAUGE. Use any size hook to obtain gauge.

Click here to Visit Red Heart & get the pattern.

Tuesday 22 January 2013

January Sale 15% OFF all items in my Etsy Store.

January Sale January 20th-31st. Quote JAN2012SALE for a 15% discount at checkout.
15% OFF BLISS Granny Stripes Cosy Crochet Colourful Blanket Afghan
Shocking Pink Granny Square Blanket Bright Retro Vintage Style 15% OFF
HAPPY Emerald Green Granny Square Crochet Blanket
Stunning Bright Rainbow Ripple Granny Stripes Blanket Afghan
Don’t forget to Quote JAN2012SALE for a 15% discount at checkout. This discount applies to all patterns too.
15% OFF Snow White Ivory Long Crochet Granny Square Scarf Granny Chic

Friday 18 January 2013

Is it Snowing With You?

I’m aware that I haven’t done my usual amount of blogging this week. The temperatures are falling and much of the UK is now covered in snow. So far no snow in this part of Scotland but I’m sure it will arrive in due course. 

It is cold though so I thought I would post some pictures of some of my cosy blankets.

ripple4 

Rainbow Ripple

cascade1

Cascade Blanket

molly1

Molly Granny Square Blanket

IMG_1591

Harlequin Blanket

IMG_1600

BLISS Granny Stripes Blanket

IMG_1546

Geranium Granny Square Blanket

IMG_1643

HAPPY Emerald Green Blanket

As you might know most of my blankets are available in my Etsy shop here. I have recently opened a new shop on Folksy too, although it has some items available it isn’t fully stocked yet. Please have a quick look at my new Folksy shop here if you are interested.

Have a great weekend and keep cosy.

Monday 14 January 2013

Lipstick on My Cowl Crochet Pattern

image

Skill Level: Intermediate

Materials: 6.5mm hook, 1 skein Manos Del Urguay Clasica wool, tapestry needle.

Notes: The cowl is worked in the round. The properties of the yarn give the cowl a contemporary look.

Measurements: 25” x 5” approx.

Pattern:

Ch 64, join with a sl st.

Rnd 1: sk 1st st, *sc, htr, dc, tr, dc, htr, sc, sl st*, ** rep to end.

Rnd 2: sc all around.

Rnd 3: *sc, htr, dc, tr, dc, htr, sc, sl st*, ** rep to end.

Rnd 4: tr all around.

Rnd 5: tr all around.

Rnd 6: *sc, htr, dc, tr, dc, htr, sc, sl st*, ** rep to end.

Finishing.

With yarn still attached turn cowl inside out so you have the wrong side facing now working in opposite direction. Ch 2, work sl st into

1st st, *dc, sl st in same stitch*, ** rep to end.

Sunday 13 January 2013

How To Crochet: 14 Flower Crochet Granny Squares eBook - AllFreeCrochetAfghanPatterns.com

Here’s a new e-book of crochet flowers and includes one of my crochet patterns.

With How To Crochet: 14 Flower Crochet Granny Squares, you’ll discover new and exciting ways to crochet flowers. Some are three dimensional; others are crocheted right into the square. There are so many options; you’ll have to look at all the patterns before choosing which one to start with. These free granny square patterns burst into life when you pick up your crochet hook. From beginner crochet patterns to a little more advanced, there is a flower crochet pattern here for everyone. Each crochet pattern is a little different from the next so there are plenty of options. It’s a wildflower garden of crochet flowers and it’s up to you to pick your own bouquet.

14 Flower Crochet Granny Squares

 

With your free copy of How To Crochet: 14 Flower Crochet Granny Squares eBook, you can also subscribe to Laying It All Out newsletter to become part of a fabulous and friendly crochet community. In subscribing to the newsletter you will receive:

• Four weekly emails with free crochet patterns, tips, collection pages, videos and more.
• New FREE crochet afghan patterns made available to you throughout the year.
• Access to our free crochet afghan pattern library full of 1000’s more free crochet patterns.
• The opportunity to share ideas and help others in the crochet community.


So join in on the fun and download How To Crochet: 14 Flower Crochet Granny Squares eBook now, it’s free! While you're at it, be sure you subscribe to receive our newsletter Laying It All Out, too. Don’t wait any longer, all the free crochet afghan patterns, flower crochet patterns, baby blanket patterns, and more are right at your fingertips. These free crochet patterns will not only make you a better crocheter but they will bring inspiration for future projects!

Read more at All Free Crochet here.

How To Crochet: 14 Flower Crochet Granny Squares eBook | AllFreeCrochetAfghanPatterns.com

Saturday 12 January 2013

HAPPY Crochet Blanket

You might remember I was talking about getting this blanket finished the other day. Well it’s finally completed and there was a brief moment of sunlight that allowed me to photograph it. This is based on the Ruby Retro pattern but looks completely different. The green is much more vivid and emerald than the photographs show.
IMG_1643
IMG_1644
IMG_1646
IMG_1648
rubyretro

Wednesday 9 January 2013

Assembling Your Crochet Together–Improve Your Technique

I was looking through some old vintage crochet magazines last night and came across this article. I figured it might be useful to new crocheter’s & knitters and old alike and so I have scanned it and posted here. I hope the scans are good enough to read. If you have a problem and want me to email them to you just send me your address or leave it in a comment.

Happy constructingSmile 

technique

technique1

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

technique2

Tuesday 8 January 2013

Ruby Retro in Emerald Green Granny Square Blanket

Well not quite yet, just a zillion ends to be sewn in and then the whole blanket to be crocheted together.

IMG_1614-001

IMG_1618-001

IMG_1623-001

IMG_1622-001

The actual green is much brighter than this. Hopefully tomorrow will be a bright sunny day for better photographs. Below is the original ruby retro crochet design.

rubyretro

Monday 7 January 2013

Cleopatra Capelet

clip_image002

clip_image002[8]

Skill Level: Intermediate

Materials: 5.5mm hook, 100g metallic of DK yarn, darning needle.

Notes: The feature of the capelet is the textured popcorn stitch, notes given below. Please be sure you have mastered this stitch before making the capelet.

Measurements: 1 size – 25” at neck edge, 42” at lower edge and 7” length.

Pattern Notes: Popcorn Stitch – pc.

  1. Work 5 dc sts into same st.
  1. Drop the loop from your hook.
  1. Insert your hook from front to back under top 2 loops of the first double crochet of the group.
  1. Grab the dropped loop with your hook and pull it through the stitch.

clip_image002[10]

Pattern:

Ch 72 +1, turn.

Row 1- 4: ch 1, sc

Row 5: ch 2, work dc into next 4 sts, *sk st, m1 popcorn, ch 3*, ** rep to last 4 sts, work 4 dc 1, dc 4 (32PCs)

Row 6: ch 1, sc into each ch and once into top of each pc (136sts)

Row 7: ch 2, dc into next 4 sts, *work pc in next st, ch 2, sk 2, popcorn*. ** rep to last 4 sts, dc (42 pcs)

Row 8: ch 1, sc 110 sts evenly across the row. ( 110 sts_

Sc (109)

Row 9: ch 3, dc in next 4 sts, *ch 3, sk 2, dc*, ** rep to final 4 sts, dc

Rows 10 -13: ch 3, dc in next 4 sts, *ch 4, sk 2, dc*, ** rep to final 4 sts, dc.

Row 14: ch 1, sc next 4 sts, *sc 4 under ch sp, sk dc*, rep to last 4 sts, sc.

Row 15: dc, *sk 3, pc, ch 3*, ** rep to next last st, dc.

To Finish:

With yarm still attached to end of row 15, turn to crochet up front of capelet in sc, work 1 sc into side of each sc row and 2 sc into side of each dc row – work 23 in total. Next ch 50 for neck tie. Fasten off.

Ch 50 and with RS facing join ch at neck edge on opposite side and work 23 sc into this side of capelet.

Fasten off and darn all ends in.

Copyright © 2010 Aileen C Lochhead (The Sunroom UK). All Rights Reserved

Saturday 5 January 2013

Peace and Plenty - Finding your path to financial security -Sarah Ban Breathnach

 

peaceandplenty

Review

...possibly one of the best personal finance books ever written. Ban Breathnach weaves together the story of her own financial tribulations with inspirational musings, practical advice, and - this is where this book really emerges as a winner - timeless quotes from such diverse sources as William Wordsworth, Million Dollar Baby, Maya Angelou, and a slew of women's magazines from the 1930s. The story of Dorothy Parker's lifelong struggle with money is probably worth the price of the book on its own. (Daily Finance )

Book Description

Sarah Ban Breathnach takes a nostalgic look back to the Great Depression, the lessons learned and the truth behind her own recent fall from financial grace, to offer practical advice to those struggling in today's harsh economic climate.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars A Spiritual, Authentic and Powerful Book 20 Jan 2011

By Mary Jane Hurley Brant

Format:Paperback

If you are a woman and you want to understand your relationship with money, Peace and Plenty is the book for you. It is authentic writing at its best. Sarah Ban Breathnach, author of the hugely successful Simple Abundance, once again weaves wonderful words together as she addresses the serious and important subject of money and a woman's relationship with it. "Heaven likes to help those trying to help themselves" and "'Having enough' is the destination for all of us on the Peace and Plenty path." I think that's one of the best parts of this book: its spiritual essence resonates with us because Sarah Ban Breathnach's authentic and faith-filled voice touches our very souls page after page.
I loved this book's respectful and humble acknowledgment of the struggles that so many good people undergoing financial stress are experiencing. A sensitive chapter "On Losing Your Job" validates how the loss of personal identity hurts our self-esteem and discourages our spirit. And Sarah doesn't write from the abstract, she has lived the fear and reality of job loss. She also courageously shares her personal stories of loss of finances, home and marriage. These monumental losses could have made Sarah bitter and discouraged her but they have not because she is a believer in the beauty and the bounty of life. Sarah Ban Breathnach focuses instead on places where she is grateful and inspires us to do the same. She is also moving on with the new changes in her life trusting the Creator of a Million Lifetimes to guide her every choice.
In this wonderful book, Sarah Ban Breathnach implores us to create a financial family tree to clarify our attitudes about money. Were your parents big spenders? Were they worried all of the time about money? These questions initiate us into the search to understand what money really means to us. Sarah wants us to be honest believing that the truth does indeed set us free.
Sarah Ban Breathnach is every woman's friend, sister and mother. Millions of women look to her for counsel, hope and honesty. They will not be disappointed when they sit down with a hot cup of tea and this latest book, Peace and Plenty, where they will find renewed hope and a true path to financial serenity from a trusted soul companion.
Mary Jane Hurley Brant, M.S., CGP

More reviews and information at Amazon click here.

Friday 4 January 2013

BLISS Granny Stripes Crochet Blanket

Finished at last but unfortunately still no good bright sunlight for photographs.

IMG_1598

IMG_1596

At this point it was still a work in progress, growing by the day.

IMG_1599-001

I’m not going to write up a pattern as there are a few available online already. If you visit ravelry and type in granny stripes you will find free patterns. My blanket is neither of those patterns but the overall effect is the same – stripes.

IMG_1593 

Oh the joy of it – look at all those ends to be sewn in!

IMG_1600

4 Rounds of single crochet to finish it off.

IMG_1602-001

It now measures 54” x 45” so much larger than I had initially intended.

IMG_1609