Greyhounds for Charity

This is our latest project. We are selling these greyt liitle crocheted dogs in our Etsy shop. A portion of the proceeds is being donated to our local Greyhound rescue group - We Adopt Greyhounds (WAG) in Glastonbury, CT. We can make one of these just for you in the color of your choice.

Need a sweater to keep your little Greyhound warm?

Choose your color! Coming soon - lifesize crocheted Greyhounds and crocheted martingale collars for the crocheted dogs.

Crocheted Sleeveless Sweater Vest

This sweater is an easy project for beginners and more advanced crocheters will also enjoy making this sweater.

You will need:

light worsted weight yarn (I used Simply Soft Shadows) aprrox. 20 ounces depending on size

Size I hook

This sweater can be made in any size. You will need two measurments:

A. Measure from your waist in back over your shoulder to your waist in front.

B. Measure the fullest part of your bust and add 3 inches. Divide this measurement by 4.(example: bust measures 33 inches + 3 inches divided by 4 = 9 inches.

The sweater is made in two rectangles.

Step 1: (Make 2)

Chain a long enough chain to go from waist over the shoulder to waist. Turn.

Row 1: Double crochet (dc) in 4th chain from hook and in each chain across. Chain 3 and turn. (Chain 3 counts as first dc.
Row 2: Double crochet in each stitch across row.

Continue row 2 until piece equals measurement B. (example = 9 inches)

Step 2:

Fold rectangles in half. Stitch center front and back seams. Sew front seam about 10 inches from waist and back seam about 11 inches from waist. This can be adjusted if you want the neckline higher or lower. Sew the side seams, leaving an armhole of about 7 inches on both front and back. Again, this can easily be adjusted.

Step 3:

Neck edging

Attach yarn at any point on neck opening.

Row 1: Single crochet (sc) around. Join to first single crochet.

Rows 2-3: Single crochet around. At the end of row 3 join with slip stitch to beginning sc and fasten off.

Step 4:

Sleeve edging

Attach yarn at underarm seam.

Row 1: SC around and join to first sc.

Row 2-3: SC around. At the end of row 3 join with slip stitch to beginning sc and fasten off.

Step 5:

Waist edging

Attach yarn at side seam.

Row 1: SC around spacing stitches evenly.

Rows 2-5: SC in each stitch. At the end of row 5 join to beginning sc and fasten off.

Weave in ends and you are ready to wear this great casual sweater!

A Visit to the Farm

While in New Hampshire over the Memorial Day weekend, we visited Heritage Farm. This is located near Laconia. They have a pancake house open several days a week, a petting zoo, hayrides, maple sugar products, and more. This is a great place for families. Cory met several ladies who also spin yarn or crochet and we all plan to get together while we are spending time in New Hampshire this summer. If your summer plans include a trip to the lakes region in NH, check out the Heritage Farm at http://www.heritagefarm.net/.

Grand Cayman

We love the island of Grand Cayman and visit as often as we can. In August , 2009, we were evacuated from the island due to the approach of Hurricane Gustav. We were impressed with the preparations of our timeshare resort, but it was a bit disconcerting to return from a beautiful trip to Stingray City to find windows boarded up and the beach empty.

We have visited twice since August and each time gets better!

FUN WITH MANATEES!

Our family enjoyed swimmimng with the manatees in Crystal River, FL. The manatees love to clean their teeth on the ropes around the boat. We were surrounded by mature and baby manatees - some very playful. There are very strict rules designed to protect the manatees from abuse. These gentle creatures are fascinating to watch and they often want to interact with humans. Our granddaughter (4 at the time) showed no fear and loved watching them playing around the boat.