Newborn Lace Cocoon Crochet Pattern

I have a new pattern up in my etsy shop! This cocoon is so soft and comfy. 

It is CROCHET PATTERN for a newborn/infant/baby cocoon in PDF format.

It is written in the English language only.-This pattern requires approximately 125 yds. of lace weight yarn and uses sizes (H) 5mm and (J) 6mm crochet hooks.-The finished cocoon will have a bit of stretch to it to accommodate most newborn sizes.Stitches needed:St(s)=stitch(es)Sc=single crochet Hdc=half double crochet Dc=double crochet Sk=skip Sl st=slip stitchmagic ringTo purchase click on the link below and it will take you over to my Etsy shop. Once payment is made Etsy will send you an email with a link to download the pattern. Thank you!

**This pattern may not be copied, reproduced or sold. You may however sell finished products made from this pattern.

Cross Creek Gifts by Kayla Anderson original pattern design. © 2014

Newborn Lace Cocoon Pattern

The Sarafan Dress

The Sarafan Dress-designed by monpetitviolon is the newest addition to my etsy shop. This is one of my favorite thins I have ever made. She designs such beautiful things. Here is a link to her etsy pattern
shop.

Mon Petit Violon Etsy Pattern Shop

Here is a link to my etsy shop where you can find this dress for sale.

The Sarafan Dress - listing

Cross Creek Gifts now sells fabric crafts!

I have some adorable new dresses up for sale in my etsy shop.

Cross Creek Gifts

star wars

Lemons, limes and oranges

These two are officially my first fabric crafts to be offered. I have only specialized in knitted and crocheted gifts until now. I am loving this new craft so much. I am currently working on a couple more dresses that will go up for sale soon. Please check my etsy shop often and spread the word. 

Thank you for your support!

I haven't blogged in awhile because I have been busy SEWING! I finally sat down and forced myself to learn to read a pattern. I have learned so much in the last couple of months it's crazy. I have definitely found a new passion.

I've also been busy opening my etsy shop. Right now it only contains crocheted items, but within the next week I will have other things in there that I have sewn. Please click on the link and support my shop by making it one of your favorites. Thank you!

My etsy shop - Cross Creek handmade gifts

I've been praying and thinking and praying and thinking and praying and praying and praying and my husband and I have decided to home school our children once we move back to Indiana. It's been on my heart for awhile now, and after budgeting and *praying* we have made a plan. Now to see it in action. God has blessed us with the opportunity to make this happen and I couldn't be happier. My etsy shop is just a small portion of our plan.

Here is what I have been working on the last couple of months (in between my reading and crocheting).

As you can see we are thomas the train and superhero fans! I love sewing for the ones I love, but I am very excited to sew for others so that I can spend more time with the ones I love! 

Book Review: To Rise Again At A Decent Hour

....to clarify...I won this ARC in a first reads Goodreads giveaway.

Ok. There. I did it. I finally finished the book. Now I can move on with my life.
How do I even begin to describe my feelings about this book. It is like nothing else I have ever read before. I'll start by giving it a 3.649284 out of 5.

It was so boring at times I gave into my headache and actually put the book down. That was disappointing. I wanted to love every word in the book, but I was constantly repelled every time I got to the parts about religious history. Not because it was uninteresting, but mostly because I feel like it was over my head and I didn't know what to believe. Then to my relief I came to the conclusion that my opinion on it's validity was of no importance to the overall concept of the story.

I eventually picked the book up again, and oh was I so happy I did! There are many moments that made up for the small boring tidbits (x10000000). There were parts that I literally LOLed. There were even more times that I related a little more to the main character than I would ever have wanted. There were some pretty brilliant descriptions about everyday events that I would have normally never stopped to appreciate how grand they really are. 

Much like the main character, my opinion on the novel is also a contradiction to itself. I loved it, but hated it. I loved it more than I hated it though... and I really grew fond of Dr. Paul C. O'Rourk. His character was so meticulously created and displayed. I haven't read of any other character yet that has been built upon with each line, each word. Every eccentricity was more insight to his character. He went off on a lot of tangents, and I ALMOST got confused and lost in it all, but the author brought you back soon enough for it not to be a problem. It was in all of those tangents that you get to know Paul for who he is and why he is they way he is.

I like how the book ended. That's all I will say.

Book Review: The Edge of Never

My book reviews are my personal opinion. I am not paid for reviews. I read and write reviews for fun. Some books are given to me, some are won in giveaways and some are purchased. All reviews are my full honest opinion and it is not in any way for or against a specific author. Thank you!

The Edge Of Never

by

J. A. Redmerski

** spoiler alert ** Every once in awhile I need to read a really good love story. This was a really good love story. I thoroughly enjoyed following the characters.

Camryn had dealt with a lot of heartache. She was somewhat damaged, but understandably, but not in the horribly horrific worst way. She still had a little fight left in her. She wanted to change things. She had her reservations, but that didn't stop her from living her life. She just went after what she knew would make her happy...along the way she met Andrew.

I love Andrew. I know I'm married and I can't have him (nevermind the fact that he is a fictional character-haha), but he really is amazing. He has his flaws, but he makes up for them in every other aspect. He's got a great story of his own and I COULD NOT put the book down in anticipation of finding out what it was.

These two had chemistry like no other. They had a beautiful friendship that quickly turned into a beautiful "love story." The best love story I've read in awhile.

I entered the giveaway for "The Edge of Always" #2 in this series and WON! ...that is actually how I heard of this book. I quickly read this so now I am ready to receive my copy of the second book in the series and see what else happens :)

Book Review: The Book Thief

My book reviews are my personal opinion. I am not paid for reviews. I read and write reviews for fun. Some books are given to me, some are won in giveaways and some are purchased. All reviews are my full honest opinion and it is not in any way for or against a specific author. Thank you!

The Book Thief

by

Markus Zusak

5 stars!

For a book set during the Nazi Germany time period it was thoroughly entertaining and hilarious. The perspective from which it was written gives a neutral view that allows for that kind of humor. You will instantly fall in love with every character, even the ones you don't want to. You will feel their joy, pain, satisfaction, humiliation, gratitude, etc... I felt like a member of Liesel's very disfunctional family, and was quite proud of it!

Liesel deals with so much heartbreak it's hard to read sometimes, but her challenges and journey keep you turning the page. I love a book that will make me think and cry....and cry I did! A lot. Mostly on the inside because I don't like to blur my vision (that makes reading more difficult). It's a feel-good cry. The moments you know are inevitable, you see them coming, but you still bawl like a baby. 

There's a lot in this book that is very hard to fathom, but I believe is necessary for everyone once they reach a certain age. Although a fictional story, it still paints a very realistic picture of the times. The truth of this time is painful, but the knowledge of the past must be passed on and this novel is a great tool to do just that. 

Book Review: The Rosie Project

My book reviews are my personal opinion. I am not paid for reviews. I read and write reviews for fun. Some books are given to me, some are won in giveaways and some are purchased. All reviews are my full honest opinion and it is not in any way for or against a specific author. Thank you!

The Rosie Project 

by 

Graeme Simsion

5 stars :)

I instantly fell in love with Don Tillman. He is so honest and lovable. This book follows his journey of finding a wife in his very logical, statistical manner. When his approach doesn't necessarily deliver the results he expected he receives so much more.

Written from Don's perspective, you're taken within the mind of a genetic's professor with Asperger's Syndrome. His concise, methodical, systematic, deliberate way of thinking and acting makes for a very entertaining narrative! I couldn't put this book down. I really hope it is made into a movie. I can't wait to watch it!

Book Review: Labor Day

My book reviews are my personal opinion. I am not paid for reviews. I read and write reviews for fun. Some books are given to me, some are won in giveaways and some are purchased. All reviews are my full honest opinion and it is not in any way for or against a specific author. Thank you!

Labor Day

by 

Joyce Maynard

2.5 STARS

** spoiler alert ** SPOILER!!!! I didn't really like this book much. Other than the lack of quotation marks the writing wasn't too bad. ...the dialogue without quotation marks made reading the first part of the book difficult but I eventually got past it. I think using a pubecient teenage boy as the narrator was a gross and creepy choice. The "love story" included sex, of course, which had to be conveyed by the narrator...dusturbing at the very least. However I do think the young boy was a superb choice only when it came to his mother's pathetic life. ("pathetic" being used in a non-malicious way-she truly was a sad sad person) I wasn't really feeling the "love" between Frank and Adele. He just spent the last almost 20 years in prison-why wouldn't he jump in the sack with the next available woman... Her side was even more unbelievable. She leads a sorry life putting so much worry, responsibility and pain on her son's shoulders yet some convict rolls into town and she's a changed woman! ...and even worse, her son goes along with all her shenanigans because he will still do anything to make her happy. No one in their right mind would make the mistake Adele did (at least I hope not). If she were so quick to "fall in love" with this supposedly dangerous criminal why wouldn't she just use that effort to get out of the house, find a real job, support her son emotionally and otherwise and work on herself. Afterall you can't love another until you love yourself...which makes this all the more unbelievable. I was really looking forward to this one, but was sadly disappointed. I will give her kudos for the idea. It's not your typical sunshine and butterflies love story.

Book Review: Maya-Bay of the Dolphin

My book reviews are my personal opinion. I am not paid for reviews. I read and write reviews for fun. Some books are given to me, some are won in giveaways and some are purchased. All reviews are my full honest opinion and it is not in any way for or against a specific author. Thank you!

I love reading. It has always been a very important part of my life. Was I always good at it? Definitely not, no one is. We all start out not knowing how to read. I, however, struggled more than the average person.

For most of elementary school I was put into a remedial reading group. We met during reading time each day. I really enjoyed the attention I got in that small group. It really helped me to succeed in school. I averaged a "C" all 6 years I was there, and I believe that was mostly for effort. Not being a great reader affected all areas of work.

Eventually, thanks to the help I received from teacher aides, I caught up and surpassed the majority of students in my grade. By the time I got to middle school (6th grade) I was getting all A's, on academic teams and the spell bowl team. Not to mention I was reading for fun.

It has opened my eyes to how very important reading is in all aspects of your life. I may not be an English Major or an editor of a big newspaper, but reading has been a blessing and a form of happiness for me.

Nowadays I read for fun. I paid my dues. I read all of those high school and college textbooks...let's put an emphasis on all of the Nursing material I had to read... I enjoy reading for fun now. I have read more in the last two years than I have my whole life (pertaining to reading for enjoyment.) I have read and enjoyed many different types of books. I also still really enjoy children's books. My kids are now reading and one of my favorite things to do with them is visit the bookstore. We go once or twice a week. I love it!

I just recently finished a book written by a local author, Suzanne De Board. I was lucky enough to meet  her and her husband over Thanksgiving break during a book signing. She had 7 books available for purchase, and of course I couldn't walk out of there with just one book--so I got three! The three I chose were: Sarah Jane, The Gift (the first book in "The Gift" series, and Maya-Bay of the Dolphin.  Maya-Bay of the Dolphin is a middle-school reading level chapter book. I read it the day after I bought it. I couldn't wait to dive into one of the books I got so I decided to start with the one I could finish quickly. I was not disappointed!

I am not a professional book reviewer, but I will give my opinion. I give reviews for almost all the books I read on my Goodreads app, but this is the first one I have written a blog post about. I believe this book is good enough to get more recognition so I would be happy to spread the word in any way I can.

I must begin with the cover illustration since that is the first thing you see. It is beautiful. I love the bright, cheerful colors. I will tell you all like I told the author, "I try not to judge a book by its cover, but I can't help it. These are beautiful." ("these" referring to all of her books.)

Her books really do have some of the best cover art I have ever seen.

Now onto the inside...

This was such a cute story. It is the story of seven year old Maya who loses her nana, her best friend. The family spreads her cremated ashes out to sea, and Maya spots a dolphin who she believes is her papa taking her nana with him.

The story continues with her parents struggle to make her believe she is not seeing her grandparents and that it is only marine animals.

The whole story is wonderful, but the ending is perfect. It put a smile on my face and brought a tear to my eye. I can't wait to read it with my kids.

It is very well written. I feel like it is a treasure for all ages, but especially the youngest readers. Books for young audiences are very much Straight to the point without much imagery or description for fear that the young reader can't understand the concept of the story. This story is quite the opposite. The author really delivers the scene and story simplistically and eloquently. 

I highly recommend this book. I love a book with a pleasant surprise ending and it isn't too often you find that in a book written for young readers. Which is why this book is for people of all ages. Christmas is coming near and you still have time to order things online. Give your children the gift of reading and start with this book! :) Here is a link to the book on Amazon.

Maya-Bay of the Dolphin

Happy Reading!

Honoring Our Veterans

I know a lot of my posts are centered around my weight loss journey or crafting in some way. I love sharing my crochet patterns, pinterest fails, or recipes, etc., but today I thought I would change things up a bit.

In honor of Veterans Day being this month I was asked to share a link to an article about PTSD-Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. "Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), once called shell shock or battle fatigue syndrome, is a serious condition that can develop after a person has experienced or witnessed a 
traumatic or terrifying event in which serious physical harm occurred or was threatened," -WebMD. 

This blog post by The American Recall Center offers some important information on the topic.
Caring For Our Heroes: Learn About PTSD This Veterans Day

"The American Recall Center provides drug and medical device recall information alongside practical healthcare information and support. We aim to build the most comprehensive resource on the Internet for timely and trusted material regarding healthcare topics that matter to the consumer. The team at ARC is dedicated to helping consumers find accurate information with ease," -The American Recall Center (About Us).

Although this post is coming around Veterans day, and although most of us associate PTSD with military members who have seen combat, PTSD can occur in any person who has experienced a traumatic event. Unless you or someone close to you has experienced this condition, you probably haven't really thought about it too much. PTSD can be very debilitating and those who have it have a lot of obstacles to overcome. Let's take this time to educate ourselves a little more so that we may show support for those who have it.

Also in the article offered by The Recall Center are further resources that could be beneficial to those experiencing PTSD.

To those veterans who have served and fought for everything we have and stand for today, I thank you.

Large Hook Beanie Hat

Large Hook Beanie Hat

Pattern by: Kayla Anderson

size=adult

hook size=M

worsted weight yarn

I used red heart boutique treasure

Gauge: 8 hdc = 4 inches
7 rows= 4 inches

Make a magic ring.

6sc in ring.

Do not join...you will work in the round continuously.

2hdc in each sc around.

Place marker.

Next round: *(2hdc, 1hdc) Repeat* to end of round.

Next round: *(2hdc, 1hdc, 1hdc) Repeat * to end of round.

Next round: *(2hdc, 1hdc, 1hdc, 1hdc) Repeat * to end of round.

Next round: *(2hdc, 1hdc, 1hdc, 1hdc, 1hdc) Repeat * to end of round.

Next round: *(2hdc, 1hdc, 1hdc, 1hdc, 1hdc, 1hdc) Repeat * to end of round.

Next round: 1hdc in each st around.

Repeat this round until hat measures about 7in.

Next two rounds: 1sc in each stitch around.

Finish the hat by placing 1 sl st in the next two stitches. This will create a more even look since this hat was not joined together in each round.

Tie off and weave in ends.

If you have any questions you can email me at 

Kayla1986mc@hotmail.com 

Buttons & Stripes coffee cosy

Pattern by: Kayla Anderson

Materials

worsted weight yarn (striping)

two buttons

I-9 hook

Ch 25

Sc across starting at 2nd ch from hook.
Row 2:  Ch 1 turn sc across.
Row 3:  ch 2, turn, hdc across.
Repeat rows 2 & 3 two times.
ch 1 turn. Sc across next row, 2sc into last stitch.
Do not turn.
Continue sc all the way around putting 2sc in the remaining corners. (when creating the sc on the sides where no previous stitches exist, be sure to create 10 sc on each side-do not put 2 sc into the last corner you stop at.)
Ch 2 at the ending corner, 1hdc in same space where you started your ch 2, then hdc 6 down the side. Ch2 turn and hdc back across same side.
Ch 1 turn, sc in next two stitches, ch 2 sk 2 stitches, sc in next two stitches, ch 2 sk 2 stitches, sc in last two stitches. (Ch 2 spaces are button holes).
Ch2 turn and hdc back across.
Finish off and weave in ends.

Sew on two buttons on the opposite sides of where you crested the buttonholes.

Vintage Inspired Pixie Bonnet

           Vintage Inspired Pixie Bonnet

Design By Kayla Anderson 

Size 12-18 months

Materials:

Worsted weight yarn

I/9-5.50MM hook

Ribbon if not making the drawstring out of yarn. (35-40 inches)

Darning needle

measuring tape

scissors

Bonnet:
Ch 61

Sc in 2nd ch from hook and back across.

*Ch2 turn, dc in front loops only across

Ch1 turn, sc in back loops only across*

Continue * to * until piece measures about 5.5 inches.

(If you want the bonnet to fit further forward on the head continue for a few more inches.)

(This is the ridge side.)

(This is the smooth side.)

Ch1 turn *sc,2 dc,sc in next stitch, sl st in next stitch*.
Repeat * to * across.

(This will create the decorative edge.)

Do not turn, Sc along side to create a more even edge. 

Fold piece in half joining corners and sc the piece together.

Ch1 sc back across.

When you get to the end of that row continue your next sc to the edge of the other side that does not yet have an even edge. 

Sc across to end.

Finish off.

Ribbon:
Ch 120

Sc back across. 

Finish off.

(Ribbon)

Weave through ridges of bonnet about 4-5 inches from bottom.

(Weave ribbon through ridges.)

Chandelier Makeover

I have always wanted a chandelier. I think they are a fun and gorgeous way to light a room. I have personally never had one before. My house, growing up, was never the type of house to have fancy things. We had nice things, mostly hand-me-downs and inexpensive yard sale finds(my favorite), but never anything shiny and bright. I love the way my parent's house looks. It is rustic, country, comfy and cozy. It is filled with all of their favorite things which makes it perfect for them. I love the simplicity of it so I have decided to go for the same look in my home. I don't think I ever consciously made that decision, I just started filling my house with the things I love and it has just evolved into the same type of space. It's also very comforting creating a sanctuary like this that reminds me so much of my life growing up since I rarely get to see my family. I feel closer to home being surrounded by these things. I know money doesn't buy happiness, and I am a firm, firm believer in that, but these materialistic things really do make me extremely happy! One of the huge reasons I love my things so much is because more and more of them are things that I have made or redone to be exactly the way I want them.

This Chandelier is one of those special projects. I was lucky enough to get the chandelier for FREE! It was brass and had electrical hook ups. The wiring was questionable, and we rent our home so hooking up a chandelier to the ceiling light was more work than we wanted to deal with so we converted it to a candle chandelier. I definitely prefer this look to the lightbulbs.

My husband first removed all wiring and bulbs. I started by washing and spray painting it pink. I actually had a lot of spray cans of light pink that I was going to use for another project that I never started. I was honestly very hesitant to paint it pink. I had other ideas...light yellow or green, or even trying a different metallic color. I only chose the pink because those cans were staring me in the face and I had to try it. (If you don't like it, you can always repaint it!) To my surprise I fell in love with the color and it works for my kitchen perfectly. After the paint dried I placed the glass pieces back on and glued them with hot glue. I also filled in any hollow areas inside the glass with the hot glue. This created a foundation for the tea light candles. We purchased a decorative chain from Lowes for about $5. The total for the project came to a total of $10 once I purchased the candles because I already had the paint.

The chandelier creates a nice focal point in my dining area. I never really enjoyed being in my kitchen before. It has a tile countertop that I hate. You would be amazed at how much I dislike my kitchen just because of that tile. Now I love it! 

I may not have a shiny sparkling home full of jewels, crystal, and gold, but I love my country accents. Now I have a beautiful chandelier that works perfectly with my rustic decor.

(Overhead view)

(the awful, awful tile countertop-and note the rose artwork 

on the far wall. The pink in the drawings are brought out with the pink chandelier.)

(another view)

Besides the pink chandelier I also have a few other DIY pieces in my dining area. The large farmhouse table was made by my husband and dad. I kept pinning many different farmhouse table tutorials on pinterest in hopes that one day someone would make me one. My dad was visiting last month (June) and I showed him a picture on my computer and told him he could make me one for his father's day gift "if he wanted to"(with a huge grin on my face). My sweet dad spent all of father's day making me this table. I am the luckiest girl on earth!

This photo shows the brilliant color and structure of it better than the other photos. I plan to take some more photos in the morning in the natural sunlight to show off the whole kitchen together.

Along with the table we found 6 folding metal chairs and painted them. I love that they are a totally different material than the table. We were able to find three folding chairs at the Salvation Army for $2 each. The other three we purchased for $10 each brand new. After buying paint the chairs cost less than $50. 

My kitchen is finally becoming a place I love. Now it's time to tackle the living room!

Happy DIYing!