Hello Everyone,
   I have been working hard on many of my projects. I think I have 7 or 8 different projects happening right now. My craft corner is going through a redesign so right now my yarn is scattered throughout the basement. 
    Two of my projects are for an organization near and dear to my heart. It is called Project Linus. If you have a huge yarn stash, tons of patterns to try, and not enough family and friends, then please consider making an afghan for a child or teenager.
     If you have never heard of this group, their mission is very simple. There are many children and teenagers who are going through a tough time and need some comfort in their life. These children and teenagers could be in the hospital fighting for their lives. These children and teenagers may be getting over a traumatic experience. Your donated blankets would be something for these children to take with them and to snuggle with a loved one or just snuggle into for some comfort. 
     I have donated blankets and it is so easy. There are many chapters throughout the country. If you can't find one close you, you may want to consider opening a new chapter. In my hometown there are a couple of knitting and crocheting groups. If you have a group, consider everyone pitching in to make a blanket.
     You don't where to begin or what pattern to choose? No problem, Project Linus has you covered. They have free patterns for you to crochet. They also have the requirements for the blankets in a clear FAQ page. Since some of these blankets will be going to hospitals they need to come from smoke-free homes. They also need to be cleaned of any pet dander. The website will be more clear about how to take of care the dander. 
     So here is my challenge for you and myself. Each month I will be making an afghan for each month. I will be posting pictures of my progress on Instagram. I will also be posting a picture of my finished project on this website.
    Would you help me with this challenge? I'm not trying to guilt trip anyone but think of all those children and teenagers (can't forget about them) who just lost everything or just need some comfort through a difficult time. Your blanket will bring them a little hope and joy. Plus, I guarantee they will keep your blanket for the rest of their lives. Even though they don't know you and you will never meet them. You made a difference in a child's or young person's life! You didn't have to do go anywhere or pay hundreds of dollars to make that change. You used your yarn stash and made a little time in your day to bring comfort and joy to a person's life. 
    If you take my challenge, you don't have to comment (even though it would be awesome to hear from you). Please send me a picture of your work. I would love to see all the colors and designs. Thank you for all you do and I hope that you enjoy the challenge!
Here is the website: www.projectlinus.org

Hello Friends!
   Sunday is my relaxing day and I do most of my crocheting during this day. I usually crochet every night. Today, I chose to clean out my old projects. These are projects that never got done for some reason. 
   One of these projects gave me inspiration for my son's blanket. He will be moving into a big boy bed soon. I want to make him a blanket that he can use for a long time.
   The former project was an alphabet blanket that I never put together. (I started it five years ago.) Well, I'm going to spell out my son's name in bright yellow and then use red to ring around it. Then alternate the colors every row. 
   I am starting to realize that I come up with blanket ideas, but they are so complicated. I have changed my mind about this blanket about three times in the last two weeks. 
  This latest idea is the winner. I even sketched it out to make sure it would look nice. This is proof that I'm learning. I have NEVER sketched out any of my ideas and projects. 
  Now that I have sketched this project out, I am going to keep sketching future projects. It makes my project seem more really to me and will keep me going. I can't believe that I thought I was too good to it before. As I have said before, crochet is humbling. 
   After I finish his blanket, I'll be making my daughter one. Her colors will be easy. She is all girl, so her colors are pink and purple!
   My other unfinished projects have made their way into the woodstove. It hurts to see all my time and money burn up, but it also reminds me not to overextend myself. I have picked a few projects in my books and placed the colored yarn I want as a bookmark. (I have a horrible memory.)
    I'll be posting my progress over the year. I have a few blankets, shawls, and a skirt on my list. 
    I would love to hear from you. It gets a little lonely being the only one writing sometimes.   
   What projects do you have planned? How do you prepare for them? 

  Good Evening Everyone!
As I posted last time, I'm following the CAL on Moogly.com. The first square is called Tamara's Kismet Square. The wonderful designer is a great teacher for everyone. 
Her name is Jessie and her website is www.Jessieathome.com. The square she designed is for Easy/Intermediate.  What I love about Jessie is not only does she give you the pattern in clear detail, but you also can see pictures throughout the pattern and VIDEOS!!!! 
The videos were awesome! When I reached Round 8 of the pattern I was having difficulty figuring out where I was suppose to put my stitches. Jessie to the rescue!!! Instead of me wasting time and undoing and redoing my round, she had a video to explain exactly what she meant in the pattern. 
As I continued the pattern, I noticed that I didn't completely understand how to do Round 8 correctly. My count was completely off. Each side had a different number of stitches! That is a first for me. You can tell that my square doesn't lay flat. I am going to count this as my practice square. Plus, I'm not sure if I like the color combination. I may use black in place of the cream and use a different color for the pink. I would like to have a color plan as a make this afghan.
This is the nice thing about this pattern. I didn't waste much time making this square. I will be keeping this pattern to make some pillows or baby blankets. 
If you are looking for an easy challenge and looking for free patterns. I would highly recommend Jessieathome.com. I saved her website as one of my favorites.
I will post again with a picture of my second square and maybe a little of how it went the second time around.
Until then, happy crocheting!

   I know that it has been quite awhile since I have last written a post. Over the months, I believe that I have grown in my crocheting skills by looking at what other talented ladies have been creating.
   I am now on Instagram and I have started following some wonderful designers/bloggers/crocheters. These ladies have really whetted my appetite to try more challenging patterns.
   The big project I'm super excited about is Moogly's CAL (Crochet-A-Long) 2015. Every other week, Tamara will post a new FREE 12" square to crochet. By the time, we get to December we will have 24 12" squares. In December, we will put them together and make an afghan. This is what I need to expand my skills. Plus I get a cool afghan by the end of the year.
   If you would like to join me in this project, you can find the first square pattern, Tamara's Kismet Square, at http://www.mooglyblog.com
   I will be posting pictures of my future squares on this blog or you can find me on Instagram @cozy_crochetbykt. I look forward to seeing you soon.

I finished my first toy. Actually, he is a present for my little niece. I hope she will enjoy reading with him.
With this pattern, I learned some things along the way. It was a challenge. I mentioned in my other post that I had to start over because my rounds were getting out of control. 
With this sock puppet, I learned to count my stitches and don't take for granted that you are doing it right. Taking the time is better than having to redo the entire project.
I also learned about the adjustable circle. I am so thankful for Youtube videos. I would have never figured it out the first time. Seeing someone demonstrate it is much better than looking at static pictures in the back of your book. 
I have found some other toys while surfing the web. I was bored and I wanted to see what other people have done. I hope to be half as creative as some the ladies I found. Some of them were even stay-at-home moms! I don't know where they find the time to crochet let alone design patterns. I'm lucky if I can crochet a row before someone needs something from me.
Now my little present is done. All he needs is a name and then he gets to go to his new home. You have to let your sock puppet grow up some day.

   I have been looking for ideas for a new addition to the website. I would like to do a page for children. I'm not just talking about sweaters, hats, mittens, and scarves. I want to make playthings for the kids.
  I am making a hand puppet for my little niece. I have found a pattern, but I'm going to be late with the present. I tried a puppet and failed. My rounds started getting bigger and bigger. I have no clue where I went wrong so I had to start a new puppet. (I'm that kind of crocheter.)
   So it got me thinking what other "toys" I can make. I have a pattern for sock monkeys. I don't know what people would like to give their younger relatives. I am a person who treasures the past so I think it is great to give them a keepsake that will stand the test of time. How many of us have seen Antique Roadshow? Some of those dolls and toys are worth thousands of dollars. Of course, my things will never a monetary value, but it could create a wonderful memory for the little ones or even the big kids in our lives.
    Tell me what other toys or dolls you would like to see on the website for purchase. 
P.S.- When my puppet is done I'll put up a picture for all to see.