Autumn Breezes

As we are approaching the end of August we can see the slightest glimpse of Fall, here in New York. The days are slowly getting shorter and the nights are getting cooler.  It has been a very dry and hot Summer and I am definitely looking forward to Autumn. 

I have always looked at September as a month of new beginnings. Probably because that’s when my children returned to school, or maybe it’s the weather turning from hot and humid to cool and refreshing. This fall isn’t like most though. My heart goes out to my daughters and all the moms who are faced with sending their children back to school during such a uncertain time. I certainly wouldn’t feel confident in making the decision to send my children back to school right now. 

Autumn is the time of year that I also get the urge to start crocheting again, I do crochet during the summer but not very often. 

Am I the only one who starts a project and then puts it away for months? I have done this with so many wips it’s terrible lol. I feel very blessed when I am able to pick it up and know which pattern it was. I get so mad at myself when I check my Ravelry and it isn’t there  

You can find the pattern here. 

Rainbow Ripple Round Baby Blanket

MLR Stitches 2012

While going through my Ravelry projects this morning, I came across the round ripple afghan I made for my oldest granddaughter in 2012.  I had forgotten all about this project, even though it is one of my favorites.
This blanket was very easy to make! I used Red Heart yarn and a 5.5 crochet hook.
This pattern uses very basic stitches.  If you can chain, slip stitch, and double crochet, then you can also very easily make this cute little blanket.
You will have to make large and small shells, but they are so simple!
If you can double crochet, you can do it!
Here's how:
Small Shell: (dc, ch 2, dc) in same space
Large Shell: (2 dc, ch 2, 2 dc) in same space

MLR Stitches 2012

My beautiful Katie helping me.  She is now 16 years old and still loves to help me.

You can find the pattern here.
The designer of this pattern, Celeste Young, did a great job making it very easy to follow along.  You can find her and her other beautiful creations here celeste-young on Ravelry.

Brown Sugar and Maple Roasted Delicata Squash

 

                                              

With the first day of Autumn upon us, I picked up some fresh Delicata squash from Sharp's Bulk Foods, a lovely Amish Mennonite store here in Belleville. They always have the freshest produce and delicious baked goods.
The skin of the Delicata squash is very tender, therefore you don't have to peel it. Simply cut it in half, scoop out the insides, slice, season and roast.
I always like my winter squash sweetened with brown sugar and maple syrup, and this squash is no exception.

• Brown Sugar and Maple Roasted Delicata Squash
2-3 Delicata Squash

2 Tablespoons Olive Oil

2 Tablespoons Maple Syrup

2 - 2 1/2 Tablespoons Brown Sugar

1/4 - 1/2 Teaspoon Cinnamon or to your liking

Salt and Pepper to taste
• Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Rinse the squash, cut in half, scoop out the seeds and insides. Slice into half-inch slices and put into a mixing bowl.

Mix the rest of the ingredients together, pour over the squash and toss to coat. Lay the squash out onto a baking sheet, covered with foil for easy cleanup. Place in preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes.
Enjoy!!

My Creativity Is Flowing

The New Year is upon us and Winter is in full swing here in Northern New York  I have decided to take a semester, or two, off from college.  I am only a few credits away from my degree but I am just burned out from the last two years.
My creativity is flowing with all kinds of projects in mind from crocheting to sewing.  I'm currently working on my second diamond crochet cowl by moogly.  I just love this pattern!  I highly recommend it!  I will be making a detailed post about this pattern and my beautiful scarves I've made with it.  In the meantime, you can find it here.
These are the two Diamond Cowls I've made so far, they are both listed in my Etsy shop, MLR Stitches

Free Shipping

I am currently offering Free Shipping on all bracelets in my Etsy Shop. 

https://www.etsy.com/shop/Nanascrochetnjewels?ref=si_shop

Little Girl's Poncho

I made this poncho last week. I had a little trouble with it at first. So I set it down and tried again the next morning. I find when I am having trouble with a pattern, I need to put it away for a few hours, or overnight, and when I go back to it, it always seems easier to follow. 

The fun fur takes some getting used to working with, but I just love how it looks on this poncho. 

I wish I had found this pattern when my granddaughters were this size. I think it is just too cute and it would have been adorable on them. 

This poncho is a size 12-18 months and is for sale in my Etsy Shop. 

https://www.etsy.com/listing/198166032/baby-girl-hooded-poncho

 

Isn't it adorable!

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Bracelets For Sale In My Etsy Shop

I have found a new hobby that I just love. These are a few of the bracelets I currently have for sale in my Etsy Shop. Nana's Crochet n Jewels. You can Aldo find me on Facebook. 

This us a stretch bracelet made with a variety if greenish blue beads if various shapes and sizes. 

This one is definitely one of my favorite of the stretch bracelets I currently have listed for sale. 

This is another stretch bracelet with a heart charm. 

This one is one of my favorites. I have one I wear on a regular basis, it goes with just about anything. There are silver spacers between each head and it has a toggle clasp. 

I call this one pretty in pink. It has a lobster claw clasp.