I'm BACK...to crocheting

After what seems like a very long hiatus, I've picked up my crocheting hook and I'm back to crocheting. I've been knitting a skirt called the bell curve but I was getting bored and the "star" stitch was hurting my fingers so I decided to put it hold temporary while I search for an appropriate project. After pouring through my magazines and various websites and patterns, I decided upon the waves hem skirt. It's from the march issue of Crochet, Today! (Okay, I was suppose to making something green but I got distracted...sidetracked. I wanted to make a skirt and I didn't think a green skirt would look good on me)! I'm using yarn from my stash so I hope it turns out okay. I'm using a tweed color for the body with black for the waves. It's a really interesting pattern so far and I'm actually enjoying it! No pictures yet! I'm a bit nervous about the skirt because I'm a "pear shape" and I'm between 2 sizes. My gauge is off since my yarn is thicker than the recommended. I've decided to make the small and maybe do some modifications for the waist later. Skirt is worked from the bottom up so I can try it as I go. I love that I don't have to put my stitches on scrap yarn to try it on because I'm just too LAZY!!! I hope my crochet project will be a success!

I'm back to making more jellies. I'm having a lot of fun with it. I made 5 jars last week but it's not thickening up like I hope. I'm may have to re-cook this batch yet again. I don't understand why it won't thicken up on the first try. I cook the heck out of it to get it at a thick consistency before I actually ladle it into the jars. Any canners out there, I love to hear any trick of the trade!
Hubby gave a jar away to friends and they really enjoyed it. It really made my day knowing they liked it!

I was in Walmart shopping the other day and saw a nice knitted sweater for under $15! I was admiring the beautiful cables and the ribbing around the neckline. I looked on the inside of the sweater to see how it was put together. You can tell that it was hand made by the ridge from where the knitter had picked up the stitches around the neckline. I can't believe such a nice sweater could be produced in such high volume at such a low price (okay, hubby said sweat shop :( and it also made me sad that it takes me more than $15 just to buy the yarn and all the time and effort I put into making one! Yes, it's the satisfaction of knowing I made it and picked out the yarn lovingly. I understand why people today do not bother to learn to crochet/knit/make jelly, etc. They can buy it faster and cheaper. But...I am glad that I can and do have the abilities to do these things and pass them on to my daughter.