Woven Together | Beginner Resources

We live in a world of mass resources and sometimes it can be overwhelming trying to find a teaching book that will work for you. So let me show you some books that I have tried and liked.

 1. I Taught Myself to Crochet

This was the first crocheting book I ever bought. I love this book because it comes with six hooks, darning needles, and some small goodies that I normally wouldn't bother buying but that are really good to have. This book also has some wonderful easy projects and most importantly it teaches you how to read patterns. 

Get it here! 

2. How to Crochet

For all you reading learners, this is your book. Although this book lacks bright colored pictures and fun diagrams, it has simple easy to follow guides that will make your learning a success!

Get it here! 

3. I Can't Believe I'm Crocheting! DVD

I love love love this program. The book, DVD, and starter kit can all be sold separately but I would strongly suggest getting them all in the one kit! This program is easy to follow and great for working on techniques, and proper stitch structures. I highly recommend this one!

Get it here!

 4. Crocheting School; A Complete Course
I am a visual and hands-on learner and this book has been so useful for my learning styles. I love the beautiful pictures of yarn and the easy to follow patterns. This book is simply inspirational visually. Plus, who wouldn't want to learn to make that beautiful shell pattern on the front of the book??

Get it here!

5. How to Knit; A Complete Guide for Absolute Beginners

What an awesome title? I would highly recommend this book for the absolute beginner, and younger learners! The pictures are bright and the projects are fun and easy to follow! 

Get it here!

 6. Kids Knitting
Don't under estimate the ability of kids learning to knit! My little 11 year old brother loves to knit. He tried crocheting but knitting is his favorite. I can tell it has helped his fine motor skills, patience, and diligence in finishing a project to completion. I would also recommend it for kids who are managing some behavioral challenges! Knitting is a great brain stimulator!

Get it here!

7. Mason Dixon Knitting 
This book is probably my personal all time favorite knitting book. I have used the projects from the book for years now! The patterns are clear and have wonderful pictures. This is a great book.

Get it here!

8. Martha Stewart Loom Knitting

Honestly I have not tried this yet but it is on my bucket list of things to learn. The book seems to be clear and easy to follow. I plan is to try it soon! Let me know if you have tried it and how you feel about it. I love learning new yarn crafts! 

Get it here! 

Let me know what you think of these books and if you have used them before. What are some of your favorite yarn craft books? How did you learn, and what type of learning styles works best for you? 
Happy yarning and I hope you are all staying warm in this winter wonder weather! 

Woven Together | Beginning

Crocheting and Knitting

Crocheting has been apart of my life since I was 13 years old. It is sometimes hard for me to think of how I began. I love to crochet with a passion and I must admit knitting is not my greatest thrill although I do enjoy it. Im going back to think of what questions I had? What materials I questioned using? Where and how to find good deals on buying yarn? So I am hoping to give you the tools I used for learning how to crochet and knit. 

1. The differences between crocheting and knitting. 
- Crocheting uses one hook, and knitting requires two pointed needles. Hooks and knitting needles come in all different lengths and colors. 

2. What size hook or needles should I start with?
- For crocheting I would recommend a medium sized hook. Hooks are sized by letters and millimeters. So a size I / 5.50mm would be a good starting hook. 
Knitting needles are measured mostly by number. I used size 10 needles for my first knitting project and I felt good about my results. 
- On the yarn packaging there will be a chart for suggested hook and needle size.

3. What type of yarn to use? 

- When teaching how to crochet or knit I always, always recommend using a bright light color. This helps see the stitches better. I would also suggest a worsted weight yarn. Worsted weight is easy to hold, easy to see, and easy to work with. It doesn't tangle too bad and keeps its shape. Worsted is also one of the cheapest yarns you can buy, so your purse will be glad. 

4. How to get started?

- If you do not have a teacher or someone who can show you the ropes, there are many online resources you can use to learn how to crochet or knit. 

1. Learn to Crochet with GIF

2. Lion Brand Learning Center 

3. Red Heart Learn Crochet

4. Queen of DIY

5. Search Youtube for many many many helpful videos on knitting and crocheting! 

If you have any questions, please fill free to comment! I hope this has been helpful. Let me know what you think? 

Blessings! 

Advent

         The Christmas season is upon us once again. Christmas makes the days a little brighter, and the nights a bit more welcoming. Every decoration, song, and movie fills my head with memories wrapped in nostalgia. For the past couple of years I have celebrated the Advent holiday in a more traditional way. I am and grew up Pentecostal Holiness. The church I attend does not celebrate Advent the same way other more traditional churches do, and we do not have a Christmas eve service. Which in their defense is sometimes nice because that time is designated for family time and personal reflection. But I have a desire to celebrate everyday of December in remembrance and deep thought of our Christ's decent to Earth as a child. My goal is to turn off my social networking radar and focus my attention on anticipating the holiday and spending intentional time with family and close friends. This is my last Christmas at home before I get married in the spring and I am excited about savoring every minute.

I hope you have a wonderful Christmas, and if you would like to know more about Advent HERE is a link to a wonderful blog that explains in detail why Advent is so special. The You Version Bible app has some great Advent reading plans if you are interested. Also, the Book of Common Prayer has a great reading section about the Advent. I hope these links answer any questions, if not comment below I will try to find out more for you!

Merry Christmas!

I have no idea why but celtic music has been playing non stop on my pandora station this week. I think it could have something to do with me taking Old English this semester. I am not a linguist at all and so that will be another blog of its own! But via pandora I have fallen in love with this Irish singer Cathie Ryan. Here is her biography. To me finding out a bit about a singers history is so fascinating!

I hope you enjoy her peaceful sound! 

Have you ever been to Ireland? One day I hope to make it there! Who are some of your favorite Celtic singers?

Passion

The Passion 2013 Tour is going on right now! Here you can watch the morning session streamed online! Go Check it out cause it will encourage and equip you! 

These are the sessions that are still online! 

JAN

02

9:00a // Community Groups 
10:45a // Main Session 
1:30p // Main Session 
7:30p // Main Session 
10:30p // Community Groups

JAN

03

9:00a // Community Groups 
10:45a // Main Session 
1:30p // Main Session 
7:30p // Main Session 
10:30p // Community Groups

JAN

04

9:00a // Community Groups 
10:45a // Main Session 
1:45p // Dismiss

Everlasting Father

Isaiah 9:6 "For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

So, to be honest it is really hard to comprehend that God is everlasting. We are finite people and it is so hard for us to understand and infinite God. 

David the Psalmist praised:

1 Chronicles 29:10
"David praised the LORD in the presence of the whole assembly, saying, “Praise be to you, LORD, the God of our fatherIsrael, from everlasting to everlasting."

Jesus is the beginning, middle, and end of our whole existence. He is always with us and always for us. He is a father when we have no father. We are his children and he wants what is best for us even in a hard situation. God is always teaching and training us for His purposes. We have such and awesome God!! I pray today that He will help you understand his everlastingness. 

How have you seen the Everlasting Father show off in your life?

Blessings! 

Everlasting God

HUMPDAY! 

Isaiah 9:6 "For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

Because I can not due this name of God justly I think Chris Tomlin does a great job. I hope you enjoy this song :) 

I hope your shopping and celebrating is going well!! 

Blessings! 

WONDERFUL COUNSELOR

Isaiah 9:6 "For un to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called WONDERFUL COUNSELOR, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace."

What is a wonderful counselor, and why do we need him?

To me, a counselor is someone who is wise and whom you can trust to keep all of your secrets. This person must also be honest and give strait feed back on a situation or thought. Even the Psalmist David needed a counselor way out in the fields watching the sheep. 

Psalms 119:23-24

"Though rulers sit together and slander me, Your statutes are my delight; they are my counselors."

Have you ever felt like that? That people are just sitting around talking about how annoying you are? Or that some people just don't like you? I sure have, this week in fact. My fiance and I have been battling the devil all week in a situation that should have never arisen. When one thing comes, ten others like to follow. We have been praying about it and consulting counselors and the only counselor that seemed to give us any comfort was one that didn't have to even say a word. Our WONDERFUL COUNSELOR Jesus Christ. He came to the world to be our counselor and direct us in the ways of righteousness. It is amazing to think that even the smallest amount of faith can comfort a person so much, in good and bad times. I don't know what I would do without the Almighty. Sometimes I feel as though God needs me but it is always the opposite. I need God. I need him everyday and in every way. God knows what he is doing and it is for our good. The Prophet Isaiah says it best: 

Isaiah 40:13 "Who has understood the mind of the LORD, or instructed him as his counselor?"

Trust in Him, our Wonderful Counselor! 

Blessings,

P.S. Happy Finals Week! I hope they all go well and we all finish strong! 

The First Day of Advent!

Christmas is often a whirlwind of decorations, presents, and food! All of which I am totally okay with, but this season I am trying to devote myself to remembering the season for what it is. I grew up Pentecostal Holiness and never really celebrated Advent as apart of Christmas. My brothers and I always knew there was no such thing as fat man who came down our chimney to leave us presents under the tree, but we did believe and honor St. Nick of long ago. I was never scared or injured in anyway by not believing in Santa Clause. I simply had a respect for the man he was. We also got to play along just like everyone else that some presents were from “Santa.” 

I would like to take a moment and share what Advent is really and why I would like to celebrate it more during the Christmas season. The word Advent means simply coming, or arrive. So the season of advent is all about celebrating the coming of our savior 2000 years ago and waiting for His soon coming return. As a Christian it is so exciting to wait for the return of the Almighty! I think it is extremely important to teach children about the celebration of the advent season. I am gathering all sorts of cute ideas for one day when I have children to teach it to! 

Everyday this month I intend to post something knew about the advent season in hopes of helping you find the peace and joy in the real reason for the season. I am doing this for myself as well, in means of teaching myself to step back and really celebrate the Saviors return and not worry about money or school. I need to be reminded of the real reason for the season everyday and especially this month of December. I pray this month that you may be encouraged by my blog and be in awe of the Christ Jesus. 

Isaiah 9:6 

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

Musical Friday : Us and Our Daughters

This couple has been my listening obsession since fall has decided to storm in. Their music is perfect for a nice calm day at home, drinking tea, and reading a romantic book. They also join me for many road trips! :) This couples story about the album is quite amazing! I promise, once you hear the whole album you will be in love yourself! 

Check them out!

Blessings!

Musical Friday: Hagen Quartet

This my dear friends could quite possibly be the best quartet I have ever seen with my own two eyes! They are fantastic! 

Here is a link to their biography

I was privileged to see them perform in Austria this past summer. The brothers, sister and friend quartet are so well connected with each other that the music just seems to life the air and sooth the soul. I have never see a quartet with as fluidity as they do. Their dynamics are impecable and their telling of the music in a new way is just mind blowing. I would strongly sugest their music and albums for casual listening, study music, or to try with a quartet of your own. 

Happy Friday, and I hope this gives a little joy to your weekend!

Blessings

Pumpkin Scones

As promised I did find time last weekend to make these delicious scones by The Shoebox Kitchen. They turned out amazing and probably the best I have ever made scones!
They were gone so quickly that I only got time to take one picture of them and you will notice I did not do all of the icing that they did. And another little tidbit I just used the pumpkin pie spice mix in stead of all the separate spices. I believe another batch is soon to arrive in my home soon!

We also attended the 7th anual Greek Festval and it was amazing! I am slightly obsessed with festivals! 

 

I found this cute little book for a dollar at the Greek Festival and I can not wait to read it! 

I would have to say the Mr. and I have had such a wonderful week/weekend! Now back to studying my brains out! 

Blessings

HATS!!!

Hey, I just wanted to show what I have been busy making! 

The Olivia Hat

 The Butterfly Hat

Cloudy Day Hat

I am so thrilled and stressed that finals are coming soon! I am so ready for Christmas break! I have been  studying hard then de-stressing with crocheting! I am hoping that on Thanksgiving and Christmas break I can make a lot more things to sell. Some friends are pushing me to put my hats for sale on Etsy but I am not sure yet. Since I am in college my life has limited free time so I am praying about it. 

How do you feel about Etsy? Is it worth it for a small time hat seller? 

Have a great week! 

Lonely One

When I think of the word “lonely” I think of not having anyone around, a state of quietness, or deserted. So, what happens if that is not how life is and there are people around who love and care for you, yet the feeling of loneliness remains inside? What is there to do about this deep feeling of being alone? 

For the past few weeks, since I have been at school, I have felt like this so much! I believe that my homesickness and frustration in being at school has increased much more this year than my first year here at school, when I was new and had no one I knew. At school I am five hours away from my home and family, so there is no just dropping everything and running home. I have to wait it out for certain weekends, or plan much in advance to get to my family and loved ones.

Well, I looked up the meaning for the word lonely and I was given generic descriptions such as: (without companions, solitary) and for a place (unfrequented and remote). I found the definitions of this word to be bare and hopeless. So as I turn to the bible to look up some encouragement apart from the desolate word, I discovered that David, the writer of Psalms felt just as I do right now. Psalms 25:16 says, “Turn to me and be gracious to me, for I am lonely and afflicted.” I read those words and prayed an imitative prayer to God, but I think to myself, “how did David, a man after God’s own heart, get to a place of loneliness and torment?” I scrolled up to the beginning of chapter 25 and read verses 1 and 2 which say, “In you, Lord my God, I put my trust. I trust in you; do not let me be put to shame, nor let my enemies triumph over me.” How can this be the same chapter that I am reading? In verse 1 David is putting his trust in God and believing in the Lord to not let anything harm him. Reading down David asks God to show him the ways of the Lord, to guide him, and to teach him, while all of David’s hope is in God. 

As I try and imagine how David can be so lonely, as shown in vv.16, when he is so close to God; I find a footnote in my NIV study Bible, which says that David was the target of his enemy’s words. In a sense, David was mostly dealing with spiritual warfare to not let his spirit take in all the nastiness that was being said to him. 

I find it so encouraging that David has gone through this situation, because in our world today there are so many “bullies” that come against us. Satan tries to tell us “you are all alone” or “you are worthless”, but through this cry of David we continue down to see that in verses 19-21 David says to God, “See how my enemies have increased and how fiercely they hate me! Guard my life and rescue me; let me not be put to shame, for I take refuge in you. May my integrity and uprightness protect me, because my hope is in you.” David is completely trusting in God! David knows that God is holding him through the hard times no matter what, because David does not let anything askew his faith, trust, and hope in God! 

As I feel hopeless and lonely in my dorm room praying the same prayer as David did; I am encouraged to know that I am not alone! God is with me, and I know that He is holding on to me because I remain faithful to Him. Loneliness is not supposed to be a lesson of selfishness, but a lesson of giving. Give yourself to God today and let Him use you in this trial season of your life. Choose not to let your heart be troubled but to speak in faith as David has shown us how to do. 

A few more encouragement verses to look up are:

• Proverbs 3:5-6 “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.”
• 1 Corinthians 3:16 “Don’t you know that you yourselves are God’s temple and that God’s spirit dwells in your midst?”
• Psalms 119:116 “Sustain me, my God, according to your promise, and I will live; do not let my hopes be dashed.” 
• Hebrews 10:23 “Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful.”
• 2 Thessalonians 2:16 “May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and by his grace gave us eternal encouragement and good hope,”
• 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.”

EC Fitness Chalenge 5K

Today is day 3 of my official EC Fitness Chalenge 5K training! I am entering a race on November 12th! This will be my first ever 5K experience and I have just 8 short weeks to train! I am super excited to accomplish this goal! I has several friends a loved ones who are pushing and encouraging me! 

So, Since this is day 3, let me tell you what my previous two days were like.

Monday the 12th I Ran/Walked for 30 minutes ( 2 miles).

Tuesday the 13th I did circuit training with a group in our Student Activity Center. This training is provided for the EC Fitness Chalenge coordinators. As well as Run/walked about 40minutes (about 2 miles *outside*) I am soo sore from the group training and the run! My muscles are YELLING at me! 

Today will be a 30 min Run/walk with more running than walking I assure you. I will probably run on the treadmill. I find that I can run much longer on a treadmill than outside, I am not quite sure why but I hope to be just as good out side in the near future! 

In the mean time I live in the practice rooms playing music all the time, and studying! I am so relieved this semester seems to be going by quickly! Life is so difficult when not around the one’s I love! 

Dorm Room Ideas

Today I also have another really cool blogger lady for you to check out! This if more for all you college girls out there that need some ideas on how to spruce up your dorm room!

Helpful Tips

Hey everyone, I hope you are having a great week and now that everyone is starting school again I have a link to College Study Tips thatI think is helpful for starting the school year off right! I hope you enjoy the rest of the day!

New Dorm!!

This year my college opened a new dorm and I was one of the extremely blessed students to be able to live in this new dorm! Plus I got a wonderful roommate this year! So now the only problem with this year is that my boyfriend and I (Tony) are doing the long distance thing. This is our first week of school so the "missing you" emotions haven't been to terribly but I still don't feel right with him being so far away from me.

Anyway, I have been so proud of myself thus far in the school year because I have been so productive this week! Plus a majority of my homework is done so I have my weekend pretty much free!

Well, below I have some pictures of my new dorm room! I am trying to figure out the best way to decorate and stay organized, so there is still much to do but I am loving all the space we have this year and that my roomie and are the only one's sharing our bathroom!

My cute little desk!

My closet, I am going to get a curtain to put up (thus the shower rod) to hide all my stuff.

The sink in our bathroom, (that I only share with my roomie)!!!! I can't get over this huge bathroom!!

Yes, that is a tub/shower!!

Our attempt in being organized.

Our bunk beds and my roomie! Ps. it is so hard to make a top bunk bed!!

Well if anyone has some cute and easy tips for glaming up a dorm room I would be SO appreciative!

LOVE

Spray Paint!

Finally, I have completed my wall picture for my room at home! It is not entirely finished but the picture frames are up! I just adore Spray painting, so this project was a thrill.

I started with some mixed/matched frames I had displayed in my room.

Spray painted them in an off-white out door paint.

The long poster frame is painted with the same paint and I wrote the scripture on white paper. I hung the frames below with fishing wire. I think this is so whimsical and cute! The last thing is to put black and white photo's in the frames, then this project will be complete!

Small Achievements that Make Me Smile!

I am so excited because I weighed my self last night on 3 separate scales (2 at my house and 1 at a friends) and they all said that I weighed 170.0 lb.!!! This excites me to no end!! I am so thrilled and I know it is a small step because last time I went to the doctor I was 174. lb. so that means I am down about 4 pounds!! But that is a step in the right direction! My realistic goal weight is about 160 right now but my overall goal weight is 150. Since I am about 5'3" in height I think both are a good manageable goals to reach! I have always and will always be a curvy girl but my entire goal is to be healthier than I am now. I would also like to be able to run a 5k which is 3.1 miles. Growing up with asthma made the idea of running unimaginable, but I have been able to learn how to control my asthma to the point that now I can run about a mile and a half pretty well! I am hoping to be in a 5k race by next summer!

Recent Picture

This was the only full body picture I could find!

I am so excited for the things God is teaching me and equipping me to do. Being a college student is hard on our bodies and our spiritual lives! I hope to overcome both obstacles this coming school year, and have a social life. Well, its time to start packing again!

Does anyone have any tips for packing? I would love some advice and new tips and tools to get this moving process over with!

Proverbs 15:30 (NIV)

A cheerful look brings joy to the heart, and good news gives health to the bones.