2011-12-20

We're moving!

When I started this blog, I thought it would be about my crochet, and it has been, mostly, but through the years, I've added some non-crochet topics as well.

This entry is one of those entries.

We're moving!  But not far.  We found a lot in a 55+ manufactured home community about 10 miles from our current house. 

Here are some pictures showing the progression of the building process...

First, the lot - an unused lot - we couldn't believe our luck.  This community has been around since the early 1970's and this lot was not developed.  Until now... 

Here is the lot as it was when we purchased it in March, 2011

The lot has a couple of advantages we love - the first is that it backs up to a canyon, so we have a terrific view to the rear (with no neighbors behind us)...there's even a stream at the bottom of the canyon.

Our view out the back of the lot

The view out the front of our house is unusual in this neighborhood, as well - the owner of the lot across the street actually purchased two lots and planted trees in the one directly across from our lot.

This view is looking from the rear of our bare lot back toward the street and the tree-filled lot across the street
The foundation has been poured and ready for the installation of the house.  This picture was taken 1 week after lot improvement started.

November 22, 2011 - the day of installation - foundation footing is ready.
The house arrived in two sections.  The first section with the main area of the front porch arrived first...

First section arrived at 10:00 AM (right on schedule)
Installing the first section
The second section arrived about 1:00 PM.
They make this look so easy
Over the next few days, the two halves were joined together, the foundation blocks were installed, steps were poured in front and on the side, the house was lowered onto the foundation and work began on the utility hook-ups and the driveway.
The two halves were joined
The block foundation was added and the house was lowered onto it
Steps were added to front, rear and side of house (these are in the rear)
The driveway was poured and railings were added to the steps
This is our back porch - overlooking the canyon
At this point, we're waiting for the completion of the hook-up of utilities and waiting for our wood floor to be installed, some minimal landscaping and the car port installation.  Even though the house isn't ready to move into yet, I couldn't wait to share these pictures with you.

2011-08-02

Crocheted Cables Bracelet/Cuff

Another bracelet/cuff - this one features a little simpler cable.  Again, crocheted using off-white #3 crochet thread and a 2.5 mm hook.


 The clasp is a heart/bar toggle I found at Joann's.

2011-08-01

Crocheted Cables Bracelet/Cuff for my wife

I'm on a bracelet/cuff kick, I guess, so I crocheted this bracelet/cuff for my wife using lavender-colored #3 crochet thread and a 2.5 mm hook.  The decoration is a fancy button - the clasp is ½ of a heart/bar toggle clasp.  I omitted the bar and used a crocheted loop to reduce the bulk.  She loves it!

2011-07-22

Bracelet Take 2

I didn't plan my original bracelet very well, I just started crocheting to see what would come to my head.

This time, with a little forethought, I decided to crochet the bracelet in the round for a more finished look.

Here's the result, in Navy, Pale Blue, Off-white #3 crochet thread using a 2.0 mm hook.



2011-07-11

A Bracelet for me


A Bracelet for me
Originally uploaded by CrochetDad
I'm not much for jewelry, but I saw a woven bracelet for sale on Etsy, and thought I'd like to try it in crochet. Here is my first attempt, in #3 Crochet Thread using a 2.0 mm hook.

2011-06-30

Cotton Shawl from Drops Design

Cotton Shawl for my wife (model our daughter)

2011-06-20

Father's Day Ride-along at the California Speedway

I was treated to a Father's Day ride-along in a NASCAR sedan at the California Speedway in Fontana, California.

It was an experience I'll never forget.

2011-06-08

More Covered Rocks

In a previous post, I showed off my Crocheted Rocks, and recently I made a couple more for my two granddaughters, so I thought I'd share them here with you.  For these, I wanted them to be more colorful - I think I succeeded:


Crocheted using #10 crochet thread in various colors.

2011-03-01

Garden Party Chapeau


Garden Party Chapeau
Originally uploaded by CrochetDad
I can finally announce this - I've been published in Crochet World Magazine! The April 2011 issue was just announced and I'm in the feature called "The Winner's Circle". Note: the link points to the current Winner's Circle feature, so if you're just now clicking this link, you won't see my hat.  You can view the pattern link in Ravelry.

The pattern is called Garden Party Chapeau.

This hat is crocheted with #3 crochet thread with a stiffener around the brim. I used nylon lawn trimmer line to stiffen the brim.

2011-01-19

Bavarian Crochet Coffee Cozy

The Bavarian Crochet Style creates a wonderful, textured coffee cozy. I used #3 Crochet Thread for these cozies.  The pattern is available from my Ravelry pattern store