Circular Placemats - FREE Crochet Pattern

Inspiration and original free pattern from petalstopicots.com. LINK
Please visit her website for main pattern details. Below I detail the specifics of how I used her pattern.

I just LOVE this pattern! It works up fast and was easy to memorize the stitch patterning. Wandering from the traditional natural fiber yarns, I decided to use Caron Pound, an acrylic yarn. After trying different sizes of hooks, the J hook size gave me the density I was happy with.

The look I wanted was a layered look, though the placemats can be used separately, with the size and colors to compliments my dishes.

For the smaller mat, which is 13" in diameter, I added two extra rounds before the final round of scallops; a total of 10 rounds.

This change was done by simply repeating round 6 as my round 8 and repeat round 7 as my round 9 but working 4 sets of 2DCs and then the single DC.

For the larger mat, which is 17" in diameter, I added four extra rounds before the final round of scallops; a total of 12 rounds.

This change was done by simply repeating round 6 as my rounds 8 & 10 and repeat round 7 as my round 9 & 11 but working 4 (Round 9) or 5 (Round 11) sets of 2DCs and then the single DC. No blocking or steaming seemed to be needed.

Moss Stitch Blanket - FREE Crochet Pattern

A FREE Pattern, Designed and Written by Patty Kubitzki
COPYRIGHT ©, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED, Dec. 2017

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Whether you are a beginner or more advanced with your crochet skills, this project will yield professional looking results using only the most basic crochet stitches.

Difficulty Level: Easy
Size: 35” x 55”
Yarn: Caron Pound, weight 4
Color A = White
Color B = Soft Grey Mix
Color C = Medium Grey Mix

Hook Size: I
Gauge: 8 sts = 2”; 20 rows = 5”

Abbreviations and Terms Used (U.S. Crochet Terms)
Beg = beginning; ch(s) = chain; ea = each; rep = repeat; rnd(s)= round(rounds);
sc =single crochet; sk = skip; sl st = slip stitch; sp = space; st(s) = stitch(stitches)

Pattern Notes
The entire blanket and the border are worked using the Moss St.

Moss St = (sc, ch 1, sk 1) rep ( ), working a sc in the 1st st and the last st of ea row.

Color Sequence:
Color A: Work 20 rows
Color B: Work 1 row
Color C: Work 1 row
Color A: Work 2 rows
Color C: Work 1 row
Color B: Work 1 row

Blanket Body
Starting Ch: With Color A, Ch 144.
Row 1: Sc in 2nd ch from hook; (ch 1, sk 1 ch, sc in next ch) rep ( ), with sc in last ch.

Rows 2 – 202 (end of body): Ch 1, turn. Work in Moss St through the Color Sequence above until eight(8) Color A 20 row sections have been completed.
Do not fasten off.

Border
! Note - Do not turn at the end of Rnds.

Rnd 1 - Using Color A: Ch 1. Turn to work along the edge of the blanket. Continue working the Moss St except when making the sc st insert the hook 1 further row down or 1 further st away from the side. Be sure to pull the 1st loop of the sc st far enough to eliminate bunching. At the corners, work an extra ch1, sc as needed to keep corner smooth and flat. Work this elongated Moss St pattern around the entire blanket body. Join at beg with sl st.

Rnds 2-4: Work the regular Moss St around, adjusting the corners as needed with an extra ch 1, sc. Join with sl st. At the end of Rnd 4, change to Color B to make joining st.

Rnd 5: With Color B work the Moss St around. Change to Color C to join with sl st.

Rnd 6: With Color C work the Moss St around. Join with sl st.
Fasten off.

Weave in and trim all ends.
Lightly steam block, as needed.

Enjoy your beautiful new crocheted blanket!
It will surely be a treasured piece.
SecretsFromTheHeart.com
COPYRIGHT ©, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED, Dec. 2017

Granny Stitch Cardigan - Crochet Pattern

Designed and written by Patty Kubitzki

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Expect to be complimented and admired when you wear this distinctive cardigan out in public. Just two granny stitch hexagons form the body and sleeves so it works up fast. Complete directions explain how to make and connect the pieces and customize the garment by adding extra length, borders and trim. Information given on how to adjust for different sizes. Details given for Adult size L/XL.

$4.50 for PDF instant download pattern
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Happy 1st of the Month ~ Update Financial Balances!

It is so important to be fiscally responsible. Here is a system I use to keep me aware of how I am doing.

This is one of the systems I have to track where I am financially. I use Excel and list Cash at the top, listing cash on hand (at home) and each bank, credit union, or any other accounts with funds that can be easily withdrawn. Total the Cash.

Below that I list all Reserve accounts; Investment holdings, retirement accounts, etc. and Total the Reserves.

Then add those 2 totals for Total Liquidity.

Below that list approximate value of other items that could be liquidated easily; such as precious metals or foreign currency. This is more for reference and not included in totals.

Now list the balances of all outstanding debts; credit cards, mortgage, car, student or other loans. Total Debt. Then subtract the Total Debt from the Total Liquidity and you have Your Net.

This little exercise will give you a general overview of how you are doing each month.

I hope you will give it consideration or let me know if you have another way to do it.

Cleopatra Style Halter Top - Crochet Pattern

Designed and written by Patty Kubitzki

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This is a fun top to make and to wear. It works up quickly and is easy to personalize. Four versions provided in size Large/Extra Large with instructions on how to adjust the sizing.
The density of the cup stitches provides ample coverage without the need for a lining. Recommend using weight 3 or 4 yarns. The yarns listed are acrylic but cotton yarn would be another good choice. The size detailed in the pattern fits a ladies bra size 38" - 44", B or C cup. The pattern provides instructions on how to alter the sizing to customize the fit.

$4.50 for PDF instant download pattern
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Sweet and Sour Chicken Stir Fry

Recipe Serves 1

Ingredients:
Prepared steamed rice
Sweet & Sour Sauce – recipe enough for 4 servings here
1 garlic clove – chopped
½ of a 1” slice of sweet onion chopped in large pieces
1 carrot, peeled and diagonally sliced
about 1 c. broccoli florets
about 1 c. cooked chicken in bite-size pieces
1 –2 T. olive oil

Heat oil in medium size skillet on medium-med. high. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute. Add the rest of the vegetables and cook with lid stirring a few times until vegetables are just starting to brown around the edges.

Add chicken and enough sauce (Recipe Here) to compliment, about 1/3 c. – ½ c.

Heat through for about 3 minutes.

Serve on steamed rice.

For variety try: adding more garlic, chunks of green pepper, some hot sauce or some chopped red pepper.

Sweet and Sour Sauce Recipe

This light sauce is great for dipping Chinese wontons, crab Rangoon or egg rolls, or to add to vegetables and meat in a stir fry dish.

1 T. cornstarch
1 c. pineapple juice
1/3 c. sugar
¾ t. salt
¼ c. ketchup
2 T. rice vinegar or white vinegar
¼ t. mustard powder

In a small saucepan, mix a little bit of the pineapple juice with the cornstarch to avoid lumps. Then add the rest of the juice and the remaining ingredients. Stir well and bring the sauce to a boil. Reduce heat to a simmer and cook for about 5 minutes or until thick.

Daisy Halter Top - FREE Crochet Pattern

Three simple 7” squares join together to form a quick halter top. Made of feel-good cotton yarn, I love to throw on a top like this after a shower while I am working on getting dressed for the day.

Original inspiration and square instructions at:
http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/daisy-granny-square-3

Difficulty Level: Beginner / Easy
Size: Adult L / XL
Yarn: Lily Sugar ‘n Cream Cotton
Hook size: H (also an I hook for the ties)

Abbreviations and Terms Used:
beg = beginning; ch(s) = chain; dc = double crochet; ea = each; hdc = half double crochet; rnd = round; sc =single crochet; sl st = slip stitch; sp = space; st(s) = stitch(stitches), tc = treble crochet; yo = yarn over

Making the Squares - make 3 with H hook
Work beg ch and rnds 1 –4 according to instructions at link above.

Rnd 5: Join white in 2nd dc before a corner. Ch 1. Work hdc sts around the square, working 3 hdc in ea ch 1 corner. Join to beg ch 1. Fasten off.

Joining 2 Squares Together
With right sides facing, sc the edge sts together. Fasten off.

Weave in all ends.

Ties at Neck – make 2
Using an I hook and holding together 1 strand ea of white and blue yarn.
Start from the back side and insert hook under the top center hdc post; yo, pull through and cont to ch 70 sts (25”). Fasten off. Knot end and trim fairly close to knot.

Side / Back Ties – make 2
Make similar ties as for the neck but make these 80 sts (28”).

Fringe on Bottom
Using 1 strand ea of white and blue yarn, cut strands 10” and hang on top bottom skipping 2 sts between ea fringe.

Italian Salad Dressing

Patty's Oil & Vinegar ~ Italian ~ Salad Dressing

This dressing is a constant staple in my refrigerator. It is made with simple ingredients that I always have on hand and I enjoy it better than any other Italian Dressing I have purchased. This is also a good marinate for fresh broccoli.

I have used this salad dressing for years without the Italian Seasoning but added it fairly recently and now always include it. Enjoy!

1/4 c. apple cider vinegar or balsamic vinegar
2 T. water
3/4 c. Mazola or other corn oil
1/4 t. garlic salt
1/8 t. ground black pepper
1 T. honey
1/4 t. Italian seasoning (optional)

Put all ingredients in salad dressing cruet and shake thoroughly. Refrigerate before using.

Filter Out the Nasties in Your Shower

We are being hit with toxins in so many ways. Since I don't have a whole house water filter, I decided to give this filtered showerhead a try.

I have been using this type of showerhead for a while and absolutely LOVE it! It was a snap to install because I already had a hand-held showerhead with hose. This filters chlorine and other bad stuff out of your water so you aren't breathing in and showering in toxins.

This is very powerful and I find I don't turn need the water pressure up very high, so I am saving on water usage. But on a higher pressure the jet stream can blast off some types of mold! It's great. I liked it so much that I bought a spare..just in case.

I use one and highly recommend it!

Neuropathy & Pain Relief - Topical Oil

>>>>> ALL NATURAL INGREDIENTS! <<<<<

I am currently testing this product but finding it does give pain relief from neuropathy in feet. The effects start right away and last for hours. Can be used several times a day and they declare that effectiveness improves with usage. It is also good for other inflammatory types of pain.

Improve Neuropathy with Alpha Lipoic Acid

This supplement acts as a powerful antioxidant, improves and may reverse neuropathy, can help with weight loss, promotes muscle regeneration after exercise, decreases inflammation, improves diabetes, helps to prevent cardiovascular complications, helps to lower blood pressure, decreases bad cholesterol, helps to protect the brain, improves Alzheimer’s, helps to prevent migraines, aids in protecting your eyes and vision, helps to remove toxic metals from the body, helps to prevent bone loss, beneficial to the skin, promotes wound healing, helps to fight cancer, may increase lifespan.

Update on SFTH Website and Blog

Hi all ~ It has been a while since my last post and I want to give you an update.

There has been a lot of change going on the past few years, which leads me in different directions. While I still trade the foreign currency market, I am using a new 'Set and Forget' method that I share with clients in the VIP Area. LINK to learn more.

Some clients have their favorite ways of running the SFTH auto trading programs but I stopped posting results on the website. This allowed me more time to focus on other things.

I am spending more time with crafts I enjoy and learning more about living a healthy empowered life. Recently I became a Certified Personal Trainer, mostly so I could learn more about being more fit as time is moving on.

The SFTH blog and website will be featuring more health-related items, special recipes, patterns and a variety of things I believe you will find interesting and beneficial in living your empowered life.

You will find that I prefer natural remedies rather than medicines, and simple and easy methods using common, easy to obtain ingredients.