We do the best we can to make ends meet. When our hearts are open, inspiration unfolds.
I call this Simply Collectible because I am looking to cherish every breath, every tear, every drop of rain, every bit of laughter and every morsel of life.
This isn't about me. It's about my son, Seth, and the therapies and education that will help him flourish!


2.26.2011

FREE Crochet Pattern- Baby Rattle Blocks

FREE Crochet Pattern for Baby Rattle Blocks. Super easy. Great for beginners or a quick gift. I wanted to share it with you because they are adorable! Please share this with your friends. 
Baby Rattle Blocks Crochet Pattern
by Simply Collectible

This pattern is for two different sized blocks.                         
4” and 3”
You will need:
F-hook
Worsted weight yarn of any colors (I used primary colors for babies eyes.)
Polyfill
Felt- if you want to sew or glue letters on
Container to hold beads, beans, coins, clips or anything that will move around inside.
Hot Glue or other strong adhesive to glue the container shut and add felt.
Toothpicks or safety pins to hold the blocks together while you sew them so you don’t accidentally grab a side that doesn’t belong.

NOTE: You definitely want them to be squares so test it out. As you are crocheting, stop periodically and fold the square into a triangle. When the sides are even, you have a square. Tension is going to determine whether or not you go to the exact row I went to. This makes it to where you don’t have to check your gauge and they will match up when you sew them together!  

Small block- Make 6      
R1  ch13, sc 12, ch1 & turn
R2  sc across, ch 1 & turn
R3- 10  repeat R2 (sc across, ch 1 & turn)
Total of approx. 11 rows
To check that it is a square, fold it into a triangle, putting the opposite corners together and laying it flat. If the sides are not equal, you will need to remove or add rows. Fasten off. Sew in tails, sew over them or tuck them in when you are stuffing the blocks.

Large block- Make 6
R1  ch21, sc 20, ch1 & turn
R2 sc across, ch1 & turn
R3-R17  repeat R2 (sc across, ch 1 & turn)
Total of approx. 18 rows.
To check that it is a square, fold it into a triangle, putting the opposite corners together and laying it flat. If the sides are not equal, you will need to remove or add rows. Fasten off. Sew in tails, sew over them or tuck them in when you are stuffing the blocks.

Sewing the squares together:
First of all, get your rattle glued and drying first.
Remember not to sew your block shut before you stuff it! (Yes, I did that twice.)
You may use a slip stitch to put the pieces together, but I found that single crocheting them together makes them appear more square and keeps them from turning into a ball when baby starts playing with them. I also recommend you hold a couple of squares together with a pin or tie while you put this puzzle together.
You will not need to stuff these very tightly as it may turn them in to balls.
Once you have sewn them together, tuck your tails in and you may glue any letters or embroider smiley faces.... Hope you enjoy this!

Any questions or suggestions? Email me at simplycollectible@yahoo.com  or see me on Facebook at http://tinyurl.com/simplycollectibledesigns

See my other designs and patterns there as well or visit my Etsy Shop.

2.23.2011

Today was Seth's first day at Capitol School- Praise GOD!

I am so happy and Seth is so proud to be a student. His confidence has shot up and he really has the desire to speak more and be part of a group.

On the other hand, I am suffering from anxiety. It seems that I have been programmed to go straight into "adrenal dump" mode. No matter which way I turn, there is anxiety. The only way to combat this is to start exercising on a regular basis, take extra supplementation and focus on breathing techniques. Not to mention, get back in to a bible study! I miss the word, bird!

Here is a picture of my latest amigurumi critter. Is this amigurumi an alien or a monster? Seth helped me draw it up and insisted it be red. It took several weeks to complete, but I am quite happy with it. The moment it was finished, Seth said, "Love Baby!" So, I present to you... Love Baby.


This little alien or monster amigurumi crochet pattern is available at My Etsy Shop.

2.15.2011

Seth went for his first (of three) day evaluation for class placement today for Capitol School.


It went very well. They were impressed at how prepared he was to handle everything and he was very eager to do everything that was presented. Will wanted to see his face when I picked him up so I went to get Will from work and we picked Seth up together.

Seth was walking out holding his artwork and chatting with the teacher's assistant. He NEVER chatters with people! They cut construction paper and glued it down. He made a happy girl. (He loves the girls.)

I got the packet turned in for the board to review for scholarship. We don't know when they meet or which class Seth will be accepted in to. What we DO know... Seth has 2 more evaluation days for class placement. For him to enroll immediately, we would have to pay the full tuition and supplies fees. That won't happen. We are about $2000 short. THAT is if he is required to go in to the Low Ratio class. If they say he can be admitted in to the Level 1 class, we can enroll him immediately, I think.

I need to sell about 250 patterns. *whew*