It's July Already! Have You Started Working On Christmas Yet?

An interesting thought occurred to me this week as I was completing the design for my new X-Stitch Headband. (You can get the pattern here). It would make such a perfect little tuck-in Christmas gift for all my girlfriends, sister, daughter, and so forth. The whole thing took me under an hour to pop out, and of course a little headband is a perfect take-along project when you're going to be sitting outside enjoying a summer concert in the park, or just waiting in the doctor's office as I so often do! 

This is crocheted in two rows of X-stitch double crochet with a single crochet contrast border all around. I added a little crocheted pin for extra dazzle:) You can find the pattern for that on my Squidoo pattern index. 

Next week I will be featuring a pattern for a "Faux Knit" Purse. Patterns don't get much easier, and it's a lot of fun playing with colors! It features my "prong stitch single crochet." When worked in the round, Prong Stitch looks remarkably like knitting! Anyway I got a kick out of it, hopefully you all will too. Here's a sneak preview... 

Don't forget to comment below to be entered to win this month's blog giveaway! This month's prize will be one of my for-sale patterns at Craftsy.com along with a set of crocheted finished objects from me! 

Happy crocheting, everyone! 

June Winner Announced! July Giveaway Starts Now!

Congratulations to Karen A., who is the winner of my June blog giveaway! Karen has won her choice of TWO of my for-sale patterns from Craftsy.com.

For July, the winner will receive the free pattern of their choice AND a set of 3 of my Angel Wing Scrubbies in their choice of colors! For a chance to win, just leave a comment here!

Check out my new free Angel Wing Sunglass Case pattern and have a place to stash those shades.

Angel Wing Sunglass Case

 Or make the new Columbine Potholder, my newest free pattern published last week.

Columbine Potholder

I'm Going To Be On TV! And Don't Forget To Enter My June Giveaway!

WOW what a day! I just learned that I won an incredible makeover package from one of our local morning talk shows! I will receive two custom made dresses, a new hairdo, new makeup, and will appear on the TV show in late July! I could really use the pick-me-up after this whole face surgery thing, which really did a number on my image! At any rate, it should be a lot of fun!

Just put up a new little simple free design for a sunglass case last week. This coming week's design will be a Columbine Potholder.

We have been getting lots of storms here, and my gardens have never looked better! Everything is amazingly lush and green.

I'll keep it short for today - remember you have 6 days left to enter my June giveaway by leaving a comment below!

New Fun Summer Accessories On My Hook, My Blog Giveaway & More!

You can wear the brim flipped up or down! 

These cooling packs make a huge different in keeping you cool!

All of you know that I've been going through a battle with malignant Melanoma, so sun protection has become a huge priority for me. I've designed what I think is a really awesome Custom-Fit Sun Hat in 100% Cotton with an optional secret Cooling Pack Compartment that I think you'll want to make! You can get that free pattern here. 

                        

Last week I published a new pattern for a Seat Belt Cover that will keep that annoying shoulder harness strap off your neck for good! That pattern is here. 

I've been slowly recovering from the major facial surgery I had two weeks ago. I'm feeling quite a bit better now. 

The two girls, SueSue and Ladybug, are fresh from the groomers and enjoying their new summer "do's."

Big Giveaway For June!! 

I'm so glad you visited my blog, and I want you to have a chance to win a good prize! This month's winner will receive their choice of any TWO for-sale patterns from my Craftsy.com pattern store.  All you need do is leave a comment below. I've heard of folks having trouble commenting, SO if you do have trouble, please email me at sheilaschnauzies@gmail.com and I'll be sure to enter you in the drawing!  Good luck everyone! 

Happy Crocheting, 

– Sheila

I've Got Great News! Looks Like I Can Stick Around And Design For Awhile!

Just a quick note... I've just returned from my visit to the plastic surgeon to get my stitches removed from last week's surgery. I got the fabulous news that the pathology report came back good, and I am now cancer-free! Yay!

Now I can get back to crocheting in peace! Here I am with the stitches removed. Eventually I'm hoping the scar will be practically invisible. I have an amazing plastic surgeon!

I may not look great now, but at least I have a lot more hope for the future! 

If you would like to read my article on how to identify skin cancer, click here.

If you'd like to read my melanoma story, click here.

Going Crazy Waiting... And A New Hat Design!

I'm about to go crazy waiting on a call from the surgeon who did my facial surgery for malignant Melanoma last week! I'm supposed to hear whether I have the all-clear, or whether further treatment will be necessary. I was supposed to get the call yesterday, but with the Memorial Day holiday I figured today... not! So guess who will be all over his voice mail tomorrow!

I guess it's a normal reaction, but now anytime I notice myself in direct sun, I think twice about it. That's why I've decided to start "rocking the hat look!" I'm almost finished with this week's new crochet design, which I will be calling the Custom-Size Foldable Sun Hat. The pattern will be published sometime between now and Saturday and you can check at this link for it.

May Giveaway! Enter Here!

Just a quick note to let you know about my surprise May giveaway! All you need to do to enter is leave a comment below telling me what you'd like to see in one of my upcoming designs! For example - a baby afghan, a 3D flower decoration, a mini doily, coasters, etc.

The winner chosen at random will receive their choice of any of my for-sale patterns offered here. Just pick out your favorite and I'll send you the pattern free! Here's just one of the patterns you can win!

The Spiffer© Duster & Floor Mop Refills For Swiffer Duster

Happy crocheting! -Sheila

PS:  I made it through my facial surgery yesterday just fine, now to heal up. You can read my story about my battle with malignant Melanoma here.