Question for the ladies who crochet. Is it quick and easy to learn (or in my case relearn)? I feel like there are so many cute things I could be making but can't because I haven't crocheted in at least 10 years. My skill was limited to one stitch and I only ever tried scarves.
@emeraldduchess coming from someone who taught herself to crochet, yes it is totally quick and easy for you to relearn. Just take it one day at a time and restart with the one stitch you knew from before and then slowly add new stitches when your ready and before long you will be back into it. I was like you and only ever used one stitch and only ever made blankets and looked at all the stuff I could be making and be like “aww I wish I could make that” but I practiced and I picked it up so quickly and taught myself so many different, new and harder stitches from watching you tube lol. If I can do it, you can relearn to do it. You got this! 👍 I agree with you. There are sooo many cute things out there to make lol. I get over whelmed with all the cute projects 😆
@emeraldduchess yes definitely! I learned when I was a kid and stopped for a bunch of years. I picked it back up in college and haven't stopped since. I've used youtube to learn stitches I didn't know and when I started again, I found crocheting came right back to me!
DX: MFI IVF Cycle #1 February 2020 4 embryos frozen, 1 fresh transfer = CP FET #1 Natural Cycle March 2020 CXL'd due to Covid-19 FET #1 Natural Cycle June 2020 - CP #2 FET #2 Natural Cycle July 2020 - BFP!!!!!! Beta #1 = 273
@mvt2003 I saw some cute coasters, blankets, hats, etc. I like the idea of being able to make something round without double pointed needles. I watched a few videos yesterday. I probably won't go out and buy hooks until I finish my current knitting project.
@emeraldduchess you’re a stronger woman than I am! I wouldn’t be able to resist going out and buying them today! I keep meaning to try crocheting drink holders, I’ve seen some super cute Disney ones!!!
me: 35 / so: 34 | ttc #1 since 9/2018
DX: MFI IVF Cycle #1 February 2020 4 embryos frozen, 1 fresh transfer = CP FET #1 Natural Cycle March 2020 CXL'd due to Covid-19 FET #1 Natural Cycle June 2020 - CP #2 FET #2 Natural Cycle July 2020 - BFP!!!!!! Beta #1 = 273
DH was on a mission of sorts, and now we have apple butter! I'm not complaining. <div class=" Spoiler"><img src="https://us.v-cdn.net/5020794/uploads/editor/og/ynz181apscrh.jpg" alt="" title="Image: https://us.v-cdn.net/5020794/uploads/editor/og/ynz181apscrh.jpg"></div>
@BusinessWife that apple butter looks so yummy and perfect for fall! I always say apples and apple cider are the stars of September and pumpkin can take a back seat until October.
I watched several crochet tutorials and I think I can successfully make some things once I get some hooks. I saw the cutest Christmas wreath coasters on Ravelry. I am definitely making those for my mom and my MIL! Granny square afghans seem pretty doable right away, too. Honestly the only thing stopping me from running out and buying them right now is the fact that I have had to spend a lot of $$ on school supplies over the last two weeks and I don't get paid again until Friday!
Another questions for the knitters/crocheters. Is there an online store that you like to buy your yarn from? I only have Michael's, Walmart and Joann's (aside from some specialty yarn stores that only have super-expensive yarn). I can usually find some good stuff at Michael's but I haven't been too impressed with the selection lately.
@emeraldduchess thata girl!, 😁 the wreath coasters sound cool. I wanna see pics of all your projects when your done. I personally don’t buy yarn online at all. Im one of those people who like to touch and feel the yarn before buying it lol. I’m like you and I buy all my crochet hooks and yarn and supplies at Michaels. I find they have the best selection. I gotta head out to the store today actually. I’ve boughten the odd thing at Walmart but usually mostly Micheals.
@mindyb2019 I definitely prefer to feel the yarn at the store. I'm thinking more along the lines of getting colors that Michael's doesn't carry. Our local Walmart has the saddest craft section imaginable.
@emeraldduchess thanks! Yeah, us too. We are not quite yet on the pumpkin train yet. To be fair, it was a team effort, so I'm glad between his obsessing about it, me making him stop and actually pick up a half peck of apples from the roadstand, convincing him to just try an instant pot version to make our lives easier, and him running canning operations, I'm proud of us for making it happen! Looking forward to lots more canning this year....
@emeraldduchess ya I know the feeling. Our Walmart has the most hurting craft section too. I totally thought of you today. I just came back from Micheals and I was standing in the yarn aisle looking at and touching them all lol....and a lady in there was like “excuse me”, can I ask you a question? I’m like of course, go ahead. She said that she used to crochet when she was younger but hasn’t for a really long time and was re teaching herself to crochet and asked me some questions about the yarn size and hook size and what certain things were for etc. she’s gonna make a blanket. Made me think of you cause you had just asked about relearning to crochet and hadn’t for like 10 years. Apparently your not alone and everyone is wanting to relearn to crochet haha. 😆😉
@emeraldduchess I love Knit Picks for yarn selection, I’ve been very happy with the price and quality!
me: 35 / so: 34 | ttc #1 since 9/2018
DX: MFI IVF Cycle #1 February 2020 4 embryos frozen, 1 fresh transfer = CP FET #1 Natural Cycle March 2020 CXL'd due to Covid-19 FET #1 Natural Cycle June 2020 - CP #2 FET #2 Natural Cycle July 2020 - BFP!!!!!! Beta #1 = 273
To all you crochet ladies out there, does your fingers and hands ever cramp up and hurt from crocheting for a really long time? I have been doing a lot of crocheting over the past 2 days non stop and man does my fingers on my left hand really hurt and ache along with my whole arm.
@mindyb2019 I knit and my hands/wrists do get crampy if I spend a lot of time knitting for several days. It's tough to take a break when you're on a roll, though!
@mvt2003 I've been checking out Knit Picks and they have some really nice stuff! I typically use 100% acrylic because it's easy to care for. I am a little intimidated by some of these "fancier" yarns but they are so pretty!
@mindyb2019 I do get tight sometimes - I try to take breaks, and watch how tightly I'm holding the hook. You can also get larger hooks that are easier to hold, that helps with the hand pain.
@emeraldduchess The nice thing about fancier yarns is that they're so yummy to knit with! I've got a neverending log cabin baby blanket on the needles with Knit Picks Comfy worsted (it's washable!) and those sweaters I've knit are with Knit Picks Stroll sock yarn (also superwash wool!) My best suggestion is to start with a blend like either of those, and then the care really isn't much different than acrylic really. I always recommend cold gentle cycle.
me: 35 / so: 34 | ttc #1 since 9/2018
DX: MFI IVF Cycle #1 February 2020 4 embryos frozen, 1 fresh transfer = CP FET #1 Natural Cycle March 2020 CXL'd due to Covid-19 FET #1 Natural Cycle June 2020 - CP #2 FET #2 Natural Cycle July 2020 - BFP!!!!!! Beta #1 = 273
@emeraldduchess I agree with you. It’s totally hard to take a break when your on a roll lol. I’ll be like oh, I’ll stop just after I finish this row and then like 3 -4 rows later lol
@mvt2003 ya I am using a larger hook. Weird. Maybe it’s because I haven’t crocheted that long for quite a while. My hand will get used to it again lol.
Yum @mindyb2019 looks great!!! (It's always even tastier when someone else makes it too, am I right?! )
me: 35 / so: 34 | ttc #1 since 9/2018
DX: MFI IVF Cycle #1 February 2020 4 embryos frozen, 1 fresh transfer = CP FET #1 Natural Cycle March 2020 CXL'd due to Covid-19 FET #1 Natural Cycle June 2020 - CP #2 FET #2 Natural Cycle July 2020 - BFP!!!!!! Beta #1 = 273
@bluetickgal those look so yummy! I am a firm believer in "no pumpkin before October" (I'm weird about flavors) but October 1st I am making SO much pumpkin stuff! Where did you get the recipe?
@emeraldduchess thanks! I can respect that! I haven’t had a PSL yet, but I’ll make these basically any time of year! Haha. It’s my mom’s recipe, not really sure where she got it. I’ll try and remember to post it tomorrow...but right now, I’m in my comfy bed, and the recipe is downstairs!
@mindyb2019 haha, these don’t taste super pumpkiny I don’t think...to me, they are the perfect balance between sweet & spice!
@bluetickgal I think that’s why they look so yummy and tasty to me is because they don’t really look super pumpkiny ( is that even a word!?) haha. They just look super sweet and moist lol.
It was just an Amazon dress that was cut oddly wide, so I sewed in about and inch on each side. 🤷. Super easy but I think it will make a big difference in how the dress looks. Can hardly wait to see how it fits! If I cared to, I could even open up the binding, cut, surge, sew and re-close the binding, but for what it is, I really didn't think it was worth the trouble when I could start with the quick fix anyway i.e. sew two straight lines. Lol. Who knows, maybe those custom shams will be next!!!!??!
Credit goes to DH for the meal, but he always seems to come back from business trips with some new dish that he tried at a restaurant and wants to recreate at home. They went to a Peruvian restaurant and had a flank steak with chimmichurri sauce, shrimp, rice, and potatoes.
Apparently the grocery store we go to doesn't sell flank steak to regular folk (restaurants only, w/e) so we had sirloin instead. Soooo good.
*TW* History:
Me: 34 DH: 36 | Together since 2007 | Married July 2016
TTC #1 since 7.2017 Dx: low morph (1%), ANA positive, low decidualization score, high TSH and testosterone, histone antibodies
IUI #1-3| all BFN IVF #1 | 6.11.19 | 24R, 17M, 15F, 6B, PGT-A tested - 5 normal, 3 girls & 2 boys FET #1 | 9.10.19 | BFN "I know you, but we've never met. I'm with you, but I don't know your name" RPL, Receptiva, & ERA testing | all normal/negative, recommended going on gluten and dairy free diet for next FET FET #2 | 3.31.20 | Opted to cancelled due to pandemic, continued diet and tried naturally over the summer 2nd Opinion with another RE | 8.20.20 | Not immune to measles (received 1 dose); SA results similar to 2 years ago; decided to move forward with FET #2 redo at start of next cycle Surprise natural BFP! | 9.22.20 | MC 10.23.20 at 8 weeks TTCAL naturally | starting 11.22.20 Initial consultation with Reproductive Immunologist | 9.14.21 Decidualization score biopsy | 10.1.21 | abnormal - low score of 1; endometrial scratch recommended and progesterone supplementation Saline sono | 10.15.21 | normal Bloodwork | 10.21.21 | high TSH, high testosterone, positive for anti-nuclear antibodies and histone antibodies, high protein S, multiple genetic mutations BFP! | 11.3.21 | EDD 7.14.22 | biopsy provided same effect as endometrial scratch; added supplemental progesterone and estrogen, prednisone, levothyroxine, and MTX Support to maintain pregnancy DS born 7.19.22 after induction
TTC #2 begins 6.2023 Consultation with RI | 6.6.23 Saline sono, endometritis biopsy, skin & eye check | all normal Labs | high TSH, Factor XIII mutation, high %CD56 Follow up | 8.8.23 | prescribed metformin, prednisone, plaquenil, and levothyroxine Repeat labs after 3 weeks on meds Follow up | 11.9.23 | Green light!, increase in prednisone, added lovenox Repeat labs in 8 weeks Follow up | 1.16.24 | Green light continues TTC put on pause indefinitely
@inthewoods23 I. Am. Drooling. Omg that looks killer!!!!
me: 35 / so: 34 | ttc #1 since 9/2018
DX: MFI IVF Cycle #1 February 2020 4 embryos frozen, 1 fresh transfer = CP FET #1 Natural Cycle March 2020 CXL'd due to Covid-19 FET #1 Natural Cycle June 2020 - CP #2 FET #2 Natural Cycle July 2020 - BFP!!!!!! Beta #1 = 273
@bluetickgal can you post or PM me that recipe? It's supposed to be chilly here this week so I might want to try some fall baking and those look delicious!
Me: 31 DH: 34 Married: April 2016 TTC December 2016 BFP 2/28/17 // CP 3/1/17 MFI Diagnosis: Aug 2017 BFP 11/1/17 // DS born 6/18 TTC January 2019 BFP 3/21/19 // D&C (MMC) 5/8/19
@mvt2003 the chimmichurri sauce is like when I discovered how amazing verde salsa and guacamole is. SUPER YUMMY. Like scoop it with a spoon and eat it good 😅
*TW* History:
Me: 34 DH: 36 | Together since 2007 | Married July 2016
TTC #1 since 7.2017 Dx: low morph (1%), ANA positive, low decidualization score, high TSH and testosterone, histone antibodies
IUI #1-3| all BFN IVF #1 | 6.11.19 | 24R, 17M, 15F, 6B, PGT-A tested - 5 normal, 3 girls & 2 boys FET #1 | 9.10.19 | BFN "I know you, but we've never met. I'm with you, but I don't know your name" RPL, Receptiva, & ERA testing | all normal/negative, recommended going on gluten and dairy free diet for next FET FET #2 | 3.31.20 | Opted to cancelled due to pandemic, continued diet and tried naturally over the summer 2nd Opinion with another RE | 8.20.20 | Not immune to measles (received 1 dose); SA results similar to 2 years ago; decided to move forward with FET #2 redo at start of next cycle Surprise natural BFP! | 9.22.20 | MC 10.23.20 at 8 weeks TTCAL naturally | starting 11.22.20 Initial consultation with Reproductive Immunologist | 9.14.21 Decidualization score biopsy | 10.1.21 | abnormal - low score of 1; endometrial scratch recommended and progesterone supplementation Saline sono | 10.15.21 | normal Bloodwork | 10.21.21 | high TSH, high testosterone, positive for anti-nuclear antibodies and histone antibodies, high protein S, multiple genetic mutations BFP! | 11.3.21 | EDD 7.14.22 | biopsy provided same effect as endometrial scratch; added supplemental progesterone and estrogen, prednisone, levothyroxine, and MTX Support to maintain pregnancy DS born 7.19.22 after induction
TTC #2 begins 6.2023 Consultation with RI | 6.6.23 Saline sono, endometritis biopsy, skin & eye check | all normal Labs | high TSH, Factor XIII mutation, high %CD56 Follow up | 8.8.23 | prescribed metformin, prednisone, plaquenil, and levothyroxine Repeat labs after 3 weeks on meds Follow up | 11.9.23 | Green light!, increase in prednisone, added lovenox Repeat labs in 8 weeks Follow up | 1.16.24 | Green light continues TTC put on pause indefinitely
@bluetickgal man it still nice to see that people still use those good old school recipe cards lol makes me think of my mom ❤️ I’ve got boxes full of those things with recipes. I love them. Everything is so online now a days.
So given our sweet Peggy visit this weekend, I thought this cross stitch pattern should be shared! I'm hoping to start it as soon as I finish my SiL's Christmas gift (Missy Elliott quote).
DX: MFI IVF Cycle #1 February 2020 4 embryos frozen, 1 fresh transfer = CP FET #1 Natural Cycle March 2020 CXL'd due to Covid-19 FET #1 Natural Cycle June 2020 - CP #2 FET #2 Natural Cycle July 2020 - BFP!!!!!! Beta #1 = 273
Re: September Baking/Cooking/Crafting thread
Edited for autocorrect.
- BFP: 3/10/16 — Baby Girl born 11/20/16
TTC#2 April 2019IVF Cycle #1 February 2020 4 embryos frozen, 1 fresh transfer = CP
FET #1 Natural Cycle March 2020 CXL'd due to Covid-19
FET #1 Natural Cycle June 2020 - CP #2
FET #2 Natural Cycle July 2020 - BFP!!!!!! Beta #1 = 273
June Signature Challenge - Favorite TV Quotes
IVF Cycle #1 February 2020 4 embryos frozen, 1 fresh transfer = CP
FET #1 Natural Cycle March 2020 CXL'd due to Covid-19
FET #1 Natural Cycle June 2020 - CP #2
FET #2 Natural Cycle July 2020 - BFP!!!!!! Beta #1 = 273
June Signature Challenge - Favorite TV Quotes
<div class=" Spoiler"><img src="https://us.v-cdn.net/5020794/uploads/editor/og/ynz181apscrh.jpg" alt="" title="Image: https://us.v-cdn.net/5020794/uploads/editor/og/ynz181apscrh.jpg"></div>
I watched several crochet tutorials and I think I can successfully make some things once I get some hooks. I saw the cutest Christmas wreath coasters on Ravelry. I am definitely making those for my mom and my MIL! Granny square afghans seem pretty doable right away, too. Honestly the only thing stopping me from running out and buying them right now is the fact that I have had to spend a lot of $$ on school supplies over the last two weeks and I don't get paid again until Friday!
Another questions for the knitters/crocheters. Is there an online store that you like to buy your yarn from? I only have Michael's, Walmart and Joann's (aside from some specialty yarn stores that only have super-expensive yarn). I can usually find some good stuff at Michael's but I haven't been too impressed with the selection lately.
IVF Cycle #1 February 2020 4 embryos frozen, 1 fresh transfer = CP
FET #1 Natural Cycle March 2020 CXL'd due to Covid-19
FET #1 Natural Cycle June 2020 - CP #2
FET #2 Natural Cycle July 2020 - BFP!!!!!! Beta #1 = 273
June Signature Challenge - Favorite TV Quotes
@mvt2003 I've been checking out Knit Picks and they have some really nice stuff! I typically use 100% acrylic because it's easy to care for. I am a little intimidated by some of these "fancier" yarns but they are so pretty!
@emeraldduchess The nice thing about fancier yarns is that they're so yummy to knit with! I've got a neverending log cabin baby blanket on the needles with Knit Picks Comfy worsted (it's washable!) and those sweaters I've knit are with Knit Picks Stroll sock yarn (also superwash wool!) My best suggestion is to start with a blend like either of those, and then the care really isn't much different than acrylic really. I always recommend cold gentle cycle.
IVF Cycle #1 February 2020 4 embryos frozen, 1 fresh transfer = CP
FET #1 Natural Cycle March 2020 CXL'd due to Covid-19
FET #1 Natural Cycle June 2020 - CP #2
FET #2 Natural Cycle July 2020 - BFP!!!!!! Beta #1 = 273
June Signature Challenge - Favorite TV Quotes
@mvt2003 ya I am using a larger hook. Weird. Maybe it’s because I haven’t crocheted that long for quite a while. My hand will get used to it again lol.
IVF Cycle #1 February 2020 4 embryos frozen, 1 fresh transfer = CP
FET #1 Natural Cycle March 2020 CXL'd due to Covid-19
FET #1 Natural Cycle June 2020 - CP #2
FET #2 Natural Cycle July 2020 - BFP!!!!!! Beta #1 = 273
June Signature Challenge - Favorite TV Quotes
@mindyb2019 haha, these don’t taste super pumpkiny I don’t think...to me, they are the perfect balance between sweet & spice!
It was just an Amazon dress that was cut oddly wide, so I sewed in about and inch on each side. 🤷. Super easy but I think it will make a big difference in how the dress looks. Can hardly wait to see how it fits! If I cared to, I could even open up the binding, cut, surge, sew and re-close the binding, but for what it is, I really didn't think it was worth the trouble when I could start with the quick fix anyway i.e. sew two straight lines. Lol. Who knows, maybe those custom shams will be next!!!!??!
Apparently the grocery store we go to doesn't sell flank steak to regular folk (restaurants only, w/e) so we had sirloin instead. Soooo good.
TTC #1 since 7.2017
Dx: low morph (1%), ANA positive, low decidualization score, high TSH and testosterone, histone antibodies
IUI #1-3 | all BFN
IVF #1 | 6.11.19 | 24R, 17M, 15F, 6B, PGT-A tested - 5 normal, 3 girls & 2 boys
FET #1 | 9.10.19 | BFN "I know you, but we've never met. I'm with you, but I don't know your name"
RPL, Receptiva, & ERA testing | all normal/negative, recommended going on gluten and dairy free diet for next FET
FET #2 | 3.31.20 | Opted to cancelled due to pandemic, continued diet and tried naturally over the summer
2nd Opinion with another RE | 8.20.20 | Not immune to measles (received 1 dose); SA results similar to 2 years ago; decided to move forward with FET #2 redo at start of next cycle
Surprise natural BFP! | 9.22.20 | MC 10.23.20 at 8 weeks
TTCAL naturally | starting 11.22.20
Initial consultation with Reproductive Immunologist | 9.14.21
Decidualization score biopsy | 10.1.21 | abnormal - low score of 1; endometrial scratch recommended and progesterone supplementation
Saline sono | 10.15.21 | normal
Bloodwork | 10.21.21 | high TSH, high testosterone, positive for anti-nuclear antibodies and histone antibodies, high protein S, multiple genetic mutations
BFP! | 11.3.21 | EDD 7.14.22 | biopsy provided same effect as endometrial scratch; added supplemental progesterone and estrogen, prednisone, levothyroxine, and MTX Support to maintain pregnancy
DS born 7.19.22 after induction
TTC #2 begins 6.2023
Consultation with RI | 6.6.23
Saline sono, endometritis biopsy, skin & eye check | all normal
Labs | high TSH, Factor XIII mutation, high %CD56
Follow up | 8.8.23 | prescribed metformin, prednisone, plaquenil, and levothyroxine
Repeat labs after 3 weeks on meds
Follow up | 11.9.23 | Green light!, increase in prednisone, added lovenox
Repeat labs in 8 weeks
Follow up | 1.16.24 | Green light continues
TTC put on pause indefinitely
IVF Cycle #1 February 2020 4 embryos frozen, 1 fresh transfer = CP
FET #1 Natural Cycle March 2020 CXL'd due to Covid-19
FET #1 Natural Cycle June 2020 - CP #2
FET #2 Natural Cycle July 2020 - BFP!!!!!! Beta #1 = 273
June Signature Challenge - Favorite TV Quotes
TTC December 2016
BFP 2/28/17 // CP 3/1/17
MFI Diagnosis: Aug 2017
BFP 11/1/17 // DS born 6/18
TTC January 2019
BFP 3/21/19 // D&C (MMC) 5/8/19
TTC #1 since 7.2017
Dx: low morph (1%), ANA positive, low decidualization score, high TSH and testosterone, histone antibodies
IUI #1-3 | all BFN
IVF #1 | 6.11.19 | 24R, 17M, 15F, 6B, PGT-A tested - 5 normal, 3 girls & 2 boys
FET #1 | 9.10.19 | BFN "I know you, but we've never met. I'm with you, but I don't know your name"
RPL, Receptiva, & ERA testing | all normal/negative, recommended going on gluten and dairy free diet for next FET
FET #2 | 3.31.20 | Opted to cancelled due to pandemic, continued diet and tried naturally over the summer
2nd Opinion with another RE | 8.20.20 | Not immune to measles (received 1 dose); SA results similar to 2 years ago; decided to move forward with FET #2 redo at start of next cycle
Surprise natural BFP! | 9.22.20 | MC 10.23.20 at 8 weeks
TTCAL naturally | starting 11.22.20
Initial consultation with Reproductive Immunologist | 9.14.21
Decidualization score biopsy | 10.1.21 | abnormal - low score of 1; endometrial scratch recommended and progesterone supplementation
Saline sono | 10.15.21 | normal
Bloodwork | 10.21.21 | high TSH, high testosterone, positive for anti-nuclear antibodies and histone antibodies, high protein S, multiple genetic mutations
BFP! | 11.3.21 | EDD 7.14.22 | biopsy provided same effect as endometrial scratch; added supplemental progesterone and estrogen, prednisone, levothyroxine, and MTX Support to maintain pregnancy
DS born 7.19.22 after induction
TTC #2 begins 6.2023
Consultation with RI | 6.6.23
Saline sono, endometritis biopsy, skin & eye check | all normal
Labs | high TSH, Factor XIII mutation, high %CD56
Follow up | 8.8.23 | prescribed metformin, prednisone, plaquenil, and levothyroxine
Repeat labs after 3 weeks on meds
Follow up | 11.9.23 | Green light!, increase in prednisone, added lovenox
Repeat labs in 8 weeks
Follow up | 1.16.24 | Green light continues
TTC put on pause indefinitely
@millpe yes, I’m posting the recipe in a spoiler below. Sorry, I’ve been MIA this weekend! Hope you enjoy them!
I only make 18 instead of 2 dozen...and my oven also cooks faster, so I only bake them like 25ish minutes.
https://metrocozy.com/make/diy-hocus-pocus-cross-stitch-pattern/
IVF Cycle #1 February 2020 4 embryos frozen, 1 fresh transfer = CP
FET #1 Natural Cycle March 2020 CXL'd due to Covid-19
FET #1 Natural Cycle June 2020 - CP #2
FET #2 Natural Cycle July 2020 - BFP!!!!!! Beta #1 = 273
June Signature Challenge - Favorite TV Quotes