Pleasant Surprises & A Giveaway!!!!!

A while back, I asked my Facebook friends to share with me how they go about making giving real and important to their children. My aunt shared something with me that really made me think about the idea of giving in a new and interesting way. She said that she thinks it is important to teach kids about the giving of appreciation. She claimed that being appreciative makes a person more generous and I think she makes a very good point. She inspired me to think about some of the people I appreciate, which led to the realization that those people probably have no idea how much I appreciate them. Well, that just won't do! I sat down and made a list of a few women who make my world a better place. Then I got to work.

I made up some cotton washcloths (instructions below). On a funny note, this started out as a stash-busting activity with some colorful cotton yarn I found buried in my yarn pile - but I had so much fun with it that I ended up buying, like, 10 more skeins. Oh well, you know what they say about good intentions. I'm pairing it with a bar of my homemade soap. This soap turned out to be my favorite batch of soap that I have ever made. The Hubs even likes it. It is super conditioning with avocado oil and cocoa butter with a light spicy citrus scent. The soap is all-natural and scented with essential oils. Finally, I'm topping it off with a handmade card expressing exactly what I appreciate about that person. Each recipient will find this pleasant little surprise on her doorstep!

Clearly I am a huge dork and a crafting freak. You don't have to be as big a dork as I am to show someone how much you appreciate them. Send them a card (store-bought is perfectly acceptable), send them an email, pick out a small gift, or enter my giveaway. Say what? That's right! I'm having a giveaway!

To enter the giveaway, simply comment on this post by telling me about someone you appreciate and something you appreciate about them. I will choose a winner at random - likely some hi-tech method like having one of my kids draw names from a hat or something. So what do you get if you win? To show my appreciation to you for taking the time to read and comment on my blog, you will win one of the washcloth and soap combos. But wait! I will also send you a second washcloth and soap combo, along with a handmade card, for you to give to that special someone you appreciate. Fun!

Here's what you can win!

Just remember, it really is the thought that counts. Think of all of the junk mail and bills you get in your mailbox and email inbox. Now imagine finding a lovely note of appreciation tucked in there. Wouldn't that make your day? Pick ten people, five people, three people, one person - whatever you want to do - and show them a little appreciation. You will make their world a better place. (Plus you'll feel all warm and fuzzy inside!)


Here's the washcloth pattern I used. A disclaimer: Crochet is not my strong point. It's fun. I enjoy it. I am not the best crochet-pattern-writer in the world. I'm okay with that.

1. Pick out a cheery worsted-weight cotton yarn and an appropriately-sized hook. I'm using a size "G." Guage is not super important here, so use what feels comfortable to you.
2. Chain 28.
3. Double crochet in the 4th chain from the hook and then DC in each chain across.
4. Chain 3 (turning chain), turn, DC through the back loop in each DC across.
5. Repeat step 4 until you have completed ten rows.
6. Make 3 single crochets in a single space to form a corner. SC all the way around the cloth, working 3 SC at each corner.
7. When you return to the first corner, slip stitch to join. Cut your yarn and draw the tail through the loop on the hook. Weave in ends.
8. Voila!

This is a really basic cloth, no fancy decorative stitches. It is an appropriate project for someone who has never done crochet before. You can find easy instructions to learn how to crochet here.
Remember to comment about someone you appreciate so you will be entered in the giveaway! Be sure I have some way to contact you if you win. Drawing at noon on Monday, February 14th. Tell your friends so they can enter too!
~B

P.S. I've gotten a couple of notes about comments being temperamental. If you have any trouble leaving a comment, just email me at brookecarter@cox.net and I will enter you in the drawing :-)