creative jewish mom

Diamonds And Stripes: 4 Filet Crochet Patterns To Try Now

As a somewhat avid crocheter over the years, I have certainly been aware of filet crochet, and the idea of making wonderful patterns with the placement of double crochet stitches together with blank spaces, such that one can create any kind of pattern that can be worked out on a grid. That said, traditionally filet crochet is made with very fine crochet thread, which is required for intricate patterns or at least to see them at a close range. I have started lacy tablecloths using crochet thread in the past, and it just was not for me, as I love quick or at least quick-is results! (Then again a neighbor gave me an unfinished lacy crocheted tablecloth that her mother-in-law with failing eyesight can no longer work on......it is sitting in a box in the basement, waiting to be finished, or more likely unraveled so I can use the thread. I have recently unraveled a bunch of my own projects to use the yarn, so no hard feelings, right?)

Today, while some might still want to crochet with thread, filet crochet stitches are being used with yarn weights of all kinds to make blankets and garments. A loved one requested a summer weight baby blanket after seeing one of my tiny dollhouse blankets, so I decided to make some swatches so she could pick her favorite, before all the time and expense involved! Keep on reading to see which one she picked, and which one I think I'd like to make as an alternate?

How Families Can Benefit From Medisave For Dental Treatments

Dental care is essential, but it can also be costly—especially for families juggling multiple needs. In Singapore, Medisave for dental treatments offers some relief. But how exactly can families use it? And what types of procedures are eligible? These are common questions among parents, caregivers, and even young adults navigating dental bills. In this guide, we’ll break down what Medisave is, how it applies to dental care, and how families can take full advantage of it. For those in other areas this article is a helpful guide for what questions to ask when looking for dental coverage.

How To Update Your White Kitchen With Touches Of Wood And Organic Elements

All-white kitchens whether modern or traditional, are quite simply classic, and have truly weathered every kitchen trend. The modern pearl-white laminate cabinets with an aluminum rim that I chose twenty years ago for my kitchen still look great, and the light color does make the room look bigger, more airy certainly, and you always know when they need a wipe down! That said I do look at photos of modern all wood cabinetry, or traditional cabinets in natural shades of green and blue and think, wow, I love that!

When it comes time to re-do my kitchen (hopefully not any time soon) will I actually choose something other than white? I really can't say at the moment, but what I can say is that if your white kitchen is looking a little too stark, or just a little bit too white, there are many ways to change the overall look of the kitchen, without a total re-do, whether in a very budget friendly way, or with some expense but changes that don't come anywhere near the cost of replacing the kitchen or even the cabinet doors. Of course there are many ways to go when thinking of how to update your white kitchen, and do think beyton the superficial by possibly investing in some new gadgets to make your cooking experience that much up to date as well. For starters how about the best meat thermometer, or maybe an instant pot and an air fryer, if you don't already own those popular items? Ah yes, and there is nothing like getting those cabinets and drawers organized to give your kitchen a feeling like it's been overhauled!

So many things to think about, indeed, and I love the idea of updating a white kitchen with touches of wood and organic elements, so lets dive in!

Welcome To Craft Schooling Sunday!

Welcome to Craft Schooling Sunday, thanks so much for joining me here! Yikes, June is coming to a close already......how are your creative endeavors going? Mine? Well, of course I have the major excuse that life has not been anything resembling normal lately here in Northern Israel, and while I have not gotten back to the art, of course I've been crocheting up a storm to calm the nerves, and if I hadn't finished all the stash at my fingertips (lots more of course buried in the basement somewhere, sigh) I would have crocheted even more little pillows for a 1 6 scale dollhouse and blankets and more. I never thought I'd find myself getting into miniatures, but now crocheting with thread to make a 1 12 scale granny square blanket actually seems like a great idea, okay maybe not, but certainly a great take along project! Okay friends, get those creative gears turning, and take a look at the wonderful features from last week's party!

Top Family Cars: Which 5 Came Out on Top for 2025?

In 2025, the market for family cars is crowded. There are plenty of contenders, with many families and individuals choosing carefully from among them. What vehicles should you know about that are proven winners with American drivers?

We’ve compiled a list of options that should be on your radar if you’re car shopping for your family. You can visit Axio Auto, Sandy residents, if you live nearby and one of the models we have selected appeals to you.

Filet Crochet Large Diamond Trellis Pattern

I have been creating a small library of filet crochet swatches recently, including filet crochet small diamonds pattern, filet crochet diamond trellis pattern, filet crochet diagonal stripes pattern, and now presenting the filet crochet diamonds pattern, and I only wish I hadn't run out of yarn so that I could have crocheted a larger swatch! Each pattern has a slightly different "fall" to it depending the density of the double crochet stitches, and while this swatch is small, it has a great feeling to it, and hoping to crochet a larger swatch soon! And as I've mentioned these swatches are currently in use in either my 1/8 scale dollhouse (currently for a family of stuffed rabbit dolls) where they make great blankets, or in my 1/12 scale minimal scandi style dollhouse where they are great rugs and large blankets. I love crocheting with mercerized cotton and a 3mm hook, basically because that is the yarn that is readily available here in Israel.

Filet Crochet Diagonal Stripes Pattern

I have been creating a small library of filet crochet swatches recently, and last week I shared filet crochet small diamonds pattern and filet crochet diamond trellis pattern which are both lovely, though this filet crochet diagonal stripes pattern is wonderful too! Each pattern has a slightly different "fall" to it depending the density of the double crochet stitches, which is quite interestng and something to take into consideration when planning a project based on swatches. Swatches are so fun to whip up, a great way to use up small bits of leftover yarn, and for me they are currently in my 1/8 scale dollhouse where they make amazing blankets! I will photograph that soon, just as soon as I finish up the swatch series. Ready to make a swatch of filet crochet diagonal stripes? Keep on reading.

Welcome To Craft Schooling Sunday!

Welcome to Craft Schooling Sunday, thanks for joining me here! Life is very uncertain around here in Israel, and while Northern Israel is for now less of a target we still have at least twice daily runs to the bomb shelter room, and husband and I are sleeping there as well, and grateful that it is a room in our home! I won't go into the very surreal existence of living with missiles headed your way, and the fact that the interception of these missiles from Iran is not at all like the simple boom we were used to with interception of much smaller missiles fired from Lebanon. Even just writing such a thing seems completely ridiculous and yet this is our reality, so trying to cut myself some slack for the fact that I just can't seem to accomplish all that much at the moment except for the necessary food prep and laundry. Sigh. Okay, I have actually crocheted a whole pile of small pillows for 1/6 or 1/8 dollhouse animals, and wow they truly are adorable, but that nagging voice that is wondering what happened to my art practice is getting louder, so hopefully soon! In the mean time, any kind of creativity is a great way to bring positivity into the world, so enjoy the features and get crafting!

Burgandy Phaelanopsis Orchid In Bloom!

As the proud proprietor of a mini orchid sanctuary for neglected orchids, when I've had success in nurturing a neglected plant not only back to life but into blooming glory it is truly exciting! Last summer a family friend who is a landscaper in Tel Aviv gifted me with a whole crate full of what I could see were especially unique orchids, and with flower color other than white. What color exactly was a mystery in most cases, and this burgandy phaelanopsis is truly a surprise, and I just love it. I am used to years of white orchid blooms, which I love, and I do appreciate the other pink ones that have bloomed in my sanctuary recently, but this one, wow! What can I say? Friends, do care for your orchids after they've bloomed, rescue them from friends/family who are ill treating them, and even purchase a few for yourself, the rewards are well worth the few minutes a week that is required!

Filet Crochet Diamond Trellis Pattern

Summer is a great time to delve into crochet, as it is so very relaxing, and great as a take along project! Our summer here in Northern Israel is turning out to be yet another stressful one, so I think I might just need to go down into the basement and look for some yarn stash as in any case the fabric store where I might buy yarn is likely closed. A month or so ago I started making filet crochet swatches in preparation for a filet crochet baby blanket, and this diamond trellis pattern is certainly a great choice! That said, several of us here at CJM headquarters would actually go with the filet crochet diamond pattern, a smaller diamond, that I shared yesterday, which has a slightly more sophisticated look. But never mind that, crochet a bunch of swatches before delving into a blanket project, it is so much fun, and my swatches are now dollhouse blankets and rugs for a 1/8 scale dollhouse I've made in a cabinet and another 1/12 scale one that I actually let kids play with. If you don't have any dollhouses not to worry, the swatches bring joy in any case and if you make them all the same size they could always become a patchwork blanket! Okay, let's crochet!