Work-in-Progress

My daughter got this package in a large box of craft projects that she bid on at an auction. The package is stamped Vogart Crafts. I tried to look this up on the Internet, but the only thing I found was EBay listings for vintage crafts. I have no idea how old it is, but apparently they are not made anymore.

It is a set of four napkins that are supposed to be cross-stitched on large gingham check. Well, no offence to people who like that, I think that large of cross-stitch is ugly, so I decided to applique the floral design instead.

So far, I have one done. When I finish all four I will probably put them together with sashing and make either a baby quilt, or maybe a table runner.

Whats For Supper

On the menu for tonight is Fried Chicken, Black-Eye Peas, Collard Greens, Rice,

and Corn Muffins.

I don't have a secret recipe with eleven herbs and spices, I use only four. They are Garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. I have only two secrets to making good fried chicken,

1.) Dry the chicken and sprinkle on the seasonings and then roll in flour and let it stand for about 10 minutes before putting it in the frying pan.

2.) Use a cast iron skillet, and get the oil up to a medium hot temperature before putting the chicken in. I don't know why cast iron makes a difference but it does.

When my garden starts producing I will have fresh black-eye peas, but these came frozen from Birds Eye. I cooked them with ham hocks, and salt. I also put pepper sauce on them once they are on the plate.

The collard greens, I am sad to admit, came out of a can from Glory foods. They taste better than the ones I have tried to make from scratch. It bruises my ego a little, but I will keep looking for that recipe that will make mine the best.

The rice is just plain white rice cooked in my rice pot.

The muffins are a Jiffy mix. I can get the box for 38 cents, and it makes 6 large muffins, which is a very good deal. My husband likes his cornbread sweet.

Applique on Recycled Jeans Skirt

The skirt was made from a pair of size 6 children's jeans that my granddaughter got too tall for.
I cut them off at the knees and opened up the inside leg seam, and both side seams below the pocket. I used the bottom portion of the legs that I cut off to cut four triangles (two large for front and back and two smaller ones for the sides). The crotch area on the front and back has to be cut back to form a relatively straight line from the waist band to the bottom of the leg. Insert the triangles. Put a ruffle on the bottom of the skirt.

Then I appliqued flowers to look like they were coming out of the pocket on the left side, and across the front.

I put a butterfly on the right side just below the pocket.

I put a bow with long streamers on the back between the pockets. When I insert the triangles, because of the thick seams on jeans, the top of the triangles are not always perfect, so I put the appliques in these locations to hide any imperfections.

Brown bagging in style

Everyone is trying to save money these days and taking a lunch from home is one way to do that. This is a lunch bag that I made totally out of scrap upholstery fabric and left over pieces of fabric that I made some curtains out of.
I used the upholstery scraps and made two log cabin blocks set on point for the front and back. The sides and bottom are corduroy. The inside is lined with green plaid, and I used the same fabric to make two matching napkins. I crocheted around the edge of the napkins to make it look nice. I made the bag large enough to hold two Glad sandwich containers and two drinks.
Since it was made with scraps, it didn't cost me anything to make and no one will ever pick up my lunch by mistake.

Cupboard Wall Hanging

I saw a picture of a cupboard wall hanging in a magazine one time that looked so nice I had to look twice at it to see that it was a picture rather than the real thing.

This is my version of it. I chose blue to make the dishes because my dishes are blue and I wanted it to look like it fit in with the rest of the things in my kitchen.

For the hutch, I chose shades of brown. I gave it dimension by mitering the corners of the shelves and side pieces, and set some of the dishes forward on the shelf and some of them I set back. All the applique was done with the needle turn method. The quilting is done by hand. I quilted around the dishes, then for the hutch I quilted 1/2" apart in the direction I thought the grain of the wood would go (if it were wood). The back of the hutch I did in 1" square set on point to distinguish it from the sides and bottom of the shelves.

The backing I cut about 1" larger than the front all the way around, and used it to make the binding. Finally, I put a sleeve across the top of the back to run a dowel rod thru for hanging.

Pretty dresses for a little Angel

I made these dresses out of quilt scraps. I just went through my scrap bag and picked out colors that went together. On this first dress, I made the skirt by cutting out wedges of fabric that measure 2 1/2 inches across the top, and 7 1/2 inches across the bottom. The diameter of the bottom of the bodice is 20 inches so I used 5 panels for the front and 5 for the back.

I did french fold bindings around the neck and arm holes, and with my tube turner, I made tubes and appliqued them in a design around the neck for added decoration. The belt and bow are attached in the front, and I crocheted loops for belt carriers on both sides. The bottom is the wagon wheel crochet pattern in white with sage green on the outer edge.

Here is my little angel wearing it.

This is another summer play dress done in two colors. I had enough to make the gathered skirt without piecing like the one before. The bodice has french fold bindings on the neck and armholes. The bow I set to one side instead of centering. The edging on the bottom is two rows of single crochet, and two rows of shell with rose colored embroidery floss woven thru the second row of single crochet to add color.

Rooster Wall Hanging

The pattern for this rooster is from FIBER MOSAICS. the patterns name is COOK-A-DOODLE. I got mine from Jo-Anne Fabrics, but they can be purchased at www.fibermosaics.com for $8.00. The pattern suggest that you use fusible web to do the applique, but I always hand quilt, and it is very difficult to quilt thru fusible web so I use butcher paper.

First, I drew all the pattern pieces on the butcher paper and cut them out. Then I decided which colors to use for each piece from my scrap bag. Iron the pattern pieces with the waxy side down to the wrong side of the fabric scraps, leaving at least 1/4 inch seam allowance around each piece (I also numbered the feathers on the butcher paper so I would know what order to place them on the bird). Cut them out always remembering the seam allowance, also, there are a lot of curvy edges, don't try to go in and out, just cut in a line below the bottom of the points and clip in to the curve. That last sentence will make more since to you when you actually start doing it.

The background square is approximately 17". Use the diagram from the pattern to place the pieces on the background square one at a time with butcher paper down and right side facing up. Put a few pins in to hold it in position and use the needle turn method to applique. Turn it over and cut the background fabric away on the inside of the piece you just attached. Pull the butcher paper off, and go to the next piece. After you get the hang of it, it doesn't take very long. I did the whole Rooster in one evening watching TV. Sew on borders mitering the corners. Layer with backing facing down, batting, and Rooster facing up.

I use safety pins to hold all the pieces together. The rule of thumb is to place the safety pins close enough together that you cant put your hand on it without touching at least two pins. To me this means about 3 inches apart. Then start quilting. I hand quilt, but you could use a sewing machine if you prefer. I quilted around every piece and both sides of the inside border. I didn't do any quilting on the background because this is just a wall hanging. If it were to be a quilt, quilting should be about 2 inches apart. More latter on making the binding and hanger.

Pineapple Upside-Down Cake

This is a fantastic cake, and one of my Dad's favorites, unfortunately it is one of my favorites too, so I don't cook it very often because I eat too much when I do.
There are a lot of boxed mixes with directions for a pineapple upside-dawn cake on the package and they are OK, but this cake is made from scratch and believe me, the flavor and consistancy is much better than a boxed mix.

1/2 cup butter
1 cup packed brown sugar
1 can (20 oz) sliced pineapple
1/2 cup chopped pecans
3 eggs, separated
1 cup sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 cup all-purpose flour
t tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp salt

1) Melt butter in cake pan. Add brown sugar; mix well until sugar is melted. Drain pineapples reserving 1/3 cup juice.

2) Arrange pineapples on top of the brown sugar in a single layer (I cut two of the rings in half and went down the center of the cake because I wanted to get a piece of pineapple with every bite. Pineapple tidbits could also be used instead of rings for an all over pineapple effect). Sprinkle the chopped pecans over the pineapple and set aside.

3) In a large mixing bowl, beat egg yolks until thick and lemon-colored. Gradually add sugar, beating well. Blend in vanilla and reserved pineapple juice.

4) Combine the flour, baking powder and salt; add to batter, beating well. In a small glass, or stainless steal mixing bowl, beat egg whites on high speed until stiff peaks form; fold into batter. Spoon into the cake pan over the pineapples and nuts.

5) Bake at 375 degrees for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean. Let stand for 10 minutes on a cooling rack before inverting onto serving plate (I covered a cookie sheet with aluminum foil to use as my serving plate).

BBQ Spare Ribs

This recipe was given to me by my Mother-in-Law. It is the best BBQ ribs ever. Both my Dad and Brother said it is the best they ever ate.

First, cut the ribs in serving size portions. Place the ribs in a large stew pot, cover with water, and add 2 cloves of garlic (roughly chopped) and about 3/4" piece of fresh ginger root that has been peeled and sliced thin. Bring it to a boil, reduce heat and let simmer for 45 minutes.
In a small bowl put:
1/2 Cup soy sauce
1/2 cup ketchup
1/4 cup oyster sauce
1/4 cup honey
6 TBS brown sugar
After the ribs have boiled, take it off the heat and let stand for a while to cool down. Then put the ribs in a large zip lock bag. Pour sauce over the ribs. Squeeze out as much air as you can, zip the bag, and manipulate the bag so sauce covers all the ribs well. Place bag in the refrigerator. Its best to marinate for at least 8 hours, or over night. Take the bag out of the refrigerator about 1-1 1/2 hours before time to grill to allow the ribs to come to room temperature.
Remove the ribs from the bag and place them on a hot grill. Pour the sauce from the bag in a small bowl, and with a pastry brush, baste the ribs with sauce every time you turn them. I usually let them set for about 3 minutes, turn, baste for at least 8 turns. This cooks the BBQ sauce into the meat and allows the sauce to become thick on the outside. Don't baste on the last turn. Since the meat was fully cooked ahead of time, you don't have to worry about whether or not the ribs are done. They just need to be heated thru, and the sauce a beautiful thick grilled coating on the outside.
The same thing can be done in the oven. Use a broiler pan and the rack in the middle of the oven. Broil 3 minutes, turn, baste, for at least 8 turns or until the color you want is achieved.

HOME MADE LYE SOAP

A few years ago I decided to learn how to do all the things that my Grandma did. The first thing on this list was to make home made lye soap. She was always so proud of her soap. I know she made hers in a great big cast iron kettle in the back yard. Well, I don't have a big kettle like that and my husband (and probably my neighbors too) would think I had completely gone off my rocker if I dragged up some wood and started a big fire in the back yard so I researched methods of doing it in the kitchen. I found a lot of books in the library on soap making, but all of them wanted me to have a lot of equipment that I didn't have and was unwilling to buy since I didn't know if I would like making soap and if it would be worth the expense. Then, when I was about to give up I ran across a recipe for soap making in an old cookbook that I already owned that was published in 1942.
Mix 1 quart cold water and 1 lb. can lye in a stone jar, or granite pot (I had to call my Mom and ask her what a granite pot was and it just happened that I had one of those that I use for canning, but I call it an enamel pot). Stir until it cools. Add 1 TBS washing ammonia: 2 TBS 20-mule team Borax and 5 pounds of any clean grease which has been warmed until it runs easily, but not hot. Stir until it thickens, pour into cardboard boxes that have been covered with several layers of newspaper on the outside. Cover with another piece of cardboard, and towels and let it set for two days.
At that point it should be firm enough to cut into bars. Let it ripen before using (once again I called my Mom to ask her what ripening meant, turns out that it means let it set in a dark place away from drafts for about 2 weeks).
This batch I used plastic containers (that shortcake came in) to make the soap. I made it 2 weeks ago and it is still not firm enough to be removed from the containers. It turns out that cardboard is the way to go because it sucks the excess moisture out of the soap which enables you to remove it from the container and cut it in the appropriate amount of time. I will always use cardboard from now on, and yes I do enjoy making soap and can fully understand why my Grandma was so proud of hers.
Some people ask me why I spend time making my own soap and here are a few reasons. My Dad said that when he was a kid his Mother would wash their heads with lye soap, and when other kids at school would get head lice, they never got them because of the lye soap. A veterinarian told my cousin that washing her dog with lye soap would keep the fleas and ticks off of him. My brother told me that when he cuts up onions it makes his hands stink even after washing with dish soap, or store bought soap, but after I gave him lye soap he washes with it after cutting onions and the smell completely goes away. Is all this really true you ask? Well, I have been making and using lye soap for several years and my head doesn't itch, I don't have fleas or ticks, and my hands don't stink.

Boa Hair Tie

Well yesterday i had a problem. What to make for a little girls birthday party that a 6 year old girl could help with. We came up with the Boa Hair Tie. Here is a list of materials i used.

scrapes of polar fleece in different colors
13 inches of 1/4 inch elastic
string pearls
scissors
sewing machine

first i used my existing hair tie to measure the elastic it was about 6 1/2 inches and i doubled it to give the tie strength. then i cut a strip of polar fleece about 4 inches wide by 7 inches long. i then laid small squares of different colored fleece on top alternating colors. i also cut several 5 inch pieces of the pearls and laid them perpendicular on the strip. I then cut another 4x7 strip and laid on top. Next i went to the sewing machine and sewed two parallel lines down the center about 1/2 inch apart. this forms the casing. take the elastic and fold it in half run it through the casing using a safety pin. put short edges together and sew on the machine making sure to get the edges of the elastic in the seam. the seam is bunchy i cut away everything except where the casing is so that it lays smooth. here is the part the kids love. give them a pair of scissors and let them cut each individual layer of fleece one at a time in small stripes perpendicular to the casing. it is hard to get the cut to go all the way to the casing line without cutting the casing so i get it as close as possible and then pull the two pieces apart and rip it the rest of the way. now some of the stripes will stretch out and curl while others do not. I haven't figured out why yet but i like it that way. it is finished when all the layers have been cut into stripes. i could also be used for bracelets or doll head band (those are two of the things the girls came up with)

by Tamy Keen

COCONUT CREAM MERINGUE PIE

I made a graham cracker pie crust with:
1 1/4 cups graham cracker crumbs
3 tablespoons sugar
1/3 cup butter, melted
Combine crumbs and sugar in medium-sized bowl. Stir in melted butter until thoroughly blended. Pack mixture firmly into a 9-inch pie pan and press firmly to bottom and sides bringing crumbs evenly up to the rim. Bake in 350 degree oven for 8 minutes, cool, fill.

For the pie:
2/3 cup sugar
1/4 cup cornstarch
1/4 tsp salt
2 cups milk
3 egg yolks, lightly beaten
1 cup flaked coconut, finely chopped
2 TBS butter
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
1) In a small saucepan, combine the sugar, cornstarch and salt. Stir in milk until smooth. Cook and stir over medium-high heat until thickened and bubbly. Reduce heat; cook and stir 2 minutes longer. Remove from heat.
2) Stir a small amount of hot filling into egg yolks; return all to pan, stirring constantly. Bring to a gentle boil; cook and stir 2 minutes longer. Remove from heat. Gently stir in chopped coconut, butter and vanilla until butter is melted. Pour hot filling into crust.

For meringue:
3 egg whites
1/4 tsp cream of tartar
6 TBS sugar
1/2 cup flaked coconut
beat egg whites and cream of tartar on medium speed until soft peaks form. Gradually beat in the sugar, 1 TBS at a time, on high until stiff glossy peaks form and sugar is dissolved. Spread evenly over hot filling, sealing edges to crust.
Sprinkle with coconut. Bake at 350 degrees for 12-15 minutes or until meringue is golden.
Cool on a wire rack for 1 hour. Refrigerate at least 3 hours before serving. Refrigerate leftovers.
I hope you like this pie, it is delicious.

Scottish Eggs

If you are like me and have kids then you will color Easter eggs every year and after the hunt will have dozens of eggs to figure out what to do with them. The first choice is deviled eggs but after several rounds then you want something different. So next comes chopped egg sandwiches. Those are good a time or two but get old quick. So i did some research and found Scottish Eggs. Most recipes call for beer and I not only don't have any I am not going to buy any for this recipe either. so I will give you my recipe for Tamy's Scottish Leftover Easter Eggs

10 boiled eggs, peeled
2 lbs sausage (i used homemade deer sausage)
1/2 c flour
2 beaten eggs
crush cereal
salt and pepper to taste
5 slices of American cheese

First salt and pepper the flour like you would for frying. Take an egg and roll in the seasoned flour. Divide the sausage in to 5 portions. Divide one portion in half and flatten in to a patty. Wrap the patty around the floured egg. Next dip in the beaten egg and roll in the crushed cereal. (you could also use bread or cracker crumbs what ever you have available). Then fry in hot grease. If you are deep frying about 4 minutes on each side in 350 degrees. If you are just frying make sure all sides are brown really well. Drain on a paper towel. Cut in half lenght-wise and melt half a slice of cheese on top of each half. Repeat for remaining eggs.

If after frying you cut into an egg and find the meat not completely done, you can microwave for a minute without ruining the taste, plus it helps to melt the cheese. Not all of mine were completely done so I microwaved them. I guess I was in to big of a hurry at the end.

My husband loved these and requested them again already. I wasn't that crazy about them but I don't like sausage.

You can also freeze them and pop them in a toaster oven for a quick snack later.


by Tamy Keen

Fancy Crochet Edged Dish Towel

Here is still another crochet edging, it's my last one for a while, I promise. I added blue ribbon because blue is my Mom's favorite color and this will be part of her Mother's Day gift.
The dish towel is made of 100% cotton pique. I hemmed all four sides before starting the crochet because pique has a loose weave and pulls out easily. The hemmed edge gives it more stability.

Sc directly on one edge of the towel, ch 2, turn.
Row 1. hdc in each sc all the way across, ch 5, turn.
Row 2. *sk first hdc, dc in the next hdc, ch 1. Repeat from * all the way across ending with dc in the last hdc, ch 4 , turn.
Row 3. Sc in each dc and in each sp across, ch 1, turn.
Row 4. Sc in first sc, ch 1, sk next sc, sc in next sc, *ch 3, sk net sc, sc in next sc, ch 1, sk next sc, sc in the next sc. Repeat from * across to within last 2 sc, ch 1, sk next sc, sc in last sc. ch 7, turn.
Row 5. Sk first 2 sps, sc in next sp, * (ch 1, turn, in lp just formed make sc in next ch, hdc in next ch, dc in next ch, tr in next ch---triangle made, ch 7, turn, sc in same sp on 4th row) twice, ch 1, turn, and complete another triangle (3 triangles made in space), ch 3, turn, sk next sp on 4th row, sc in next sp, ch 7, sk next sp, sc in next sp, repeat from * across, ending with 3 triangles in sp, ch 1, hdc in last sc, ch1, turn.
Row 6. Sc in lp just formed, ch4, * sc in the side of the next tr, (ch 4, sc in next sp, ch 4, sc in the side of next tr) twice, ch1, repeat from * across, ending with sc in the side of the last tr, ch 2, hdc in last sp, ch 1, turn.
Row 7. Sc in lp just formed, (ch 4, sc in next lp) 4 times, *sk next sp, sc in next lp, (ch 4, sc in next lp) 3 times, repeat from * across, ending with ch 4, sc in last lp. Fasten off. Run ribbon thru row 2, attach a small ribbon bow in the center.

Crochet Edging on a Pillowcase

I made this edging with Aunt Lidia's bedspread weight (size 10) crochet thread and a size 8 steel crochet hook. The ribbon is 1/8" Offray spool O ribbon,and matching DMC floss. This edging is approximately 2 inches wide, so keep that in mind when you are making your pillow case (finished size for a standard pillow case is 19 1/2 X 29 inches)
Abbreviations:
ch (chain)
st (stitch)
dc (double crochet)
lp (loop)
sk (skip)
sp (space)
tr (treble)
tr cl (treble cluster)

Sc around the edge of a pillow case evenly spaced. Join, ch 3
Row 1. dc in next sc, ch 1, sk next sc, *dc in each of the next 2 sc, ch 1, sk next sc. Repeat from * all the way around pillow case. Join, chain 3.
Row 2. Dc in each dc and in each ch 1 sp all the way around. Join, ch 3.
Row 3. Repeat row 1.
Row 4. Repeat row 2.
Row 5. Sc in each dc all the way around. Join, ch 6.
Row 6. * sk next 2 sc,dc in each of the next 3 sc, ch 3, sk next 2 sc, dc in next sc, ch 3, Repeat from *all the way around. Join, ch 2.
row 7. *2 tr in first dc and hold last lp of each tr on hook, thread over and work off all lps on hook to form a 2 tr cluster, (ch 4, a 2 tr cl in next dc) twice, ch 2, sc in next (single) dc, ch 2, repeat from * across. Join, finish off.
Run ribbon through rows 1 and 3. Run DMC floss through row 5.
For the blue and white twisted rope look above the crochet, I used a large eyed needle and a length of the crochet thread slightly longer than the width of the pillow case. Do a simple running stitch across about 1/2 inch up from the crochet edge with the stitch length being about 1/8 inch. Then, using the floss (three strands), and embroidery needle, attach to the seam allowance on the inside. come up thru the case right next to the first running stitch. Going from right to left each time, run the needle under the running stitches all the way across. This will give it a twisted rope affect.

These make really nice Christmas, or wedding presents, plus, all little girls love frilly, lacy things like this whether they will admit it out loud or not.

Jalapeno Pepper Poppers

This is a great appetizer, or can be used as a side dish for the up coming Sinco De Mayo celebration. I usually have to double the recipe because My family loves them.

1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded Monterrey Jack cheese
6 strips of bacon, cooked and crumbled
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 tsp garlic powder
1/4 tsp chili powder 1/4 tsp coriander
1 pound fresh jalapenos, halved length wise and seeded
1/2 cup dry bread crumbs

1) In a large mixing bowl, combine the cheeses, bacon and seasonings; mix well. Spoon about 2 tablespoonfuls into each pepper half. Roll in bread crumbs.

2) Place in a greased 15-in. x 10-in. x 1-in. baking pan. Bake, uncovered, at 300 degrees for 20 minutes for a spicy flavor, 30 minutes for medium and 40 minutes for mild.

I serve them with ranch dip. They are great, you have to try them.

If you don't like things too spicy, use a spoon to scrape out the whitish membrane when you are taking the seeds out, and run them under cold water. You will get all of the flavor, and none of the heat.

Mexican Cornbread

I call this Mexican corn bread, even though many people have told me that it is not true Mexican food. I grew up in southwest Oklahoma and that Tex-Mex flavor is what I like. The recipe is very simple,

1 box of corn muffin mix
1/2 cup chopped onions
2 medium jalapeno peppers, seeded and chopped
1/3 cup vegetable oil
1 can cream style corn
2 eggs, beaten
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 tsp chili powder
1/2 tsp coriander
Mix all the ingredients together in a large bowl. Pour into a greased 8 x 8 x 2 inch pan. Bake in a hot oven 400 degrees for about 50 minutes, or until golden brown (you might want to start checking after 35 minutes.

The only tip I wanted to mention is when you are preparing the Jalapeno peppers, run them under cold water the whole time you are taking the seeds out, scrape them out with a spoon and get out as much of the whitish colored membrane as you can. The heat of a jalapeno is in the seeds and membrane. If you pull it all out, what you have left is all the flavor, and none of the heat. Plus, if you de-seed under cold water you won't get that residue on your hands that make them burn.

This cornbread taste great and goes with beans, soups, chili's, or any dish you would serve cornbread with.

Simple edging

This is another Guest washcloth.It is simple, but elegant. It adds a touch of color to compliment the guest bathroom decor, without being too frilly, or time consuming.

First, crochet onto a washcloth (as shown in the previous entry called Crocheted Edging). Slip stitch in the first stitch made, and chain 2.

Second, Half double crochet in each stitch, with 3 half double crochets in each corner stitch. Slip stitch in the second chain of the beginning chain 2. Change colors, chain 1.

Third, Single crochet in the first three half double crochets, chain three, single crochet in the same space, * single crochet in each of the next 10 half double crochets, chain 3, single crochet in the same space. Repeat from * until you get all the way around. Adjustments in the single crochets need to be made at the corners to ensure that the chain 3 loop is directly over the corner stitch and when you come to the end to ensure that the chain 3 loops appear to be evenly spaced. Slip stitch in the first chain 1, and finish off.

Adding a crocheted edge to washcloths not only looks nice, it keeps the edge of the wash cloth from fraying out and looking ragged. Lets face it, most washcloths that you buy are just serged around the edge and that serging thread begins to come out in just a few washings. After that the washcloth finds its way to the rag bag. Crocheting around them will extend the life of the washcloth considerably.

Crocheted edging

This is a simple crocheted edging that I use a lot. It looks similar to some my grandma used to put on things, but not exactly. Since I have never seen it listed in any magazine or crafting book, I don't know if it has a name or not, but I call them wagon wheels. My Grandma taught me to crochet when I was very young, but I didn't learn to read crochet patterns until I was in my late 30's, but I will try to explain how I do this.

I Crochet directly onto the item to be decorated, in this case it is a wash cloth. Make a slip knot and put it on your crochet hook. Start on any side and crochet by punching the crochet needle through the wash cloth and pulling the thread thru from the back to the front. Now you have two loops on the hook. Yarn over and draw thru the two loops on the hook. Go all the way around the wash cloth spacing evenly. In each corner point put three stitches in one space to make the turns. At the end, slip stitch in the first stitch made, chain one. Next row: * Skip one stitch, and double crochet in the next stitch. Chain one, double crochet in the same space as the first double crochet four times (in that stitch you should have 5 double crochets with a chain in between each one). Skip one stitch and single crochet in the next stitch. Single crochet in each of the next three stitches. Repeat from * all the way around the wash cloth with one exception being the corners. The single crochets might have to be adjusted on each side of the wagon wheel to center it directly on the corner, instead of 5 double crochet with a chain in between, put 7 double crochet with a chain in between. An adjustments with the single crochets might have to be made at the end of the row to make the wagon wheels look evenly spaced. Slip stitch in the first chain, change colors by making a slip not in the new color, chain one by pulling the new color thru the loop and dropping the first color. Cut the first color thread leaving a tail about 4 inches long. Next row: Single crochet in each stitch and each chain space. Slip stitch in the first chain. finish off.

I make these to be used as Guest Wash cloths in my front bathroom. The same edge could be used on napkins for special occasions, or around the bottom of a little girls dress.