Sunday, November 23, 2008

WHAT IS A PYOMETRA?

Well I am going to tell you.
The reason being is because I almost lost my Chihuahua to it today. If I had not gotten her into the Emergency Vet. Clinic today when I did instead of waiting 5 days until when my Vet could get her in she would have died on me. This makes me mad that my Vet wouldn't get her in under emergency circumstances because they were too full as they put it. But I am blessed by the Lord that she is doing fine now after surgery and resting comfortably. She should be home in a couple days.
I do however plan to call my Vet first thing Monday morning and let him know that if I had let her go the 5 days that she would have been dead thanks to him and that I will no longer be bringing my pets to him.
That they deserve a Vet that cares about them as much as I do. Not about filling the appointment book and making sure he gets his money for the day.


This is Punkin (chihuahua) & Mr. Man (bichon)


http://www.marvistavet.com/html/body_pyometra.html

Pyometra

WHAT IS A PYOMETRA?

The word “pyometra” is derived from Latin “pyo” meaning pus and “metra” meaning uterus. The pyometra is an abscessed, pus-filled infected uterus. Toxins and bacteria leak across the uterine walls and into the bloodstream causing life-threatening toxic effects, Without treatment death is inevitable.

WHAT MIGHT MAKE THE VET SUSPECT THIS INFECTION?

Classically, the patient is an older female dog. (Pyometra can occur in the cat but its not nearly as common.) Usually, she has finished a heat cycle in the previousl 1-2 months. She has a poor appetite and may be vomiting or drinking an excessive amount of water. In the more usual “open pyometra” the cervix is open and the purulent uterine contents is able to drip out thus a smelly vaginal discharge is usually apparent.

There is also a form of pyometra called a “closed pyometra” where the cervix is closed. In these cases, there is no vaginal discharge and the clinical presentation is more difficult to diagnose. These patients also tend to be sicker than those with open pyometra due to retention of the toxic uterine contents.

Lab work shows a pattern typical of widespread infection which is often helpful in narrowing down the diagnosis. Radiographs may show a gigantic distended uterus though sometimes this is not obvious and ultrasound is needed to confirm the diagnosis.

HOW DOES THIS INFECTION COME ABOUT?

With each heat cycle, the uterine lining engorges in preparation for pregnancy. Eventually, some tissue engorgement becomes excessive or persistent (a condition called “cystic endometrial hyperplasia”). This lush glandular tissue is ripe for infectionf (recall that while thei inside of the uterus is sterile, the vagina below is normally loaded with bacteria.). Bacteria ascend from the vagina and the uterus becomes infected and ultimately pus filled.

WHAT IS THE USUAL TREATMENT?

The usual treatment for pyometra is surgical removal of the uterus and ovaries. It is crucial that the infected uterine contents do not spill and that no excess hemorrhage occurs. The surgery is challenging especially if the patient is toxic. Antibiotics are given at the time of surgery and may or may not be continued after the uterus is removed. Pain relievers are often needed post-operatively. A few days of hospitalization are typically needed after the surgery is performed.

It is especially important that the ovaries be removed to remove future hormonal influence from any small stumps of uterus that might be left behind. If any ovary is left, the patient will continue to experience heat cycles and be vulnerable to recurrence.

While this surgery amounts to the same end result as routine spaying, there is nothing routine about a pyometra spay. As noted, the surgery is challenging and the patient is in a life-threatening situation. For these reasons, the pyometra spay typically costs five to ten times as much as a routine spay.

    PROS:

    The infected uterus is resolved rapidly (in an hour or two of surgery). No possibility of disease recurrence.

    CONS:

    Surgery must be performed on a patient that could be unstable.

IS THERE AN ALTERNATIVE TO SURGERY?

In the late 1980’s another treatment protocol became available that might be able to spare a valuable animal’s reproductive capacity. Here, special hormones called “prostaglandins” are given as injections to cause the uterus to contract and expel its pus. A week or so of hospitalization is necessary and some cramping discomfort is often experienced. The treatment takes place over the course of a week. This form of treatment is not an option in the event of a “closed” pyometra as described above.

    PROS:

    There is a possibilityof future pregnancy for the patient (though often there is too much uterine scarring). Surgery can be avoided in a patient with concurrent problems that pose extra anesthetic risk

    CONS:

    Pyometra can recur. The disease is resolved more slowly (over a week or so). There is a possibility of uterine rupture with the contractions. This would cause peritonitis and escalates the life-threatening nature of the disease.

PREVENTION

Spaying represents complete prevention for this condition. Spaying cannot be over-emphasized. Often an owner plans to breed their pet or is undecided, time passes, and then they fear she is too old to be spayed. The female dog or cat can benefit from spaying at any age. The best approach is to figure that pyometra will eventually occur if the female pet is left unspayed; any perceived risks of surgery are very much out-weighed by the risk of pyometra.



So PLEASE make sure you spay your female pets be they a dog or cat because it can happen in both. Beside spaying will help with their health and help them to live longer. They are our children and we love them so why not take care of them and do what is needed to keep them healthy. There are many places that will defray the cost if you just ask. Or do a search for low cost spaying in your area. It is just as important to take care of your male pets also.

OR
go here to get a certificate for low-cost spaying or altering in your area.

Spay and Neuter Certificate Information

From its beginning in 1957, FoA has assumed a leadership role in advocating low-cost spaying and altering as the most effective means of preventing the births of unwanted dogs and cats, and their subsequent abandonment, suffering and mass killing. For more than four decades, we have operated the only nationwide breeding control program in the United States facilitating more than 2 million spay/neuter procedures.

Pet owners may purchase a certificate from Friends of Animals that can be used for a routine spay or neuter surgery at any of FoA’s participating veterinary hospitals.

Spaying and Neutering Certificates may be purchased on-line.(http://www.friendsofanimals.org/programs/spay-neuter/index.html) Or to order by mail call 1-800-321-PETS (1-800-321-7387) and request an application

  • Female Cat $65.00
  • Male Cat $51.00
  • Female Dog $90.00
  • Male Dog $64.00
God Bless and have a good long life with your pet,
Christina

Friday, November 21, 2008

For My Child......

Just for this morning, I am going to smile when I see your face and laugh when I feel like crying.
Just for this morning, I will let you choose what you want to wear, and smile and say how perfect it is.
Just for this morning, I am going to step over the laundry, and pick you up and take you to the park to play.
Just for this morning, I will leave the dishes in the sink, and let you teach me how to put that puzzle of yours together.
Just for this afternoon, I will unplug the telephone and keep the computer off, and sit with you in the backyard and blow bubbles..
Just for this afternoon, I will not yell once, not even a tiny grumble when you scream and whine for the ice cream truck, and I will buy you one if he comes by.
Just for this afternoon, I won't worry about what you are going to be when you grow up, or second guess every decision I have made where you are concerned.
Just for this afternoon, I will let you help me bake cookies, and I won't stand over you trying to fix them.
Just for this afternoon, I will take us to McDonald's and buy us both a Happy Meal so you can have both toys..
Just for this evening, I will hold you in my arms and tell you a story about how you were born and how much I love you.
Just for this evening, I will let you splash in the tub and not get angry.
Just for this evening, I will let you stay up late while we sit on the porch and count all the stars.
Just for this evening, I will snuggle beside you for hours, and miss my favorite TV shows.
Just for this evening when I run my finger through your hair as you pray, I will simply be grateful that God has given me the greatest gift ever given.
I will think about the mothers and fathers who are searching for their missing children, the mothers and fathers who are visiting their children's graves instead of their bedrooms, and mothers and fathers who are in hospital rooms watching their children suffer senselessly, and screaming inside that they can't handle it anymore.
And when I kiss you good night I will hold you a little tighter, a little longer. It is then, that I will thank God for you, and ask him for nothing, except
one more day..............

Thursday, November 20, 2008

The Origin Of Christmas.....

The Origin Of Christmas

Christmas is a holiday shared and celebrated by many religions.

It is a day that has an effect on the entire world.

To many people, it is a favorite time of the year involving gift giving, parties and feasting. Christmas is a holiday that unifies almost all of professing Christendom.

The spirit of Christmas causes people to decorate their homes and churches, cut down trees and bring them into their homes, decking them with silver and gold.

In the light of that tree, families make merry and give gifts one to another.

When the sun goes down on December 24th, and darkness covers the land, families and churches prepare for participation in customs such as burning the yule log, singing around the decorated tree, kissing under the mistletoe and holly, and attending a late night service or midnight mass.

What is the meaning of Christmas? Where did the customs and traditions originate?

You, as a Christian, would want to worship the Lord in Spirit and in truth, discerning good from evil.

The truth is that all of the customs of Christmas pre-date the birth of Jesus Christ, and a study of this would reveal that
Christmas in our day is a collection of traditions and practices taken from many cultures and nations.

The date of December 25th comes from Rome and was a celebration of the Italic god, Saturn, and the rebirth of the sun god.

This was done long before the birth of Jesus.

It was noted by the pre-Christian Romans and other pagans, that daylight began to increase after December 22nd, when they assumed that the sun god died. These ancients believed that the sun god rose from the dead three days later as the new-born and venerable sun. Thus, they figured that to be the reason for increasing daylight. This was a cause for much wild excitement and celebration. Gift giving and merriment filled the temples of ancient Rome, as sacred priests of Saturn, called dendrophori, carried wreaths of evergreen boughs in procession.

In Germany, the evergreen tree was used in worship and celebration of the yule god, also in observance of the resurrected sun god. The evergreen tree was a symbol of the essence of life and was regarded as a phallic symbol in fertility worship.

Witches and other pagans regarded the red holly as a symbol of the menstrual blood of the queen of heaven, also known as Diana.

The holly wood was used by witches to make wands.

The white berries of mistletoe were believed by pagans to represent droplets of the semen of the sun god.

Both holly and mistletoe were hung in doorways of temples and homes to invoke powers of fertility in those who stood beneath and kissed, causing the spirits of the god and goddess to enter them.

These customs transcended the borders of Rome and Germany to the far reaches of the known world.

The question now arises: How did all of these customs find their way into contemporary Christianity, ranging from Catholicism to Protestantism to fundamentalist churches?
The word "Christmas"itself reveals who married paganism to Christianity.

The word "Christmas" is a combination of the words "Christ" and "Mass.

The word "Mass" means death and was coined originally by the Roman Catholic Church, and belongs exclusively to the church of Rome.
The ritual of the Mass involves the death of Christ, and the distribution of the "Host", a word taken from the Latin word "hostiall" meaning victim!

In short, Christmas is strictly a Roman Catholic word.

A simple study of the tactics of the Romish Church reveals that in every case, the church absorbed the customs, traditions and general paganism of every tribe, culture and nation in their efforts to increase the number of people under their control.

In short, the Romish church told all of these pagan cultures, "Bring your gods, goddesses, rituals and rites, and we will assign Christian sounding titles and names to them. When Martin Luther started the reformation on October 31st, 1517, and other reformers followed his lead, all of them took with them the paganism that was so firmly imbedded in Rome.
These reformers left Christmas intact.

In England, as the authorized Bible became available to the common people by the decree of King James the II in 1611, people began to discover the pagan roots of Christmas, which are clearly revealed in Scripture.

The Puritans in England, and later in Massachusetts Colony, outlawed this holiday as witchcraft.

Near the end of the nineteenth century, when other Bible versions began to appear, there was a revival of the celebration of Christmas. We are now seeing ever-increasing celebrating of Christmas or Yule, its true name, as we draw closer to the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ!

In both witchcraft circles and contemporary Christian churches, the same things are going on.
As the Bible clearly states in Jeremiah 10:2-4, "Thus saith the Lord, learn not the way of the heathen; and be not dismayed at the signs of heaven. For the heathen are dismayed at them. For the customs of the people are vain. For one cutteth a tree out of the forest. The work of the hands of the workman with the axe. They deck it with silver and with gold. They fasten it with nails and with hammers that it move not."

So what is right about Christmas?
1. Nothing! 2. Trees, wreaths, holly, mistletoe and the like are strictly forbidden as pagan and heathen! To say that these are Christian or that they can be made Christian is a lie! 3. The Lord never spoke of commemorating his birth but rather commanded us to remember the sacrifice of His suffering and death, which purchased our salvation.


No where in the original origin does it say it is a time of giving or being nice. Why do people believe such untruths? Or say such things like "it is the reason for the season" if they don't know the truth. Besides if one wants to be nice why not be nice all the time, not just at certain times of the year? And why to someone they feel in less fortunate than them? What makes someone less fortunate anyway? Is it just because they don't have as fine a car, house or clothes as you that make them less than you? Or beneath you? You don't know what is in their mind or heart. You don't know how happy they are inside that really matters. Not everyone needs all those fine things. A house is just a house and a car, as long as it gets you to and fro is still a car. Who needs clothes with it's own name anyways. TommyHilfiger--so what! Do they wear any different? NO, they still fade and shrink just like all the rest eventually. So even if you had all the money in the world does that mean you're any happier than I am and have no worries. You'd probably have people coming out of the woodwork asking for money you didn't even know. No, so how can anyone say someone is less fortunate than anyone else. No one can. So why do you get so caught up in all the whoopla of needing to spend money one time a year on presents that people really don't need. Show someone you care by doing good deeds all year long if you want to show them you care and it doesn't cost a penny. Take a batch of cookies to the next door neighbor, look for nothing in return. That's a good deed. You see a shopping cart that needs put back then put it back, why just complain about it and do nothing. Would it hurt you to walk that extra 20 feet to put it back, no the exercise will do you good. You're going to walk around in the store anyways. Why wait til a certain time of year to tell someone you care, tell them everyday. Pride is the only thing that is stopping you. Well that pride is going to be your down fall and then it will be too late.
Do now what you may not be able to do tomorrow.

May God Bless You


GO TO WETROSES.COM

Tuesday, November 18, 2008

I changed up my Checkbook Covers a bit...





I have decided to make these without the vinyl over them. That way they are washable and softer. I found that with the vinyl on them they were a little hard to get in and out of my purse and stuck to some of my stuff in my purse. They seem to be more appealing to people this way also.
I have found that men like these as wallets since they are soft to set on, they fold them in half and they aren't as bulky as other wallets. They are small enough when folded to fit in either the front or back pocket for safe keeping. When folded they look just like a handkerchief. So pick pockets wouldn't be as apt to grab what they think is a handkerchief would they?????
I have decided to lower the price to $5.00 from the price I did have at $10. I figure I can sell more at that price rather at the higher price since I'm not using the vinyl and the other edging.
Plus these do have many uses. Besides being used for Checkbook covers they can be used for wallets not only for women but for men too. And who hasn't left home without that one coupon or 2 that they really needed when they got to the store? Well now you can put them all in one place in here. This can also be used as a coupon organizer. It will fit snuggly in the bottom or side of your purse and take up no room at all. Then you will always have your coupons when you need them most.
God Bless and have a great day,
Christina
http://christinas-creations.ecrater.com

Monday, November 17, 2008

Is Jesus there?

Is Jesus there?

To My Christian Friends,

If you can still live COMFORTABLY the same way you did before you got saved - you may want to check your heart. Jesus may not be there.

If you can still curse and hear others swear to no end and your ears don't "hurt" - you may want to check your heart. Jesus may not be there.

If you can still go to work late and leave early with your job half-done - you may want to check your heart. Jesus may not be there.

If you can watch with contentment the mistreatment of others - you may want to check your heart. Jesus may not be there.

If you complain about anything without the desire to lend a hand to make things better - you may want to check your heart. Jesus may not be there.

If you can live comfortably in the midst of poverty, mediocrity and ignorance - you may want to check your heart. Jesus may not be there.

If you won't try to pay your bills on time - you may want to check your heart. Jesus may not be there.

If you cannot stand in line and wait patiently with a pleasing attitude - you may want to check your heart. Jesus may not be there.

If you won't seek GOD'S will and purpose for your life - you may want to check your heart. Jesus may not be there.

If you will not forgive those who have mistreated you - you may want to check your heart. Jesus may not be there.

If you can still lust and have pre-marital sex (fornication) and not be convicted to repentance - you may want to check your heart. Jesus may not be there.

If you will not seek to build a legacy to leave for your children's children - you may want to check your heart. Jesus may not be there.

If you can still engage in any type of sin and NOT desire to change for the will of GOD - you may want to check your heart. Jesus may not be there.

If you don't rejoice when others are blessed - you may want to check your heart. Jesus may not be there.

If you can still watch nude, vulgar television programs and music videos and not be moved or sympathetic to those who don't know the Lord - you may want to check your heart. Jesus may not be there.

We have ONE Heart, ONE Life & One Lord...Let's all check our hearts and be certain that our Lord Jesus has a warm place to live.

Have a blessed day everyone.

Tuesday, November 11, 2008

Why I haven't been on here in a few days.

I have to tell you about this head. When I first put her down to start putting my things on her my Bischon started barking at her. I tried everything to let him know it was okay. He even sniffed it but once I put a scarf & muff on her he went nuts barking again. I guess she doesn't look so good according to him. J.P.(jesus' puppy) just doesn't seem to like her no matter what I tried. So whenever I have to dress her up I will just have to put up with J.P. barking at her.
This is just one of the Scarf and Muffler sets I have been working on lately. Boy is this thing warm. It kept my lap warm while I was crocheting it. So I know it will definitely keep someone warm this winter.

This thing above here is one of my Checkbook covers I have been working on. This one is made from satin fabric and covered with vinyl to make it durable for years of use. I have a few different ones made I have to get them up on my ecrater site so everyone can see them. I have some elmo & his friends material that I think I will try to make a few out of and see how they turn out. I have some beautiful orinental material with a gal on it in blue and one in tan that I plan to make a few out of. These I am selling for $10 w/$1.50 shipping.

These are 2 more of the scarfs & muff sets that have kept me busy. Actually they don't take me that long to make but is seems like when I get started on one I can't just stop when I'm done, I enevidably start on another right after. But I am going to turn to sewing for a bit because my hands are starting to bother me from so much crocheting. These I am selling the sets for $10 w/$3.25 shipping. The ones with just a scarf is only $8 w/$3.25 shipping.

So how is everyone doing this fine night. I have gotten all my emails read and I have all my pics downloaded so I can just rest for a few before I get started sewing on some more checkbook covers. Oh did I tell ya I have to go back to the Dr. (hospital) for a few more pics on the ol mammagram again. They are concerned about my left side. I have had a lump there for the past few years and it was fine but this year they want to take another look at it. She said it was routine but if it was then why didn't they do it the past few years. I guess I shouldn't get worried before I know something possitive. So I will just turn everyhting over to God and I know he will take care of it.
Well the door bells just rang and that means one of the dogs wants out. I have a set of jingle bells hanging from the frontdoor and if they need out they just ring the bells. So I will get off here and let them out.
God bless and don't let the bed bugs bite,
Christina

Friday, November 7, 2008

Jesus calms the sea......


http://www.alighthouse.com/jesuscalmsthesea.html

Go to this address and click play, you wouldn't be disappointed. Make sure you have your sound on.

Thursday, November 6, 2008

How to get to Heaven.

This was sent to me in an email.....

How To Get To Heaven
A Sunday School Class:

I was testing the children
in my Sunday school class
to see if they understood the concept
of getting to heaven.


I asked them, 'If I sold my house and my car,
had a big garage sale
and gave all my money to the church,
Would that get me into Heaven?'


'NO!' the children answered.
'If I cleaned the church every day,
mowed the yard,
and kept everything neat and tidy,
would that get me into Heaven?'


Again, the answer was, 'NO!'

By now I was starting to smile.
Hey, this was fun!

'Well, then, if I was kind to animals
and gave candy to all the children,
and loved my husband,
would that get me into Heaven?'

Again, they all answered, 'NO!'
I was just bursting with pride for them.
'Well,' I continued, 'then how can I get into Heaven?'
A five-year-old boy shouted out,


'YOU GOTTA BE DEAD.'

The Faith Tones "Jesus Use Me"

I think this was a little before my time but I love the main song on this album.

Wednesday, November 5, 2008

The latest of things I've been working on.


This here is a dishtowel holder. I have made quite a few in different colors. This way you can put whatever color or thickness of towel you want in them and you can just toss the towel in the washer when it needs washing. I know not everyone likes towels with crocheted tops on them so that is why I came up with this idea. The round bottom is made with a hard plastic ring so there is no worry of the towel pulling it from it's circle form. These can be put in the washer if needed but must be left flat to dry because of the plastic ring.











Here are some of the towels I have gotten done. They are just so cute. One ready for winter and the other for a rainy day.
I really need to get busy and start sewing. I have been saying I was going to start making some gift bags and I haven't gotten to it yet. I suppose I will try to get one done tonight before I turn in. It might help to keep my mind off my having to go tomorrow and get my breasts squished. Yes, it's that time of year again where I have to go and have a mamagram. I should be an old pro by now. But that doesn't take the feelings away each time you go.


Photo of mamagram radiation machine


How would you feel if you had to get yours squished flat like a pancake between one of these things????


Well, I'm off here for the night. Everyone take care and don't let the bed bugs bite.
God Bless,
Christina

Breast Cancer thoughts...


Now this is something to think about.

Next President............

I'm sure you've heard by now that our next President is Barack Obama.
The world is all a buzz about it, whether it be for him or against him. I just pray for us all. Prayer they say is the best answer to everything and I am a strong believer in that.

I thought this was so nice.

Jesus Cares



Tuesday, November 4, 2008

Quick and Easy Recipes

I just have to pass this on. I came across this website tonight that has tons of easy recipes that are fast and easy.

Offers:

Appetizers and Snacks

Side Dishes and Salads

Main Dishes

Baking and Desserts

Seasonal Recipes

Five Ingredients or Less

Breakfast and Lunches

Dinners

Inexpensive Meals for under $10

you name it this site has it. Go check it out--------->>>>>>>

http://busycooks.about.com/od/lunchrecipes/u/quickrecipes.htm

Monday, November 3, 2008

Lord, It's too heavy....


























The Lord answers our prayers, but beware of what you ask.
Making things easier isn't always the way to go. Sometimes you need to struggle a little to get to where you need to be.
The Lord is always there with us, helping us carry the load if only we ask. Instead of thinking we are carrying it alone.

Cup Cozies


There is just nothing better than to have these little snowmen beneath your cup to keep them from marring up the coffee table. I just love these.
I have this on http://christinas-creations.ecrater.com for $5.00 w/$1.50 for shipping.
Although today was up into the high 60's I would love to be in a state that stayed warmer all year long than Michigan does. They say a few more days of this nice warmth then colder air on the way.
God Bless and stay warm,
Christina

Make Your Own Wool Dryer Balls

Who doesn't get tired of buying dryer sheets or forgetting to catch the rinse cycle on the washer and having to restart it to put the fabric softener in. Well now you don't have to.

dryerballs2Felted Dryer Balls

If you’re concerned about the chemicals in dryer sheets and dryer balls, here’s a alternative to make yourself; DIY dryer balls that you can make from natural wool yarn. Just toss the dryer balls into the dryer with your laundry and let them bounce around to soften clothes and absorb static cling.

Size:
You can make the dryer balls to any convenient size, but the ones you can buy are about nine inches around. Since the natural wool balls shrink a little prior to felting, you can make them about ten or so inches in circumference to get a finished size similar to the commercial dryer balls.

dryballtools (5K)Supplies:

  • Wool Yarn - here’s a great opportunity to recycle your leftover wool or yarn scraps. For the best results, use a yarn that is 100% wool or otherwise is a good felting yarn. Do not use superwash wool. Machine washable yarns aren’t any good for this project! Local stores will carry lots of good, cheap, felting wool yarns.

    The amount of yarn needed depends on the weight and gauge of the yarn used; obviously, chunky yarn will wind faster and you’ll need less. For a dryer ball made of worsted weight wool yarn, you’ll need about 3 ounces.

  • Old Pantyhose or a Sock
  • Cotton or Acrylic Yarn or String: You can use scraps here, too. This will be used to tie the hose or sock. You don’t want this to felt, so don’t use the wool yarn here.
  • Scissors
  • Crochet Hook
  • Measuring Tape

dryballs1 (2K)dryballs2 (2K)Step 1: Winding the Core

Begin making the core of the ball by winding a bit of yarn around your fingers.

Once you have a bit done, take it off your fingers, let it close and wrap the yarn around it. This is the beginning of your ball.

dryballs3 (2K)dryballs4 (3K)Continue wrapping the yarn around and forming a little ball. There is no right or wrong way to do this step, as this will be completely covered up later on.

This picture at right shows a small beginning ball, a ball ready for the first felting and a ball that is ready for the last felting. This should give you an idea of approximate sizes.

dryballs5 (3K) Once you have a small ball, break(or cut) the yarn and tuck the end under using the crochet hook. This will keep it from coming loose during felting.

Step 2: Felting the Core

dryballs7 (3K)Put your small wool balls into a length of pantyhose or knee-high sock. Tie the hose closed between each ball with a piece of string or non-wool yarn, using a secure knot. This will keep the balls separated during felting.

Toss the wool ball pantyhose caterpillar into your washer with a load of laundry. Hot water will help the felting process. If you have used a hand-dyed yarn, or wool that is not colorfast, be aware that the dye may run.

Once the dryer balls have been washed and dried, cut the strings between the hose and remove them. They should be slightly felted. If you want them felted more, run them through another load.

dryballs6 (2K)Step 3: Winding the Dryer Ball

Begin winding more wool yarn onto the ball and continue winding until the ball is the size you want. Tuck the end under using the crochet hook.

Step 4: Final Felting

dryballs8 (4K)Once you have your dryer balls the size you would like, put them into the pantyhose again, tie them, and repeat the felting process. The balls don’t have to be completely felted before you can start using them; just slightly felted will do, so they won’t come apart. They will continue to felt and get harder as you use them.

dryerballs (5K)

Your natural wool dryer balls are now finished. It is possible they will develop little pill balls with continued use; if so, just remove them with a sweater shaver.