Jocelyn Cape

I made this cape for my daughter. I'll be making a second one for my younger daughter as well. It's from a pattern from Gourmet Crochet.

I used Caron Simply Soft Shadows Moss Green and a J hook.

Emmanuel Banner

I was inspired by Ashley Blalock and created this banner which I plan on hanging at my church above my table which shows some of my crochet work.

I used size 10 crochet thread, a 7 hook and FFF Kristha ribbon and an L hook.

For more pictures, see here.

iPhone pouch

I got myself an iPhone on Saturday. I LOVE it. I had to crochet up a pouch to keep it safe in my purse or pockets.

I first made one up using a hdc stitch, which wasn't bad, but I like the sc look better.

This one is made up using Bernat Cashmere which is 65% Acrylic, 30% Nylon, 5% Cashmere. The color is Rain.

I also crocheted a hairband around the top to keep it closed.

They're heeeere!

On September 6, I ordered some Susan Bates crochet hooks with bamboo handles from Coates Collection by Herrschners. They were having a sale (still are) where you can buy a set of 8 hooks for $12.97. Good deal since, if you purchase them separately, it would cost $22.xx.

They were on backorder so I had to wait FOREVER. I almost gave up, and would have given up if they were sold locally.

I received e-mail notification that they shipped last Thursday. They came today. I ripped out my current project - a baby blanket a friend asked me to make for her friend. I hadn't gotten very far, so it wasn't a big deal. I like them. I like Susan Bates hooks and figured I'd like these. I was right. :)

I. Need. To. Work. With. Yarn.

I was working on that filet banner thing. It's going to say, "Emmanuel God With Us". Us and With are finished. DO and part of G are finished. But I just have to work with yarn again.

Last night I drove to Michaels and picked up 8 balls of Patons SWS in Natural Pink. I'm making a vest - #8 Empire Vest as featured in Paton's The Look pattern book. It's coming along nicely. I needed to switch to a size larger hook than the pattern called for, of course. I should have started large. SWS is NOT frogger friendly.

This with be for 1 of 4 or 5 girls at church. Who knows. Maybe they'll all love it and beg their mommies to lay down $51 each so I can buy the yarn to make the vest. LOL

Such a dilemma

I'm making a thread project. But I miss working with yarn. I want to go to Michael's and pick up some Lion Brand Suede to make a vest or some Paton's SWS to make a vest. The dilemma? Scott is going to be taking me to a LYS on Saturday. We're going to the Boca Town Center Mall (Apple Store) to get him a new iPod (Emily, our oldest daughter is going to be getting his old one for her birthday) and I figured since we were in the neighborhood, could we check out Great Balls of Yarn. I've never been there.

I don't usually like going into a LYS without having a project in mind, and I don't know what they carry. I suppose I could go to "scout" the joint out.

See? Dilemma. Go to Michaels, spend my money on Suede or Wool/Soy or wait (that's the key word here) until Saturday to see what the LYS has in store for me.

A shawl for Sorrita

A dear woman I know was wearing a friend's shawl today. She asked me if I would make one up for her. I looked at it - it seems simple enough. I just needed to find some fine or sport weight mohair or wool in an off-white. I found Paton Lacette (39% nylon, 36% acrylic and 25% mohair) in cream. It's really nice. Not the easiest to work with because of the mohair and using a size D hook. But, if Sorrita likes it, it will be more than worth it. She's a lovely lady and I am blessed to have known her. She is going through chemo for cancer and my heart just goes out to her. I will be praying healing over this shawl for her.

Inspired by Ashley V. Blalock

I am going to be crocheting banners/ribbons with words from the scriptures prophesying the Savior's birth. I was inspired by the works of Ashley V. Blalock. So far, I'm using white #10 thread and a 7 hook.

MORE yarn

I (mistakenly?) stopped at Tuesday Morning. I had to get some coffee beans from Dunkin' Donuts and Tuesday Morning is right across the street. I was alone and had some money, so I thought I'd check out the store. I had never been there. Well, it's very junky looking on the inside, but if one is willing to sort through and walk through the entire store, one is probably able to find something.

I heard that they sell yarn there. I really didn't know what to expect. I found 6 cardboard bins of yarn. They were all just tossed in with each other, some yarn was dreadfully fuzzy from being tossed aside with other yarn. Most were small balls of ribbon yarn, furs, etc. I did find a skein or two of homespun, but those were the ones that were really too fuzzy from being in there for so long. While sitting on the floor - yes, it was junky, I'm sure the floors were dirty, but the yarn was on the bottom shelf and there were no tables or shelves for me to put the yarn on, and I didn't want to miss one single skein - I found some Kristha Metallic. First I found 2 60 yd balls in this real pretty pink/white ribbon. Then I found 3 balls of black/gray/white. I was going to get all 5 and then I found more yarn and another ball of black/gray/white. I settled on 4 balls of the black/gray/white. This yarn is from Italy, and the tag says it's regularly priced at $11.00. I got them for $4.99 each.

When I got home, I searched, couldn't find the website, but saw a place selling it for $10.99 a ball. Cool deal.

What will I make with it? I have no idea. :)

Altering Creator of the Universe shawl

I have come to the conclusion that the shawl I made is simply too long. After thinking about it, I am going to alter it. I am going to add to it to make a nice, long blanket. It's only 17" wide, so I'll have to add quite a bit. But I haven't decided what to add. Maybe some different colors of Homspun and Suede, maybe some other kinds of yarns like SWS and Chunky Softee. Just some thoughts....

Crocheting a dream details

I'm using Bernat Satin Sport in beige and a G hook.

Crocheting a dream

First, I'll start off saying that it's my belief that God speaks through dreams. Not every dream is from God, but those dreams from Him are there.

I'm quite a dreamer. I try to remember to write them down and see what God (if it's from Him) is saying to me.

Let me also interject here that I have been praying and asking God to help me design my own crochet projects. There are a TON of wonderful crochet patterns out there, but along the way, in this funky world of design, some of these designers got the message to tell others who use their patterns that they are NOT to sell items made with their patterns. Frankly, I think that's a bit snobbish of them. Do they seriously think they'd be able to fill all those orders? No, I think they don't want someone else making a profit using their pattern. As this whole electronic/internet age widens out and I read more about what others are doing, it just saddens me. Before I purchase patterns, I read what the designers do not want you to do with their patterns. If they do not want finished products sold, I refuse to purchase their patterns. I will gladly lay out money for patterns, just not for those. Trust me, I can be snobbish right back.

Where was I? Ok, so in light of all that, I thought it would just be easier if I could make up my stuff from my own pattern and had been asking God for help. See, I don't want to take the time to do the designing. I want to go straight to the crocheting. I admire and appreciate the work that goes into designing crochet patterns. That's why I don't mind paying for them. But I thought, hey, maybe God will give me something in my dreams. I won't know unless I ask. And I believe that when I ask, He will answer in some way.

I had dreamed about crochet 2 other times that I can remember. But I didn't follow through with crocheting them out because I was too intimidated. I'm a perfectionist and was afraid of messing it up or not getting it right. I think if I had just simply worked them up the next day, He would have blessed my work and I would be getting better at this. I did write those dreams down, but since I cannot draw, those images are lost. :(

2 nights ago, however, I was crocheting in my dream. The focus was on the work I was doing at one point, but for the most part, even though I was walking around crocheting, the focus was on other parts of the dream.

I wrote the dream down, and wrote down as much detail of the crochet as I could remember. The piece made no sense to me and I didn't know what it was. I had some other things I wanted to finish yesterday, so I put the dream crochet on the back burner, periodically thinking about that dream, wondering if I'd try it out. It was a bit simpler than the others I had dreamed, but there was still that fear there. How do I start it out? What if I don't get the pattern exact? And just what the heck is it? Yes, I was saying "what the heck is it?" to God. Like He doesn't know my thoughts anyway... :)

On Friday nights we go to church. Our church started having a Friday night service years ago. It was strange, at first, going to church on a Friday night, but now I cannot imagine doing anything else. The kids and I get there about an hour and a half before church starts. I brought along the yarn I used in my dream and began. I was going to start with a swatch because that's what you do, right? Well, how many designers get patterns from God in their dreams? I'm sure some of them do, but I think I'm skipping that swatch stage (yay!). So, the swatch didn't work out as I didn't know how to work a swatch for this particular piece. I just dove right in. It was funny. As people came in, they asked what I was making. I said, "I don't know. I'm crocheting a dream." I still don't know what it's going to be and I don't know if it will BE anything. I think God was saying, "You asked for a pattern. I gave you one. Now, are YOU going to do anything with it? If you do, I will give you more." So, against every fiber of my being, I will complete this. Why is it so hard? Because I don't know it's purpose. It's hard enough to walk by faith, but crochet by faith? And the fact that this is so difficult for me shows me it's from God. My flesh screaming out in rebellion is a good indicator.

We shall see what transpires.

Digital Recorder Case

My friend asked me to make up a case for her Digital Recorder. It's 1 3/4" x 4". I forgot to measure the depth. I didn't even measure the width and height, as I didn't have my tape measure handy. I just drew around it on a piece of paper. :D But, it's about 1" thick (deep).

I had just under $20 with me, so I went to Michaels. I thought I wanted to work it up in SWS, so I picked up 2 balls of Natural Blue which is a light blue, lighter blue, beige and light beige. I know it would look nice in that, but my friend is a bit more classic in her taste. She wears flashy things once in a while, but I think something in one color and a cream/beige would be best for her. So, in addition to the 2 balls of SWS (hey! I WAS on sale. I couldn't pass that up.), I picked up a ball of Bernat Satin Sport in Beige. Pretty color and I think it will work well for her.

I'm going to use a G hook and simple single crochets. Hopefully I won't have to frog too much. The question for me is, what to do at the top? Pull string or flap/button down? I guess I'll see how it progresses.

Hooker I Am

I would crochet in a box.
I would crochet with a fox.
I would crochet in a house.
I would crochet with a mouse.
I would crochet here or there.
I would crochet anywhere!
I would crochet green eggs and ham.
I do like them, hooker-I-am!

Originally Posted by Mermaiden on Crochetville.

Eve's blanket

My friend, who had me make up a blanket for her son-in-law's sister's new baby, received an e-mail from the recipient and forwarded it to me. I love hearing things like this back from the recipients. Makes my heart smile. :)

---

Hi _{c-mama's friend}!

Just wanted to let you know how much I appreciate the gift you sent with _{your daugher and her husband (my brother)}! The blanket is so beautiful!! It is honestly one of the best presents I have ever received and _{my husband} and I were so touched by it. I am sure that Ève will cherish it for always!!

Attached is a picture of Ève with her new Godparents. _{This part deleted for lack of significance to this post}

Thanks again for thinking of us. I truly adore the gift, it is sooooo beautiful!!!

Love,

_{Your son-in-law's sister}

SWS Bag and Beret

I made up a bag and beret using Patons SWS in Natural Earth. To find out more about the pattern I used, see this post. I used an I hook. The pattern called for 3 balls for the bag. But I used 2 plus a little bit from the 3rd. A friend's daughter, a junior in high school, asked me if I'd be able to make a beret like one her friend has from Urban Outfitters. Well, I couldn't find a pattern I was happy with (in making it look similar to the ones at Urban Outfitters), so I tried to make up something. It wasn't big enough for a teenager, but it fits my 12 year old. :)

The bag measures 9" wide at the bottom, 2" deep and 18" from the bottom to the top of the strap.

It's not lined, so I can't put heavy things in it, but it's great for a ball or two of yarn, some hooks, my wallet, keys, etc. Perfect little purse for ME! :)

Quilt/Crochet afghan Swap

There is a user on an internet forum that I am a part of who suggested that she and I swap blankets/quilts. I'm excited about this as I love quilts and this also gives me an excuse to make another blanket. :)

I have a bunch of Lion Brand Homespun in Williamsburg. I'm not sure what pattern I'm going to use. I'd like to do something different - a pattern I've never done before. Hopefully 8 skeins will be enough to make a queen sizeish afghan. :)

God is Love Comfortghan

I finished my friend's comfortghan and I absolutely love it. It's so soft and huggable. I don't know if it's because of who it's for, but I hope that she feels the love in it like I do.

The finished size is 47" x 60". It was made with Bernat Softee Chunky in Denim Heather, Soft Taupe and Nature's Way. I used a Bernat free pattern, Treble Cross and an N hook.

I call this the God is Love Comfortghan because of the song, "God is Love" by Jonathan Helser that I kept listening to over and over when crocheting it. The words:

I will dance on the chains of my circumstance
Walk on the waves of the storm

Nothing is impossible to those who believe
That God is Love

God is Love
I won't be afraid
God is Love
Nothing is impossible

I will live out the dreams You place in me
Shout down the walls of fear

'Cause nothing is impossible to those who believe
That God is Love

I can scale the walls
I can move a mountain
I can slay a giant
With You on my side

I can raise the dead
I can free the nations
I can fly!

Letter to Michaels

I have been so excited about the yarn that my local Michaels carries that my husband encouraged me to write their corporate office a letter. So, I'm posting it here and will be mailing it out tonight. :)

Michaels Stores, Inc. 8000 Bent Branch Dr. Irving, TX 75063

To Whom It May Concern:

I am writing to tell you how happy I am with the yarn selection at your store located at 2075 N. University Drive in Coral Springs, FL.

I am a crocheter. I purchase yarn on a weekly to monthly basis. I had not been to a Michaels in a couple of years because I was not happy with the yarn selection. I had, instead, purchased my yarn and other crocheting supplies at Walmart, Rag Shop and Jo-Ann.

But recently, Walmart has revamped their store and the craft section has dramatically diminished. The Rag Shop has gone out of business and I have not been happy with the yarn selection at Jo-Ann. I had decided it was time to see what Michaels had to offer. I went in to purchase some graph paper and take a look at their yarn selection. I was extremely pleased to see a large selection of brands, weights and colors of yarns, and a nice selection of tools and patterns. I went in a week later with my electronic organizer to take an inventory of what they had so I knew what I would be able to work with. Michaels is now number one on my list of stores to shop at for my crocheting and craft needs.

I have seen many craft stores slowly reduce their inventory, forcing me to shop elsewhere. I hope that Michaels will not be one of those stores. I look forward to continuing my shopping experience at Michaels for a long time to come.

Sincerely, Debbie

Patons SWS

Hubby went along with the Youth Group this past weekend to Night of Joy. He came home with some extra money and tonight asked if I'd like to come along to the music store. He wanted to pick up a "brick" which is a power supply for his pedals.

I said sure. He said that with the leftover money after that we could go to Michael's. Yay! :) So, I picked up 3 balls of Patons SWS in Natural Earth. This is my first Patons purchase. I knew the yarn was out there, however, I had never seen it in person. I had only been to Walmart, Rag Shop and JoAnn's and none of those stores carried Patons. But Michael's does.

I don't like picking up yarn without knowing what I'm going to make. I do it sometimes, but tonight I wanted to make sure I had enough yarn, and with only $25 to spend, I wanted to do it wisely. So, I ended up getting Patons SWS the Look booklet that has a set of mittens, a bag and a hat. I'm going to make the bag. I was going to get 4 balls and make the hat and bag, but I don't wear hats and I want this bag to be mine.

So, after the two blankets, I'm going to get working on the bag.

Pics of this luscious yarn to come soon.

How do you choose your yarn?

This question was posed on a forum I frequent and I was pleased with my answer, so I figured I'd post it here, lest I forget. Maybe I need to subject myself to more literature to grow my vocabulary. Hee hee. I just finished watching "Stranger than Fiction". Amazing what some movies can do to stir up things...

Anyway, here's what I posted:

I go with a project in mind, but then I see some yarn that catches my eye, the feel of the yarn is just too irresistible to pass by. Then, sometimes, I'll pick up the yarn and wonder what I can make with it, the previous project pushed aside in my mind. I'll leaf through the pattern books, wanting to buy them, but knowing that I only have X dollars to spend and I want to spend every penny on that irresistable yarn that I simply cannot pass up.

I'll either give in to my desire and pick up that yarn, which usually means I don't pick up enough for a project, so it sits in the drawer, to be pet occasionally, and I dream of what I can make, or I will, against every fiber of my being, slowly put that delicious yarn back, take a deep breath, look longingly at the skeins that I must pass up, turn around slowly and with a heaviness in my step I will get the yarn I came to get. But as I put each skein in the basket, my heart lightens. I remember that this yarn I came for, I chose with a purpose. I love this yarn, too. The colors are perfect for my friend who needs a yarn/blanket hug that I cannot give in person. The colors are the absolute best colors for her, I just know that when she sees this finished project, she will feel the love and the hugs I have put into it. And all is well again. As I turn and walk past the yarn I got distracted by, I reach my hand out for one last squeeze, one last lingering touch and tell those skeins that the next time I come, I will pick them up, and I will have enough money to buy plenty of skeins for another lovingly crocheted piece, to either sit on my bed or be mailed off to another friend who is in need of a fibrous hug, a long distance prayer.

I think there's something wrong with me...

I purchased 18 balls of Bernat Chunky this morning for the comfortghan I'm making for my friend. I packed up my new tote with 9 balls, my hook and my scissors. I then started getting anxious thinking I wouldn't have enough yarn with me. What if I use up all this yarn? I need to bring it all with me.

Where, do you ask, was I going? My husband is the worship leader at church. The worship team has practice on Thursdays. By the way I'm talking, you'd think this practice was an all day event, right? No. Hubby and I get there before the rest of the team - I'm not on the team, btw - I go to get out of the house ;). I'd say between 6:15 pm and 6:30 pm. People start showing up at 7 and practice starts at 7:30. They go until 9.

Yes. 9. And I'm all concerned thinking I won't have enough yarn. *sigh* I could have brought 4 balls with me and enough. I'm making a blanket that I have to change colors in, so that's why 4 would be more than enough.

Yes, I do believe I may have a problem. But, just a little one. LOL

BAMBOOOOOO

I like bamboo. The Coats and Clark Collection at Herrschners has a set of 8 Susan Bathes crochet hooks with bamboo handles on sale for $12.97. I purchased mine this afternoon.

I was hoping Michael's would have them. I'd be willing to spend a bit more per hook to save on shipping and have them now. But, they didn't have them. It's alright. I can wait. I'm going to have to. :)

It was a good day. I got the yarn I wanted because it was still at $1.99 a ball. I ordered the hooks I wanted. Yup. A good day.

Friend's comfortghan

Ok. So, I found another pattern I liked. Well, it was the yarn that I liked. The pattern AND the yarn. :)

It's a free pattern on Bernat's site called Treble Cross. I figured I would make up this blanket if Michael's had the yarn for $1.99 a ball - Softee Chunky. At that price, I could even make the main color in the variegated, as variegated has less yarn in it than solids. Well, Michael's had it for $1.99. I cleaned them out of the Nature's Way. 11 balls. I needed 12, but remembered I have one or two at the house. I also picked up 3 in New Denim Heather and 3 in Soft Taupe. I think this is going to turn out quite nicely.

Comfortghan for an online friend

I have a friend who has been going through a lot this past year and is now in the hospital with kidney stones. I had been wanting to make her a comfortghan for some time now, but this last bit of news about her in the hospital has pushed me to want to get started on it now.

I have to wait until tomorrow to get the yarn. I had been torn between coziest throw and Say it with hearts. I would like to make the "coziest throw", but in order to make it the way I really want to, I'd have to spend too much money on yarn and I can't do that right now. Besides, I've been thinking about the hearts afghan for about a week now. So, off to Michael's I'll go tomorrow and hope that they have some nice worsted weight yarn on sale. I need 64 oz! Wow.

I hope they have some Susan Bates Bamboo hooks in. Even though I can get a deal on Coats & Clark, I really want them NOW. :)

Maybe I'll finish the doily baby blanket I'm making up, but if I don't, it's ok. I still have a bit of time before that baby is born.

Bernat Bamboo Wrap

I finished weaving in the ends of the Bernat Bamboo Wrap today. It's so nice and soft. I really like it and am very happy with the results. I used 6 balls of dill and 6 balls of wicker and an N hook. It's 15" x 60".

Velvety Brown Ripple Throw - Finished again

Update: The blanket was given to her daughter and her daughter sent me a photo of it on their living room couch. Nice!

:) Wow! I cannot believe that in only 2 days - actually a day and a half - was all it took for me to add another 42" to the Velvety Ripple Throw. The kids and I went to Michael's on Friday morning to get the yarn needed and I started working on it Friday afternoon. I finished weaving in the ends last night, only needing to work on 4 ends this morning.

I believe the Lord was speaking Philippians 4:4-8 for this blanket.

Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.

I was having a difficult time coming up with something for this blanket. But last night I was feeling overly anxious about some things. I thought it was unrelated to the blanket. But when I searched out the above scripture, I thought that, maybe these verses were for the blanket - the owner. As I wrote them down, peace started coming over me. I'm sure that was just as much for me as for the fact that this is what God wanted me to write down.

I will be delivering the blanket to my friend today. I have received a ton of compliments on the blanket. I'm very happy with the way it turned out. I wish I could have incorporated a bit more suede into the blanket, but the finished project is good.

I do not have photos of the completed project, but if you check out this post you can see pictures of it half completed. :)

Baby blanket - Bernat Softee and Coral Rose Doily

I am making another baby blanket from Bernat Baby Softee in Baby Pink Marl (it's white and pink twists), a G hook and a pattern from Creations by Rebecca Leigh called Round "CoralRose" Baby Afghan.

"Pink" Tidy Tote

I finished the "Pink" Tidy Tote and I LOVE it!!!!!!!! The yarn is great and so is the bag. See posts here and here for the yarn(s) I used - I ended up needing to use the lighter taupe for the handles because I ran out of the twists - and the pattern.

The bag measures 16" wide x 13" tall x 2" deep. The handles are about 8 1/2" tall.

Knowing the pattern now, if I make it again, I know what to do to make it wider or taller or even deeper. Very simple. I am planning on using this to carry my W.I.P.s in. I have a cart that I use that carries my books when I go to church and my crochet work. However, besides the fact that I love bags, I sometimes need a bag only to carry my work in. Also, I will use it as a purse to hold my wallet, iPod, phone and keys when I don't want my purse with me.

Blue Jeans Star Baby Blanket

I made this blanket for an online friend whose wife is due to have their first baby around the 21st of September. I chose to make a blanket with Bernat Softee Baby in His Jeans Ombre, a G hook and Beth's Little Star pattern. It's a nice little blanket, measuring about 29" across. It's soft and perfect, I think, for a newborn baby and I can even imagine a little boy carrying this blanket with him. :) I hope it's as loved by this baby and his parents as it has been by me as I made it.

But I don't WANT to be administrative and such

My disorganization has been causing me to spend money on patterns when I don't have to. I have hundreds of patterns here at the house. And, recently, I organized the magazines and such, however, I don't have a system of knowing what's INSIDE the magazines.

I'm, hopefully, going to be putting an end to that. But it looks as if it will be a long process. I spent most of my day putting this together. I took pictures of the patterns of 2 magazines. I cleaned up the photos and resized them to be equal to or less than 800 x 600 pixels. I uploaded the photos to photobucket. I opened my html editor and created a table with information about every pattern in the 2 magazines and included a click able photo. Now, I know I don't NEED photobucket. I know how to resize the images in html. But I didn't want to take the time to think about all that. Besides, photobucket is free. ;)

This is what I have come up with. And, yes, I noticed I had not taken a picture of one of the patterns. It was quite windy today and the pictures of the magazines kept flipping over.

Patterns link

Only a few magazines left to do. ROFL I have about 100. :P

Pink Elephant

I made up this pink elephant as a gag gift for the youth group to give one of their leaders. I used some hot pink yarn I found this pattern, and an H hook. I ran out of the pink yarn so I finished off the trunk with white. Since I've already give the elephant to the youth group, I don't know the size. I'd say about 8" tall.

Sweet Baby Jacket and Hat

I made this jacket and hat with Bernat Baby Coordinates in "Lovely Lilacs" and "Soft Mauve". I used an H hook. The jacket is, hopefully, a size 12-18 months. I used a patter called "Sweet Baby Jacket" from a Bernat booklet, Precious Pieces to knit and crochet. The hat is just something I whipped up, not using a pattern. I love the colors. :)

Sweet Baby Jacket Progress

I finished with the body portion of the sweater/jacket. I need to add the sleeves and then a border.

Star blanket

I am making another star blanket using Beth's Little Star pattern. I'm using Bernat Softee Baby in "His Jeans Ombre" and a G-4 hook.

This blanket is for an on-line friend whose wife is having a baby toward the end of September. I brought it with me to Starbucks this afternoon since I don't need the pattern. I just wanted to go somewhere to sit and stitch away from the house. I think I was there about 1/2 hour. It got kind of warm so I left.

I'm going to work up the "Sweet Baby Jacket" first, then work a bit on the bag and again on the star blanket.

Progress

I worked on the bamboo wrap during the church service yesterday morning. It measures 61" x 8".

Yes, there are different greens. It's the same color, but obviously a different lot. Oh, well. I'm making it for myself, and if anyone else is interested in one, I'll make sure the skeins I pick up are from the same lot.

Then, yesterday afternoon and last night I worked on the Sweet Baby Jacket. I only worked on it a couple of hours, having to frog it because I started with the main color instead of the accent color. I really like the two colors together. It's going to be a nice looking sweater. I hope Shelly likes it. :) Better, yet, I hope her friends like it.

...and while outside, I took a photo of the top of one of our trees against a beautiful blue sky

and a photo of one of my sons, who, evidently didn't realize I was taking his photo. THAT, in and of itself, is amazing. :) Meet Kenaniah.

Sweet Baby Jacket for Shelly

My friend, Shelly, asked me to make a baby sweater and hat for her friends who are having a baby in September. She wants a purple one and it to be 12-18 months. I found this awesome looking book at Michael's, Crochet for Tots, but it was $24.95 and I really didn't have the extra funds to purchase it. So, instead, I picked up a(nother) Bernat booklet, Precious Pieces to knit and crochet. It was only $0.99. I picked up 2 skeins of Bernat Baby Coordinates in "Lovely Lilacs" and "Soft Mauve".

Again, my gauge is off. Crocheting clothing is challenging for me with the gauge thing. I tend to crochet tight compared to most designers. So, I made a swatch (I HATE making swatches - just let me get to the project!) with a G hook. My swatch was 3/4 inch too small. So, I'll use an H hook.

Progress on the "Pink" Tidy Tote

It's coming along nicely. I just finished one skein and it measures 13". I need to crochet this piece until it measures 34", then sl st the foundation row to the last row, make the base, join it to the bag and make 2 handles. I hope I have enough yarn. If anything, I have a ball or two of Bernat Softee Chunky in just Taupe and also a taupe/blue/dark taupe color that might work. Might. Probably not. I should just stick with solids if I run out and don't want to buy more. :)

Gauge

I purchased Bernat's pattern book, Easy Living with Crochet. I want to make a few of things in the book, but am starting today with 2a. Pink Tidy Tote. Why do people include colors in their titles? What if I'm making this Pink Tidy Tote in a different color? Oh, well. I'm using Bernat Softee Chunky Twists - Twilight Twists. It's taupe, light taupe and light blue. Very nice colors.

The pattern calls for a G hook. Yes, you got that right. A bulky, size 5 yarn with a G hook. Well, I start with my 4.25 G hook, knowing I will probably have to use a larger hook. I end up with a J. A J! From G to J. That, to me, is a huge difference. I cannot imagine how loose this designer crochets! Unless it was a misprint. Oh, well.

Tina needs clothes

My 14 year-old daughter has a Cabbage Patch doll that been in our family since she was born. Her name is Christina and Emily called her Tina from the time she could talk.

Well, Tina has been given to our youngest son, Logan. He's 3. But, by now, Tina has no clothes. So I told Logan I would make her some. Easy enough. I'm sure there are patterns online for a 14" Cabbage Patch Doll.

I can't find a pattern that I don't have to pay for. And I'm not paying for a pattern.

So, I got out my 101 stitches for crochet. I sketched an outline of a shirt and an outline of a pair of pants on 2 plain pieces of paper. As I was leafing through the book, I figured I'd just make, for the shirt, 2 5" granny squares and sew them together up the side, leave a hole large enough for her head (and boy, does she have a big head!), leave arm holes and crochet an edging for the bottom and the neck. Then I guess I'll do a simple sleeve, haven't figured that out, yet.

The granny square I like to make is:
Round 1: Ch 3, 2 dc, ch 2, *3 dc, ch 2, rep from * 2 more times. Connect with sl st on 3rd chain of beg ch 3. Do this around the Magic Adjustable Ring
Round 2: Ch 3, *dc in ea dc, sh (2dc, ch 2, 2 dc) in corner ch 2 sp, rep from * around. Sl st to join. Repeat round 2 until square measures desired width.

Eating milk chocolate fudge sandwich cookies under a blue sky

What a name! What a blanket! This beautiful ripple blanket was lovingly crocheted using 9 balls of Bernat Softee Chunky yarn. Bernat Softee Chunky yarn is 100% acrylic and holds up well to machine wash and dry. A size K hook was used.

The blue/taupe/vanilla variegated stripes bring a nice touch of color to the dark and light taupe stripes.

It measures 30" x 62".

Bernat

Today after church, I dropped the kiddos off at home and drove over to Michael's. I picked up 3 skeins of Bernat Softee Baby in Baby Pink Marl and 3 skeins of His Jeans Ombre. There are 2 couples that are having babies and I wanted to get new yarn for them.

I picked up 3 more skeins of the Taupes and Blue/Taupe variegated for the ripple blanket I'm making. I wasn't sure how much yarn I would need, so I figured 3 more skeins would be safe.

I picked up 3 skeins of Bernat Softee Chunky Twists in Twilight Twists. I got their booklet, easy Living with Crochet to make, among other things, the tidy tote. I'm also wanting to try the stash baskets and pretty much everything else in the booklet.

I'm going to be a Busy Bee. Yee Haw!

My profit

Is dwindling. Thanks to Vashti. Ok. It's a good thing. I was just lamenting to my friend how I'm scared of color. I see Vashti's entry on Color Scheme Bible and I think what better addition to my library? No free shipping, but that actually saved me money as if there was free shipping on orders over $25, I'd have to buy more books. :)

I also added $25 to my Starbucks card. Hey. A girl's gotta enjoy a luscious cup 'o joe every once in a while, right? I think tonight I'll try the Blueberries & Crème Frappuccino® Blended Crème.

Hmmm. That leaves me with about $48. Ok. That's good. Enough money left to buy that baby yarn for the 2 baby blankets I want to make. Now, when's my next order coming in? :)

Bernat Bamboo

My friend decided we should make the blanket twice the length it is now. Darn! Hee hee. She gave me the rest of the money owed for the entire blanket. I needed to go to Michael's anyway, so I figured I HAD to pick up some of that Bernat Bamboo. Oh. My. Goodness! I picked up 12 balls. Yes, I am aware that each ball is $3.99. I wanted to make the wrap pictured on the wrapper. I needed to find out if the finished project is as soft as the yarn is by itself.

I also picked up a Clover J hook with a soft handle thing. Ok, I need to take a creative writing class or something. My descriptions need a little help. ;) I cannot find one of my many J hooks and you never know when you need one, right? Oh, and whoever heard of an L hook? I honestly did not think there were L hooks. I have a K and I have an M and an N and a P and I think a Q. Oh, well. I tend to crochet tighter than the average designer, so I'm sure the M hook will work out just fine for my bamboo wrap. After I finish my friend's blanket, I'll whip out the bamboo. Yeah!

Velvety Brown Ripple Throw

A customer requested a blanket for her daughter. She told me she wanted a nice blanket to snuggle up with. I went to Michael's and decided on 2 balls of Lion Suede Taupe, 3 balls of Lion Suede Mocha and 3 skeins of Lion Homespun Faun.

I used my c-mama ripple pattern. I started with one row Suede Mocha, one row Suede Taupe, one row Suede Mocha and 6 rows Homespun Faun. I ended with the Suede rows. I ran out of Homespun after 5 rows, which I had anticipated, but the blanket measures about 45" wide and 42" tall.

I have some ideas on how to proceed, but it depends on how much more my customer wants to spend. I can use up the rest of the suede and crochet a border around the blanket. I used about 12" of the last ball of mocha and have an entire ball of taupe left. Or, I can purchase another 2 skeins of Homespun to make the throw about 24" taller. Or, I can purchase another 3 skeins of Homespun and another ball of mocha and make the throw twice as tall. So, I'll find out tonight which directions she wants to go in. Here are pictures of the throw as it sits now.

Oh, and after making this throw, I want one for myself made entirely of suede. This throw is divine.

YARN!

How many posts do I have here with that title?

I spent over an hour at Michael's today. I first took inventory on my Palm Tungsten of what they have and the prices. I wanted to know exactly what I will be able to work with.

Then I walked around trying to figure out what yarn I should get for a new blanket I'm making. The customer wants something soft. She will be gifting it to her daughter who, I guess is a snuggler. :)

Wow. There were lots of choices. I found some yarns I hadn't seen yet (I know, where have I been hiding, right? They don't have these in our Walmarts, Rag Shops or Joannes). Patons SWS that I want to try out, Bernat Bamboo (Oh, My GOODNESSSSSSSS!) and Bernat Silk Sport. I almost picked up the Silk sport for my customer, but I really wanted to make something up using Homespun and Suede.

I also picked up some Bernat Chunky - it was $1.99 a ball! I got 3 balls of Soft Taupe, 3 balls of Nature's Way and 3 balls of True Taupe.

For my customer, I picked up 2 balls of Lion Suede Taupe, 3 balls of Lion Suede Mocha and 3 skeins of Lion Homespun Faun.

Well, better get hooking. :)

Added:

I have decided to simply crochet the c-mama ripple pattern. One row of Suede Mocha, one row of Suede Taupe and 6 rows of Homespun. I'll see how that looks.