Crochet journal

La mer

2008-07-03T13:26:00.004-04:00

Hubby and I have been re-watching Lost. We got to the episode, "Whatever the Case May Be" where Shannon tells Sayid about the song lyrics Rousseau had written over and over. The song was called, "La mer". I really liked the way Shannon sung it and decided to research the song. It was originally written by and performed by Charles Trenet. Beautiful song. After a week or so of listening to it on YouTube, I decided to buy it from iTunes.

On Tuesday (7/1), Kim (CrochetKim on Ravelry) posted on the Tunisian Crochet forum about this hottest new pattern on Ravelry called La Mer.

I had this scarf listed in my Ravelry queue but my queue is 3 pages long!!!! Ravelry user, knita, suggested a CAL (crochet-along) for this pattern and alce, Moderator at the forum, started the crochet-along.

Yay. I picked up 2 skeins of Patons Grace in Tangelo. It's working up nicely. I'm using a J afghan hook. The pattern calls for Fiesta La Luz Multi, a sport weight yarn made of 100% mulberry silk. But, at $30 a skein (I'd need 2), I had a difficult time justifying the expense to myself on a scarf that I probably cannot pull off wearing for myself. So, the Patons Grace, priced at a more modest $4.00 a skein, will be used.

Depending on how this works up, I may head over to an LYS that is not too far away, relatively speaking, and see what sport weight silk they have and the prices. Although, I vowed never to return to that store again since they refused to acknowledge my existence when I walked in. They must have smelled crochet. *shudder* Well, we'll see...

La mer scarf pattern is found in Interweave Crochet, Summer 2008 and is designed by Sheryl Means.

Polymer Clay Hooks

2008-06-27T09:00:00.003-04:00

I have a set of Susan Bates Aluminum Hooks with bamboo handles. However, they only start at size G. It was no problem since I was on a blanket making frenzy, but I'm wanting to go back to threads and smaller yarns.

The problem is that my hands are so used to the bamboo handles that they hurt when I use the smaller hooks. I decided to make some polymer clay handles on my smaller sized hooks. They came out pretty cool. I was going to do all my steel hooks, but then I found the Boye® Interchangeable Head Crochet Hook Set, 14 Hooks. So, I just added a handle to the hook I'm using now and when my set comes in, I'll see if I need to add a handle to the Boye handle or not.

Anyway, here's my little trip into polymer land.

1. Hooks with clay handles, 2. Shell on Thread hook, 3. Thread Hook in hand, 4. Polymer Clay Crochet Hook

Belles of the Ball

2008-06-23T17:22:00.002-04:00

I was organizing my Ravelry projects and came across a pattern in Magic Crochet, June 1989 that I want to do. It's called Belles of the Ball, design by Mayumi Sato. I will be working it up in size 10 thread and a 7 hook.

It's amazing that after all those years of making doilies, then taking a couple of years off to make things with yarn, how difficult working with thread and small hooks are. I'm looking into either getting new steel hooks with larger handles or baking a polymer clay handle on my current hooks (that looks better to me financially). We shall see. In the meantime, I'll be working with a nakkie hook. ;)

Silent Night

2008-06-22T20:45:00.002-04:00

Silent Night
Originally uploaded by cmama

Hass Design

7 hook, 10 thread

Snowman Doily in Filet

2008-06-22T20:26:00.002-04:00

Snowman Doily in Filet
Originally uploaded by cmama

Hass Design

7 hook, 10 thread

Square Rose Doily

2008-06-22T20:10:00.002-04:00

Square Rose Doily
Originally uploaded by cmama

Doilies, Star Doily Book No. 104, 1953

Size 7 hook, 10 thread

Summer Breezes

2008-06-22T20:04:00.002-04:00

Summer Breezes
Originally uploaded by cmama

Leisure Arts, Doilies for All Seasons, 1998

Design by Hazel I. Henry

25" diameter (approx)

Size 10 thread, 7 hook

Nature's Bounty

2008-06-22T19:55:00.003-04:00

Nature's Bounty
Originally uploaded by cmama

Touched by Nature, Leisure Arts, 1998

Design by Delsie Rhoades

Size 7 hook, 10 thread

Ecru Pinwheel

2008-06-22T19:49:00.002-04:00

Ecru Pinwheel
Originally uploaded by cmama

Made a few years ago.

Doilies, Star Doily Book No. 104, 1953

Size 7 hook, 10 thread

Violets Doily

2008-06-22T19:42:00.002-04:00

Violets Doily
Originally uploaded by cmama

Doily Bouquet, Star Book No. 71, 1950

Size 7 hook, 10 thread

Ruffled Pineapple Doily

2008-06-22T19:13:00.003-04:00

Ruffled Pineapple Doily
Originally uploaded by cmama

Made a few years ago.

Old-Time Doilies, House of White Birches, 1994

13" Diameter

Size 10 thread, 12 hook

Rectangular Net

2008-06-22T19:07:00.002-04:00

Rectangular Net
Originally uploaded by cmama

Made a few years ago.

Crochet Fantasy Number 3
December 1982

Size 7 hook, 10 thread

Red Band American Flag Bracelet

2008-06-22T18:58:00.002-04:00

Red Band American Flag Bracelet
Originally uploaded by cmama

Made a couple of years ago.

Sunburst Wristband, Crochet! May 2006

Design by Teri Dusenbury

Aunt Lydia's Double Strand

Size 3 hook

Blue Band American Flag Bracelet

2008-06-22T18:53:00.002-04:00

Blue Band American Flag Bracelet
Originally uploaded by cmama

Made a couple of years ago.

Sunburst Wristband, Crochet! May 2006

Design by Teri Dusenbury

Aunt Lydia's Double Strand

Size 3 hook

Forget-Me-Not Doily

2008-06-22T18:28:00.002-04:00

Forget-Me-Not Doily
Originally uploaded by cmama

Flower Doilies, Star Book No. 64, 1949

Size 7 hook, 10 thread

Ecru Center

Tea Rose Runner

2008-06-22T18:14:00.002-04:00

Tea Rose Runner
Originally uploaded by cmama

Touch of Color Doilies, House of White Birches

Design by Zelda Workman

12" x 28"

Size 6 hook, 10 thread

Jacob's Ladder

2008-06-21T11:34:00.002-04:00

Jacob's Ladder
Originally uploaded by cmama

Made quite a few years ago.

House of White Birches Collectible Series, Old-Time Favorites

Design by Josie Rabier

13" x 19"

Pearls and Lace

2008-06-21T11:28:00.002-04:00

Pearls and Lace
Originally uploaded by cmama

House of White Birches Collectible Doily Series, Heirloom Table Toppers

Design by Zelda Workman

22"

1,032 4 mm pearls

Size 6 hook, size 10 thread

Pinwheel Flower

2008-06-21T11:22:00.002-04:00

Pinwheel Flower
Originally uploaded by cmama

Made quite a few years ago.

House of White Birches Collectible Doily Series, Perfect Pinwheels

Design by Lucille LaFlamme

14 1/2"

Size 7 hook, Size 10 thread

Royal Diamond Centerpiece

2008-06-21T11:15:00.002-04:00

Royal Diamond Centerpiece
Originally uploaded by cmama

Made quite a few years ago for my mom.

House of White Birches, Collectible Doily Series

Design by Agnes Russell

30 1/2"

Size 7 hook, size 10 thread

Apple Filet Runner

2008-06-21T11:07:00.002-04:00

Apple Filet Runner
Originally uploaded by cmama

Made quite a few years ago.

House of White Birches, Collectible Doily Series

Design by Connie Clark

10" x 26"

Christmas Tapestry

2008-06-21T10:56:00.002-04:00

Christmas Tapestry
Originally uploaded by cmama

Made a few years ago.

House of White Birches Collectible Doily Series, Christmas Magic

Design by Agnes Russell

13 1/2" diameter

Tulip Circle

2008-06-21T10:47:00.002-04:00

Tulip Circle
Originally uploaded by cmama

Made quite a few years ago. This doily ended up in Wales. :)

House of White Birches, Collectible Doily Series, Floral Beauties

Design by Karen Robinson

20" diameter

Size 10 hook, size 10 thread

All Hearts Come Home

2008-06-21T10:38:00.002-04:00

All Hearts Come Home
Originally uploaded by cmama

Collectible Doily Series, A Touch of Color

Design by Blanche Frost

13 1/2" Diameter

Size 4 steel hook, size 10 thread in white and red

Pineapple Fan Doily

2008-06-21T10:27:00.002-04:00

Pineapple Fan Doily
Originally uploaded by cmama

This doily comes from the Collectible Doily Series from House of White Birches. It's under the category, Pineapple Treasures.

Design by Della Bieber.

Pattern says 18" diameter.

Panda Blanket

2008-06-19T20:58:00.001-04:00

Panda Blanket
Originally uploaded by cmama

Well, I found how to make mosaics and decided to show off the blanket this way.

The afghan measures 38" x 50". I had fun making it, but was really wanting to be done when there was only 5 more rounds left to do.

So, here is the panda afghan. All mine. :)

Rose Garden 'Ghan

2008-06-06T11:35:00.004-04:00

I have been wanting to get a collection of afghans made for when situations arise such as births, hospital visits, etc, I am able to quickly get an afghan to that person. I have 2 already and the Rose Garden 'Ghan will be the third.

I found the pattern in the May/June 2008 issue of Crochet Today!.

I will be using Caron Simply Soft, Dark Sage and an I hook. It's a lovely pattern and I cannot wait to start it.

Panda Cross-Stitch Afghan

2008-06-06T11:02:00.003-04:00

I've taken photos of my progress. I'm really enjoying this blanket although my fingers itch to use my crochet hook every once in a while. :) I'm "coloring in" the bottom panda (chart B) and then I'll be able to finish the top panda with chart C and whatever is left with chart D (bottom right of the blanket).

Top Panda

Bottom Panda

Both Pandas

Pineapple Motif Scarf

2008-06-05T12:37:00.004-04:00

This project was fun. I made it for a friend out of Bernat Satin Sport and a G hook.

I used a vintage pineapple square pattern I found on the internet - Celt's Vintage Crochet.

I believe the scarf measured 62" long, but I don't remember the width. I'll have to measure it the next time my friend wears it. She wore it Sunday and it looked really nice.

This is my daughter modeling it.

Crochet Lacy Shawl

2008-06-05T11:31:00.005-04:00

I found a wonderful pattern by The Crochet Dude called Lacy Shawl.

I used 9 skeins Bernat Cashmere and my Susan Bates Bamboo handle size K.

The pattern worked up rather quickly. Nice pattern, great yarn.

I haven't decided who I'm giving this to, yet. I have a friend online whose mom just had surgery that I'm leaning towards giving it to. But I have another online acquaintance who I may be giving a baby blanket to and I may also give this shawl to the wife/mom. I'm praying for the Lord to show me who to give this to. It may also go to someone at my church, I just don't know yet. But whoever receives it, they are receiving a gem. This pattern is beautiful and I really cannot wait to make up more of them.

It measures 20 1/2" wide by 48" long.

Star Blanket

2008-05-24T14:53:00.004-04:00

I made a star blanket for an internet acquaintance that recently had a baby boy.

I had some Caron Simply Soft left over from some previous projects so I used that. It's dark country blue, country blue, gray heather and white. I edged the blanket with white in one row of reverse sc, and I used an I hook.

The blanket measures 27" across.

I like it. The pattern is easy. I started this blanket on May 22, in the evening and finished it this morning, May 24.

Pineapple Motif Scarf/Shawl

2008-04-26T10:06:00.006-04:00

5/11/08 Update

This is not working out - I've tossed this in the, pineapple scarf? What Pineapple scarf? pile. :P

I wanted to make a friend of mine a scarf. No, not the wintery kind - we live in Florida. I had seen her wear a long scarf with a dress the other day and it gave me an idea.

I went to Michael's Art & Crafts and picked up some Paton's Brilliant in Crystal Cream. It's a good color for her and the specks of gold add a bit of classiness in my opinion. :)

I was going to to a lacy tunisian stitch, but wasn't loving how it was turning out. Then I remembered a pineapple motif pattern I had and got the book and decided to do that.

I'm on the forth motif, not sure how it's all going to turn out or how many more skeins I'm going to have to use, but I'll play it by ear.

Granny Square Bolero

2008-04-25T23:19:00.002-04:00

When my issue of the may/june '08 Crochet today! came in the mail, I knew that I wanted to make the bolero pictured on the cover for my girls. It's on page 48 and designed by Jacqueline van Dillen. Another W.I.P.

Panda Bear Cross-Stitch Afghan

2008-04-25T23:15:00.003-04:00

Even though I ranted about the Marshall Amp blanket (the cross-stitch part), I am going to work another cross-stitch blanket. I saw a book at Herrschners with panda bears and it was crochet. I simply had to get it. :)

It's called Cross-Stitch Crochet Afghans 2008 National Afghan Contest Winners. I had been happily working away on it when I got flooded with a few other projects, so it's setting aside for the time being, but I will get back to it because, well, it's pandas!

Personalized Baby Blanket

2008-04-25T18:44:00.005-04:00

My second personalized baby blanket is finished. I used dark country blue and grey in Caron Simply Soft and an H hook. It is 28" x 31 1/2". Hubby helped chart out the crown on the mat. I used tunisian stitch for the mat and cross-stitched the name and crown in. I used a reverse sc for the border.

Striped Soy Baby Blanket and Cap

2008-04-25T18:36:00.003-04:00

I had picked up some Bernat Soy from Michael's. It was on clearance for 1/2 off and I couldn't resist. I picked up some colors in blue, white, off white and brown. I then read that a couple whose music really ministers to me is having a baby. I e-mailed her and asked if I could make a blanket for the baby. She said yes. I knew I was going to use the Soy and simply adapted the pattern on the skein wrapper. It's a small blanket, but so soft and I really love the design. I had a bit of yarn left over so I made up a cap for him, too.

Finished Pile

2008-04-24T20:53:00.002-04:00

Have you ever had a project that was so almost finished that it sat there for weeks almost finished? Oh, I guess that's just me. ;) I had 2 projects I was working on (4 actually, but we won't talk about the other two, yet). They both are baby blankets. One is commissioned by a friend and the other is a gift I'm making for a couple who's music has ministered deeply to me. The commissioned blanket has been almost finished for a little while, waiting on me to ask dear hubby to sketch out a crown for me to cross-stitch on the mat. The gift is basically finished but for the ends that need to be woven in and then snipped off. I finished them both tonight! YAY! And, in fact, I think the Lord sent an angel to help me with the gift because when I got halfway up the blanket, I saw that that half was already woven in! And I had done the other side of the blanket already. Double YAY! Thank you LORD! I'll be posting pictures of the final projects under separate posts, so stay tuned.

Personalized Baby Afghan #2

2008-04-04T09:31:00.003-04:00

My friend has asked me for another baby blanket. Another family member on her son-in-law's side recently gave birth to a baby boy.

She said the first blanket was a hit with the family so we decided on a second one for this little guy. Since he has already been dubbed "The Prince", I decided to modify the border with crowns in place of the hearts.

When I first charted out a crown, I didn't take into account that my graph paper was square but the area I was working with was more rectangular, given I'm using dc. But I did think ahead to make up some swatches to see what it looked like. I decided to modify the border even more. The pattern shows 6 hearts along the bottom, top and 2 hearts along each side. Because I don't want my crowns look like they've been squished from the sides, I am making 3 crowns along the top and bottom with nothing along the sides.

I've also charted his name and need to chart another crown for the mat portion of the blanket. I've completed the bottom portion of the crown border and am about halfway done with one of the sides.

Unconventional Baby Blanket

2008-02-17T13:55:00.004-05:00

About 2 months or so ago, a friend approached me, wanting me to make a baby blanket. She had no specifications, and I asked her if she knew if the baby was going to be a boy or a girl. She said, a boy and they are naming him Marshall. I said ok and she proceeded to tell me that the father is a musician and they are naming him after the Marshall Amplifiers.

When I got home that night, my mind wouldn't stop thinking about this blanket. I had an idea to make an amplifier blanket. I discussed this idea with my husband, who is also a musician and has a fondness for Marshall Amplifiers and we both were very excited about this idea. Now I had to talk my friend into it. After all, Marshall Amplifiers, unless you are a musician, aren't very pretty or cute to look at.

I told my friend about the idea and even warned her that if we went through with it, it would not be received well at the baby shower by anyone but the parents. She saw how excited I was about this blanket and told me to go for it.

I picked up several skeins of different kinds of yarns to experiment with. I knew I wanted to do the tunisian stitch as that would give me the look I wanted - squares, lots of squares, to look like the front of the amplifier.

I made several swatches and asked hubby to pick out the best one. He chose the one made from Caron Simply Soft Heathers in Charcoal Heather.

After I worked up the blanket, I did an image search on the logo and worked up a chart using photoshop. I then got some graph paper and plotted out the name.

This next step almost derailed me and made me scratch the whole idea. Cross-stitch. I had never done this before. My first 3 attempts (yes, I said 3), I was making the xs INSIDE the squares. This produced a black outline of each x. Not an attractive logo.

I almost gave up.

I prayed and asked God to help me with this. I knew He gave me the idea for the blanket and wouldn't let me down when I was so close to being done. I was looking through some crochet magazines I have, just browsing through, unrelated to the blanket, when I came across a piece that had cross-stitching over an afghan stitch. This is what I needed! Although looking at the illustration completely confused me, I finally figured out how to make the xs on the afghan stitch.

After the name Marshall was stitched on, I bordered the blanket with a round of sc in Lion Brand Homespun, color Golden. I had brought my husband into Michaels' with me one day and told him to pick out any yarn, any color to border the blanket with. This is what he chose. I then followed that up with 2 rounds of hdc in the Charcoal Heathers.

I also made up a hat, hoping to cross-stitch the name Marshall on that, but my lack of skills in cross-stitching prevented that from happening. ;)

Savannah's Song

2008-01-28T14:46:00.001-05:00

6/6/08 Update - Sadly, Savannah passed away about 2 weeks ago. Prayers of comfort and healing to her family.

My friend's daughter's friend, Savannah, is 14 years old and has a brain tumor. The doctors are saying she will not live long.

When I crochet, I touch every inch of every fiber that goes into the project. I pray over the items when I crochet them.

When I heard about Savannah, I immediately wondered what I could make for her.

I was thinking a hat, because I thought she would be losing her hair during the treatments. But the doctors say that with the type of treatments they are using, she will not be losing her hair.

And, we live in Florida, so hats aren't too helpful.

I went to the craft store to pick out some yarn. I picked up some Bernat Bamboo in Water and used an L hook. It's one of my favorite yarns to work with, it's so soft. It's 89% Bamboo and 11% Acrylic. One of the free patterns on the label was for a shrug (basically a rectangle sewed about 8-10 inches from each end to make sleeves). I thought this would be a nice accessory to give her.

It's about 42" x 14". I used my 14-year-old daughter as a model for sizing and for photos.

I just kept hearing, in my head, "Savannah's Song" as I was making this. I also like to search the scriptures to add a Bible verse to the items I make. I really felt that these verses are for Savannah.

Psalm 42:7-8 Deep calls to deep in the roar of your waterfalls; all your waves and breakers have swept over me.

By day the LORD directs his love, at night his song is with me— a prayer to the God of my life.

Unconventional Baby Blanket

2008-01-14T08:16:00.000-05:00

I have been asked to make a baby blanket for a friend whose friend is having a baby. The baby is due in April. I asked if they knew if the baby was a boy or girl. She told me a boy. She told me his name and why he was going to be named that. I am creating a blanket in afghan stitch and will be adding his name to the blanket in cross stitch (I hope since I've never cross stitched before). The blanket will then be edged appropriately.

I'm keeping this a secret until the project has been finished, but let's just say that the musicians reading this may appreciate it. I have also consulted my husband with textures and colors.

k-jacket in green

2008-01-14T08:01:00.001-05:00

A friend of mine had seen a jacket/bolero worn by Joyce Meyers and asked if I could make her something similar. I was confident I could find a pattern in my millions of patterns around, but nothing jumped out at me. I then became nervous as I knew this would me I would have to try my hand at designing. And since I'm a perfectionist, this was not something I looked forward to.

I started by choosing the yarn. She told me the color she desired and I had in mind a certain yarn. I went to Michael's to check it out and the yarn was perfect. I chose Bernat Satin Sport in Jade. My friend wanted the jacket to have small openings so one would see the color of the shirt under it. I chose a pattern in Jean Leinhauser's book 101 stitches for afghans, stitch #40. I crocheted it in 8 pieces. Front left and right, back, sleeves, edging left, right and bottom. There were a few times I needed to frog it, however that was due to me not taking measurements properly. I was so concerned with making sure it wouldn't be too big that it was too small. It would have fit like a shirt, but she wanted to wear a shirt under it.

I must say that the Lord really showed me what to do with this jacket. I had crocheted vests before and took my knowledge of that to make the pieces, but a jacket is a bit different. I prayed and asked for guidance and He really met me and showed me what to do. I have not been to design school or anything like that. I learned to crochet reading patterns and sometimes panic if I don't have a pattern to follow - I just draw a blank. So this jacket was an awesome work of God. He used my hands to make it. :)

Well, I had finally finished it and she wore it Sunday. I got a picture of it on my iPhone, and once my camera comes, I'll get some more photos.

Guitar Stand Cozy

2008-01-14T07:47:00.000-05:00

A while ago, I had crocheted a cozy/cover for my husband's guitar stand. It was an older stand and he just wanted something soft around it so his guitar could be protected.

He has the guitar stand on the stage at our church where he leads worship. One of the team members saw it and asked if I could make one for him. His brother makes guitars and uses a finishing on the guitars that the stuff on new guitar stands eats through or something. So he wanted something that would also protect his guitar.

I explained to him that the cover was crocheted directly onto the stand. I would need the stand in order to do the project. He went out and purchased a new stand and I used a skein of yarn that had been given to me by an online friend. I have no idea what kind of yarn it is. It appears to be wool(ish) and worsted weight. But it's a bit silkier than wool.

So I crocheted 2 rectangles for the legs and sewed them on, leaving a hole towards the bottom where the body of the guitar rests on the stand. That is covered by a foam that we do not believe eats through the finishing. If it seems to do so, I will cover that part as well. I also crocheted a cap for the stand. I crocheted it in 3 pieces, front, back and top; sewed them together and then sewed the cap to the legs.

He was very pleased with the outcome, as was I.

A new picture will be added when I get my new camera.

Jocelyn Cape

2007-10-29T21:19:00.000-04:00

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

2007-10-25T11:26:00.000-04:00

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

2007-10-15T09:03:00.000-04:00

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!

2007-10-10T14:50:00.000-04:00

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.

2007-10-05T14:18:00.001-04:00

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

2007-10-04T16:27:00.000-04:00

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

2007-09-30T18:00:00.000-04:00

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

2007-09-30T17:55:00.000-04:00

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

2007-09-23T17:19:00.000-04:00

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

2007-09-22T18:35:00.001-04:00

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

2007-09-22T12:06:00.000-04:00

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

Crocheting a dream

2007-09-22T09:01:00.000-04:00

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

2007-09-20T15:06:00.000-04:00

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

2007-09-20T10:07:00.001-04:00

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

2007-09-17T12:29:00.000-04:00

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

2007-09-15T19:27:00.000-04:00

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

2007-09-14T15:53:00.001-04:00

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

2007-09-14T11:42:00.000-04:00

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

2007-09-12T10:32:00.001-04:00

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

2007-09-11T21:42:00.000-04:00

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?

2007-09-09T21:04:00.001-04:00

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...

2007-09-06T22:09:00.000-04:00

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

2007-09-06T12:57:00.000-04:00

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

2007-09-06T12:06:00.000-04:00

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

2007-09-05T19:39:00.000-04:00

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

2007-09-05T13:56:00.000-04:00

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

2007-09-04T11:01:00.000-04:00

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

2007-09-03T20:00:00.000-04:00

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

2007-09-02T16:07:00.000-04:00

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

2007-09-02T15:51:00.000-04:00

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

2007-08-30T16:43:00.000-04:00

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

2007-08-29T13:34:00.000-04:00

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

2007-08-29T10:33:00.001-04:00

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

2007-08-27T15:55:00.000-04:00

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

Star blanket

2007-08-27T15:24:00.000-04:00

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

2007-08-27T09:54:00.000-04:00

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

2007-08-26T15:39:00.000-04:00

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

2007-08-25T20:52:00.000-04:00

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

2007-08-25T12:01:00.000-04:00

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

2007-08-24T09:30:00.000-04:00

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

2007-08-20T17:58:00.000-04:00

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

2007-08-19T17:58:00.000-04:00

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

2007-08-17T16:37:00.001-04:00

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

2007-08-17T12:25:00.000-04:00

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

2007-08-16T13:06:00.000-04:00

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!

2007-08-11T13:43:00.000-04:00

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.

Shawl/scarf in Trendsetter Love

2007-08-08T20:09:00.000-04:00

While in Ft. Mill, SC, we stopped by a darling yarn store in Pineville called The Yarn Shop by Rainy Day Creations. I picked up a couple of balls of Trendsetters Yarns Love in Ocean Sea Life. It took me a little more than a month to pick it up. I was a bit intimidated and didn't know what to make with it. Well, I knew I wanted a shawl/scarf/wrap, but was still intimidated.

Well, I surfed to Annie's Attic for the Lace Tunisian stitch and got my M tunisian hook. I'm simply chaining 25 and following through with the pattern until I either get the length I desire or I run out of yarn. ;)

Personalized Baby Afghan is finished!

2007-08-08T15:30:00.000-04:00

I finished weaving in the last ends last night and took the pictures of the blanket this morning.

It measures about 35" square. The blanket was easy, but challenged me in that I had to sew the personalized mat to the border. I don't like sewing. And the other challenging part of this blanket was making sure the mat fit inside the border. I was surprised that it fit. It's a beautiful pattern. I'm happy with the results.

Michael's

2007-08-04T23:20:00.000-04:00

Boy, oh, boy! I hadn't been to Michaels since before Hurricane Wilma. The hurricane destroyed a lot of buildings and I had heard that Michaels took some damage. But I hadn't been to Michaels before that because I was extremely unhappy with the selection of their yarn. But, our craft stores have been disappointing me lately. The Rag Shop went out of business. Joann's yarn selection stinks. I mean, they have a few yummy brands, but, really, it's becoming a waste of my time to even think about going there. Walmart has been through reconstruction and their craft department has been cut in half. Their yarn selection is not what it was.

I THINK we have a couple of LYS around here, but it's quite a drive. I was getting tired of not having anywhere to go for good yarn. So, I had heard that people were happy with Michael's yarn selection. So, today, I gave it a try. I needed some graph paper to work up the name on the Personalized Afghan and figured I would try out Michael's and peek at their yarn. I was blown away! I was finally able to see some Paton's in real life. Funny, I know, it's not like Paton's is some exotic yarn, but where I live, it is! I went home empty handed because I don't have money for yarn right now. But, when I do, I know where I'm headed. I'm just sad I stayed away for so long. :(

Personalized Baby Afghan Notes

2007-08-03T17:28:00.001-04:00

These notes are simply for my benefit regarding yarn usage. Kim's directions are over and above. She did a wonderful job. In fact, reading her very precise directions, I made a swatch before starting. Not something I normally do, especially for a blanket. ;)

I had to switch to a size I hook. I crochet tight and my swatch was an inch off of what Kim's gauge said. I'm still a centimeter or two off, but I'm ok with that.
It took one 6 oz skein of the Caron Simply Brites to work up the bottom portion of the heart border and the first side until the instructions say to fasten off. I was only left with 6 meters of yarn.
Ok. I was trying to figure out if I read the pattern incorrectly, but I've given up on that. On row 43 of the second side of the heart border, it appears that I am a row off. But according to the graph, not according to the written directions. I start on the correct side, the edge instead of the middle, however, I will have 28 open square on the inside of the border going up instead of 27. I will just have to make sure that I measure and make a swatch for the inside portion, the personalized mat so it will fit inside the border. I was frustrated with myself and was unable to frog it since I had fastened off and weaved in the end on the left side already. But I believe I can still work with it.
More to add as I go on

Missing Child, Please Help - Now Found!

2007-08-02T23:29:00.000-04:00

A crochet designer, and esteemed CGOA member Tammy Hildebrand, has a 14-yr-old daughter, Chelsea, who's been missing since 7/31. She's the one on the left. Chelsea was last seen today at 2pm driving along I-95 in Fredericksburg VA with her friend Crystal Armstrong (pictured on the right) and an 18-yr old boy.

Starting the Personalized Baby Afghan

2007-08-02T22:35:00.000-04:00

My friend gave me the money tonight to purchase the yarn for the personalized blanket. We don't have a LYS here (yet) so I wandered into Jo-Ann not expecting to find much. And I wasn't disappointed. You know, their website has a decent selection of yarn, but my local store barely has anything. Every time I go in there it looks as if they are going out of business. Tonight, there were whole baskets of yarn missing. :(

So, it was off to Walmart I go. I know that they had some Caron Simply Soft that I'd use if I couldn't find anything "yummy" locally. I picked up 6 skeins of Rose Violet and 2 skeins of White. While there, I noticed they had Bernat Softee Chunky. I picked up 5 skeins in Medium Sea Green. I figured I could make up a nice masculine blanket.

Yay! I'm off to work on this blanket.

Swatches

2007-08-02T09:58:00.000-04:00

As I typed this out, I had to check and make sure that's what they're called! I was quickly transported to the 80s. Wow! Back to 2007! :)

Because my friend will be making her decision on the color of the blanket she wants me to make and to let me know the name tonight, I have some time between projects.

I wasn't sure what I wanted to work on, not wanting to start a huge project, only to put it down to work on my friend's blanket. So, I pulled out my book, 101 Stitches for Afghans by Jean Leinhauser and am making up some swatches. I make up patterns 1-3 already. I just have to figure out how to organize the swatches once they're done. I'm just using up some Red Heart worsted I have lying around and an I hook. Maybe I should try them in an H hook, too.

I would like to say that my thoughts and prayers are with those involved with the collapsed bridge in Minnesota.

Randal Cutter's thoughts on the tragedy.

2nd Doily Baby Blanket

2007-08-01T17:29:00.000-04:00

My second doily baby blanket is finished. This one measures 30". I like the color arrangement. It's made with a G hook (4.25 mm) and Bernat softee Baby yarn in Pink Rose and white. This is the Coral Rose round baby blanket from Creations by Rebecca Leigh.

ANOTHER blankie!!!!

2007-08-01T10:36:00.000-04:00

A friend of mine has been watching me make blankets all summer. Last week she tells me that her son-in-law's sister is having a baby. She wants me to make a blanket for her. I showed her some patterns on the internet and she really liked CrochetKim's Personalized Baby Afghan.

As soon as I'm able, I'll be purchasing some Caron Simply Soft in the colors my friend approves of and get started on it.

And I realized that sending Minnie the already finished Doily Blanket will keep me on track.

My desire is to have a basket or baskets full of blankets and shawls already made for when situations come up. So far, I have 3. One shawl, a large afghan and the second Doily Baby Blanket I've yet to finish. But since that doily blanket is already tagged for an internet friend, I suppose it shouldn't count.

While searching for the posts to link to in this blog, I realized just how many blankets I have crocheted since the end of May. Since 6 of them were for my kiddos, I can safely assume that I will be able to get my comfort basket filled.

Oh, I was surfing last night and found some new crochet/craft blogs. I added them to my reader if you are interested in more blogs. :) Thanks to Robyn for posting her shared blogs.

Comfortghan for Minnie the service-dog

2007-08-01T07:50:00.000-04:00

An internet friend of mine and her husband each have service dogs. Her dog, Minnie, a sweet, adorable dachshund, is going through a tough time right now and is in some considerable pain. Years ago, she was on pain meds for months for what was thought was a bad shoulder. Now it seems that it was preliminary to this injury. She appears to have a problem with her cervical spine.

Minnie was x-rayed on Monday. They were inconclusive, so she needs a myleogram for better diagnosis. The vet needs to do the myleogram with her under sedation and, if all is not well, surgery will need to be done immediately while she is still sedated.

The vet has given them 10 days as an outside date on Minnie's comfort level.

They have her on prednisone and confined to a kennel with hopes that things will get better rather than worse.

So, I'm making a comfortghan for Minnie. I don't have any blankets just sitting around. I suppose I could just send one of the doily blankies that I had finished. That would work for sure and be guaranteed to get to them in a couple of days. Yes, that's what I'll do.

I really need to have extra blankies around for situations like this.

But, you know what? I was really having a difficult time when praying over this last blankie. I was, in my mind, associating it with a baby of one of two internet friends. But I believe now that the Lord knew this blankie would go to Minnie. I guess when I'm praying over these blankies, I need to step out of the box and realize that they may not be going to whom I originally thought they would be going to.

Minnie, I'm praying for a miracle for you. xoxoxoxo

Pink and White Doily Baby Blanket

2007-07-28T11:55:00.000-04:00

I finished the Pink and White Doily Baby Blanket last night. It measures about 35" across. I'm very happy with the results.