Yarn!!!!!

I'm just about finished with the doily. I also found out that The Rag Shop is going out of business. I went this morning - their products are 20 - 50% off. The yarn and crochet/knitting tools are 20% off. Yarn is going FAST. I picked up 13 skeins of Homespun. 7 of one color and 6 of another (cleaned them out of both colors). I picked up Williamsburg and Mediterranean. I feel like I've worked with Mediterranean before, but the colors don't seem familiar to me. Anyway, it's beautiful.

Framed Roses

My newest project that I'm working on is a doily called Framed Roses. It's from the House of White Birches Collectible Doily Series and it was designed by Lois Waldschmidt.

I'm using Frosty Green, Ecru and a light pink size 10 crochet thread and a size 7 hook.

I miss working with thread and making lace. It was strange, however, working with the steel hook and thread after working with the N hook and bulky yarn. :)

Comfortghan finished

The Super Fast and Easy Throw (click link for more info) is finished!

It measures 44" wide x 60" long. I love homespun! It's a great blanket and I hope the recipient finds much comfort in it. :)

Super Fast and Easy Throw

I have a friend who is suffering from some unknown sickness. I enjoy making blankets/shawls for friends who are suffering from either physical or emotional things. I really ought to have a few items made up ahead of time, because it seems that things strike several people at the same time. But, I don't, so I'm stuck. ;) I have another friend who I would love to make something up for, but I promised myself I'd get this one out, first.

I'm using Lion Brand Homespun, Prairie, Super Fast and Easy Throw from Lion Brand and an N hook. I'm on the 3rd of 6 skeins.

It would be nice to finish this before the 24, but we will see.

Update on Kenny's c-mama ripple

I washed Kenny's blanket today. It was made from Red Heart. It's not as soft as the other blankets made out of Caron Simply Soft, but it did soften up a bit. Good, because it was a little too scratchy and I just would have been upset if it hadn't softened.

Emily's c-mama ripple

Well, the blankets are all done. I am amazed. I gave myself until June 23 to complete them all. Here it is, June 18 and they are all done. I just have to wash them and all will be great! Yeah!

Her blanket was made with Caron Simply Soft, c-mama's ripple pattern and a J hook. It measures 31" x 60". I probably should have made it a bit wider, but it'll work.

Here are all 6 of the blankets in a basket.

Blanket #5 of 6

Woo Hoo! I can seriously believe that I'll finish these blankets BEFORE our trip.

I have Caytie weaving in the ends on her blanket. Phew.

Levi's blanket measures 38" x 50". The blue is Caron Pound and the black is Caron Simply Soft. Again, it was made with the c-mama ripple pattern and a J hook. I think of the colors, it's my favorite one of the 5.

C-Mama's Ripple Pattern

Notes:

The above photo was made using a J hook and Caron Simply Soft worsted weight yarn

dc dec - yo, insert hook in next dc, draw through loop, yo, draw through 2 loops on hook, yo, insert hook in next dc, draw through loop, yo, draw through 2 loops on hook, yo, draw through remaining 3 loops on hook.

Join new color - at the last 2 stitches of the row before color change, yo, insert hook in next dc, draw through loop, yo, draw through 2 loops on hook, yo, insert hook in next dc, draw through loop, yo, draw through 2 loops on hook, and with new yarn, yo, draw through last 2 loops on hook, chain 2 and turn.

Row 1 - Foundation chain multiples of 17 until desired length. I usually chain another 17 to make sure that it's wide enough. dc in 3rd chain from hook. 1st 2 skipped chains count as 1st dc, dc in next 5 chains, *dc, ch 1, dc in next chain, dc in next 7 chains, sk next 2 chains, dc in next 7 chains, repeat from *.

Rows 2 and following - Chain 2, turn. *dc in next 7 dc, dc, ch1, dc in ch 1 space, dc in next 7 dc, sk 2 dc, repeat from * to the last 8 dc, dc in next 6 dc, dc last 2 dc tog, ch 2, turn.

***Note*** To make this ripple with Homespun and Suede - see this post for photos, etc. - 7 ripples 45" x 65", 5 skeins of Homespun, 5 balls of Suede. For blanket that is 7 ripples 45" x 84", 6 skeins of Homespun, 10 balls of Suede.

Blankets 3 & 4 of 6

Well, when making blanket for all 6 kids, the blankets need designations, too. ;)

This is Kenny's blanket. It measures 34" x 34" and was make with Red Heart. I know. But he picked the colors out. I'm hoping, hoping, hoping, that it will soften with a washing.

I used my C-Mama's Ripple Pattern and a J hook.

This is Jordan's blanket. It measures 34" x 48" and was made with red, white and black Caron Simply Soft, with a J hook and C-Mama's Ripple Pattern.

I am working up Levi's now. Caron Simply Soft black and Caron One Pound navy blue. Emily's blanket will also be C-Mama's Ripple Pattern using Caron Simply Soft white, navy and light blue. I finished Kenny's blanket in 6 days, so I'm confident I'll get Levi's and Emily's finished before we leave. Now, about those ends in Caytie's blanket that need to be woven...maybe I can show her how to do it. :D

Crochet Overlay Jewelry

I recently purchased "Crochet Overlay Jewelry" by Melody MacDuffee. I had purchased 2 Trixie Belden books from Amazon for my daughter with some babysitting money I owed her. But the total was less than $25 and they qualified for free shipping on orders $25 or more. So, I went searching for a crochet book.

It came in the mail today. First, let me say that this book is different than other pattern books I have seen. Melody has a nice "Welcome" in the front of the book briefly describing what overlay crochet is. Besides an apparently gifted crocheter, she is also a gifted writer. The next section of the book is the General Instructions. Normally I do not read these. But, normal crochet pattern books do not have 5 pages of instructions. They simply have the patterns, which are the instructions to the project. Melody takes the time to let the reader know that they do not have to strictly stick to the patterns. She gives suggestions such as larger hooks and yarns if crocheting with sewing thread is intimidating or impossible. I think that's great for new crocheters to know. When I first began crocheting I thought I had to use the colors/yarns/hooks that the pattern called for. LOL Very funny now, but that's what I thought.

After Melody speaks about the general instructions of overlay crochet, assembly and beading, there is a Stitch Dictionary.

Then come the patterns. They seem to be written very clearly and come with diagrams. The photos are color and simply exquisite.

The only downside to receiving this book is the commitment I have on making 2 1/2 more blankets before June 24. Oh, how I want to try my hand at crochet overlay!!!!! Well, I'll make time on our trip to work this.

Kids blankets

I promised my kids (why, oh, why did I promise?????) that I'd make them all a blanket for our trip. All the blankets were/will be crocheted with Caron Simply Soft worsted weight. One is completed. It's for Logan (#6 of 6). I chose his colors - winter camouflage. I got the pattern from some Crochet magazine that I cannot think of at the moment. If someone recognizes the pattern, let me know. The pattern was for a rainbow colored blanket/tote bag and sun pillow. Anyway, I forgot to take the measurements down. They are all custom fit for each kiddo. Nothing huge. This first blanket was crocheted with a G hook, following the pattern, but leaving off a row or two. This second blanket is for Caytie (#2 of 6). She picked out the colors. I got this from "101 Crochet Stitches for Afghans" by Jean Leinhauser. It's pattern #13. I used a J hook. I think that the stitches are a little big, but I do like how it turned out... This 3rd blanket is for Emily (#1 of 6). She picked out the pattern from the same pattern book as Caytie's and also chose her colors. I should have known it would take more yarn and time, but, wow, this project! I ran out of yarn and it's not even 1/2 done. I may set it aside for another purpose and just do a simple ripple for her in her colors. It's #10 in the book. I used a G hook. I'm crocheting Jordan's (#4 of 6) blanket now. I purchased Emily's and Jordan's yarn at the same time. His colors are red, black and white. I modified Emily's pattern a bit for his. The pattern for C-Mama's Ripple is here. I am using a J hook and Caron Simply Soft.

Yarn

Originally posted May 17, 2007 Ok, news flash. I love yarn. I know, shocker, right?

I have had to do my yarn shopping at Rag Shop instead of Walmart ecause Walmart just doesn't carry the selection of yarn that I need. Not that Rag Shop is the greatest, mind you and JoAnne's and Michael's are all just as bad.

If shopping online, I found Herrschner's, but the shipping kills me especially when purchasing yarn for projects that I'm not selling.

What I need is to open my own yarn store. That way I can have the yarn that I want at my fingertips, bring in yarns I've only dreamed about, have a place where others can sit and knit or crochet or just sip on a cup of coffee.

It's my dream to have my own yarn store, but lately I feel as if it needs to happen soon before I break the bank with shipping charges. We don't have an LYS (local yarn store) around here. I wish we did. It would be worth the extra cost just to have dreamy yarns locally. But we don't.

Ah, to have the money to open and run an LYS. Seems only a dream....

10 Commandments of Crochet

10 Commandments of Crochet by Cindy Long It's a difficult balancing act to survive the day-to-day routine without raising the ire of a crocheting family member. So, here are the definitive "10 Commandments" of living with a crocheter:

1. Thou shalt not call it "knitting". Nothing will raise the hackles of a die hard crocheter faster than mistaking this craft for the k-word.
2. Thou shalt always look before sitting down. Errant hooks can find their way quite easily among sofa cushions, and thus into tender body parts, regardless of how "well padded" they may be.
3. The Yarn Stash is sacred above all. Thou shalt never touch, move, organize, spindle or mutilate in any way. THIS MEANS YOU!
4. Yes, I do need all those pattern books.
5. There really is a difference between a work-in-progress and an abandoned project, although it may have been just as long since either one of them has been touched.
6. Thou shalt never interrupt my crocheting to have me watch the greatest play the team ever made. No, it isn't special; it's just like every other sports event on TV.
7. Do not remind me that there are more important things in life than crochet. I already know that. Right now, I can't really think what they are, but I know there must be something.
8. Never ask how much I spent on yarn, hooks or patterns. This will only force me to lie to you. Then I will feel guilty for lying, and of course, I can only allay my guilt by buying more yarn.
9. Never refer to my crocheted gifts to you as "homemade". Instead, they are "lovingly crafted" ... or better yet, "custom-styled".
10. Saturday morning is my time to devote strictly to crochet. Please honor it with no distractions ...and Friday night as well ...and probably Wednesday afternoon. And anytime I need to make a birthday gift. But that's it. Except for, of course, if I need to make a baby layette, or ...

Blankets and barefoot sandals

Wow, almost 4 months since my last post. Hmmm. I know that blogging's not my forte. I had promised my kiddos that I'd make them each a blanket for when we go to South Carolina for our yearly vacation. I've made 2 so far (still need to weave in ends for one of them), am working on 1 and have 3 more to go. *sigh* I am using patterns from 101 Ripple Stitches (Knit and Crochet) and 101 Stitches for Afghans (Crochet) by Jean Leinhauser. The first one I made came from a Crochet magazine and I cannot remember which one right now. I got the pattern for the barefoot sandals I crocheted from Lion Brand. I actually used their motifs and made it into the sandals, crocheting the toe ring and anklet into the motif. Kinda cool. I have no photos right now, but maybe I'll remember to take some.

Housewarming Blankie

An internet friend of mine and his wife recently moved into a new home - a new state, too. I wanted to make them a housewarming gift.

I used a pattern from Lion Brand, Super Fast and Easy Throw, an N hook and Lion Brand Homespun, Williamsburg.

I didn't record the exact measurements, but it's around 44" x 60".

Been a long time...

Well, I've been crocheting. Slowly. I made up a small "comfort-ghan" for a friends' daughter who had surgery today.

I am making a doily for another friend. She brought me an already made doily that belongs to her daughter-in-law and asked if I could make another one up in different colors. I was a bit nervous about figuring it out, but I think I got it. I'll post pictures when it's done.

I found a pattern for hanging monkeys in Crochet World (I think). I made one of my sons one and I liked how it turned out. I'll be making more.

That's about it for now. I figured I'd give a little update to anyone who might be wandering by.

Crocheting myself into a corner

I sold one of my shawls, Deep Calls Unto Deep and the person who bought it ordered 2 more. One the same color and another I'll be making in Sierra.
I'm also making a baby sweater for another friend who's granddaughter was born a couple of weeks ago. I am hoping that I'll have all three done by this weekend.

Creator of the Universe Shawl

I kept hearing a song by Morningstar called "Creator of the Universe" while crocheting this incredible soft shawl.

Lyrics:

In Your presence, Oh Lord,
We're consumed with Your heart
And delight in Your goodness, Oh God
Just as the bride and the bridegroom romance
We want to cause you to joy and move you to dance

Creator of the universe
Won't You dance, Oh dance with us?

Holy Spirit in graceful descent
Come and fall as our praises ascend
As a dove, come and rest in Your grace
Take us to the holiest place

Creator of the universe
Won't You dance, Oh dance with us?

I made this with Lion Brand Homespun - Deco and a K hook using this pattern.

This shawl is so beautiful, the color is simply comforting. I pray that whoever receives this feels comforted by the Creator. It measures 17" x 121". It's long and is great to wrap around.

Breathe Shawl

While crocheting this shawl I kept hearing a song by Leonard Jones called "Holding Your Breath" found on Morningstar's "Coming out of Egypt" album.

The words are:
Out of darkness You brought forth light
Out of nothing You commanded the night

Holding Your breath
Out of Your words You made the worlds
Out of play You took a son for Yourself
Holding Your breath

Kneeling down Breathing out
Face - to - face
Your embrace

Out of the dust you created my heart
From the earth You brought form unto my soul
Out of your spirit you breathed in new life
Breathe into us again!

Breathe into us, Lord!
We're turning blue.

Out of touch I have run too fast
Coming back I return to you at last
Holding Your breath.

So kneeling down
I breathe in
Face - to - face
Your embrace

Out of the dust you created my heart
From the earth you brought form unto my soul
Out of your spirit you breathed in your life
Breathe into us again!

Na - na -neo
Na - na - neo pneuma
Na - na - neo

I added the following scripture to the card on the shawl as I felt this is what the Lord wanted to communicate to whoever this shawl is for:
Genesis 2:7 - the LORD God formed the man from the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living being.
Psalm 33:6 - By the word of the LORD were the heavens made, their starry host by the breath of his mouth.
Psalm 150:6 - Let everything that has breath praise the LORD.
John 20:22 - And with that he breathed on them and said, "Receive the Holy Spirit."

I made this shawl out of Lion Brand Homespun in Mediterranean. Lion Brand describes the yarn color, "'Painterly' color The colors of a Grecian hillside -- dusty olive and warm tans." I used an N hook and adapted this pattern. It measures about 22" x 76".

NOTHING is safe! I will embellish EVERYTHING with crochet!

Mua ha ha ha. I just had to crochet this "sweater" for Scott's guitar stand. Actually, it's our son Levi's guitar stand that Scott is going to be using soon.

Ok, so I didn't do this of my own accord. Scott came up to me and asked if I would crochet a cover for the stand. It was getting pretty worn but he didn't see a need to purchase a new one. I was honored he asked and got to work right away. (I was reminded that I got to work on it right away because I suffer from obsessive compulsiveness LOL.) I used Caron Simply Soft Autumn Red and a size H hook. I had to crochet around the stand, which was interesting, but it worked. For the bottom part, I crocheted two tubes and then crocheted them together when they were on the stand.