Christmas 2010 Project Pictures Take 2

The afghan for my lovely cousin Kyla, the lion ornament for my niece Abby, and the heap of squares that will be my sister's afghan by no later than her birthday (January 20)

Christmas 2010 Project Pictures Take 1

The owl for my cousin who likes the series by Kathryn Lasky, the chicken for my mom, cats for my littlest cousins, a fish for my other cousin because she asked for it, & my sister's his & hers ornaments. Allow me to introduce Stephen & Betsy Claus.

And, yes, I know I have a lot of cousins.

Tis the Season...to Disappear!

I can't believe it's been almost a month since my last update. Let me assure you that I have not been idle. I am slowly finishing the Christmas gifts. The only one that won't be done by Christmas is my sister's annual afghan. She's getting a picture of a heap of squares and an IOU. Hoping to have it completed by her birthday (January 20). It should be doable. The majority of the squares are made. I just need to run in ends and sew them together.

The trend this year has been buying more and making less. This was not my choice, but entirely my fault. I'm determined that next year will go much smoother. I'm finally settled in a position and town that I love. Next year, I'd like to set some goals to keep myself on track.

I'm retiring my crocheted purple tree decorations after this year. After I finish my sister's afghan, I plan to make brand new decorations for my little tree. I have both a color scheme and a theme. The Colors (all Red Heart Super Saver): Light Coral, Honeydew, and Lavender. The Theme: Candy Confection. I've located many interesting patterns for candy, cupcakes, and even fruit. I'll keep you posted.

I purchased a new camera after Thanksgiving. Expect project pictures soon.

I probably won't post again until after Christmas. Here's wishing you and yours the joy of Christmas. Merry Christmas! Until next time, happy crocheting!

Where Have I Been?

How is it that 2 weeks have passed and I haven't updated this blog? Well, devoted readers, I have been busy with a capital "B." On the 20th, I moved into a lovely apartment. My commute is now no longer than 10 minutes. I have been enjoying the extra leisure time, but I haven't been spending much of it with a crochet hook in hand. Moving always means much unpacking, sorting, and straightening.

I've finally started back to crocheting. Christmas is upon me (25 days as of tomorrow, folks!) and I'm still not anywhere near done with my gifts. This week, I'm concentrating on those gifts I haven't started yet. Today, I finished up 5 snowball fridgies (story time props). They only need eyes, noses, & mouths. I've been making squares like crazy. The afghan for my cousin has to be done by December 19. We're having Christmas a little early with that set of relations. Hoping I'll manage to get my sister's at least partially done.

This is very unusual for me. Normally, I'm already done by this time and working on next year's. I'm enjoying the rush just a little, but really hoping next year's gift making goes much smoother.

Until next time, happy crocheting!

Some Progress

Finally, I appear to be making some progress on my Christmas list. I've recently updated my list and was surprised by how much is now in the "to finish" category. The adults, outside my immediate family, have definitely bit the dust. I'll probably buy them a small something.

This past week I made and finished the 5 airplane fridgies for my story time. I made 5 Magenta squares. I'm now done with that color and only have 38 squares left to make. To that end, I bought Black and Amethyst to finish it up. I also bought Shocking Pink and Blue for the ornaments for my friends getting married right before Christmas. In addition, I also started a purse for a three year old cousin. I'm using Red Heart Super Saver's Marrakesh.

Plans for this week include more squares and those other pesky little projects left to make. I'm moving this weekend and am looking forward to much more leisure time for crocheting. While my list is shrinking by ditching the adults, I find it growing a little as I add new friends.

I also need to make the ornaments for the ladies' ornament exchange at church. I'm making a selection: snowman, stocking, wreath, bell, gingerbread house.

Until next time, happy crocheting!

Cold Crocheting...

Sorry for the delay in updating. I've picked up a cold and spent most of the weekend taking it easy. I've adopted a new crochet philosophy that will hopeful ease my worry over completing Christmas gifts...a little something everyday. I've also found an apartment locally and will be moving in the next couple of weeks. Not having the 2.5 hour round trip commute will seriously increase my leisure/crochet time.

This past week, I crocheted some. I made 3 more pumpkin fridgies and 6 bookworms. Finished 6 pumpkin fridgies and 6 bookworms. I added the tail feathers and feet to the 5 turkey butt bases I made a week or so ago. I also made 4 Magenta granny squares and the pieces for 1 airplane fridgie. I found a pattern for a small stuffed airplane and cut it in half to make a flat airplane.

My plans for this week mostly include making more Christmas gifts. I'm off on Thursday for Veteran's Day. I may either have a big finishing day or work even harder on my to do list. What are your crocheting plans this week?

Until next time, happy crocheting!

Another slow week...

This week has been slow again in terms of crocheting. I made 4 Magenta granny squares and started 3 pumpkin fridgies. Those are for Halloween gifts for my co-workers. I'm also making bookworms for them. In other news, I'm loving my new job. It's an awesome job, the perfect position for me.

My plans for the next week include finishing the turkey fridgies for Wesley, making a fish for my cousin Dana, a purse for my cousin Alyssa J, and a dog for my friend Alyssa A. I also hope to start on the snowman ornaments for a friend at church. Then there are squares for my sister's afghan and my cousin's. Busy, busy, busy!

I also need to make some story time props (i.e., magnets) for November and December. I'll be making airplanes, feathers, cookies, hats, and something Christmasy (I haven't decided yet). Can you guess the story time themes?

Until next week, happy crocheting!

Slowly But Surely

It's been a pretty quiet crocheting week, but I am still settling in to my new job and adjusting to the commute. This week, I finished more than I made. All that I finished went in treat bags for the pumpkin carving party. I finished 8 pumpkin coasters, 8 candy corn fridgies, 10 owl fridgies, 8 jack-o-lantern fridgies, and 3 black cat fridgies.

I made 7 bookworms using I Love This Yarn in the color they call Boo. I also made 2 owl fridgies--5 of the 10 were story time props and 5 went as favors at the pumpkin carving party. And I finished up the Gemstone yarn and made 7 squares for my cousins afghan.

My plans for this next week are pretty simple: more squares and any little projects that I can manage.

Until next time, happy crocheting!

New Beginnings & Old Projects

Well, as most of you know I started a new job this week. I'm a youth services librarian for a regional library that serves four small libraries. I'm loving it! One of my main responsibilities is preschool story time, so you'll probably be seeing more crocheted story time props on the blog.

Commuting and working have reduced my crocheting time. I do try to crochet a little on my lunch break and in the evenings. Most of my crocheting will likely take place on the weekends.

This week I've made 9 Real Teal and 3 Gemstone granny squares for my cousin's afghan. I also made 1 bell and the bases for 5 turkey magnets. These are for my three-year-old cousin Wesley. He liked the one I made for my other cousin Jonah.

This weekend, I'll be finishing up some old projects that I started more than two years ago. The reason for them went away so I never finished them. I'm finishing pumpkin coasters and a variety of fridgies (candy corn, black cats [my own pattern] owls, and jack-o-lanterns). My thirteen-year-old neighbor Kyra is having a pumpkin carving party the week before Halloween and I'm giving these as favors. Five of the owls are story time props for my first story time next week. Can you guess the theme?

Other plans are much the same as they've been for the past two weeks: squares for the two afghans, a fish, a purse, a dog, some slippers, and some turkeys.

Until next week, happy crocheting!

Well...

For some reason, this has been a slow crochet week. I think I let myself get bogged down in a couple of bigger projects and didn't have the energy to work on the smaller ones.

I mentioned in my last post that I made two skinny scarves this week for the two five-year-old girls on my list. For one I used Red Heart Super Saver's Melonberry. For the other, I used Red Heart Super Saver's Orchid and I Love This Yarn in Seaspray Ombre.

I also made a test run sweater for our Boston Terrier Chester. He likes to walk and has a short coat so I thought he needed a sweater. I used Lisa Hamblin's Dog Sweater pattern. Chester has an odd build. He's a very skinny Boston and is built like a racing dog with a narrow waist and a big chest. This first sweater didn't fit him quite right and he hated being put into it. I'm reworking the pattern to make the whole piece in rows instead of rounds so I can add buttons and buttonholes. I'll let you know how it turns out.

The only other thing I've made this week is 5 Soft Navy squares and 1 Real Teal square for my cousins afghan. On Monday, I start my new job and my leisure time will be reduced considerably. My focus will remain the same: gifts for my immediate family and then all the kids.

My plans for this next week are much the same as they were for this week: squares for the two afghans, a fish, a purse, a dog, turkeys, and 2 hats & scarves for little girls at church.

Today, I'm off to enjoy a local craft festival that my family set up for about 10 years as vendors. I would have my crocheted items, Mom sewed & quilted, Dad made knives, my uncle quilted & sewed, and my sister did different things every year. We haven't set up in about 4 years, but I enjoy being a spectator. So many great things to look at and then the wonderful food!

My weekly updates will likely be moving to Saturdays, but they will still over the week beginning Saturday and ending Friday. Until next time, happy crocheting!

Another productive week

My apologies that this weekly update is late. I had limited access to the Internet over the weekend, but I did get a lot of crocheting done. Not to confuse my faithful readers, this update is for the week beginning September 25 and ending October 1.

I had several birthdays this past week and decided that turkey butt fridgies would make great gifts. (This pattern was available online for free, but has since disappeared.) I made 1 for my cousin Jonah who turned 12. In his card, I encouraged him to shake his tail feathers more. I made another for a little boy at church who turned five. I also included a few bookworms to round out the gift. The last turkey I made was for my cousin Autumn who turned 10. I liked hers best because I used unusual colors: Soft Navy for the backside, Spa Blue for the feet, and Shaded Purples (pretty sure this color has been discontinued) for the feathers.

The pastor's wife also had a birthday in the past week. She likes snowmen so I made her two snowman ornaments for her tree. I also made the lion ornament (using a finger puppet pattern) for my niece. The mane utterly defeated me. Apparently, I'm not meant to do loop stitch. But I made up my own pattern and it turned out quite nice.

Autumn is one of the kids on my list that I draw a blank on. I mean, what do you make a kid who LOVES to read for Christmas? Even she didn't know. She did ask for more bookworms, but I want to make her something else as well. I finally had an inspiration. She's reading The Guardians of Ga'Hoole series by Kathryn Lasky. I've decided to make her an owl. I found a cute pattern from Coats and Clark (Cutest Little Owl). I used Sandy Print for the head and body, Shaded Browns for the wings, Cornmeal for the beak, and Black/Coffee for the eyes. It's still in pieces, but I think it will turn out just fine.

I also made some granny squares this week. 8 Honeydew for my sister's Christmas afghan and 9 Gemstone for my cousin's Christmas afghan. She likes pinks and purples. I'm using Gemstone, Magenta, Real Teal, and Soft Navy so far. It's going to be a smaller afghan, 7 x 12 squares.

My plans for this week are ambitious and already started. I've made 2 skinny scarves for the 2 five-year-old girls on my list. I wanted to make hats too, but they're hard to make when you don't have ready access to the kid for measurements. My other plans for this week include squares for the 2 afghans, a fish, a purse, a dog, some more turkey fridgies, and some bells.

Most of the stuff I've made hasn't been finished yet. I foresee a two or three day stretch when all I do is finish these and get them ready to wrap.

With any luck this week's post (October 2 - October 8) will be posted as usual on Friday. Until then, happy crocheting!

A Most Productive Week

Wow...have I crocheted a lot this week.

First, I made a skinny scarf for a little girl at church. She turns 5 on Monday. I used a half double stitch and REd Heart Super Saver's Melonberry. Her favorite colors are pink and purple.

Then I made many squares for my sister's Christmas afghan--10 out of Honeydew and 13 out of Aruba Sea. The Aruba Sea squares are now done.

I also made the pieces for 2 stuffed cats. They are for the two one-year-old girls on my list. I used lots of scraps in making them. (Side note: I watched Disney's That Darn Cat starring Hayley Mills while making these.)

In addition, I made 5 bell ornaments with Red Heart Super Saver's Cherry Red.

I'm starting a new job in October (Yay me!) so I'm sure my crocheting will slow down a little. This may be the year that some people fall off my list.

Until next time, happy crocheting!

Hogwarts House Scarves

As promised, here is a picture of the Hogwarts House Scarves (Gryffindor & Ravenclaw) I made recently and my original pattern.

As always, You may use this pattern for your own personal use. You may provide a link to this pattern from your website, but not the pattern itself. Feel free to sell what you make from this pattern, but please give me credit as the designer.

Hogwarts House Scarf Pattern

(Prisoner of Azkaban style)

~designed by Bridget R. Wilson~

Materials:
-I hook
-7 oz. (at least) main color
-Smaller amount of contrast color
-Scissors
-Yarn needle

Suggested Colors:
Gryffindor: Burgundy/Gold (SS/CoS); Claret/Gold (PoA/GoB)
Hufflepuff: Bright Yellow/Black (SS/CoS); Gold/Black (PoA/GoB)
Ravenclaw: Royal/Warm Brown or Light Grey (SS/CoS); Soft Navy/Cafe or Light Grey (PoA/Gob)
Slytherin: Hunter Green/Light Grey (SS/CoS); Dark Sage/Light Grey (PoA/GoB)
[All colors are Red Heart Super Saver Yarn.]

Stitches Used: hdc, ch

Note: ch 2 does NOT count as 1st stitch

With main color, ch 22

Row 1: hdc in 3rd ch from hk and in each ch across. ch 2 & turn. (20 hdc)

Rows 2-18: hdc in each st across. Ch 2 & turn. At the end of Row 18, chg to contrast color. (20 hdc)

Rows 19-20: hdc in each st across. Ch 2 & turn. At the end of Row 20, chg to main color. (20 hdc)
Rows 21-24: hdc in each st across. Ch 2 & turn. At the end of Row 24, chg to contrast color. (20 hdc)

Rows 25-26: hdc in each st across. Ch 2 & turn. At the end of Row 26, chg to main color. (20 hdc)
Rows 27-44: hdc in each st across. Ch 2 & turn. At the end of Row 44, chg to contrast color. (20 hdc)

Continue in this manner until the scarf is desired length.

Pattern:
18 rows main color
2 rows contrast color
4 rows main color
2 rows contrast color
18 rows main color

End with 18 rows main color so the scarf pattern is even.

Run in ends with yarn needle. You can add fringe if you like.

Fringe: Cut 60 pieces of contrast color, 10 inches each. Put groups of 3 in every other stitch.

Success at last!

I'm proud to report that I finished the Ravenclaw scarf on Tuesday. I ran in ends and put the fringe on on Wednesday. I still have to do the same with the Gryffindor scarf. They've turned out rather nicely. Tomorrow, I'll be posting pictures and my original pattern.

This weekend, I'm looking forward to starting on my Christmas List again. Remember, I'm concentrating on my immediate family and then all the kids on my list. So much to do and only 98 days to do it. Can I make it? I hope so. In fact, I'm hoping to make a gift for everyone on my list, not just my immediate family and the kids.

What are you crocheting this week?

Until next time, happy crocheting!

Still crocheting away...

I did crochet some this week on the Ravenclaw scarf. I'm still planning to have both scarves finished this weekend and ready to mail on Monday.

I've done a quick inventory of my progress on the squares for my sister's annual Christmas afghan. I have to make 53 or 54 of each of the three colors (Seagrass, Aruba Sea, & Honeydew). The Seagrass squares have been done for sometime now. I have 41 of the Aruba Sea squares completed.

I'm nowhere near being done with this year's afghan and I'm already thinking about next year's color scheme. Red Heart has so very nice Camo yarn out. I really like Desert Camo and Dress Blues. My brother-in-law gets to pick the colors for 2011 and I think he'll like these two.

Until next week, happy crocheting!

My (Crochet) Week In Review

Hi folks! Just a quick update this week. There's been a lot going on in my life. My mom got a new puppy--a blue Great Dane named Blue. The other dogs aren't adjusting so well. And I'm making some progress in the job search. All in all, I haven't had much time for crocheting.

I estimate the Ravenclaw scarf is half done. Hoping to wrap it up this weekend and move on to the Christmas gifts. I've been watching the 1949 Little Women as I crochet. A lovely movie!

A busy non-crocheting week...

Well, folks, I've been busy this week, but not with crocheting. I seem to have had places to go and people to see almost everyday. I've been to the chiropractor and the dentist. I spent most of the day with my sister yesterday. She's not feeling well.

I had crochet goals for the week that I didn't meet, but I've still got the rest of the day. I wanted to finish the Ravenclaw scarf and get it and the Gryffindor scarf in the mail. This past Wednesday (August 25) marked the 4 month mark until Christmas. That's roughly 120 days to get all my gifts made. I'm hoping I can do it, but I'm more behind than I've ever been. However, I do like a challenge.

This morning I did manage to run in ends on all those bookworms and get wiggle eyes glued on. I only sustained one small burn from my hot glue gun.

Yesterday, I received the DVDs I ordered in the mail: Masterpiece Theatre's Jane Erye, the 1949 Little Women, and Lost in Austen. I've also recently purchased Darby O'Gill and the Little People, Summer Magic, and In Search of the Castaways. I do like to have good movies to crochet along with.

By next Friday, I plan to have the scarves mailed and the Christmas gifts underway. Until then, happy crocheting.

Progress at Last!

My bruises are fading and I found a little more time to crochet this week.

The Gryffindor scarf is done. All it needs is the ends run in and fringe. I have started the Ravenclaw scarf. It's very small right now. I like the pattern I came up with, but I will be modifying it when I make Gryffindor scarves for my best friend and me. We like skinnier scarves. The ones I'm making right now are about 5.5 inches wide.

This week I've also make a set of six star coasters for a housewarming party. I already had some cotton dishcloths made. I used Red Heart Super Saver's Shaded Browns. Julie is doing her house in neutrals, so I thought that color would be perfect.

I made 31 bookworms over the past week. I concentrated on variegated yarn and fall colors. They still need eyes, but I know they'll soon be given away or sold.

Christmas is still looming. I've decided to concentrate on 2 areas for starters:

-My immediate family (mom, dad, sister, brother-in-law, brother, brother's girlfriend, and niece)
-The kids (I have lots of younger cousins in my extended family.)

I'm trying to devise a gift giving list for age 0-18. The first Christmas gift I give to a new baby is a baby bootie ornament. I'm trying to get set gifts for each age (boy and girl) so it will be easier on me in the long term. I'll let you know how it turns out.

This week I crocheted while watch Masterpiece Theatre's production of Charles Dickens' Little Dorrit. I loved it. Austen, Alcott, and Masterpiece are always great crocheting films.

In the coming week, I plan to finish both the Hogwarts House scarves and start on my Christmas gifts. My digital camera died this week so project pictures may be a little delayed.

Until next week, happy crocheting!

Life Happens...

Well, folks, I started this week with great intentions and then life happened. On Monday, my best friend's grandfather passed away. On Tuesday, my parents and I took some food to her house. Her parents have recently moved into a home they have built. They don't have real steps yet, just cinder blocks laid out in the shape of steps. As I was coming down them, one of the blocks gave way and I went with them. I fell mostly on the back side of my right hip. I was very dizzy for about an hour and almost passed out. My mom and friend took me to the ER. Not breaks, just bad bruising. Needless to say this has killed many of my crochet plans.

I'm still working on the Gryffindor scarf. it's almost finished. I might even finish it this weekend. Then on to Ravenclaw. My bookworms are selling well, but a little slower. I checked my inventory and I only have solid colored ones. So, I pulled out all the variegated yarn from my scrap box. The plan is to make 3 bookworms from each color.

Only 134 days until Christmas and I have zilch done. My very next project (after the Hogwarts House scarves) is Christmas gifts. Luckily, the majority on my list is small things. They shouldn't take too long.

Until next week, happy crocheting!

Hello Hogwarts!

Now that all those baby afghans and baby hats are done, I've started serious work on the Hogwarts House scarves (Prisoner of Azkaban/Goblet of Fire style). I'm working on the Gryffindor one now. It's going rather well. I'm using a half double crochet stitch. I thought single was too tight and double too loose.

After Gryffindor comes Ravenclaw. I'm very interested to see how the colors work (Royal and Warm Brown). And once the scarves are done, (that is, if I don't get any more commissions) I'll begin again on my Christmas list. My sister's afghan is a top priority as are all the other small things on the list. Currently, I have 44 people on my Christmas list. It's possible that it will get larger. It usually does.

Until next week, happy crocheting!

Baby Afghan Pictures!

Finally, some pictures for my dedicated readers! The first is of the "Baby Butterfly" afghan. I think it turned out rather well. I love the nine patch block layout. I'll definitely be using it again. The second if the "Noah's Ark" afghan. I've also finished the baby hats. Now onto the Hogwarts House scarves.

Still Crocheting!

This weekly update is a day early, but I'm at the library so I thought I'd go ahead and update all my faithful readers on my crocheting adventures. This past week is one of my favorite times of year besides Christmas. Yes, folks, it was the annual yarn clearance at Wal-Mart. Here's what I got:

- 2 skeins of Melonberry (Red Heart Super Saver)
- 2 skeins of Seagrass (Red Heart Super Saver)
- 2 skeins of Marrakesh (Red Heart Super Saver)
- 1 skein of Tea Leaf (Red Heart Super Saver)
- 1 skein of Cherrycola (Red Heart Super Saver)
- 1 skein of Sunrise (Peaches & cream cotton)

Not a bad haul, if I do say so myself. I've already used a little bit of the Melonberry in the "Baby Butterfly" afghan. I was 2 squares short of Plum Pudding. That afghan is coming along nicely. The green (Medium Thyme) is a bit dark, but this afghan was all about using what I had. The nine patch block layout is turning out nicely. I should be done sewing the squares together and then to edge it.

Oh, I found out that my mom's cousin's daughter is doing her nursery in Noah's Ark. The good news is the afghan I made (Coffee, Aran, Light Blue) will match. If I'd knew the theme before I started I would have used Country Blue, Warm Brown, Buff.

My next projects are 2 baby hats, 2 Hogwarts scarves, and then back to work on my Christmas gifts. Christmas is just 149 days away. I don't know if I'll get everything done this week. I certainly don't think I'll get all those afghans done. I think I might get my cousin's done in addition to my sister's, but that's all. However, you never know.

Until next week, happy crocheting!

Changes & Crocheting

Hello to all my fellow crocheters and blog readers!

Changes are taking place in my life. Last Friday, I was laid off from my position at a college library. I will miss all the friends I made there and the wonderful children's room. I am once again pounding the pavement (figuratively speaking) to find a new position.

At the same time, my mom has switched to third shift. This is quite an adjustment for the whole family. As I have more time now, I've taken over the cooking, grocery shopping, and the dogs' care. I like being able to help out.

Despite the changes in my life, I am still finding some time to crochet. I finished the baby boy afghan (Coffee, Aran, Light Blue) this week. I will post a picture soon. I have about 42 squares left to make for the "Baby Butterfly" afghan (Plum Pudding, Artist Print, Blueberry Pie, Medium Thyme, Buff).

After that I get to start on the Hogwarts scarves. I purchased the yarn earlier this week. For the Gryffindor scarf, I'm using Red Heart Super Saver's Burgundy and Gold. For the Ravenclaw scarf, I'm using Royal and Medium Brown. The girl wants Ravenclaw colors from the books (blue and bronze) as opposed to the movies (blue & silver).

Mom has decided she also wants be to make some hats for her cousin's daughter's baby. She wants them to match the afghan so I'll use Coffee and Light Blue. Found a new pattern over at The Blue Crab Crochets at Midnight. I'll let you know how they turn out.

Until next week, happy crocheting!

Crochet in the midst of household turmoil...

So...my parents are remodeling the kitchen and dining room this week. My bedroom is right off the dining room. As they're laying tile, I had to vacate my room for a few days and stay in the living room.

I've still got quite a bit of crocheting done. I started the afghan for my mom's cousin's daughter last Friday. I've made all the Aran and Coffee squares. I should finish the Light blue squares today. Hoping to finish it completely this weekend.

I've also made Independence Day bookworms for my co-workers (Red Heart Super Saver's Stars & Stripes). They loved them.

I've had to rethink the baby afghan for the friend at church. I looked at her gift registry and while the color scheme I had planned didn't clash, it didn't exactly match either. She's chosen butterfly themed bedding that has pinks and purples with green accents. I'm still going to do the nine patch block pattern, but I'm adding a few more colors. The new color scheme is Light Sage, Frosty Green, Buff, Artist Print, Blueberry Pie, & Plum Pudding. I'm still working on the layout.

So that afghan is next and then the Hogwarts house scarves. And then if I don't have any more commissions, I'll start back on my Christmas gifts.

Until next week, happy crocheting!

More Crochet than I Can Handle

Wow...this has been such a bust crochet week. I've finished the baby afghan for my aunt's friend. It turned out rather well. I've titled it "Ashley's Sailboats." The colors were Red Heart Super Saver's Soft Navy, Paddy Green, and Tea Leaf. Today, I'll be starting on the baby afghan for my mom's cousin's daughter. Still have to get the blue yarn.

I also still need to make the baby afghan for the girl at church. I'm very excited about it as it's a layout I've never tried before (nine patch blocks). I have another baby afghan pending. It's for a friend's coworker, but I'm not sure if it's definite yet. It's for a little boy and her color scheme is brown and beige with green accents. I've come up with a couple of color schemes: "Chocolate-covered Peter Rabbit" and "Little Boy Nature."

I've got two orders for Hogwarts House Scarves. One for Gryffindor and one for Ravenclaw. I'm looking forward to making these. They will be Prisoner of Azkaban film style. I will be making myself and my best friend new scarves, as well, for the movie premiere.

As you can see, I am very busy in terms of crochet. This update is rather short, but I'm sure you understand. Until next week, happy crocheting.

Another Week...

My update this week is a day early because I'm off work tomorrow for Independence Day. Hopefully, I'll get lots of crocheting done.

I've worked primarily on squares for the sailboat theme baby afghan this week. I've finished the 27 Tea Leaf squares and started in on the Paddy Green ones. I've charted out the layout on graph paper. I think it's going to turn out rather well. After I finish it, I'll move on to the squares for the other baby afghan (Coffee, Light Blue, Aran).

A girl at church is expecting a little girl around September. I've decided to make her a baby afghan. I want to use yarn I already have so I plan to use my normal 9 x 9 squares, but make 9 patch blocks. The colors I'm using are Light Raspberry, Cornmeal, Frosty Green, and Buff. I originally wanted to use Country Blue, but I don't have any. All I had was Windsor Blue and it's a bit dark for a baby girl's afghan. I can't wait to see how it looks. The layout chart looks promising.

Over the holiday weekend, I might also continue to work on Christmas gifts (i.e., the hat and scarf for Mom) and some more bookworms. I'm working with blue yarns right now. I try to keep a variety of colors out where I sell them.

The trailer for Part 1 of Harry Potter & the Deathly Hallows released Monday night. I'm so happy about the November release date. It will be the perfect opportunity to wear my Gryffindor scarf. I'm thinking of making a new one using the Prisoner of Azkaban movie style. I'm also thinking of making a Ravenclaw scarf. As much as I love Gryffindor, I think I would end up in Ravenclaw.

I have a busy weekend ahead. There's a youth rally at church tomorrow. I have Summer Reading Program events at the library on Saturday (Pirates Preschool Story Time, a Pirate Party for ages 6-11, and a Percy Jackson Party for teens) and a cookout. Church and another cookout on Sunday. In between all this, I'll crochet, read, and continue with my Bible study.

Until next time, happy crocheting!

More Progress

What a busy week...crochet and otherwise. I've held firm in my resolution to begin attacking my Christmas list. I started at the beginning (a very good place to start--Just ask Julie Andrews!) with Mom's annual stuffed chicken. I use Irene Duquette's Cool Chicken pattern. This year I decided to make a very whimsical chicken. I used Red Heart Super Saver Marrakesh for the body, Tea Leaf for the feet and beak, and Magenta for the comb. The chicken is still in pieces. I like to have several projects at that stage before I start finishing them.

Mom's other request for this year is a hat with earflaps. She's saw them in stores and noticed how popular they are so she wants one. I really liked using post stitches when I made Bella's hat from Twilight the movie for my cousin last year. I was thrilled to find an earflap hat pattern that made use of post stitches. I'm using the pattern "Paula's Post Stitches" from the December 2009 issue of Crochet World. There's a matching scarf! I'm using Red Heart Super Saver's Williamsburg Print for the hat and scarf.

As you know, I've been thinking a lot about what to make for my niece Abby's Christmas tree ornament. Since I'll be making her one every year, I really want them to commemorate the years. She's only ten months old and she's been to the zoo three times. Ergo, I've decided her tree ornament this year will be a lion. I've decided to use one of SAG55's finger puppet patterns. As you know, these patterns aren't available unless you use the Internet Archive

I'm about bookwormed out. Not sure how many I made. And I'll probably continue making them as they're selling so well. I've sold eight this week.

I now have another commission for a baby afghan. My aunt wants me to make one for her friend. Ashley is expecting a boy this fall. The nursery theme is sailboats. The colors I'll be using are Red Heart Super Saver's Soft Navy, Paddy Green, and Tea Leaf. It should turn out nicely. My goal is to make ten squares a day. That means I should have the afghan done in a couple of weeks (three at the outside). And don't forget, I also have the baby afghan my mom commissioned me to make. Busy, busy!

The fish was a hit at story time. I've never seen anything be pulled and wooled so much. One little boy asked if the fish lived at the library. I said no, he was coming home with me. Little boy's reply: Well, what's he going to do there? I love kids! I have more programs tomorrow, but I didn't make any props. This week's events: Boats Preschool Story Time, a Tall Tales program for ages 6-11, and puppet play practice for teens.

If I continue making good on my resolution to tackle my Christmas list beginning to end, my next few projects will be curlicue ornaments, slippers, the lion ornament, and a scrap cat. How long do you think that will take me?

Until next time, happy crocheting!

Of hats, bookworms, and fish...

I finished up the second Heroes hat last Friday evening and mailed it off to Em on Saturday morning. I hope her friend likes it. The symbol ended up being a little crookedly sewn this time. But it does make it one-of-a-kind!

I've been using up those scraps I pulled out of my scrap box on bookworms. I think I've made about 20 or so. They are all solid colored. I didn't have any small balls of variegated yarn. The variegated ones are the most popular so I'll probably make some of those sooner rather than later. After I've used the scraps to make bookworms, I have even smaller scraps left. Those are going into fold top sandwich bags so they don't cause havoc in my scrap box again. I have some baby pink and orchid left over from a baby afghan. I think I'll use it to make a stuffed cat toy for my niece's Christmas present. I'll add in some cream to balance it out.

Tomorrow is the first round of events for the Summer Reading Program. During preschool story time, we'll be playing "Fisherman, fisherman, where's your fish?" I've made a small flat fish to use as the prop. When designing my own patterns, I am much better at two-dimensional things. I've made very few 3D items. I think I could, I just need more time to fiddle with the patterns. The fish turned out quite well. I didn't write down the pattern as I went, but I think I can duplicate it.

The week ahead holds more bookworms and I might get started on the baby afghan my mom has commissioned me to make. I need to get back to work on Christmas stuff. My sister's afghan is languishing. And I haven't even thought about the smaller projects I have on my list. I guess the best way to handle my smaller Christmas projects is just to go straight down the list.

Until next time, happy crocheting!

Projects and Progress

Isn't that a great title for a weekly update? If I ever write a crocheting memoir, that will be my title. It smacks of Austen's Pride and Prejudice (which warms the cockles of my librarian heart) and yet is applicable to crochet. Projects and Progress...ahh, a great title! Okay, after that random musing here's my crocheting week in review.

The Heroes hat is in pieces--the hat and the two pieces of the symbol. I plan to finish it up tonight and mail it tomorrow.

I have a new commission from my mom to make a baby afghan for a cousin's baby. For once, it's a boy. I've said time and again that I don't particularly liker working with pastels. That being said, I like the color scheme for this afghan. The nursery set is blue and brown, so I'm using Red Heart's Coffee, Aran, and Light Blue. Sophisticated yet perfect for a baby boy.

The bookworms are selling well. I've sold ten in the past week. This is fortuitous because my scrap box is nagging me. After all the moves, the yarn balls are all tangled up. I straightened it up the other day. The scraps too little to make even one bookworm went into a plastic fold top sandwich bag. The smaller balls went into a tote bag. They will shortly be turned into bookworms.

Until next time, happy crocheting!

Project Planning

Not much going on this week crochet-wise. I had plans last night to work on the Heroes hat, but my dad got me interested in the movie Savage Sam and there went those plans. They are rescheduled for tonight.

This past weekend I did manage to gather up the yarn for my cousin's afghan. More multi-colors than solids. I'm planning a 7 x 12 squares (roughly 35 inches by 60 inches).

I also worked out a plan for a crib size baby afghan. No one wants one yet, but it's nice to offer the option. 6 x 10 squares (roughly 30 inches by 50 inches).

I also straightened up my pattern binder. Patterns have been scattered here and there from the three moves and the many projects I've finished up. I have a HUGE 3-ring binder with 3 sections: Patterns I've used, Patterns I plan to use, and Afghan grids.

Until next week, happy crocheting!

Back in the Saddle...

I've found myself wanting to crochet more this week and even planning projects in my head. The purse and matching bookworms went over well with my five-year-old cousin. Her response, "I love it! I love it!" Well, to be honest, this is the way she responded to all her gifts.

The baby bootie ornament was also a hit. I had to explain it to the mom-to-be so I think next time I'll include a Christmas card that explains that this is the baby's first Christmas ornament. I want to adjust the pattern a bit--sometimes the bootie just doesn't look like a bootie.

After confirmation from Em, the second Heroes hat is under way. This one needs to be a bit bigger so I've added 4 stitches to the last increase round.

I've decided to put my sister's afghan on hold for the moment. I'm just tired of working with those colors. So now I'm planning the afghan for my cousin. Lots of pinks and purples.

Until next time...happy crocheting!

Christmas is Coming,

The goose is getting fat,
Please put a penny
In the old man's hat
~Traditional Nursery Rhyme

Ack! Only 217 days until Christmas and I've barely made a dent in my list. As you know I've got about 6 afghans on my list this year. To be perfectly honest, I'll be amazed if I get 2 of the 6 done. Ornaments are also popular on my list this year. I've had several requests for my crocheted ornaments (bells, stockings, wreaths, and gingerbread houses).

I do have several dilemmas on my list this year. What to make for a 10 year old girl who loves to read? (She already has plenty of my bookworms.) What to make for a 12 year old boy who only likes video games? My mom has decided she wants a hat with earflaps and tassels. That should be fun to make. I haven't found a pattern I like yet. I've also decided to make my niece a new ornament every year. By the time she's 18, she'll have 19--enough to fill a small tree. The problem is deciding what to make.

In other news, I've been a bit more productive this week. I've made several bookworms, 5 for a birthday gift and some to sell. I've also made a baby bootie ornament. My cousin's wife is expecting a little boy this Summer. The shower is this weekend. I used to make hats for showers, but babies don't need hats in the summer. And a baby bootie ornament (Baby's 1st Christmas) is a better keepsake. The Heroes hat is the next item on my agenda. Then it's full steam ahead with my Christmas list.

Super Secret Birthday Present

Here it is, the super secret birthday present revealed. It's a kokeshi doll. Many thanks to Michelle McLaughlin at Suncatcher Eyes for the pattern. It didn't turn out quite like I'd hoped, but it's still pretty darn cute.

I may experiment a little bit and make myself one. The reason I made it for my friend is that she lived in Japan for a couple of years while her dad was in the Navy. And then we both took Japanese history in college.

What I learned from this endeavor: my embroidery skills need serious work. That's a butterfly in her hair and flowers on her dress. Yes, if I hadn't told you, you never would have guessed. They just look like a bad attempt at embroidery.

Slowing down...

I don't know why, but my crocheting has slowed down considerably this week. I've stopped crocheting at work. I hadn't in awhile and I've taken up another endeavour on my lunch hour--walking.

I finished the 4 bookworms for my friend at church and the ones that I'll be selling at a local location.

I've been working a little on the purse. I think granny squares have ruined me for large projects. The purse isn't exactly huge, but it is a lot of solid row crocheting. I think I like the smaller, instant gratification projects. Could this be a sign of my generation?

Hoping to finish the purse and the matching bookworms this weekend. And then get started on the 2nd Heroes hat. Not sure what I'll do then.

All quiet on the crochet front...

Now that the Peter Rabbit baby afghan is finally done, I'm finding myself at something of a loose end crochet-wise. The super secret birthday present/belated Christmas gift was completed in record time. I mailed it off yesterday to VA. It didn't turn out quite like I'd hoped, but I was pleased nonetheless. More about that later (when my friend has received it).

I'm working on the purse for my five year old cousin. I'm using Red Heart's Orchid (a nice light purple.) I'm making 5 bookworms in matching colors to go inside.

I also have an order for 4 bookworms for stocking stuffers. Two are already done (leftover from the ones I made for work). And I'm thinking of making some to sell at a local location.

Just remembered that I promised to make another Heroes' Hat for my friend Em's friend. This is a paying gig so as soon as I've got the birthday presents completed, it's on to the hat.

Crocheting at work (on my lunch break) has slowed down considerably. I find myself surfing the net or reading instead of crocheting. Primarily because I can't drum up much interest in the squares for my sister's Christmas afghan. I usually have a hiatus midway through. What can you expect with 100+ squares?

Speaking of my sister, my weekly update is a little early because I'm taking tomorrow off to attend her college graduation. In a few days, we'll have a registered dental hygienist in the family. I'm so proud of her.

Peter Rabbit Afghan: Done!

The Peter Rabbit afghan is done and on its way to VA. The other baby afghan pictured above is one I made for a friend at church recently.

Completion...finally!

Well folks, after weeks & weeks of the best laid plans going astray, the Peter Rabbit baby afghan is almost done. In fact, I hope to have it in the mail by tomorrow. I have my nine strips of nine squares ready to sew together. Then I just have to edge the afghan with single crochet.

My next projects will be birthday gifts. For my soon-to-be five-year-old cousin, I'll be making a purse and some bookworms. The purse pattern I use is the Happy Hearts Purse. I don't make the heart appliques--I just make the purse. It's an easy pattern that works up quickly. The half double crochet is a sturdy stitch just right for a little girl's purse. Many thanks to Marlo for sharing the pattern.

I'm also planning to make one of those belated Christmas gifts for a friend for her birthday. I'm not sure if she reads my blog so I'll keep quiet about what I'm making until she's received it. Here are a couple of hints: doll and international. That should keep you guessing.

Until next time, happy crocheting!

The best laid plans...

You know what they say about the best laid plans. I took a break from squares on Saturday to whip up 30 bookworms for a party and my friend's book club. I also make an extra long skinny scarf for the aforementioned party. I was ready to finish the Rose Pink squares on Sunday when we got a call from my uncle.

Grandma was in the ICU. We all rushed to the hospital to be with her. I crocheted a little on the bookworms and scarf in the waiting room. Some cousins were making hats in knitting looms. It was late that night before we got home. Grandma was alive but just barely. She passed away before 9:00am on Monday morning. The next few days were a flurry of arrangements and grieving. I know where Grandma is so I don't have anything to grieve about. I'll miss her to be sure, but in her own words, "Life doesn't stop just because you're hurting."

After the funeral, I managed to finish all the Rose Pink squares. Now they're waiting for the weekend so I can run the ends in and sew them together. I would love to have the afghan completed by Monday, but I'm not making any plans or promises.

Unless I get another order, I'll go back to making squares for my sister's Christmas afghan. One of my cousins will be turning five in mid May. I'm making her a purse and a few bookworms. She liked the one I gave her for Easter. Until Next time...

Crocheting through the pollen outbreak...

Spring has more than sprung in my neck of the woods. The pollen will choke you. My black car is yellow. My sinus infection came back with a vengeance over the weekend and gave me bronchitis to boot. That slowed down my crocheting a little. I spent most of the weekend in bed sleeping.

However, I did manage to crochet some. Here's what I've accomplished since my last update:

• 25 Buff squares for the Peter Rabbit afghan
• 5 Country Rose squares for the Peter Rabbit afghan

There's a story behind the pink yarn. My original color selection was Red Heart's Rose Pink. The one problem: the color is only available at A. C. Moore or online. My mom & I were planning a trip to the city anyhow so I stopped by A. C. Moore to get the yarn. Would you believe they were sold out of Rose Pink? They were. At JoAnn's, I found another color that was a close match: TLC Essentials (from the makers of Red Heart) Country Rose. It was a bit more expensive, the skein had 1 less ounce, and the color was a smidge darker than the Rose Pink, but I could make it work.

Hoping/planning to have the Peter Rabbit afghan completed by the end of the weekend. Wish me luck!

Easter & Beyond

Hello, folks! As promised (to you & me), here I am with a weekly update.

Over the long Easter weekend (4 days!), I took a break from granny squares to make some Easter bookworms. I like to put them in plastic eggs for holiday gifts. I make them to match the eggs so bright colors. I ended up making more than I needed--26. Everyone loved them. Now, I'm in the mood to make more worms!

But not until I finish the Peter Rabbit baby afghan. Which is moving right along, I'm proud to report. Since my last post, I've made 24 squares. The Frosty Green squares are done. I got overly enthusiastic and overshot by one. (I'll rip that one apart and make some bookworms!) I've started on the Buff squares. Not a very excited color to crochet with, but it's soothing so I guess I shouldn't complain.

I'm headed to the big city tomorrow to fetch the Rose Pink from A. C. Moore. Hopefully, they still carry it. If not, I'll have to order it online. I'm also going to the used bookstore. Who knows what I'll find there?

Anyway, by this time next week, I would love to have all 81 squares done. We'll see how that goes...

NCM 2010 Wrap-Up

March has officially ended (like a lamb, I'm happy to report) and so has National Craft Month. I had a great time crocheting through the month. I was rather surprised with the amount of crocheting I got done.

Here are my totals for the 31 days of my NCM Celebration:

• 21 four-round squares for my sister's Christmas afghan
• 61 three-round squares for my friend's baby afghan
• 5 three-round squares for the Peter Rabbit baby afghan

My crocheting fun is not ending because National Craft Month has. You know me...I always have a project in the works. My current one is a paid gig. A friend's co-worker is having a baby. They're decorating the nursery in Peter Rabbit. Enter me, my crocheting skills and the perfect color scheme for a Peter Rabbit baby afghan. I'm using Red Heart's Frosty Green, Buff, and Rose Pink. The afghan is for a baby girl. Another option would be Buff, Rose Pink, and Spa Blue. For a boy, I would use Frosty Green, Spa Blue, and Buff.

I've enjoyed posting these weekly updates so much that I plan/hope to continue them. I like to report my progress on a regular basis.

Until next time...

NCM Week 4 Update

This week has been a little bit different as I've started a new job. The hours are reasonable so I've still found time to crochet. I also crochet a bit on my lunch hour. Here's what I've accomplished during the fourth week of National Craft Month:

24 three-round granny squares for my friend's baby afghan (That's all 81 I need!)
almost 2 four-round granny squares for my sister's Christmas afghan

As you can tell, the baby afghan is on its way to completion. The 81 squares are done. The ends are run in. I've already started sewing them together. Not sure what I'll do when it's done. I still have quite a few squares to make for my sister's Christmas afghan. I may start the squares for one of the other afghans on my Christmas list. Maybe my aunt's or my brothers. W only have a few more days of NCM left (5 or 6 by my count). I hope you enjoy the last days as much as I plan to.

NCM Week 3 Update

Spring is springing here in my little corner of the world. The warmer weather and sunshine has had a great affect on my crocheting. Shaking off the winter blahs, I am in a crocheting mood. That is, when I can convince myself to come in from enjoying all the beauty outside. Without further ado, here's what I've made during this third week of National Craft Month:

• 10 three-round granny squares for the friend's baby afghan (Color: Red Heart's Soft White)
• 13 four-round granny squares for my sister's Christmas afghan (Color: Red Heart's Aruba Sea)

We only have 11 (or 12 depending on how you count) days left in this year's National Craft Month Celebration. I'm having a ball with my celebration. How about you?

As previously resolved, the bookworms are on a temporary hiatus until April.

See you next week!

NCM Week 2 Update

This week has been much more productive crochet wise. Without further ado, here are my accomplishments during the second week of my annual National Craft Month Celebration.

• 27 (three-round) granny squares for a friend's baby afghan
• 6 (four-round) granny squares for my sister's Christmas afghan

Even as I work on these squares, I find myself plotting ways and means for the others. The one for my brother will be purely hodgepodge. The one for my cousin will also be hodgepodge, but with more of a plan using her favorite colors. For my one friend, I already have the yarn--different shades of blue. For the other friend, she's made her preferences known, but I don't have yarn that suits them just yet. And I have a bunch of pinky coral wool yarn that my sister wants me to turn into a baby afghan. No she's not pregnant, she's just planning ahead. Several years ahead to be exact.

I've been thinking about the bookworms, but haven't made any yet. I think the bookworm making may rollover into April. I have lots of variegated yarn that will make great bookworms. I think I'll make three of each color.

And now, back to the crocheting!

NCM Week 1 Update

What with moving and the weather, I'm sorry to report that I haven't accomplished much crochet wise during this first week. The things I have completed are bringing me closer to crocheting.

I am settled enough after the move to actually find my crochet stuff. I sorted through my yarn and gave a bunch to my aunt. She's making hats for charity on a knitting loom.

The weather is finally warming up here. Normally, the weather doesn't affect my crocheting, but this winter seems especially long.

So, this evening I'm planning to curl up with a good movie, a cup of tea, and my crochet hook. I'll keep you informed.

National Craft Month

Sorry about the hiatus. I was ill and then moved home. March & National Craft Month start tomorrow. I don't have any grandiose plans this year. I'm going to work on two things.

1. Squares for the six afghans
2. Bookworms (I'm almost out!)

My plan is to post weekly progress reports. What will you be crocheting/crafting in March?

Heroes Hat

This is the hat I made for my friend Em. She's a big fan of the TV show Heroes. The symbol isn't exact, but she was happy with it. If she's happy, I'm happy. Will be making another in the near future for one of her friends.

Snowed In & Crocheting!

Over the weekend, we got 6 inches of snow and ice. As a result, I got 2 days off work plus my regular days off. When you're snowed in, there's not much to do. This has been a great opportunity for me to work on all those granny squares. I've went through 2 skeins of Red Heart's Seagrass so far. Haven't counted the squares. I make them while I watch Netflix movies. One more day of freedom before going back to work. Maybe I'll get all the Seagrass squares done.

Hard to believe the first month of 2010 is already gone. That leaves me with only 11 months to get all my Christmas gifts done. I'm sure I can do it. Looked at some new patterns yesterday. Found a few that might work for people on my list. February is a short month and then it'll be March. Reminder: March is National Craft Month. Not sure how I'm celebrating yet. How about you?

Afghans, Afghans, and More Afghans

Late in 2009 (let's says 2 months before Christmas), I asked friends and family what they wanted for Christmas. The unanimous response was afghans. The problem was that I didn't have enough time to make all those afghans so close to CHristmas. The afghans moved to my 2010 Christmas list.

So here it is 2010 and I have more afghans to make than I know what to do with. I'm making one for my sister, my brother, my aunt, my cousin, and 2 friends. That's 6 afghans folks! An average sized afghan has 160 squares. Needless to say, I have squares on the brain. My new project at work, at home, everywhere is squares. Can I make all these afghans before Christmas? I hope so.

In other news, I've finished 1 out of 3 of the belated Christmas gifts. I'm in no rush on the others. When I think crochet, I think squares.

Props for Pooh Story Time

Here you have it! My Pooh scarf, Pooh hand puppet, beehive hand puppet, and balloon magnet. We had a great time. I had 18 people one day and 20 on the next.

Crocheting in the New Year

2010 has been here for 8 days now. What have I been doing with myself since then? Well, I've been working on some story time props. Using Lionbrand Bear and Beehive potholder patterns to make puppets for Winnie-the-Pooh story time. Will be retelling the story of Pooh and the bees. Also made myself a Pooh scarf. Pooh and friends are always wearing scarves. Mine is 16 stitches wide and down to my calves. I used Red Heart's Country Blue, Light Raspberry, Orchid, and Frosty Green. Each one of the stripes is 9 rows long.

I received some yarn for Christmas. Will use it for my sister's 2010 afghan. My brother was eying 2009's afghan so I think it's time to make him one as well. I have several leftover Christmas projects to work on. These are for friends in far flung places. Hope to have them done soon.

It's time again to work on putting my Christmas list together. Always a fun task. Mom will get her usual chicken. I think I'm going to do a whimsical one this year with fun colors. She also wants a hat with ear flaps. I'll see what I can do. I've decided to make my niece a new ornament every year. That way by the time she's 18, she'll have enough to fill a small tree. It's going to be fun deciding what to make each year.

As you can see, I have plenty to keep me busy crochet-wise. Happy Crocheting in 2010 to all my fellow crocheters.