22 Days Til Christmas!!!

I hope everyone had a nice Thanksgiving. I went to TN as planned, but didn't get any crocheting done. Too much shopping and visiting.

I'm not feeling so well this week. The up & down temps are playing heck with my sinuses Plus it's a busy week at work. I have a Harry Potter Yule Ball and a Fancy Nancy Christmas Party in addition to my regular preschool storytimes.

My goal for the week is to finish up those presents that will be mailed (run in ends, sew pieces together, add eyes, etc.)

And them I'll carry on with my lists. At this point with Christmas 3 weeks away I'll be prioritizing those lists in the order I'll be seeing people.

I've been commissioned by a friend to make a baby afghan for her first great-granddaughter. The mother-to-be chose the colors and I think it's an interesting combination: White, Soft Navy, and Petal Pink. I won't be starting it until after the New Year.

Until next time, happy crocheting!

Time Flies...When You're Crocheting!

Sorry it's been so long since my last update. I've been deep in my Christmas crocheting. I've mainly been working off my kids list, but today I realized I need to be focusing on gifts that need to be mailed. There are several on the kids list and one on the adult list.

I'm working on a couple of mice right now and will then move on to some baby bootie ornaments and probably a hat and scarf.

I'm woefully behind in my Christmas preparations. I haven't wrote my annual letter or taken Chester's holiday pictures. I'm hoping to get a start on this before I travel to TN for the Thanksgiving holiday. While I'm gone, I plan to crochet granny squares for 2 baby afghans. One for my new niece and the other is for my sister's friend.

Until next time, happy crocheting and Happy Thanksgiving!

November

That's right. Today is the first day of November. That means we're about 53 days away from Christmas. I hope I can keep up this industrious streak I'm having. I'm almost finished with the last scarf on my list. From there I have several options: purses, hats, mice, and baby bootie ornaments.

My second annual Christmas Tea Party & Craft Session with my best friend is coming up on Veterans' Day. Which means I'll be up to my eyes in cleaning, decorating, and cooking. On the bright side, my decorations will be up by November 11 and I won't have to worry with it later.

Until next time, happy crocheting!

Scarves!

Since my last weekly update, I have been attempting to do better with my New Year's resolution to crochet every day. Especially since Christmas is coming quickly.

I've made two scarves and started a third. Pictures will be forthcoming.

Here's a blast from the past. This afghan (a big granny square pattern) has been hanging out in my cedar chest since I made it 10-11 years ago. I've been purging a lot of stuff and decided to gift it to my sister's mother-in-law.

Until next time, happy crocheting!

Only 10 Weeks Til Christmas!

Sorry it's been awhile since I've posted an update. Work has been hectic to the nth degree and isn't letting up. I've been crocheting some: squares, a cotton Swiffer cover, and I've started the first of many Christmas gifts.

I made a new list that only has kids under 18 on it. My goal is to get something made for them and then tackle the rest of my list as time permits. I'm going to be making quite a few scarves.

Went to the craft festival my family used to set up at years ago this week. Lost of crocheted stuff being sold. One of these days, I'll set up again and just sell crocheted Christmas tree ornaments. I'll need a few years to prepare.

Here's a picture of the Swiffer cover. It works great. I plan on making 3 more so I'll have 2 for dry and 2 for wet. I modified a pattern I found online. I'll link to it when I can recall the site.

Until next time, happy crocheting!

October

October is one of my favorite months. Temperatures are getting cooler. The leaves are changing colors. I have been crocheting some. I finished all the Blue squares for my brother's afghan and have started on the Soft Navy squares. I have enough Blue left to make Chester's pirate hat.

Last week, I received an unexpected package in the mail. Yarn from my friend Laura. She thought I would get some use out of it. Indeed I will! I did share some with my cousin who is just starting to get into crochet.

I've also been working on several felt sets for my library events.

Until next time, happy crocheting!

Fall, Synonymous with Sinuses

Nothing at all to report. I haven't crocheted in almost 2 weeks. I ended up at the doctor on Saturday and found out I wasn't suffering from allergies. I was fighting off a sinus infection. Needless to say, I haven't felt like crocheting much.

I'm hoping to get back to my crocheting this weekend. I'm planning to make Chester (my dog) a pirate hat for Halloween. We're going out with some friends that night and I already have sort of a costume from the pirate parties I've been hosting at the branch libraries this month.

I still have several felt sets in the works including a new set of owls. I'll probably work some on felt stuff this weekend, too.

Until next time, happy crocheting!

Ready for temperatures to drop and leaves to fall!

Just a quick update. I've not been crocheting much lately. My allergies have been acting up so I just crash most days when I get home. I'm still working on squares for my brother's afghan. And I'm still planning to make that Swiffer cover and about a hundred Christmas gifts...wind and weather permitting!

Until next time, happy crocheting!

A Belated Update

I meant to post an update last week, but time got away from me. I've been working away on squares for my brother's afghan. I finished the Stars & Stripes squares and have been using up odds and ends (Shaded Blues, Royal, Blue, Soft Navy) before I start in on the skeins of Blue and Soft Navy.

My sister wants me to make a baby afghan for one of her friends, but we have decided on colors yet. The girl isn't finding out the sex of the baby so we're planning on going green and neutral.

As soon as I get bored with squares, I plan to crochet some reusable/washable covers for my Swiffer.  I'm trying to be more green in my daily life.

Until next time, happy crocheting!

Vacation Crocheting

Sorry it's been awhile since my last update. The week of August 12-16 was very hectic at work with me finishing up the summer reading program. Translate: I didn't crochet a lick all week.

This week I've been on my annual after summer reading vacation. I mostly just stayed at home...and crocheted. I've been working on squares for my brother's afghan and I made some coasters for a friend who just started college. Here's a picture:

I used the Cold Flower Coaster pattern from the DragonFlyMomof2 Designs Blog. I loved how they turned out and I was able to use up some yarn I'd been hoarded for a few years.

On Tuesday, I made the 1 hour and 20 minute drive to the nearest Hobby Lobby and Michael's. I didn't buy any yarn. This is actually a good thing. I have A LOT of yarn. I wouldn't go so far as to say too much, but it's a plethora to be sure. I'm going to concentrate on using what I've got. What I did buy: felt, puff paint, and white cardstock on sale.

I know the title of this blog only mentions crocheting. I wish I had called it "What is Bridget Crafting?" I have three main crafts that I practice regularly: crochet, card making (rubber stamps and scrapbook paper), and felt sets (to be used at storytime.)

Well, I guess that's all for now. Until next time, happy crocheting!

Pattern Woes

I've been quite productive in the past week. Perhaps a little too productive if you ask my hands. This weekend I finished the other baby afghan, worked on the capelet, and started some cats for Christmas.

Here's a picture of the baby afghan. I was pleased with how the bulls-eye layout turned out.

On Sunday night, I realized as I was about to start the 8th row of the capelet that it seemed too wide. It's only supposed to fit around the shoulders. It wrapped around me a couple of times. I sorted this out over a couple of hours. I changed my hook size from J to G and cut 55 stitches from the starting chain. I thought this was very odd as this was a pattern in Crochet Today Magazine. I've worked on it a little since Sunday, but I've decided there's no way I'll have it done for the Hobbit Party. I will finish it just not by the 15th.

I love making cats (it's a small single crochet pillow. You make 2 sides and crochet them other.). It's a great way to use up the scraps or small balls of yarn I've been hoarding. The pattern came from Women's Circle Crochet, Spring 1987. It's called "Sitting Pretty Kitty" and  Starlinne Garrett designed the pattern. I think I have about 5 or 6 cats on my Christmas list this year.

Plans for this weekend and next week include finishing up the cats. I may not put them together at this time. And then I'll work on something else on my Christmas list. Not sure what yet. Maybe squares from  my brother's afghan.

Until next time, happy crocheting!

Babies and More Babies

I've been quite productive this week. I finished the squares for cousin #2's baby afghan. I edged cousin #1's afghan. I started my capelet for the Hobbit Party. I have 6 rows of cousin #2's baby afghan sewed together. Hoping to finish it by Saturday so I can deliver it on Sunday. Mailed cousin #1's afghan on Monday. It was delivered on Wednesday and she had the baby on Thursday. Very fortuitous that. Summer Reading is almost over I only have 1 more week and a Hobbit Party.

Here's a picture of her baby afghan:

Until next time, happy crocheting!

Of Cards & Squares

My best friend Vicky came for a visit on Monday. We celebrated Christmas in July by working on our Christmas cards. I stamped 100 and she did around 56. We also watched Christmas movies while stamping.

I've been skimming through my journals from high school, college, and grad school. I'm amazed at the amount of crocheting I did then. I definitely have less time now that I'm working full time.

In this past week, I've finished the Lemon squares and started on the Monet ones. This week, I plan to edge the afghan for my other cousin and continue to work on the squares for this one.

Until next time, happy crocheting!

A Few Small Projects

Last week, I mentioned that I bought skeins of the new Red Heart Super Saver neon colors. What I didn't say was that I tested them out by whipping up some birthday bookworms for my friend Anna. I really like how the colors worked up. The baby bootie ornament is for my cousin who had a baby shower this past weekend. I'm still working on squares for her baby afghan. It's been slow crocheting this week as work has been beyond hectic. But I'm going to soldier on.

I'm going to make the Catskills Capelet from the September/October issue of Crochet Today as part of my costume for the Hobbit Party. I plan to use Red Heart Super Saver in Grape Fizz.

Until next time, happy crocheting!

Progress...of a Sorts

I've been making myself crochet this week. I've made 32 of the 81 squares for my other cousin's baby afghan. I've finished the Light Coral, Melonberry, Aruba Sea, and Honeydew squares. I've started the Pale Plum squares.

Went back to Wal-Mart this week and they did have the new Red Heart neon colors. I bought all three: Glowworm, Day Glo, and Blacklight.

 

Hoping to be as productive this next week even if I have to make myself. Also realized Christmas is less than six months away. If I can ever finish the baby afghans, maybe I can get started on my Christmas List.

Really looking forward to celebrating Christmas in July with my best friend Vicky. When we chatted this week we planned the menu: Mexican chicken casserole, steamed vegetables, and for dessert, pumpkin bread. It will be so nice to spend time together and make our Christmas cards for this year. We also looked through the latest issue of Crochet Today at the same time discussing which patterns we liked best.

Until next time, happy crocheting & crafting!

My Favorite Time of Year

On Wednesday, I went to Wal-Mart to get some last minute things for the company I was having on the 4th. I almost always walk through the yarn...just in case there are new colors or it's on clearance. Usually, Wal-Mart puts their yarn on clearance once a year, but that hasn't happened lately. Wednesday was my lucky day! Yarn was on clearance. I got 11 skeins of Red Heart and 4 skeins of Peaches & Crème 100% cotton.

Here are the Red Heart colors:

• Aruba Sea
• Ocean
• Blue Tones
• French Country
• Shaded Dusk
• Ranch Red
• Green Tones
• Candy Print
• Chili
• Primary
• Coral

I got 2 skeins of each of these colors in Peaches Crème: Soft Blue and Faded Denim.

I'm hoping Wal-Mart will be getting the new Red Heart Super Saver neon colors in after the clearance. We'll see.

Surprise! Another Baby Afghan

Summer Reading continues and I'm struggling to find the energy to crochet in the evenings. Mostly, I just sack out on the couch and watch Bones or Criminal Minds.

Towards last weekend, I did get a little bit motivated. The baby afghan for my cousin is about half way sewn together. I've put it on hold because I found out another cousin is expecting (a girl) and the baby shower is in two weeks. I don't know that I'll get an afghan done, but I'll try. I'm laying this one out in a bull's eye pattern. The colors from the center out are Light Coral, Melonberry, Lemon, Monet, Aruba Sea, Pale Plum, and Honeydew. The last three make up the outside edge and I alternate them around.

I'm not often near a Hobby Lobby on a Saturday, but I was about 2 weeks ago and bought everything I need to make Hobbit feet for the Hobbit Party I'm hosting for my teens in August: felt, doll hair, buttons, elastic, and embroidery floss. Also went to Michael's, but the only thing I found was a "B" stamp. It will be good for making personalized notecards.

My best friend Vicky is coming to visit on July 22. We're going to have a small Christmas in July celebration. We'll watch holiday movies, eat seasonal treats, and work on our Christmas cards.

I have a four day weekend this week so I'm hoping to get some crocheting and sewing done. I'll let you know. I hope everyone has a fun and safe 4th of July.

Until next time, happy crocheting!

When My Hobby Meets My Job

I spent this past week finishing up my scarf and fingerless gloves for my Cheshire Cat costume. And a mouse for the dormouse hunt. Now that these are done, I guess I'll sew together the baby afghan doe my cousin. The pattern for the mouse was a free original pattern by KristieMN on Crochetville forum. The pattern for the gloves came from a 1985 crochet magazine. I don't know which one...I just torn out the pattern. See this post for more details about the scarf and gloves.

 

Summer Reading and Crochet...Not Best Friends!

The Summer Reading Program is well under way in my four libraries. Registration for the reading contest was last week and events start this week. Today alone, I saw 108 people. I need a nap, but I don't think I'll get one. I really think my crocheting will decrease while I'm in the midst of summer reading. I think I'll just want to veg out in the evenings instead of being industrious.

I did finish the baby afghan I was commissioned to make. Here's a picture of it:

I'm still working on the Cheshire Cat scarf and the teapot cozy. Hopefully by June 20 (the date of the Mad Hatter Tea Party), I'll have the scarf, cozy, fingerless gloves, and a dormouse completed. After that, I guess I'll start working on my brother's afghan again.

Until next time, happy crocheting!

Summer Is Coming!

I know I haven't posted in a while. Life and work have been keeping me very busy. Summer is the busiest season for a youth services librarian. I'm getting reading for the summer reading program which will be 10 weeks total with 8 weeks of programs for different age groups.

Last Friday was the 10th anniversary of my high school graduation. Obviously instead of updating this blog, I was reminiscing. I'm quite pleased with where life has taken me. I'm proud that I still have the same best friend and hobby this many years later. I wonder what the next 10 years will bring.

I actually have several projects in the works. I'm still working on the Cheshire Cat scarf. I've finished the squares for my cousin's baby afghan. I started a cozy for my teapot (ripple pattern), and I ran in ends on the squares for the baby afghan I was commissioned to do. I'll be dividing my days into sewing baby afghans together and working on the projects for the Mad Hatter Tea Party.

My best friend came to visit yesterday and we tried a new craft: tie-dye. It was great! I think I might be addicted. The not knowing until the reveal/rinsing is great.

I'm hoping to keep my updates consistent during the summer, but I apologize in advance if they end up being sporadic.

Until next time, happy crocheting!

Crocheting Squares & Costumes

I've been quite productive this week. I've made lots of squares and even started my Cheshire Cat scarf.

I've had to rethink the afghan for my cousin because I didn't end up with as many pink squares as I'd hoped. I have 10 Country Rose and 20 Pink Camo. I considered buying a skein of Light Raspberry to fill in the gaps, but decided against it. With a yarn stash like mine, I want to use what I've got. I've added Medium Purple and Orchid to the line up and taken away the Buff and Aran. I'm still planning to use the Frosty Green.

This is the second time I've made a scarf for a library event. The first time was back in January 2010 and I made a scarf for a Winnie-the-Pooh story time. Click here to see a picture of that scarf. The idea for my Cheshire Cat scarf was inspired by Alycia over at The Curious Pug. I discovered her Cheshire Cat scarf via Pinterest and knew I had to make my own. I'm using Red Heart's One-Ball Ripple Scarf pattern. I'm using a size H hook and Red Heart Super Saver in Pink Tones and Purple Tones. I'm working 8 rows of each color and then changing. I haven't decided which pattern to use yet for my fingerless gloves, but I'll keep you posted.

Until next time, happy crocheting!

Crochet Is a Great Stress Reliever

I've been crocheting more this week. I needed to do so. Crocheting is one of those great hobbies that also functions as a stress reliever. I only have 8 more squares to make for the commissioned afgahan. I can't decide if I want to start the squares for my cousin's afghan or start on my Cheshire Cat costume. We'll see. For my cousin's afghan, I raided my stash and decided on the following colors: Pink Camo, Country Rose, Frosty Green, Aran, and Buff.

Until next time, happy crocheting!

Progress of a Sorts

Again not much crocheting to report this week. I made 7 squares for the afghan I was commissioned to make. Most of my time was spent on a felt set that I'll be using for a Cinderella Around the World event tomorrow.

I made an impromptu trip to Michael's on Sunday and stocked up on felt and puff paint.

I found out this week one of my cousins is having a baby in August. It's a girl. I'll raid my yarn stash and see what I can come up with.

Here's a picture of the latest baby afghan I completed.

And here's a picture of layout on graph paper so you can see what I mean about not being able to tell totally how it will turn out until it's done.

 



 

Until next time, happy crocheting!

 

Sewing More Than Crocheting

This week I've been sewing more than I've been crocheting. I'm making good progress on the afghan for the couple from church. The baby shower is Saturday. I can't make it because I have to work, but I'm hoping to give it to them on Sunday.

While I was sewing away the other night, I realized I can't count. I'm short two Coffee squares. I've looked high and low, so I didn't make them. Ergo, I can't count because my layout clearly tells me I need 8 not 6.

After I wrap this one up, I'll start on the one I've been commissioned to do. I've added another color to the lineup, Coffee.

I need to get started on my Cheshire Cat costume for the Mad Hatter Tea Party in June. I'm going to use Pink Tones, Purple Tones, and a ripple pattern to make myself a scarf. I also plan to make fingerless gloves. I'm going to try my hand at sewing and make a set of cat ears on a headband.

I also found the cutest tea cozy pattern via Pinterest. I might make it to cover my teapot for the Tea Party.

Until next time, happy crocheting!

Where Is My Motivation?

Sad to say, but I haven't been very motivated this week to crochet or craft much. I don't know if it's the weather (Spring is finally here with a vengeance!) or the remnants of my sinus infection.

I did finish 2 felt sets this week. They are both nursery rhymes. One is Baa, Baa, Black Sheep. The other is Chook, Chook, Chook, Chook, Chook. I have several more sets in the works. Several are for this year's summer reading program theme, "Dig Into Reading."

I finished running in the ends on the squares for the baby afghan that's for the couple at church. I started sewing the squares together last night. I think it's going to look good. I'm never sure just looking at my layout on graph paper. I color it in with colored pencils, but the colors never match especially for the variegated colors.

A friend has commissioned me to make a baby afghan for her stepdaughter. It's a boy, and I've been given complete autonomy. I do love plotting a new afghan. The colors I'll use are Williamsburg Print, Carrot, Gold, Claret, Hunter Green, Bay Print, and maybe Coral.

I plan to spend part of my weekend sewing on the baby afghan and working on felt sets. Let's hope my industriousness comes back.

Until next time, happy crocheting!

NCM 2013 Wrap Up & Craft Shopping Expedition

I'm sorry my National Craft Month Wrap Up post is a little late. Last Friday was a work holiday and I've been on vacation this week.

I crocheted/sewed 22 of 31 days in March. I made 87 baby afghan squares. I sewed together and edged 1 baby afghan. I made 2 dishcloths.

Here are pictures of the coasters, dishcloths, and baby afghan. The afghan is the super secret one for my friend Anna. I've given it to her so now I can share about it here. I used Paddy Green, Lavender, Wildflower, and Shaded Purples. The coasters and dishcloths were a wedding/housewarming gift for my friend Laura.

Last Saturday, my sister and I made a trip to Knoxville. The plan was to visit all four craft stores in town, but we only made it to A. C. Moore and Michael's. A. C. Moore had all their yarn on sale. I bought 6 skeins of Red Heart Super Saver (in colors that I cannot get at my local Wal-mart). I also got 4 skeins of cotton yarn. In Red Heart, I got Pale Plum, Light Sage, Light Periwinkle, Medium Purple, Melonberry, and Country Blue. I can't recall the names of the cotton. The Red Heart yarn was on sale for $2.17 per skein. That's 62 cents less than my Wal-mart. The cotton was on sale for $1.25. It's usually $1.89.

At Michael's, I bought 9 new rubber stamps. These come in handy for card making and teen projects at the library.

I thought I'd mentioned this earlier, but one day I took inventory of all the Red Heart Super Saver colors at my local Wal-mart. I then made a list if colors they don't have so I know I have to get those elsewhere. That day, I discovered 2 colors I didn't have. I couldn't resist buying them: Charcoal & Lemon.

I haven't been doing much crocheting on my vacation. I've been working on new felt sets for my flannel board. By the end of the month, I plan to finish the afghan for the couple at church.

Until next time, happy crocheting!

NCM Week 3 Update

Finally finished the gift for my newly married friend Laura. I just need to get it in the mil. As soon as she receives it, I'll post pictures.

I've been running in ends on squares for the past few days. It's been a busy week. I have had 3 special events this week. Next week, I have one plus a school visit. I'll also be preparing for being off for a week after Easter.

I'm going home to TN for Easter weekend. I'm looking forward to seeing friends and family and getting to go craft store shopping in Knoxville. I plan to hit them all--A. C. Moore, JoAnn's, Hobby Lobby, and Michael's.

The Ides of National Craft Month

I've been quite productive in the past week. I finished the squares for my friend Anna's super secret baby afghan. I'll probably start running in ends and sewing them together tonight. It only took me 9 days to make the 81 squares.

I've also been working a little (like yesterday) on my friend Laura's wedding gift. Hoping to have it done soon.

My co-worker who retired loved her dishcloth. She said and I quote, "I love that thing!" Music to my ears. I may have to make her a few more. I like people who appreciate my ability.

Easter bookworms are probably not going to happen, but I do need to stamp my Easter cards this weekend.

Until next time, happy crocheting!

National Craft Month Week 2

My industrious mood continues. I've made lots of squares in the colors that I can't reveal. I've also been working on the gift for my friend. Her wedding was yesterday. I hope to have it finished and mailed so she can open when she returns next week.

Nothing much more to report. The weather is starting to fair up. I'm ready for spring!

Until next time, happy crocheting.

Industrious

That's what I've been this week--industrious. I only have 6 more squares to make for the blue/green/brown afghan. In the past week I've made lots of squares, a dishcloth, and finished part of the gift for my friend getting married.

I seem to crochet more on the weekends when I can crochet for a while, do something else, and then crochet again. This past Saturday, I made 10 squares and started a dishcloth. I seem to have found my groove with making squares so when I finish the ones for the current afghan, I'm going to start on the ones for my friend Anna's afghan. No color reveal. This afghan will be super secret until Anna receives it.

Happy National Craft Month! I don't have any special plans this year, just the usual daily crocheting. I may make bookworms for all my coworkers for Easter. Eventually, I'd like to have a stock of about 100 bookworms on hand. They make such good gifts.

I've created a new board on Pinterest called Baby Afghan Color Inspiration. In my caption I list the colors (Red Heart Super Saver, of course!) that the picture reminds me of. I'll add to it as I run across inspiring pictures.

Until next time, happy crocheting and crafting!

Getting Into a Project

Since my last update, I've become firmly entrenched in the baby afghan for the couple at church. The general color scheme is blues, greens, and browns. As I was gathering the browns (Cafe, Buff, Linen, & Warm Brown)  and green (Medium Thyme) out of my yarn ball box, I noticed 3 balls of variegated yarn that fit in with the color scheme: Fall, Aspen Print, and Shaded Browns. These yarn balls made almost half of the squares for the afghan. I always enjoy a chance to use up leftovers. I'm working on the Tea Leaf squares and I don't think what I have is going to make the 15 squares I need so I may have to use some Hunter Green to make up the difference. The other 2 colors I'll be using are Blue Suede and Coffee.

My friend Anna is having a baby this year. She and her husband don't plan on finding out the baby's sex. She asked if I could do something in green and purple as she and her husband like those colors and they are relatively gender neutral. Since she asked this, I've been playing around with various color schemes in my head. I've actually went through two different ones before I landed on what I think I'm going to do. As Anna reads my blog, I won't be revealing the colors until I've finished it and she's received it.

On Wednesday I found out that I'm going to be an aunt to not one but two new babies! Wendell and Katie are expecting identical twins in early October. We won't know the sex until April or May, but I'll definitely be busy with baby afghans after we do.

I need to finish up the wedding gift for my friend Laura and whip up a retirement gift for my friend and co-worker. I'm thinking a nice 100% cotton dishcloth.

Until next time, happy crocheting!

A Brief Hiatus

I apologize for not posting an update last week. I've been working on squares for my brother's afghan. Not as diligently as I'd like, but you have to start somewhere.

I found out one baby will be a boy. I'm going to do the afghan in Blue Suede, Tea Leaf, Medium Thyme, Warm Brown, Cafe, and Coffee.

I also found out last week that I'm going to be an aunt again. I won't know until the end of April if the baby is a girl or a boy, but I'll be starting a baby afghan as soon as I know.

I'm also still working on a present for my friend who is getting married.

My birthday was this week. I've been crocheting for 20 years now. Wow.

Until next time, happy crocheting!

Finally Finished!

On Saturday, January 26, I finally finished Stephen's afghan. It was only 1 year and 31 days overdue. I'm hoping for better results with the one for my brother which I have already started.

One of my good friends is getting married in March. I've already ordered her a gift from her registry, but I want to make her something to. I won't mention what until I'm done and she's received it. My copy of Downton Abbey Season 3 arrives today. I foresee a weekend filled with watching Downton and crocheting squares and gifts.

Here are some pictures of Stephen's afghan:

Until next time, happy crocheting!

The Tale of a Yarn Inventory

This post is again early because of anticipated ice tomorrow. I would love a day at home to catch up on housework and crocheting.

This week, I've been sewing on the afghan. But not as diligently as I would like. Sometimes a girl just has to be lazy.

On Tuesday, I mounted an inventory of my yarn. I do this about once a year and then just keep up with the changes as the year progresses. This saves me time and money as I know what I have so I don't buy yarn I don't need. Incidentally the price of yarn at Wal-mart went up 30 cents to $2.77. I can't fathom the reason for the price changing so frequently.

This year's yarn inventory was more exhaustive than last year's. The categories are:
Solid Colors - Full Skeins
Variegated - Full Skeins
Solid Colors - Partial Skeins
Variegated - Partial Skeins
Other Yarn (Not Red Heart)
Yarn Balls (This year I listed them all even the little ones)
Cotton Yarn

I have reached the conclusion that I have a lot of yarn. I'm planning to use quite a bit of it on an afghan for my brother and a baby boy afghan. And I'd like to turn all that cotton into dishcloths. And I want to make a tree skirt for my second tree. I'm also planning to make myself a Cheshire Cat costume for a Mad Hatter Tea Party this summer. The crocheted bits will be a scarf and fingerless gloves.

A. C. Moore had a nice sale last Saturday on Red Heart yarn. I bought 3 skeins of Soft Navy (for my brother's afghan), 1 skein of Real Teal (to finish the edging of my brother-in-law's afghan), 1 skein of Blue Suede (for a baby afghan), 1 skein each of Grape Fizz and Wildflowers (just because!). Yes, it was a good sale and I mostly bought stuff I needed.

I discovered a neat tool this week: Sherwin Williams' Let's Chip It. This online color tool let's you turn any picture into a paint card. I like it because it isolates the colors and makes them easier to match in yarn.

My big plans for the weekend and next week are finishing the afghan. Then I'll get started on Christmas 2013.

Until next time, happy crocheting!

Hoping For Snow!

This update is a day early because we're expecting snow in my neck of the woods. If that happens, I'll be snowbound at home which means I'll be unplugged. I'm well prepared with books, movies, and yarn.

This week I've finished the last squares for Stephen's afghan. I'm still working on getting it sewed together. It looks like I might meet my goal of finishing it by the end of the month. After that, I plan to tackle Christmas gifts for 2013 and a baby afghan or two.

Until next time, happy crocheting!

Productivity in the New Year

In the past week, I have sewed on the afghan, made granny squares, and made a baby bootie ornament. I'm quite pleased with my productivity.

Next week will bring more of the same, mainly sewing and square making. I have high hopes of finishing the afghan by the end of the month.

Until next time, happy crocheting!

Happy New Year!

Wow! It's been almost a month since I updated the blog. I was very busy trying to get Christmas gifts done. At the beginning of December, I realized I had left things too late and wouldn't be able to make all the gifts I'd planned.

My 2013 crochet resolution is to crochet (or sew on an afghan) at least 30 minutes every day. I'm still working on Stephen's Christmas afghan. I have 14 more squares to make, but I have 3 out of 5 sections sewn together.

Despite my late start I still managed to make 20 gifts. These included a dishcloth, snowman ornaments, baby bootie ornaments, a purse, a stocking, and some stocking ornaments.

Here are a few pictures: 

This week, I plan to finish up the last squares for the afghan. I'm hoping to have it done soon. I also owe my sister her 2012 his & hers ornaments so those are next on the list. I've already started making my Christmas 2013 list. More about than later.

Until next time, happy crocheting!