almost at the end...

March is almost gone and I have to report I haven't been as diligent with my observation of National Craft Month. I've been quite busy at work and some days I just don't feel like picking up my hook.

I'm back to making baby afghan squares (three-round granny squares). The family finally picked out a nursery set and so I could plan the afghan. I'm using blues, browns, and greens with a hint of coral thrown in (Country Blue, Soft Navy, Coffee, Cafe, Tealeaf, Hunter Green, and Coral). The layout is one I found on Pinterest. It only called for three colors, but I liked the idea of doing lights and darks with a contrasting color.

I'll be writing a summary post next week detailing what I did accomplish during National Craft Month 2014. 

Until next time, happy crocheting!

The Ides of National Craft Month

Tomorrow marks the middle of the month and I'm pleased to say that I've crocheted 11 out of 13 days thus far. I finished the infinity scarf and then started back on squares for my brother's afghan. I should finish them soon, but I don't know that I want to sew them together right away. I've been wanting to make some bookworms so I may do that after I finish the squares. I also need to start working on Christmas presents.

Until next time, happy crocheting and crafting!

Happy National Craft Month 2014!

National Craft Month is here again. I don't have any special plans for this year...just to finish up projects I've been working on. Namely, the infinity scarf and my brother's afghan. If I get all that done then I'll probably start in on my Christmas list.

I finished the last baby afghan I was working on. I still don't have colors for the next baby afghan, but I've picked out the layout. It's something different so I look forward to working on it.

Here's a picture of the baby afghan. It's laid out like a log cabin quilt square. I like how it turned out and I'll probably use the layout again.

Back in high school, my best friend and I used to celebrate National Craft Month by setting aside a day for crocheting. Usually we'd pick a new pattern to try. These days I just try to crochet as much as I can during March.

Until next time, happy crocheting~

Finally Going to Meet a Deadline!

I gave myself a deadline for the three baby afghans I'm currently working on. I wanted to get them done by the end of February. Thanks to snow days and a bout of shingles (I know...surprised me, too!), I've had plenty of time for crocheting. Two of the three are done and I should have the third finished by Friday. I also made a dishcloth as a gift. Still waiting to hear about colors for the next baby afghan. In the meantime, I guess I'll finish that infinity scarf.

  Navy, Petal Pink, & White

 Perfect Pink, Green Tones, & Buff

And here's that pixie hat I mentioned in my last post. 

Until next time, happy crocheting!

Happy Valentine's Day!

Sorry it's been so long since my last update. We've had two bouts of bad weather and I've been busy with getting caught up at work and crocheting at home.

I've finished the baby afghan I was commissioned to make (White, Soft Navy, & Petal Pink). Picture to come. I should be finishing up the baby afghan for my sister's friend (Perfect Pink, Green Tones, & Buff) tomorrow. I've started the afghan for my niece (Grape Fizz, Charcoal, Orchid, Light Grey, and Shocking Pink), but have several more squares to make.

I've also made a dishcloth, a baby bootie ornament, a pixie hat for a baby, and started an infinity scarf. When you're stuck at home in the cold and snow, you get lots done!

Until next time, happy crocheting!

The end of 2013 and the beginning of 2014

Sorry it's been so long since my last update. I was busy with work, Christmas crocheting, and family. I managed to finish more handmade gifts than I expected. I'm hoping to be able to do better this year in getting an earlier start.

I'm currently working on squares for baby afghans. I have three to finish by the end of February: one for my sister's friend (Perfect Pink, Green Tones, & Buff), one for my new niece Cadence (Grape Fizz, Charcoal, Orchid, Light Gray, and Shocking Pink), and one for a friend's great granddaughter (Petal Pink, White, and Soft Navy). I also have another baby afghan pending, but the due date isn't until July.

Hopefully when I get all these baby afghans done, I can commence on Christmas.

Here are a few pictures of my Christmas projects:

 Mice for two great girls who spend their summers in NC.

 Cats for the kids who are celebrating their second Christmases.

 

Baby bootie ornaments for the babies celebrating their first Christmases. 

 A Downton Abbey inspired gift for my friend Laura (modeled by coworker)...a cloche hat and an infinity scarf. This was the first infinity scarf I ever made. I modified a pattern I already had.

 Heart ornaments for my sister.

Snowflake ornaments for my sister.

Until next time, happy crocheting!

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!