New View!

Just an FYI.

I just discovered that you can now view my blog in another way. If you click on THIS link, you will be taken to a mosaic view. Click on any window and you will be taken to the post relating to that link. And if you look up in the right hand corner of the mosaic screen, you will see a drop down menu that you can use to view my blog in even more ways. I think its pretty cool. Give it a try!

More crochet coming soon!

Crochet, Away!

Beaded Cobweb Lace Scarf

This scarf has been in my WIP pile for quite some time. I pulled it out about a week ago determined to finish it...I only had 3 rows to go. Well, I saw it sitting on my office chair and decided it was time to get it done.

 

This is the Beaded Cobweb Lace Scarf...a really nice pattern. The Aunt Lydia's Bamboo Thread is perfect for this project.....terrific drape. And the beads add just a little sparkle. I dont know how it happened but I started this scarf on March 28th 2010 and I finished it today, March 28th 2011. I swear I had NO idea that its a year to the very day! I originally was going to give it as a gift, but I fell in love with it and I decided to be a little selfish and keep it for myself. I cant wait to wear it!

This is a slow project but good for a take along. The beading takes time because you have to switch hooks to add a bead, then switch back to continue with the pattern. Still, its worth the effort. Give it a try!

Crochet, Away!

My New Yarn Bowl

I have always wanted one of these pretty bowls, but the prices were a bit too high for me. They are certainly worth the price and I don't blame a crafter charging what they do....I just have to be a bit more practical. But I came across this little bowl on Etsy and I couldn't resist. It was about $10 less than most of the other bowls...and its cute besides.

I found a couple more styles I favorited and will save my pennies for. They do serve a practical purpose and do it beautifully. But I also have a plastic jar, that I melted a hole in the lid with a candle, which I use for the same purpose. 

I will have to hide this from my boyfriend... or.he will use it as an ice cream bowl. :D

Crochet, Away!

Give a Little Love

A request went up on Ravelry for some small comfort gifts to be given to ladies who are undergoing chemotherapy at Fox Chase Cancer Center in Philadelphia. I couldn't say no. I made some small jewelry items and a couple soap savers.....this is one of them....

This pattern is called the Talula Turtle Soap Cover by Maggie Weldon. Unfortunately I cant give a link to the pattern. For some strange reason, the day after I printed out the pattern and linked to it on Ravelry (which was only yesterday), it mysteriously disappeared. Perhaps the designer will share it again one day. If so, I will amend this post and provide the link. It's made from #10 crochet cotton and a #6 (1.75 mm) hook. The beads on the ties were my own idea. When I was younger, this would have been a much easier pattern but my eyes and hands aren't what they used to be. Still, it was fun to make and I like the way he came out.

If you are interested in making a small gift or gifts for some courageous ladies, check out the Annie's Gifts for Chemo group on Ravelry. 

Crochet, Away!

Doral Wristlets

Here is another pattern I randomly came across and fell in love with. Made with Caron Spa, they are pretty and comfortable. You can find the pattern HERE. If you haven't checked out the Naturally Caron site, you might want to do that.....they have some very nice free patterns.

I added a couple pattern notes on my projects page on Ravelry. Give these a try...they are very cute and perfect for spring!

Crochet, Away!

An Inspirational Moment

I started this project last year and recently brought it out of my WIP basket to work on again. It was originally an afghan pattern but that changed. I finished 5 of the motifs and held it up to look at it. And it hit me....wouldn't this make a lovely shawl? So I wrapped around me and I LOVED how it looked. So that was it....good bye afghan....hello shawl.

The pattern is from the Leisure Arts booklet "Absolutely Gorgeous Pineapple Afghans". The first motif was a learning curve for me but after the first, I pretty much had the technique down. If you are adventurous, check out the pattern and try this....I think you will like it. :)

Crochet, Away!

Carefree Cardigan

I got happily lured into a CAL on Ravelry for the Carefree Cardigan from The Crochet Closet by Lisa Gentry. I have had the book for while now but never seemed to get motivated enough to try anything from it....the CAL was a great incentive. If you belong to Ravelry, you can check out my projects page where I have the project photos broken down into completed sections of the garment.

Ron took the photo for me, so thanks to him for that. This is the first really wearable sweater I have ever made...working from the top down is SO much easier.....no seams and you can make it any length you want. I made mine with 3/4 length sleeves because I dont like long sleeve sweaters. I used Caron Country in Renaissance Rose. Check out the pattern and give it a try. I find it runs big so if you make it, use the yoke as a guide for size....if it seems too wide, use a smaller hook. I did a gauge swatch, thought it was right, but the stitch pattern made the yarn VERY stretchy.  :)

Crochet, Away!

Circle in a Square Pillow

I found THIS pattern in my Ravelry travels and thought it would make a nice gift for my DIL...she seems to like colorful things.

Its easy to make...the motifs dont take long to crochet. I used mattress stitch to join them and added a zipper so the cover can be easily washed. This would make a pretty afghan and I only used the leftover Vanna's yarn  from  the Rainbow Ripple Blankets I made.

I keep telling myself to start making things for myself or to sell.....but I get such pleasure out of crocheting for others. Still, MUST.STOP....LOL! (At least for a little while)

I started another Crochet Corner column for Ravelry. Not sure when it will be published but you can keep a lookout for it.

Crochet, Away!

X-tra Thick Unisex Textured Slippers

My son asked me to make him a new pair of slippers and I wanted to try out a new pattern. I went on a search for a relatively easy pattern and found THIS one.

I like the fact that you dont have to make separate soles and stitch them together. I started a pair like that and lost interest. So I tried these and I was sold on them. Easy to make and very little sewing (just the seam in the back). I made them larger for my big footed son by using a J hook and increasing the amount of rows. I think he will like them....heck, I like them and may just make myself a pair.

Christmas crocheting is finally finished! To all of you who celebrates, have a WONDERFUL CHRISTMAS and a HAPPY NEW YEAR!! 

Crochet, Away!

Rainbow Ripple Afghan

I finally finished this afghan which I am giving to Annie for Christmas (I am currently making an identical one for Naomi). It looks a bit like a color card for Vanna's Choice yarn, but I think its perfect for anyone who likes a bit of color and it will go with just about anything. I made it adult size so unless something disastrous happens, they should have this forever. The yarn should last a good long time as long as its cared for properly, although you cant do much to acrylic. 

You can find the pattern HERE (I believe you have to register with Bernat to view it but registration is just giving an e-mail address, if I remember correctly).  The patten is easy and quickly memorizable. I used a G hook so I got a heavier, denser blanket. Each color section used 3/4 of a skein, so you can count how many skeins I had to buy. And the picture doesn't show the entire length....there is about another 24 inches behind the chair. If I sold this blanket, I would probably have to charge between 3 and 5 hundred dollars for it, so its certainly not an inexpensive project.

However, THIS.....

.....is not expensive. Its the Branching Leaves Scarf and it only took one skein of Lustersheen. Not sure who I am going to give this one to, but I plan on making another one....with beads.

Crochet, Away!

ETA - 7/28/2014 - I had to edit this post as the pattern for the Branching Leaves Scarf is no longer available. Sorry.  :(