Last Minute Gift

I made several of these...I think they are very clever....

Christmas Penny Wreath

Check out the simple pattern HERE. I used ribbon instead of yarn for the bow but either certainly works. I also glued a pin on the back for wearing. I gave several to neighbors as a little gift. Its a very quick crochet....check it out. 

Crochet, Away!!

Finally Finished!

I started this blanket over a year and a half ago. I put it on hold because my DD moved to New Orleans and really had NO need of a blanket. But when she moved back to Boston, I pulled it out of my WIP pile and resumed working on it. I had entered it in the Ravelympics, but ran out of yarn. When I got more, I decided to get it done to give for Christmas. I got it done today....

Wool Eater Blanket

I used Vanna's Choice and a "G" hook. Its a very heavy, warm blanket and BIG. That's why it took me so long AND used up so much yarn.Even buying the yarn on sale at 2/$5 it cost a lot. Never did a project live up to it's name as this one did...ha,ha! You can find the basic pattern HERE.

Still have another kitty bed to make and a pair of fingerless mitts. Hope to get it all done in time. My DD will be home on Sunday for the holidays.

For all of you who celebrate the holiday, may you get all your gifts finished.....and have a VERY Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. See you soon!

Crochet, Away!!

Bed for Kitty

A friend on Ravelry posted a link to a crocheted pet bed. It looked easy and very functional so I gave it a try...

One Skein Pet Bed

It only took a couple hours to make and I actually made it larger than the recommended 11" diameter. I made it 14" for a bigger kitty. I used the option of making a double thick bottom and used bulky yarn with a J hook instead of worsted weight. But making the sides by folding over and then crocheting the edge to the base makes a nice look. You can find the basic pattern HERE.

I am working on my Christmas crocheting....hats, scarves and now pet beds. Hope your holiday crocheting is going well. Till next time...

Crochet, Away!

New Yarn

Yes...I am still here. For the last several months, I have been focused on losing some weight and have lost 35 pounds so far! And I HAVE been crocheting, although I haven't finished any projects lately. Still working on a couple things for Christmas gifts which I hope to share with you soon.

And I am STILL buying yarn. I found this yesterday in A.C. Moore. I fell in love with the color and with a coupon I paid about $10 for the 6 skeins....32 oz...

It's mill ends...an acrylic blend. And it seems to be a sport weight. Not sure what I will make with it, but I will think of something. The jeweltone colors are just gorgeous!

Any ideas as to what I can do with it, let me know. :)

Crochet, Away!!

Ravelry vs. the USOC

Ravelry recently received a letter from an intern law clerk at the USOC stating that Ravelry's use of the tern "Ravelympics" for their olympic KAL's and CAL's is probably a copyright infringement as they have sole commercial use of the word "olympic". Not only that, they feel that our yarn arts denegrade the hard work of the athletes!! BULL! And BULLYING!

You can read about the controversy HERE.

So, if you are a fan of Ravelry or are involved in the Ravelympics, send a POLITE, but firm e-mail to the USOC telling them that their objections are outrageous and misplaced. Its time that people that use yarn in their crafts be take more seriously. We are NOT a bunch of old ladies in rockers. We are talented...we are strong....and we have numbers that can influence. Let's get this injustice removed and enjoy the Olympics as we see fit!!

Crochet, Away!!

UPDATE - The USOC has officially apologized for the disparaging remarks made towards Ravelry members. The outpouring of support from Ravelers as well as other yarnies made the USOC realize their tremendous blunder. Three cheers for US!!!

Baby "Buggy" Blanket

Made this for sale as a baby shower gift. The customer wanted a baby boy afghan. I found THIS pattern and thought it would be perfect....a nice pattern without being too much. When I finished the basic ghan, I thought it needed something so I thought about it and got the idea of adding the bug appliques and the lines to represent their flying. The embroidery took time but it really came out great. I think the new mom will appreciate it.

I used a G hook and Bernat Softee Baby, which is not my favorite yarn because of how it splits, but its a soft yarn so it was a trade off. I used #3 crochet cotton to embroider the lines and got the appliques from JoAnn fabrics. I glued on the appliques instead of ironing them on because you will ruin the acylic yarn with the heat. The result works well....probably better, as I find that iron on adhesives tend to wear out after repeated washings.

Hope you are enjoying your Spring....or Fall, depending on where you are on our planet. :)

Crochet, Away!

Doris's Blanket

This blanket is what I was working on when my friend Doris passed away. She requested a blanket in 100% cotton and very colorful. I chose the Thermal Stitch Preemie Afghan pattern. I used various kinds of worsted cotton....Sugar and Cream, Peaches N Cream, Bernat Handicrafter and Lion Brand Cotton and a J hook. She wanted it very big but when she died, I just didn't feel much like making it as big as she wanted. So I decided to make the width the length and finish it in a smaller size....

It's a very easy stitch and makes a great, practical blanket for a kid. It's easy care....machine wash and dry. Its a warm weight but breathable. I'll save it for a child...maybe a future grandchild or maybe donate it to Project Linus. Either way it will get a good home and be a way of honoring my friend.

Crochet, Away!

New Year

I am sorry for my absence. Since September of last year, I have been helping to care for a friend who was terminally ill. She passed away this morning after her long battle with cancer came to an end. As a result, my crocheting was limited and several things I did crochet I made for her. She wanted fingerless gloves to keep her hands warm and a crocheted market bag and I had started an afghan for her, but was not able to finish it in time. But she is at peace now....she was a caring person and did not deserve what she suffered. But she was also a fighter....she was diagnosed 9 years ago and was able to live a good life until the last several months.

I hope to be back with more crochet very soon. I am working on a contracted afghan and must finish it ASAP. After that, I should be back in the swing of things, as the saying goes.

Thank you for those who have been and who chose to continue to be a part of my blog life. Keep crocheting!