!), and other items I enjoy or are on my wish list!Crochet General Category
I busily crocheted for the first 7 months this year and then burnt out on crocheting. I did, however, begin the first step in quilting: cutting fabric into squares, rectangles, and triangles and then sewing them together. Using the pieced squares, I made Quilt Block Curtains to hang in my craft room.
When crocheting, I sit in the living room and watch TV while following a pattern in a book or making it up as I go after I've selected the yarn to be used. I don't need to move for hours!
Quilting is much more interactive. I sit or stand and think and select a pattern to use. I stand and think and select fabric and measure fabric and cut fabric. And, I sit and think and move between the work table and the sewing machine to layout fabric pieces and pin them together to be sewn and then sew them - and sometimes pull out the stitches and restitch. A DVR-recorded television show or DVD or music CD is playing in the background.
2008 Projects in Review
Crochet: 19 lap blankets for donation; 1 lap blanket for a gift; 1 round lap blanket for me.
Knitting: Nada. Nothing.
Sewing and Quilting: 1 set of quilt-top curtains using 24 12-1/4″ blocks; 12 12″ quilt blocks.
The Project List:
- Quilt Block Curtains for craft room using 24 varied 12-1/4″ quilt blocks (start Jul. 13; finish Dec. 20)
- 24 12 1/4″ (including 1/4″ seam allowance) varied quilt blocks for Quilt Block Curtains for craft room (start Jul. 19; finish Nov. 2)
- 12 12″ (including 1/4″ seam allowance) varied quilt blocks left over to use for a quilt (start Jul. 19; finish Nov. 2)
- Primary Colors Granny Square Lap Blanket - Blue, Green, Red, Multis of Blue / Green / Red, black (start Jul. 5; finish Jul. 23)
- Custom Granny Square Lap Blanket - Print Pastels, Blue, Yellow, Pink (start Jun. 29; finish Jul. 7)
- Granny Square Lap Blanket - Pinks, Blue, White, Beige, Yellow, Baby Pastels (start Jun. 22; finish Jun. 29)
- Hexagon Lap Blanket - Greys, Red, White (start Jun. 8; too hot to continue hiding yarn ends Jun. 18; finish Jun. 29)
- Blue and Gold Blocks Lap Blanket - Blue, Gold, Green, Red, Orange (start May 31; too hot to continue hiding yarn ends Jun. 8; finish Jun. 29)
- Granny Squares with Flowers Lap Blanket - Scraps (start May 18; finish May 31)
- Flower Centers Granny Square Lap Blanket - Melon, Purple, Yellow, Baby Print, Light Yellow, White (start May 3; finish May 18)
- Round Wheel Lap Blanket - Burgundy, Multi (start Apr. 14; finish May 3)
- 4-Patch Granny Lap Blanket - Pink, Blue (start Apr. 3; finish Apr. 11)
- Double Crochet Striped Squares Lap Blanket - Pink, Blue, White, Purples (start Mar. 19; finish Apr. 1)
- Flowers in Snow Granny Square Lap Blanket - White, Coral, Green, White-Pink-Green-Yellow Multi (start Mar. 28; finish Mar. 31)
- Panel Variety Lap Blanket - Green, Purple, Off-White (start Mar. 20; finish Mar. 24)
- 6-patch Striped Squares Lap Blanket - Pink, Off-White (start Mar. 10; finish Mar. 18)
- Steps with Ruffle Border Lap Blanket - Red, White (start Mar. 2; finish Mar. 9)
- Offset Log Cabin Lap Blanket - Greens, White, Black (start Feb. 23; finish Mar. 2)
- Log Cabin Lap Blanket - Greens, White, Black (start Feb. 17; finish Feb. 23)
- Double Crochet Scraps Panels with Black Lap Blanket (start Feb. 13; finish Feb. 17)
- Granny Square Lap Blanket - White, Greens, Pinks, Yellows, Blues, Grey, Purple (start Feb. 10 using leftover squares from blanket just finished; finished Feb. 12)
- Granny Square Lap Blanket - White, Tan, Greens, Pinks, Yellows, Blues (start Jan. 22, 2007; put aside early Feb. after 20 squares; picked up again May 28; put down again May 29, 2007; finally finished Feb. 10, 2008)
- Flower Picture Afghan Lap Blanket - White, Reds, Greens (start Jan. 21; finish Feb. 7)
- Filet Pinwheel Granny Square Lap Blanket - Greens (start Jan. 2; finish Jan. 14)
Projects started in 2008 but not completed yet:
- Quilt using 12 12″ (including 1/4″ seam allowance) left over varied quilt blocks from Quilt Block Curtains (start Jul. 2008; 12 blocks done Nov. 2; quilt top in progress)
- Houses art quilt - fusing (start Oct. 17, 2008; in limbo)
- Garden art quilt - fusing (start Oct. 16, 2008; in limbo)
- Hexagon Mile-A-Minute Lap Blanket - Blue, White, Blue-White Multi (start Jul. 24; got bored with crocheting and too hot so in limbo)
- Ripple Lap Blanket - Multi, Burgundy (start Jan. 15; got bored with it so in limbo)
- Ripple Lap Blanket - White, Lavender (start May 29, 2007; Jun. 2 put aside for Pineapple Blanket, then Babette Blanket; still in limbo)
Projects started in 2006 but put not completed yet:
- Keepsake Kitty Wall Hanging (start May 7, 2006; top nearly done except for applique tail Jun. 2, 2006; now in limbo; March 2008 sewed/appliqued the cat's tail onto the pattern; again in limbo; Dec. 2008 began quilting the top-batting-backing "sandwich")
These photos were taken on August 3 after a few weekends of quilt block piecing.
From the doorway:
From the opposite corner:
A month since my last post! I'm just not feeling bloggy. Here's an update:
My son is married! Greg and Lauren tied the knot in a simple ceremony on August 8. I flew in Thursday evening and flew back Friday evening after a nice lunch for just the 3 of us after the ceremony. They took off for the weekend on a short honeymoon to the wine country about an hour away from where they live. Then, on Monday, Greg started his new job as an attorney working for a mid-sized litigation firm. Whew - big changes!
My new shoes: The brown Ros Rhommerson Cynthia shoes I wore at my son's marriage ceremony are comfortable - as long as I don't walk in them. Ack!
The muscles in my feet, ankles, knees, and lower back just weren't up to walking in 2 1/2 inch heels! Now, the black Hugh Puppies Sara shoes with a 1 1/4 inch heel don't hurt me nearly as much!
I don't think the problem with the brown shoes is the shoes - as I said, they're comfortable. I do think the problem is that I'm so used to wearing fully-padded New Balance walking shoes with basically no heal height, that the muscles needed to walk in 2 1/2 inch heels just aren't up to snuff! Because of that, I haven't yet worn the black shoes with 2 1/2 inch heels!
Our home: We're having 5 of the windows in our house replaced on Tuesday - livingroom, kitchen (front window), craft room, bathroom, and TV room - by American Vision Windows.
After that's done, we're thinking about hiring a painter to finish painting the outside trim (a project started last summer but not finished) and paint the house (we're still not happy with the medium grey colored stucco). I'm now thinking a creamy light yellow which will work fine with the white trim.
Bryan brought a girl for dinner! My stepson brought his latest girlfriend Brit to our house for dinner last night - something neither Bill nor I can remember him ever doing before!
Together, Bill and I have joked that, since Billy got married on 7/7/2007 and Greg got married on 8/8/2008 that Bryan may get married on 9/9/2009.
In fun, we mentioned that to Bryan several weeks ago and he responded that maybe 12/12/2012 would be the date he gets married! Of course, there's no rush for him to get married! I just thought it interesting that he brought Brit over for dinner.
Crocheting: No crocheting in the past 4 weeks or so. Just not into it right now.
Quilting / sewing: I bought storage containers and many more fat quarters at JoAnn Fabrics (I couldn't resist the 99¢ sale!) to add to my fabric collection. The weather has been hot so it's taken some effort to get around to washing and ironing all the new fabric - but I just finished this afternoon.
NASCAR: Kyle Busch won his 18th race of the year last night! As I type this, he's working on his 9th Cup series win! Tony Stewart hasn't (yet!) won a race, but at this moment he's one of the 12 drivers qualifying to be in the Chase for the Cup and he still has a chance to win this year's championship!
Well, let's see, the past 2 weeks have been a bit eventful!
My son is getting married! Yup, I'm gonna have another daughter(-in-law)! Whoop!
Last year, my stepson Billy got married on July 7, 2007 (777 or 7-7-07 or 07-07-07 or 070707) - a popular day to get married last year!
Greg proposed on July 19 in a field while they were picking raspberries and, practical people that they are, they decided to skip a big wedding ceremony (and all that goes with it) and get married right away - on Friday, August 8, 2008 (888 or 8-8-08 or 08-08-08 or 080808). Eight to the Chinese culture is a very lucky number. Neither of them is Chinese, but I'm sure their marriage will by a good one! Lauren and Greg make a great couple!
Greg asked his current boss, a judge, to marry them. The simple ceremony will be at the courthouse.
Parties (more formally known as wedding receptions) will be held at family homes in Oregon and California for family and friends local to those areas. We haven't set a date yet, but at our house, the party will be a small affair with close family and a few close neighbors.
Then, on Monday after the wedding, Greg starts his new job as an attorney for a mid-sized litigation firm. How cool is that?! Married and a new job all in the same 4 days!
On the home front: The new refrigerator fit perfectly! Whoop! We love the clear shelves and drawers - and can now see what's inside the drawers and we can stop forgetting what's in the them!
Bill and I are heading to the lake tomorrow! A whole day off together!
On the crochet front: Two more lap blankets are done (no photos for posting yet) and one more started.
On the quilting front: Yes, I said "quilting"! I began piecing blocks together on July 12 and have finished 4 since then! Also no photos yet.
I just realized I haven't posted in a month! Not much going on, I guess.
On the crochet front: There are 5 more lap blankets to photograph and post about. I'm currently working on 2 more. I've been adding to my pattern collection through regular hunts on eBay.
On the Bay Area weather front: There have been a few rainy days in the past few weeks, but mostly it's been sunny - and today is just beautiful! I still haven't gotten the gardening bug, but I expect I will with more sunny weekends.
On the home front: Cleo and Jasmine are healthy and loving. Bill and I are healthy, not-so-wealthy (but we're comfortable), and wise!
Bill has said he wants to take very other Friday off during the time the college where I work switches to 4 10-hour day work weeks this summer. Hmmm, we'll see if that really happens! The workaholic in him may not let him take 3-day weekends through the summer. He works most Saturdays now - which means 1-day weekends. What's he going to do with himself during regular 3-day weekends? Hmmm, let's see…I suppose he can start by finishing painting the trim on the house! Right now, we're probably not going to re-paint the house, since the medium grey color looks better with the white trim.
On the money front: Gas prices are going up. Food prices are going up. The stock market goes up, then down, then up, then down. Interest rates are down. My retirement account balances are down.
On the California state budget front: The state is cutting education budgets this year and next year. This "year" is a fiscal year that ends June 30, 2008. So, the budget cuts for this "year" need to be made out of the remaining 3 months or so of a budget that was prepared in fall 2006 and has been guiding the college since July 1, 2007.
And next year's budget (July 1, 2008 - June 30, 2009) is also being cut, including that we won't be getting increases in funding that had been expected (well, as "expected" as you can get when you know the state is having budget problems). So that means another hiring freeze, increasing expenses (for utilities and supplies and equipment and computers and software and …) out of a budget that isn't increasing, and more cut backs and doing without at the college.
We haven't come back from the last big budget cuts several years ago. We still put off buying office supplies. We still have unfilled positions, with other people picking up those duties - which makes for very busy (and potentially burned-out) workers.
There are things we should or could be doing that we can't do because there aren't enough people, there isn't enough money for the people or supplies or equipment, there isn't enough time in the day to do what needs to be done.
Ack. Enough of that depressing talk.
On the family front: My son will be visiting for a few days next week! Whoop! And I'm taking 3 days vacation next week. I think a 2-day work week is just what I need - as long as the nice sunny springtime weather holds!
Bill is flying to Maui on Tuesday to visit his son for about a week. And, no, I don't mind him going to Hawaii without me. After our last trip to Maui in July last year for Billy's wedding, I'm all Maui-ed out and don't want to go back. Too windy, too crowded, incompetent airline staff, reserved seats that weren't reserved, too windy, too crowded. Did I mention too crowded and too windy? Oh, and incompetent airline staff and no seats reserved even though I reserved seats? Did I mention crying - not just a few tears, but real crying - in frustration and anger and flying-related stress after finally getting through security? No, I'm definitely not ready for another Maui trip.
Or any other trip requiring a airplane.
Even my December trip to Oregon to visit my son just about wore me out - 2 flight delays and a flight switch.
On the job front: After over 6 years at the college, I still enjoy my job. There are projects and enhancements - and a redesign - that need to happen, but I don't have the time and there doesn't seem to be money in the budget to get me a reliable, knowledgeable assistant, so those things are remaining undone. As they have for the past 3-4 years. The website design is 6 years old and needs to be changed. I'm gradually, as time permits, doing what I can behind the scenes in the XHTML markup to make it more straightforward to switch over to a new design when (if) the time comes.
I like the people. I like the higher education environment. I like the campus location, nestled in the foothills surrounded by open hillsides, trees, cows, horses, birds, and squirrels. I feel I'm appreciated, valued, and respected as a person and in my job. I'm not so keen on some things and a couple of the people can be very irritating, but the advantages and things I like far outweigh those.
On the NASCAR front: My boys Tony Stewart and Kyle Busch are doing well so far! Kyle is number 1 in points! I still say he's gonna win the Cup this year.
I still crochet a great deal of the time - it's still my number one hobby. The number of projects completed this year is just over half of last year - but many of the projects were large blankets and some had a lot of time-consuming yarn ends to hide.
In 2007, I pursued learning to knit (again - for the third time), but it still hasn't taken with me. Of course, if I don't continue working with it, knitting doesn't have a chance of becoming "second nature" for me like crocheting is! I haven't given up my desire to make colorful knitted socks, but I also haven't become comfortable enough with knitting using 2 knitting needles to want to try to handle 4 or 5 double-pointed knitting needles.
With regard to sewing and quilting, the desire to play with colorful fabric is there. However, I still haven't gotten around to getting comfortable with it. Someday…
2007 Projects in Review
Crochet: 1 huge full-size afghan (my Babette Blanket), 1 large round 6-point to 24-point afghan, 4 full-size blankets, 8 lap blankets (7 donated, 1 gift), 6 scarves, 2 headbands, 1 cardigan, 1 hat, 1 cat-size blanket.
Knit: 1 head band.
Sewing and Quilting: Zero, zip, nada. Bah! The year slid by with no progress here! Didn't finish the Keepsake Kitty Wall Hanging, and didn't start any new sewing or quilting projects.
The Project List:
- Ripple Blanket for Bill (start Aug. 18; then too hot so put aside to do granny squares; picked up again Dec. 12; finish Dec. 22)
- Stone Path Hat - Browns (start Dec. 3; finish Dec. 11)
- Patchwork Solid Granny Squares Blanket for Bryan (start Aug. 25; finish Sep. 30)
- Babette Blanket for me (start Jun. 24; finish Aug. 13)
- Pineapple Blanket for Billy and Rowena Wedding - White (start Jun. 2; finish Jun. 23)
- Delicate Summer Jacket Cardigan for me - Purple Cotton-Ease (start May 10; finish May 28)
- Simple Knitted Head Band for me - Green Sugar 'n' Cream Cotton (start May 7; finish May 8;)
- Ripple Lap Blanket - White, Pastel Scraps (start Apr. 6; finish May 6)
- Sampler Stripes Blanket for Elizabeth - Green, Maroon, Pink, White (start Apr. 19; finish Apr. 30)
- 6-point to 24-point Round Ripple Blanket for William - Greens, Blues, Multi (start Apr. 7; finish Apr. 18)
- Ripple Lap Blanket - White, Cream, Dark Scraps (start Mar. 31; finish Apr. 4)
- Ripple Lap Blanket for Candace - Purples (start Mar. 22; finish Mar. 31)
- Ripple Scarf - Beige/Cream, Cream (start Mar. 18; finish Mar. 21)
- Ripple Scarf - Gold/Orange, Cream (start Mar. 13; finish Mar. 17)
- Ripple Scarf - Black/Grey, Cream (start Mar. 13; finish Mar. 15)
- Round Motif Scarf - Cream, Gold/Orange, Black/Grey (start Mar. 3; finish Mar. 12)
- Ripple Lap Blanket - Blues, Greens, Tans (start Mar. 4; finish Mar. 11)
- Head Band for me - White, Purple, Green, Blue (start Mar. 8; finish Mar. 9)
- Head Band for me - Purple, Green, Blue (start/finish Mar. 8)
- Burgundy Shells Scarf (start Feb. 25; finish Mar. 3)
- Octagon Cat Blanket (started as a baby blanket) - Dark and Light Turquoise (start Dec. 16, 2006; Dec. 17 need more yarn; Mar. 3, 2007 decided to finish off as is and use for a cat blanket)
- Long Soft Warm Scarf for me - Black, Brown, Tan, Pale Blue, Cream, Blue-Purple (start/finish Feb. 25; ooops! too long: shortened Feb. 28)
- Cluster and Lace Granny Square Lap Blanket - Red, Pink, White (start Feb. 9; finish Feb. 17)
- Calico Lap Blanket - Red, Pink, Light Green, White (start Feb. 4; finish Feb. 9)
- 9-patch Granny Square Lap Blanket - Blue, Beige, Off White, Multi (start Jan. 4; finish Jan. 21)
- Granny Square Lap Blanket - Pinks (start Jan. 13; finish Jan. 17)
Projects started in 2007 but not completed yet:
- Ripple Lap Blanket - White, Lavender (start May 29, 2007; Jun. 2 put aside for Pineapple Blanket, then Babette Blanket)
- Granny Square Lap Blanket - White, Tan, Green, Pink, Yellow, Blue (start Jan. 22, 2007; put aside early Feb. after 20 squares; picked up again May 28; put down again May 29)
Projects started in 2006 but put not completed yet:
- Keepsake Kitty Wall Hanging (start May 7, 2006; top nearly done except for applique tail Jun. 2, 2006; now in limbo)
Projects started in 2005 but put on hold and then pulled out to re-use the yarn:
- Not completed: Jazzy Beach Wrap (cardigan) for me (start Mar. 24, 2005; put aside Apr. 13, 2005; pulled out Feb. 18, 2007)
Why do people include color in search terms?
Pretty much any pattern can be made in any color. Why search for "purple granny square" or "red and yellow ripple afghan"?
There are some patterns best created with light-colored yarn so the texture or detail of the design is more easily seen - like "aran crochet afghan" or "fisherman crochet sweater". And, yes, some patterns look great in contrasting colors - like "black and white crochet".
But try searching for the type of pattern not the color of the pattern - like "checkerboard afghan crochet pattern", "basketweave crochet pattern", "lacy granny square", or "reversible baby blanket".
If you're using the name of a color in your search term, try the search without the color specified and you'll get more results. Learn to look at pictures of projects without focusing on the colors used by the designer. There might be a blue and yellow ripple afghan pattern that would look great in red and yellow.
Hmmm, this blog used to have quite a bit of crochet project news. Not lately. I think I burned out on Bryan's Lap Blanket (which I haven't posted about yet - burned out, ya know!) which I started right after finishing my beautiful Babette Blanket.
I finished Bryan's blanket on September 30 so it's been almost 6 weeks now. It's been a busy 6 weeks too! Painting the trim on our house (white over chocolate brown - tough!), moving this blog to Movable Type 4.01, moving Tame My Mind - Imagery to Movable Type 4.01, thinking about applying for the open position at work, thinking about it more…and more…and finally spending 23 hours last weekend working on application materials and my online portfolio.
I still have three crochet projects in progress/on hold:
- Ripple Blanket for Bill's side of the bed (start Aug. 18; then too hot so put aside to do granny squares)
- Ripple Lap Blanket - White, Lavender (start May 29; Jun. 2 put aside for Pineapple Blanket, then Babette Blanket)
- Granny Square Lap Blanket - White, Tan, Green, Pink, Yellow, Blue (start Jan. 22; put aside early Feb. after 20 squares; picked up again May 28; put down again May 29)
But I also have quite a few skeins of Caron Simply Soft in the bright colors - love 'em!
Decisions, decisions…
I am thoroughly spoiled - dinner's ready!
Via WheatCarr, I learned the U.S. Postal Service offers 41¢ stamps in 4 knit designs - called 2007 Holiday Knits. The designs are a reindeer, Christmas tree, snowman, and teddy bear.
Hmmm, no crocheted designs?
My Ravelry invite arrived the other day! I've gotten as far as signing up (I'm "cherylcrochets") and taking a brief look around. Good grief! 586 Ravelers are online at this moment! Wow!
I'm not sure just how much I'm going to input into my account there. I use my blog for tracking current and future projects. I'm not interested in tracking how much yarn I have on hand. But, I'm looking forward to seeing what other people are making!
A fellow crocheter at the college emailed me to ask "Where you do you usually donate your crocheted items?" I thought I would respond here too for others.
...
It has varied, but all are in the area where I live. Instead of spending money on postage to send items away, I've chosen to concentrate on local organizations (that way, I can buy more yarn!).
I crochet lap-size (wheelchair-size) blankets and give 'em away in November or December. The first year I donated the blankets to a small hospital; the next two years to a small, needy convalescent/nursing home; and last year to a church.
There are many ways to donate handmade goods. Warm hats and scarves to homeless shelters. Afghan squares for Warm Up America (http://www.warmupamerica.com/) through Michaels Craft Store (http://www.michaels.com/). Dog-size, cat-size blankets to animal shelters (Hugs for Homeless Animals http://www.h4ha.org/). Project Linus (http://www.blankiedepo.org/). Baby blankets, layette sets, booties, caps to premie wards in hospitals. Colorful toys, soft hats, blankets to children in hospitals. Very soft chemo caps for cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy (http://www.bevscountrycottage.com/cancercaps.html).
More ideas/links are at Crochet 'n' More - Charity Links (http://www.crochetnmore.com/123charitylinks.htm).
So much yarn, so many projects, so little time...
As I photographed completed projects this morning, Jasmine (aka Jaz) decided she wanted to help me by pointing out details in the Cluster and Lace Granny Square Lap Blanket - and then Cleo, of course, had to jump in to help with the Burgundy Shells Scarf!
After another couple of false starts yesterday, I finally settled on a pattern for the scarf I wanted to make for myself using Bernat Soft Boucle! It was started and finished today! (No photos yet...)
I started the Perfect Profile Lap Blanket December 31. It went well for the first 16 or so rows. Then I noticed it was leaning... I tried to correct it as I continued, but after 34 rows, it had firmly taken on the shape of a parallelogram. So I pulled it all out and started over, modifying the pattern just a bit on each end and using different crochet hook sizes to try to control the offsetting...
That didn't work so well, so I pulled out those 20 rows.
During the third attempt, I was more conscious of tension and the blanket grew (very close to) evenly for about 22 rows... Then I noticed it: The parallelogram was definitely back. It turns out that the little bit of tugging I did when "measuring" to see if the blanket was still a rectangle was hiding the truth.
So I pulled it all out a third time last night - and started a lap blanket using 9-patch granny squares.
I've realized that Perfect Profile (pattern 3 in 280 Crochet Shell Patterns) isn't going to be perfect (or even close!) for me - at least not at this time. Maybe later if my yarn tension changes...
I still enjoy crocheting a lot and spend part of nearly every day doing it, as evidenced by the number of projects completed!
I'm pleased that I learned more about sewing this year. I even bought a new sewing machine - it has been much more fun to use than Mom's older-than-I-am sewing machine!
I finally started my first quilt project. I didn't get around to finishing it (yet), but there's no rush. I'm strongly drawn to quilting - and the use of line, color, light and shadow. I am also, however, intimidated by my strong desire to not waste fabric or time or money.
2006 Projects in Review
Crochet: 1 huge full-size afghan, 24 lap blankets (16 donated, 4 gifts, 1 door prize at work, 3 toward 2007 donation), 3 baby blankets, 3 cardigans/sweaters, 2 pairs of socks, 2 bags, 1 vest, 1 scarf, 1 pet bed wrap, 1 flag cover, 1 pin cushion, 1 stuffed VW Bug, 1 stuffed turtle.
Sewing: I completed 4 sewing projects and bought my own sewing maching this year! 8 panels used as curtains for home office closet, 1 cover for fabric cutting board, 1 set of bathroom window curtains, 1 sleep shirt (and learned the basics of using a sewing pattern!).
Quilting: I also started my first quilt project this year, but didn't finish it: Keepsake Kitty Wall Hanging (top nearly done except for applique tail, then needs to be quilted).
The Project List:
Size: 2.5 inches x 14 inches
Colors: Beige (Red Heart)
Pattern: My own
Hook: G
Date: start/finish December 19
I crocheted this to cover a hand-held size American flag used for the pledge in meetings of one of the unions at the college where I work.
Thanks for the very cute stuffed turtles, Mary!
Mary recently left the college where I work and moved with her retired husband to a Northern California city near the Oregon border. Before she moved, she gave me a large bag full of miscellaneous yarn types and colors. I put the bag in the craft room so I could delve into it later. Well, later turned into a while. While Mom (a knitter so she's also crazy about yarn) was visiting me on Saturday, we dumped the bag to see what all was there - and I found 2 of the cutest stuffed turtles (one with lots of purple!)! We also found lots of different types of yarn!
I feel bad that I didn't go through the bag earlier! Mary probably wondered why I didn't acknowledge the turtles. I emailed her earlier today explaining the delay and thanking her.
Hmm...can anyone tell me what a "Weaving Puff" is used for? There is no information at all via a Google search. The bag of yarn included three 1-yard-long packages of acrylic fiber labeled "Weaving Puff" with a brand name of Earthee.
The bag of yarn included a needlepoint/crewel kit with a bamboo/asian design. Since Mom does needlepoint and crewel, she took that home.
Math for Craft Design has excellent information about designing with Fibonacci and Lucas numbers, which results in eye-pleasing stripes.
Fibonacci numbers:
0, 1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 13, 21, 34, 55, 89, 144, 233...
Lucas numbers:
2, 1, 3, 4, 7, 11, 18, 29, 47, 76, 123, 199...
It must be the slight nip in the air from the fall weather... I've finished 2 crocheted granny square lap blankets in the past 3 weeks. Photos to come! I haven't felt much like following a written pattern (desiring mindless crocheting instead), so basic granny squares are the perfect mindless crochet project!
My 3-day weekends for the summer are over. Bummer. It's hard to believe 12 Fridays have already gone by. Back to 8-hour days 5 days a week starting today. I really like working 4 9-hour days (I take 1 hour of vacation each day to make 40 hours a week). If I didn't have to take a 10% cut in pay and pay 10% of my benefits, I would switch to a 4-day week working 9 hours each day.
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Craftwise, I've been uninspired since before we left on our Hawaii vacation. Other than the 3 1/2 books I read on vacation and the 1 1/2 books I've read since we got back, I haven't done much except watch lots of TV and DVDs.
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We're working our way through DVDs of Rescue Me season one right now, then moving on to season two. I want to get Bill involved with Lost but he says he's not interested. I'm gonna try, though, with the first DVD of season one.
We've switched from Netflix to Blockbuster's online DVD service because it is cheaper. Blockbuster is $7.99 for 3 DVDs (one at a time) and 2 coupons for free DVD rentals at Blockbuster stores. Netflix is $9.99 for an unlimited number of DVDs (one at a time). The usual turnaround for us is 1 DVD per week by mail so the Blockbuster plan works nicely for us.
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Before we left on vacation, Bill offered to switch the bedroom he uses as his office with the smaller room I use as my craft room. So, I took him up on it! We switched rooms last weekend. My new craft room has lots more room and natural light and a great breeze through the window! Bill decided to use his new space as a TV Room since he really doesn't need an office (hmmm, not that he really needs a TV Room either...). We moved the TV from our bedroom into the TV Room since we don't watch TV in bed anymore. This weekend, we bought a new recliner chair in a nice shade of sage/light olive green for the TV Room. We also hooked up the livingroom TV to also display on the small TV in my craft room (which used to be in my office for when I used the treadmill... but since I haven't used the treadmill since probably January...). Now, Bill can watch a football game or whatever in the TV Room while I'm watching something in the craft room or livingroom.
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Even though I've been uninspired craftwise, I did try to jumpstart myself yesterday afternoon by starting a sewing project: a t-shirt using flannel fabric which I'll use as a sleep shirt. I had to do something (besides sit on my butt) when I kept nodding off while watching the NASCAR race even while my Tony Stewart was winning! The back and front and sleeves are cut from the fabric. Now I just have to figure out what to do next... I've read the pattern directions and read about sewing online and in a book, but I'm just not comfortable with the pattern markings.
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Greg and Lauren took the Oregon bar exam at the end of July. They'll get the results sometime in September. In the meantime, they're still looking for jobs. Makes me nervous, but something will work out.
...
I have quite a bit of sock yarn that I'm not sure what to use it for. I'm not on a crocheted socks kick anymore. In fact, they're just not comfortable. Unusual and cute for when I'm feeling that way, but not for everyday use.
...
I collected more fabric in the past month or so. Another sale at Jo-Ann Fabrics. At about $80-85 each visit, I must stop the insanity. I have been able to resist the recent 30% and current 40% off sales on Keepsake Calico fabric.
Must. Not. Buy. More.
Must try to use what I have collected.
...
The monthly online transfers from my checking account into my ING Direct savings account are growing.
Must. Not. Buy. More. Fabric. Or yarn... Or other collectibles...
Must. Put. More. Into. My. ING. Account.
Late Monday evening last week (June 10), we arrived home from 2 weeks in Kona on the Big Island, Hawaii. A 2-hour delay at the Honolulu airport meant landing in Oakland at 12:15am Monday night/Tuesday morning. Luckily, Bill had suggested when we were making vacation plans that we also take off the day after our return. Sounded good to me, so I did. He did too, but of course felt compelled to go to work Tuesday morning at 6:30am as usual! (By the way, 6:30am Pacific time is 3:30am Hawaii time!) I was exhausted Tuesday (and the rest of the week!). Grocery shopping and laundry were on Tuesday's list of things to do.
Since returning from vacation, the bah-humbug don't-know-what-project-to-do feeling I had before we left has continued.
When I cruise crafty websites, I wonder at the inventiveness and creativeness of others...and wonder where they find the time. Then I remember that I'm watching TV or in some other way choosing not to work at creative projects.
So, during today's NASCAR Cup race, after my boy Tony Stewart crashed and dropped back 20+ laps, I dragged myself off the couch to take photos of the Julianna cardigan, as well as cute turtle goodies and colorful tropical-themed socks I bought in Hawaii. They're coming up next!
These are cool and free online tools from incompetech.com to help you create your own charted designs for crochet, cross-stitch, knitting, plastic canvas, mosaics, and more! Use colored pencils or pens to create your designs on paper.
- Graph Paper PDF Generator. It creates a PDF file of graph paper based on the number of squares and size you designate.
- Here's another that creates diagonally-split squares - good for full square or half square charted designs: Axonometric Graph Paper PDF Generator.
- Create your own brick-style graph paper: Brick Layout Graph Paper PDF Generator
This morning I made a donation each to Crochet me to help support its dedicated server web hosting needs and to Crochetville to help keep the board up and running. Feels good!
I liked working with crochet thread while making bookmarks last month. Since I need to be careful with ergonomics, I've just ordered 2 Clover Soft Touch Crochet Hooks (with protective covers) for thread from Lone Star Yarns. I bought a 1.75 mm (Clover Size 0, US 8) and a 1.5 mm (Clover Size 2, US 6) which are the largest thread hook sizes available at this time on that website.
[Update: March 8, 2007] Lone Star Yarns closed their website. I just found Clover Soft Touch Thread Crochet Hooks in Clover sizes 0, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12 (estimated US sizes 4, 7, 10, 11, 13, 14) (1.75 mm to .6mm) at Karp Styles.
[Update: December 7, 2007] The Clover Soft Touch Thread Crochet Hooks are also available Angelika's Yarn Store (scroll down the page - look for the hooks with a protective cap). Sizes listed are 0 (1.75mm), 2 (1.50mm), 4 (1.25mm), 6 (1.00mm), 8 (0.90mm), 10 (0.75mm), 12 (0.60mm). Price is $6.50 each.
[Update March 23, 2008] Maggie Weldon is now selling Clover Soft Touch Thread Crochet Hooks for $6.75 each in 8 sizes: 0 (1.75mm), 2 (1.50mm), 4 (1.25mm), 6 (1.00mm), 8 (0.90mm), 10 (0.75mm), 12 (0.60mm), and 14 (0.50mm).
Wow! Nancy's designs are lovely! Visit nanlets.com.
Merry New Year! I'm feeling unusually chatty... Let's see...what's been going on with me?
Not a whole lot! Hmmm, except for my crocheting addiction that is!
The college closed the week between Christmas and New Years and I took two days off before Christmas when Greg visited for a short week from Virginia where he is in his third year of law school. As all law students are, he is stressed with law school activities and coursework! We spent a quiet few days sitting around together just enjoying the downtime. He and his girlfriend Lauren (also a third-year law student) plan to move to whichever city/state they get jobs in after graduation in May.
Speaking of crocheting (I was, wasn't I?)... It's relaxing and meditative, especially when a rhythmic pattern is used, and creative. It can also be challenging - like crocheting with thread (the hooks are so tiny!) or learning different styles of crochet (like Crochet on the Double and Tunisian) or experimenting with new types of crocheted items.
After a few years of crocheting as Bill watched NASCAR races each weekend, I became a huge fan last year of Tony Stewart and was very VERY pleased that my boy - MY driver - won the 2005 NASCAR Nextel Cup! While in Reno last August, Bill's cousin placed a $20 bet for me on Tony winning the Allstate Brickyard 400 - and he/I/we won ($140 for me - lots more for Tony!)! Whoop! I'm eagerly awaiting the start of the 2006 NASCAR season in February so I (and Bill too, of course) can spend hours each week watching races and related coverage on TV! (Yes, seriously.)
While I don't think I'm totally crazed with my Tony Stewart crush, I do have a "20" Tony Stewart NASCAR license plate frame on my car, a "20" window cling in my car's rear window, and a 2006 Tony Stewart wall calendar in my office at work. For Christmas, Bill fed into my endearing obsession by giving me a Tony Stewart collectible figure! I consider my crush under control, however, since I haven't decorated the house - or any room in it - with Tony Stewart collectibles (yet!).
The girls (our cats!) are healthy and happy. Hmmm, Bubba never seems to be exactly "happy" but Cleo and Jasmine are! Bubba is 17 years old. Her vet said she's an excellent "'88 model" and may live to be 30! (I think 30 is exaggerating, but the Guinness Book of World Records certified a 37-year-old cat!) Both Cleo and Jasmine are 8 1/2 - third graders in people years! Cleo is totally devoted to me and Jaz is definitely Bill's cat!
I continue to donate blood on a regular basis. I'm CMV negative (also referred to as a "baby donor") so my blood is used for babies, burn victims, HIV/AIDS patients, etc. Giving blood is an easy way to save lives, and it takes very little time! Blood supplies around the country are LOW - make an appointment with your local Red Cross or blood bank to donate blood! (Yes, I'm a living commercial!)
With the threat of high blood pressure drugs looming over me, my doctor gave me 4 months to try to lower my blood pressure and lose some weight. So, I began an exercise routine on October 3. I began walking 10 minutes at a low speed and incline on my until-then-unused treadmill and have built up to 30 minutes at a speed of 5 mph on incline 4.5 at least 4 times each week. So far, not much weight has been lost, but I definitely have more stamina and feel a difference in pants! Wouldn't you know it, though, I developed adult-onset asthma which seems to have been triggered by the regular exercise. It's a perfect excuse to NOT exercise, but it's made me even more determined to continue!
Reflecting back on the year 2005, I am pleased to say that I was (and still am) all wrapped up in crocheting! It's a great activity to accompany TV watching or conversations. It's relaxing and meditative, especially when a rhythmic pattern is used, and creative. It can also be challenging - like crocheting with thread (the hooks are so tiny!) or learning different styles of crochet (like Crochet on the Double and Tunisian) or experimenting with new types of crocheted items.
2005 project totals: 3 full-size afghans (1 for auction), 27 lap blankets (15 donated, 1 for me, 1 gift, 10 toward 2006 donation), 19 Valentine hearts, 10 bookmarks, 5 scarves, 4 pairs of socks, 3 stuffed turtles, 3 hats, 3 pet pads, 2 cat toys, 2 layette sets, 1 doily, 1 wimple, 1 neck warmer, 1 pair of treadmill cuffs, 1 child's blanket, and 1 cardigan/sweater. Oh, and, 1 sewing project: Hawaiian-fabric curtains.
A few interesting websites to note:
From neauveau.com:
- The Recycled Yarn Tutorial - Great tutorial on how to unravel an old sweater (or other crocheted or knitted garment) so you can re-use (recycle) the yarn.
- How to Wrap A Skein of Yarn
...
New Yarns by Crochet911.com
Walk into any yarn department or store and the variety of yarns and colors will amaze you. Beautiful textures, interesting fibers and exciting blends are now available along with classic, traditional yarns. ... To help you better understand what these new yarns look like, following is a brief look at some of the more popular new yarn types.
Photos of different yarns are provided.
...
Great freeform crochet art: 60 Odd, A Fiber Oddyssey
61 fiberartists, all members of the International Freeform Artist’s Guild were given a unique challenge. Each artist selected one yarn and sent 61 five-yard skeins of that yarn to a central location. In return each artist received 61 different skeins from fellow artists all over the world. There was no coordination of color, texture, or any other artistic components. The Challenge was to create their own interpretation of fiber art using only those yarns.
...
Lovely freeform at KnotJustKnitting.com.
...
How to Figure the Starting (Foundation) Chain for Filet Crochet - "It's actually very easy to figure out how many chains should be in a starting chain for any filet crochet chart. I've given formulas below to figure starting chains for both a 3 dc mesh and a 4 dc mesh."
Wow! Pattern information at Spiral Doily (it's Russian, I think).
Also, see this photo (no pattern instructions). The web page says "Small Runner From Burda Crochet Fall 2000".
Colors: Cool Breeze (Sugar 'n Cream Cotton Ombre Yarn)
Pattern: My own
Hook: G
Date: October 2005
I made these "cuffs" to cover the sharp edges on the handles of my treadmill so the backs of my hands stop getting banged up. Ingenious!
I've been busily finishing crocheted projects but haven't stopped to take photos of them yet. Maybe today...maybe not, however, since the final NASCAR Nextel Cup race is today! My favorite driver, Tony Stewart, has been #1 in points since before the 10-race Chase For The Cup began!
- Round Pet Pad for Cleo, Jasmine, Bubba (start/finish Nov. 19)
- Scrap Lap Blanket (start Nov. 13; finish Nov. 18)
- "Boyfriend" cat toy for Mom's Callie (start/finish Nov. 13)
- Blocks in Primary Colors Lap Blanket (start Jun. 27; finish Nov. 12)
- In Your Shoes Ankle Socks (Paint Box) for me (start Nov. 6; finish Nov. 10)
- Socks (Steel Hot) for me (start Nov. 4; finish Nov. 6)
- Layette set in neutral colors (blanket, jacket, booties) for Jackie/Jason or Sarah/Jimmy (start Oct. 21; finish Nov. 2)
- "Cuffs" to cover sharp edges on the handles of my treadmill so the backs of my hands stop getting banged up (start/finish Oct. 23)
[November 21, 2005] Tony won! I'm such a happy camper!
How exciting! I joined the Crochet Guild Of America (CGOA) last week.
Membership includes a subscription to Crochet! magazine with Chain Link newsletter inserted in each magazine.
A few weeks ago, I ordered the 2006 Crochet Pattern-a-Day Calendar from calendars.com.
Don't throw yesterday away - just hook it into today's most hip and chic designs with designer Annie Modesitt and friends! Each day throughout the year features hip and chic crochet patterns with photos and corresponding instructions and measurements to help you complete exciting new projects. From scarves and pillows to afghans and shawls, you'll never run out of wonderful handmade gift ideas!
Hmmm, some of the patterns are carried over multiple days, so there aren't 365 patterns. I've also heard on the Crochet Partners listserv comments from some pattern designers that different yarns were substituted for some patterns so a photo of an object (made by the designer) may not be of the same yarn specified by the pattern.
Here's an update of what I've been up to over the past few months.
Current in-progress projects:
- Cathedral Rose Window Afghan for auction (start Aug. 6; target finish date: Sep. 11)
- Race Track/Games blanket for Jack (start Jul. 25)
- Blocks in primary colors lap blanket (start Jun. 27)
I finished the squares for the primary colors lap blanket, but it was too hot to put the blanket together so I moved on to starting a Games/Road Play blanket for Jack (same child I made Jack's Baby Blanket for) who is getting a baby brother or sister in late December.
Then, I dropped that project as soon as I got the yarn for the Cathedral Rose Window afghan that I'm making for the auction at the College's annual golf tournament on September 12. The afghan is beautiful and I've had fun working on it, but the summer heat is killing some of the enjoyment! I should be working on individual squares for afghans or smaller-than-an-afghan projects during the summer, not a huge blanket that drapes over my lap as I work on it!
No photos yet but I finished these blankets since my last entry:
- Crochet on the Double and Tunisian Panels Lap Blanket (start Jun. 10; finish Jun. 26)
- OHLONE Filet Lap Blanket or Banner (start Jun. 24; finish Jun. 25)
I got "hooked" on tunisian crochet after trying out the crochet cable hook I had bought a while back (the 14-inch double-ended crochet hooks are too heavy when yarn is on them for my writsts). So, of course, I had to have an assortment of crochet cable hooks...and pattern books...
Also, the OHLONE filet lap blanket was my first attempt at filet crochet - and it turned out really well. Since I'm not sure what to do with it (yet), I've left it at work until someone comes up with a use for it!
A short post during lunch...
Not much is or has been going on. The weather has improved in that there is sunshine instead of rain a majority of days (yippee!). The front and backyard gardens are looking great! I took photos to post, but haven't gotten around to it yet.
I've been working on crochet projects and have recently finished two...
The blanket for my son's girlfriend Lauren was finished on March 27 but photos weren't taken for a few days and I haven't had the umph to post photos for each of the 35 squares and a few of the complete blanket.
And last night I finished the Remember the Kittens lap blanket I started last week. Photos will be taken soon.
I finished the body of the Jazzy Beach Wrap cardigan I was making for me and got one sleeve done. I pinned the sleeve to the body, put it on, and decided I looked way too fat in it - the horizontal stripes and a flare under the arms around the chest area are very unflattering! I was really looking forward to wearing this, but I draw the line at wearing something that so obviously makes me look larger than I am! So, that project is stalled until I decide whether I want to finish it or try to pull it out, but the yarn is Bernat Boucle and it frequently snags or breaks when pulling out stitches. I'm at an impasse.
Last Friday, I brought a small cute project to work to keep there to crochet during the needle arts group lunchtime meeting each Friday: Ted and Tina Turtle, a pair of stuffed turtles.
Something cool: I was asked to make an afghan or something to donate to the college for an auction that will be held in September. I'm thinking of making a shawl or lap blanket because a full-size blanket takes so much time. Maybe a blanket with the college logo... I'm still thinking on it.
I don't know whether I'll go or not (especially since I'm not a member of CGOA...hmmm, can non-members attend?), but I'm noting it here since it is a local event for me!
CGOA's National Conference
Chain Link 2005
July 20-24, 2005
Oakland, California
Size: Most are approximately 4 inches x 5 inches
Colors: Variety
Pattern: Adjusted from a heart pattern using thread
Hook: G, H, I depending on the yarn
Date: February 2005
I had a lovely time today distributing crocheted hearts in a variety of color combinations to 18 people I work with and 1 to my friend Paula whom I met for coffee today! I took photos of the hearts, but of course left my camera at work so the photos will be posted later.
[February 28, 2005] Photos finally posted! The blue one was made for Deb with yarn leftover from the afghan I made for her. The red Homespun heart was made for Corinne with yarn leftover from the afghan I made for her, and the burgundy Homespun heart was made for Corinne's co-worker Mary from other leftover yarn.
A few new projects to make:
Bill talked with his sister Ann last night and mentioned how much The Girls like the "Boyfriend" cat toy I made for them. She said she was interested in one for her new kitty!
Today, Paula and I had lunch and browsed shops and took her new dog, Buttons (an 8-year-old cocker spaniel) for a walk. I mentioned that Buttons needed a pet blanket for the car and for the couch - so those are on my project list now.
And, there are many afghans I feel compelled to make after seeing the pattern in several of the new books I bought!
Earlier this week, I got the strong desire to have a glass head (for hats and other headwear!)... So, guess what I found at Pier 1 today? Yup, a light-colored green clear glass head! It's wearing my wimple right now!
In addition to finishing the 2 lap blankets I just posted about:
- Last Sunday I shortened the sleeves of my Classic Cardigan. I've worn it almost every day during the past 2 weeks!
- I pulled apart my hooded scarf and made a shorter scarf using a similar pattern but without a hood. The original length of 84 inches reached my knees and got in the way. 68 inches is better!
The ergonomic Clover Soft Touch Crochet Hooks are wonderful! I can crochet for hours and hours without discomfort or pain or numbness! It's amazing! It took a few weeks for my wrists to get better from the preexisting twinges of soreness caused by the regular crochet hook handle style, but after using the Clover Soft Touch Crochet Hooks since September (4 months now), my wrists/hands/fingers are not sore even after hours and hours and hours of crocheting. One exception: My wrists will get a little sore after hours of using a smaller crochet hook (such as a D) with a thick, tacky type of yarn (such as Caron Perfect Match) - but if I use the appropriate size hook for the type of yarn, all is well!
[Update: March 8, 2007] Clover also has the Soft Touch style in thread sizes, but they are difficult to find. Lone Star Yarns used to offer them but their website is now closed. I just found Clover Soft Touch Thread Crochet Hooks in Clover sizes 0, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12 (estimated US sizes 4, 7, 10, 11, 13, 14) (1.75 mm to .6mm) at Karp Styles.
[Update March 23, 2008] Maggie Weldon is now selling Clover Soft Touch Thread Crochet Hooks for $6.75 each in 8 sizes: 0 (1.75mm), 2 (1.50mm), 4 (1.25mm), 6 (1.00mm), 8 (0.90mm), 10 (0.75mm), 12 (0.60mm), and 14 (0.50mm).
2004 was a year for lapghans and afghans! 22 total with 18 completed between January and September! Other completed projects include 5 pillow covers, 5 ski caps, 2 cat toys, 2 berets, 2 scarves, 1 Christmas tree skirt, 1 wimple, 1 shawl, and 1 turtle.
I didn't start keeping track of start and finish dates until October, so the January through September project dates aren't specific.
This is my livingroom crocheting workspace, complete with Cleo by my side on one of her blankie's along with the current project's yarn, Clover Soft Touch Crochet Hook, and my yarn snippers. Bubba decided to grace me with her presence behind my head this day!
Colors: Wine (Red Heart Super Saver), Old World Christmas (Fashion Knit Christmas Yarn)
Pattern: Shells
Book: Skirting The Tree - Leaflet 2523 - Designs by Alice Hyche - Copyright 1994 - Leisure Arts
Hook: G
Date: December 2004
We brought home this year's Norfolk Island Pine on Saturday afternoon so, of course, I had to make a Christmas tree skirt from the Skirting The Tree pattern book before we could decorate the tree. I started the skirt Saturday afternoon and finished just before going to bed last night. The pattern would also make a great cape or indoor shoulder warmer!
I found these websites earlier this month! Wonderful examples of comfortghans which use all sorts of different designs of squares joined together very attractively! The variety in a comfortghan draws me in!
Bonnie Pierce (elegantcrochet) Photo Gallery - Many comfortghans, some examples of FreeForm Crochet, and other projects.
Elegant Crochet Original Designs by Bonnie Pierce - includes tutorials and photos re FreeForm Crochet.
More information about comfortghans is available at Heartmade Blessings.
Well, here they are! Stitches are front post double crochet (FPDC) and back post double crochet (BPDC), except for the foundation chain, the first row of double crochet (dc), and the border of single crochet (sc) all around. Each side uses FPDC and BPDC in a unique pattern. No pillow has the same color combination.
Yarn: Lion Brand Homespun (less than 1.5 skeins for one side)
Hook: K
Starting chain for each side: 42
Approximate pillow size: 19.5 inches x 19.5 inches (some pillows are fatter than others, all are misshapen from being used)
Done! I finished the last of the 5 livingroom couch pillow covers last night. They feel and look great! I took photos of each pillow side last night (with flash) but the texture of the stitches didn't show up. I'll try again in daylight over the weekend.
I've been working on covers for our livingroom pillows since Saturday evening. 3 sides are done (need 10!) and another started last night. No pillows are finished yet, however.
So far, I've made one side in all single crochet, and the 3 other sides in different patterns of basketweave stitches. Single crochet is, um, boring to do and boring to look at - not enough variation IMO (it has its purpose, but not for these pillows!). A double crochet is too loose and shows the inside pillow covering. Combinations of front post double crochets and back post double crochets add texture, visual interest, thickness, and aren't too loose.
I realized Sunday evening that I needed a third skein for each pillow and I needed another set of 3 skeins for the fifth livingroom couch pillow! So, I stopped at Michaels Monday evening and picked up what I needed. The last 3 skeins are Lion Brand Homespun in:
Nouveau (chocolate, dark gray and a touch of tan)
(Yarn image and color description are from the Lion Brand website.)
I've decided the pillows will have a different color on each side so I can vary the colors displayed. In other words, instead of making one solid purple pillow cover, there will be purple on one side and, say, burgundy on the other - and another pillow will also have purple on one side and another color on the other. This way, I can display 1 or 2 purple sides, depending on how I'm feeling, how bored I am, etc. Variety is the spice of life! I'm not sure about using multiple colors on a side...it might be too "busy" for my taste.
Basic patterns for caps for those with cancer etc.:
- Cancer Caps for Kids-Crocheted (beanies, caps, with ears, more)
- Head Huggers (crochet and knit, adult and child) (help those with "hair loss due to chemotherapy, brain surgery, burn wounds, etc.")
Another organization to crochet caps for:
[Update as of October 10: Available pattern books have been claimed. Thank you!]
I know I won't use the following crochet pattern books. I'm sure they'll be of interest to someone else so I'm giving them away to the first person(s) to make a comment on this entry indicating you want one or two or...all of these books. Do not leave your mailing address in your comment! I will email you later and you can then send me your mailing address. These books are being given way - they are free.
- Baby's Pets (stuffed dogs, bears, lamb)
- Crocheted Country Coasters
- Holiday Holders (thread crochet)
- Hot Pads for All Seasons
- Lovely Wreaths (thread crochet)
- Teddy Bear Wardrobe (thread crochet)
Taken by Kari
Taken by Dorothy
Taken by Rebecca
Taken by Lily
Taken by Lily
Taken by Michelle
[Updated 6:40am October 5]
Rebecca, Lily, Michelle - I'll be contacting you by email later today...
Crafting for a Cause is a nicely organized page of links for organizations and charities accepting donations of hand-made goods.
A few days ago while surfing around the web checking out crochet-related sites, I found a reference to Freeform Crochet. "What?" I said to myself. I searched on Google and found What is Freeform at knotjustknitting.com. Wow! Cool! I'm attracted to color, shape, and texture, but some of the patterns I've seen are too wild for me! People make dolls, afghans, wall hangings, clothing, etc. I particularly like the capes and vests I saw under Designs by Our Members on the International Free Form Crochet Guild site.
Yarncat has YAS, Yarn Acquisition Syndrome. She also has PAS, Pattern Acquisition Syndrome. I too suffer from these afflictions.
Yarncat offers tips for storing yarn.
The idea of a "virtual" granny square afghan is great! Lots of free granny square patterns in a variety of sizes are available at Digital Granny's Virtual Afghan website.
Update January 2008: Please note that I am not in charge of nor am I involved with this website. I do not know when it is coming back online.
I saw this online article Crochet goes public! in June and made a note of it elsewhere. Now, I'm making a note of it here for my future reference.
The idea is great! And the cupcake-shaped planter tops are (were) beautiful! (Hmmm, at least until it rained/snowed!)
Lone Star Yarns offers the ergonomic Clover Soft Touch Crochet Hooks in sizes for thread for $5.95 each in sizes:
0 1.75 mm / US 6 2 1.50 mm / US 8 4 1.25 mm / US 10 6 1.00 mm / US 12 8 0.90 mm / US 13 10 0.75 mm / US 14 12 0.66 mm / US 16
The blankets I make don't need thread crochet hooks, but some of the pattern books I've recently purchased do (bookmarks, etc.). Since I have problems with my wrists, I'll be looking into getting one...or two...of these. I did note that the Clover Needlecraft website only offers sizes C-J (2.5-6.0 mm), not 0-12 so I wonder where these crochet hooks come from...
[Update: March 8, 2007] Lone Star Yarns closed their website. I just found Clover Soft Touch Thread Crochet Hooks in Clover sizes 0, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12 (estimated US sizes 4, 7, 10, 11, 13, 14) (1.75 mm to .6mm) at Karp Styles.
[Update March 23, 2008] Maggie Weldon is now selling Clover Soft Touch Thread Crochet Hooks for $6.75 each in 8 sizes: 0 (1.75mm), 2 (1.50mm), 4 (1.25mm), 6 (1.00mm), 8 (0.90mm), 10 (0.75mm), 12 (0.60mm), and 14 (0.50mm).
It feels great to find homes for things I don't need!
A few weeks ago, I gave Mom two of my duplicate crochet pattern books. After seeing that she already had a copy of 63 "More" Pattern Stitches Combine to Make An Heirloom Afghan, I took that book back and gave her two additional duplicate books I had recently acquired: 63 Easy-To-Crochet Pattern Stitches Combine to Make an Heirloom Afghan and Winter Patterns (inspired by Traditional Norwegian Designs).
This week, I sent a box of miscellaneous yarn I don't have a need for to Donna of Yarn Tomato. Included in the box were the duplicate copies of 63 "More" Pattern Stitches Combine to Make An Heirloom Afghan, Luscious Scrap Afghans (On the Double), Classic Afghans to Knit and Crochet, and a Granny's Daughter pattern.
I'm at work on a break...
I really just wanna go home, select a pattern and some of the yarn I've recently bought, and work on it. Thank goodness it's Friday so I can soon do just that tonight - and for the next two days!
The crocheted stuffed turtle toy pattern arrived in yesterday's mail. It just now occurred to me that I can stop working on the baby (or lap) blanket I started last night and do the turtle instead!!! I have lots and lots of green yarn - mostly grass green or Christmas green - but a stuffed turtle toy doesn't have to be turtle green!
I ran out of the 3 dozen 12-inch bookkeeper tabs I had ordered for the taller pattern books. So about a week ago, I ordered 3 dozen more from Annie's Attic (called bookeeper tabs - without the second "k" - on that website) and they arrived yesterday. Guess what I'm doing this weekend?
- Your local convalescent home may welcome lap blankets for patients and residents
- Your local hospital may welcome baby blankets for preemies, babies, toddlers and lap blankets for sick children and adults
- Project Linus - baby blankets
- Snuggle Project - Hugs for Homeless Animals - blankets for animals
- Warm Up America - squares and/or blankets for the needy
- Warm Up America at Michaels Craft Store
- Charity Links at Crochet 'n' More
- List of Charities Needing Crocheted Items at About.com
Finally! I've caught up with posting photos and descriptions of the 1 crocheted blanket finished in February and the 10 blankets completed from May through now!
Current project: A hexagon lap blanket using purples, white, lime green, and yellow.
Saturday afternoon, when Bill and I came home from getting Mocha Frappaccinos at Starbucks, I saw a package on the front porch - it was the Clover Soft Touch Crochet Hooks I bought on eBay! So, I spent Saturday evening and pretty much all day yesterday crocheting with the H hook on the purples-white-lime green-yellow hexagon lap blanket I started last weekend.
I don't know how "ergonomic" the hooks are. Time will tell. They are lighter than aluminum crochet hooks, have a Wrights-style hook shape (I usually use Susan Bates crochet hooks), and are shorter than aluminum hooks. They are comfortable to hold. At first, it was noticeable that the hooks were shorter since I didn't feel the bottom of the hook on the pad of my hand. Overall, if they'll help resist the tendonitis in my writst, they're well worth the $29.95 I paid for the set of 8. (If you're interested in buying a set, search for "Clover crochet" on eBay.)
These are the sizes:
C 2.5 mm D 3.0 mm E 3.5 mm F 4.0 mm G 4.5 mm H 5.0 mm I 5.5 mm J 6.0 mm
[Update January 6, 2005] Read my opinion of and experience with these hooks.
(North) American and English (United Kingdom) crochet patterns use different terms for several stitches.
| American | English | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Abbrev. | Term | Term | Abbrev. |
| ch | chain | chain | ch |
| sl st, ss, sl |
slip stitch | slip stitch | sl st, ss, sl |
| sc | single crochet | double crochet | dc |
| hdc | half double crochet | half treble | htr |
| dc | double crochet | treble | tr, tc, trc |
| tr, tc, trc |
treble crochet | double treble | dtr, dble tr |
| dtr, dble tr |
double treble | triple treble | trtr, tr tr |
| yo | yarn over | wool round hook | wrh |
Main source: The Knitting Dictionary: 1030 Stitches and Patterns (Mon Tricot, est. 1972).
I'm De-stashing!
For Sale:
Crochet Books and Patterns. Cross-stitch Patterns.
Last updated June 2008!
[Ignore the date of this entry...the entry will be updated as needed.]
Below is an index to the pattern books in my collection. The books and individual patterns are not for sale. You may be able to find the pattern you're interested in on eBay or another website by carefully searching Google or another search engine. It is against the law to photocopy and distribute patterns - do not ask.
- Crochet: Afghans A-K
- Crochet: Afghans L-Z
- Crochet: Baby / Children: Afghans / Wearables
- Crochet: Cats, Kittens
- Crochet: Holidays
- Crochet: Pandas, Bears
- Crochet: Other
- Crochet: On the Double, Tunisian, Roll Stitch, Camel, Other
- Crochet: Toys, Animals
- Crochet: Turtles
- Crochet: Wearables
- Cross-stitch
- Knit
- Sewing and Quilting
Cross-stitch books need to be added, as well as information about pattern books I've won from eBay auctions but haven't yet received.
[Updated September 30, 2004] Separated crochet patterns by category.
[Updated January 9, 2005] Added cross-stitch books.
[Updated April 29, 2005] Added "Turtles", "Cats/Kittens", and "Pandas/Bears" categories.
[Updated May 22, 2005] Separated into "Toy, Animals" and "Other" categories.
[Updated June 20, 2005] Added list of crochet hooks.
[Updated June 25, 2005] Added list of special stitches (On the Double, Tunisian, Roll Stitch, Camel, Other) books.
[Updated October 13, 2006] Added sewing and quilting books.
[Updated February 21, 2007] Added knitting books.
[Updated March 4, 2007] Added list of knitting needles.
Mom uses "magazine holders" with her pattern books to organize them in 3-ring binders. I found 11-inch magazine holders at Demco (http://www.demco.com/) for $3.29 per package of 12 and ordered 5 packages which arrived yesterday. Today, as I was organizing my pattern books into 3-ring binders, I discovered that many of them don't fit! Those books are 12 inches tall! So, I found 12-inch "bookkeeper tabs" (which they spell with one "k": "bookeeper tabs") at Annie's Attic (http://www.anniesattic.com/) for $2.99 per package of 12 and ordered 3 packages. Annie's Attic also carrier 8 1/2-inch bookkeeper tabs, but not 11-inch tabs.
So, the rest of my organizing effort will wait until the 12-inch tabs arrive. Harrumph. And, I thought I was getting somewhere today!
I saw a reference to ergonomic crochet hooks called Clover Soft Touch Crochet Hooks on the web somewhere. I may buy one...or two...
Transgraph-X is the brand name of the overlays joining my collection of craft tools around 1987. They are still in my collection today.
The grids created by the overlays can be used as charted patterns for crocheted items (such as blankets and sweaters), as well as designs for filet crochet, cross-stitch, plastic canvas, embroidery, and other crafts. For crocheted items, change the yarn color when the color in the grid changes.
Since photographs are very detailed and colors change quite often, I recommend combining sections of similar colors into one color for simplicity (otherwise, there will be so many more yarn ends to tuck in!). The overlays can be placed over any design: clip art, wallpaper, carvings, children's book images,...
(Be aware of copyright issues.)
Neither of my wrists are 100% after the work-related extreme tendonitis I had in 1992. They got better with 6 months of physical therapy, adjusting my workstation, and learning different ways to open doors, pick up items, and hold things. On a normal day, there is no pain or visible swelling. My wrists get a good workout on the keyboard each workday. Sometimes I do too much keyboarding and one or both wrists ache and/or fingertips tingle or go numb. Varying tasks at work between typing, mousing, researching, attending meetings, etc. helps reduce repetitive stress on my wrists.
When I began crocheting again in fall of 2002, I was wary of reinjuring my wrists and have been very careful to not push myself - after all, what's the rush? Crocheting is supposed to be fun, not a race to the finish!
However, all the crocheting I did in November through February as I worked on the lap blanket for my boss' mother, Paula's full-size blanket, and the two blankets for our living room, led to a slight flare-up of tendonitis in my right wrist in February. So, I stopped mid-project working on the plum-colored lap blanket for our living room to rest up.
Ah, then gardening weather crept into the Bay Area, and I did two heavy-duty planting weekends in early March which led to a stronger flare-up of tendonitis in my right wrist.
No keyboarding, no gardening, no crocheting during our two-week vacation in Kona, Hawaii from the end of March through the first week of April should have helped. But on return from vacation, the pain when moving (and not moving!) my right wrist became worse - maybe it was carrying my camera nearly every day for two weeks? maybe it was the way I hold a book when I read? maybe it was carrying luggage? maybe all those things contributed...
Treatment for about two weeks consisted of regular doses of Ibuprophen (to reduce pain and swelling), rubbing an Icy Hot-type gel around my wrist 2-3 times a day, wearing a 3-inch "sport brace" on my wrist as much as possible, wearing my nighttime wrist brace (aka splint) during the day as much as I can (sometimes it gets in the way while moving around and causes discomfort more than it helps - and I definitely cannot type with it on), and ice packs in the evening and when I remember and can take a break at work.
When doing any type of gardening activity (such as pulling weeds and watering), I've been wearing the 3-inch sport brace and a beige-colored splint from Longs to keep my wrist from twisting and to limit the tasks I can do with it.
The treatment has worked well! This past week, since there was very little remaining discomfort in my right wrist, I reduced treatment to wearing the 3-inch sport brace only when I'm actively moving around. There's been no discomfort in the past two days. (I'm still wearing both the sports brace and the splint for any gardening/watering activity.)
Hmmm, so I'm now tempted to try a row or two (or three or four...) on the plum-colored blanket I stopped working on in February. I can always stop again if the time isn't right. I've missed crocheting in the evening after dinner while sitting in the living room with Bill and the TV's on and it's not time yet to go to sleep.
Project Linus (http://www.projectlinus.org/):
Our volunteers, known as "blanketeers", provide new, handmade, washable blankets to be given as gifts to seriously ill and traumatized children, ages 0-18. It is Project Linus' policy to accept blankets of all sizes, depending on the needs of the local chapters. All styles of blankets are welcome, including quilts, tied comforters, fleece blankets, crocheted or knitted afghans, and receiving blankets in child-friendly colors.
Date: December 2002.
I learned about the Warm Up America blanket project at a Michaels Craft Store sometime last year. In between interesting projects at the end of 2002, I made 16 7-inch x 9-inch squares to donate to Michaels' Warm Up America event during which all the donated squares are connected to form colorful and warm blankets for those in need. I wanted to help sew blankets together but couldn't find anyone at the Michaels near my house who had information about the day and time. So, I didn't go.
It's now June 2003...6 months later...and I still have the squares. I plan to drop them off in the Warm Up America donation bin at Michaels in the next few days. Maybe there will be some information about the next sew-blankets-together event.
Only 15 of the 16 squares are in the photos since the 16th one was left behind when the photos were taken (it is another mix of navy blue and royal blue).
The recent donations of yarn from people at work created a need for containers to store the yarn. I also wanted a container for storing the done blankets and one for the in-progress blanket(s). So, I stopped by Target one night last week and got 2 66-gallon plastic storage containers for $5.00 each and one smaller (15-gallon?) container for about $3.00. Then I discovered I needed more! So, I bought 2 more $5.00 66-gallon storage containers over the weekend. All is well now, but our living room has 6 large storage containers and 2 (now empty) copy-paper boxes in it, as well as the in-progress container and 2 other project containers (one holding the in-progress double crochet hook blanket and one holding the crochet pattern books). Hmmm, when the gym equipment is gone, I'll move the 6 large containers into my new "craft" room...
"How much yarn to you need, honey?"
"How many tools and toys [motorcycles, mini machine shop in the backyard, torn apart 1947 Ford truck, etc.] do you need, honey?"
Just kidding around...my hubby is very supportive of whatever makes me happy, as I am of him...even boxes and plastic containers and bags of yarn and stuff all over the living room...and truck parts all over the garage and backyard and in some rooms of the house. He's even volunteered to get rid of the "gym equipment" (weight machine thing) so I can change our never-used "gym" into a craft room for quilting (after I learn how to use Mom's sewing machine) and stuff. I want to move the big, comfy brown lounge chair that's in my office into the room, if there's a place for it after getting a table for the sewing machine and storing cloth and stuff. Hmmm, but if I did that, where would I watch Schrek and my other DVD movies? The computer in my office is the only DVD player in the house. Hmmm, I've been thinking about getting an inexpensive DVD/VCR player for the living room...now might be the time.
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