Crochet Therapy and a Give Away

Crochet Therapy by Betsan Corkhill is a book I contributed to awhile back. The book came out in September and I'm finally getting around to blogging about it. I came up with two patterns for the book; a ripple throw and a small hexi rug.

There are several more designs in the book, here are just a couple

If you're interested in Crochet Therapy you can find it here. I love working on projects for books and magazines, but unfortunately I just don't have the time for too much. Currently I have no commissioned projects scheduled, so I'm working on gifts. A mix of crochet and knit. I'm really liking the fur pom poms right now, so I'm working on a few hats.

 This is a short post, but I do want to offer a copy of Crochet Therapy to a fellow blogger. Since I've been away for so long I feel compelled to give something away. I have a couple extra copies and if you decide you would like to win one, then just leave me a comment. You don't have to do anything else, just comment. I'll randomly select a winner this coming Friday. Good Luck and I'll be back Friday!

Slow Progress and a Box of Goodies

I'm still working away at Ireland's blanket

I'm trying to be creative with the squares, which is making this a slower project than I would like. Who am I kidding? Even if every square were the same, it would be a slow project for me.

Sorry for the photos, I snapped these with my iphone in a hurry

I decided to add a couple of Minnie Mouse squares. We have Disney on the brain (planning a trip later this year)

I'm making this a little differently than other crochet mood projects. I notice some are making their squares according to their mood for the particular day or week, and then placing them in order as they go. I'm doing the same in a way. I'm placing them where ever I feel like they look best. So is this truly a crochet mood blanket? I don't know.

The sock knitting is going pretty well. I'm now at the toe of the first. Hopefully, I'll still be motivated to finish the second.

This was a few rows before starting the toe

 Don't judge, remember, it's my first

Earlier this week I received a package from a Ravelry swap that I participated in.

I love it. I racked up, 3 skeins of Wool-ease, crochet hook grips, candy, handmade soap, buttons, a sock pattern, notepad, postcards from Minnesota, a knitted dishcloth...even something for Ireland. Fellow knitters/crocheters are the best aren't they?

Have a great weekend,
Liz

Cabin Fever

This week I've crocheted quite a bit. I keep plugging along with the new blanket...

and this is why...

A section of our backyard

This is Michael on the tractor trying to scrape our drive

The view from our couch. He's staring at me

 So I stayed home from work half the day Wednesday and all day Thursday. It was nice, minus the snow...I'm not a fan.

 

This is Ireland's fave motif for her blanket

 This is the owl motif from Repeat Crafter Me

I think we got around a foot of snow. Fortunately, the sun came out after the snow and I made it out to work on Friday. This weekend is beautiful and sunny. It will be 70 degrees by Friday...only in North Carolina.

I'm still working on the blanket and a package for a secret swap on Ravelry. I can't show it until later. I wouldn't want my swap recipient to see what I made her. 

Have a great Sunday!

Grannies

This weekend has been all about grannies...

Making progress on Ireland's blanket

I've also been working on a scarf

It's a multicolor puff scarf

All of those little balls of scrap yarn have come in handy.

Happy Sunday!

A New Blanket WIP

Yes, I've lost it. I started a new blanket...only because Ireland asked

It seems everyone is participating in the Crochet Mood Blanket project. I thought about it and then reminded myself how terrible I am with blankets... I'm still working on the patchwork. But when your child asks you for something, you do it. So here I am crocheting 2 or 3 squares each night.

I decided to make each one different, trying to mix it up.

If it gets boring I lose my motivation. So maybe this idea will keep this long project interesting. I can choose a different pattern and color for each one.

Here is a beautiful sight...

I'm so proud and excited to see her crocheting. She is just chaining for now. I hope she will like it as much as I do. Of course I won't force her, but I will definitely try to inspire her. I hope she continues to have the desire to learn.

Now, I guess I'll work on her blanket. The color for tonight is purple.

I hope you all have a great week.

The Finished Ripple

I forgot to post about my ripple afghan when I finished it.

I am a terrible blanket/ afghan maker. I lose focus and start about 50 other projects before I ever finish these larger ones. It only took me about 2 and half years to finish... That's really sad. I keep telling myself that the Patchwork will get done way before, yeah right, I'm thinking...and I'm sure you are too.

These are not the best photos, so I'll try to take better ones tomorrow. (the dark colors are actually a darker blue and purple). Yes, I broke my own picture taking rules...no natural light with these to show the true colors.

I'll also try to come up with a name for the new hat, so I can get that pattern posted.

Happy weekend.

Hexagon Pattern

I have at least a half a dozen projects going on. Since I have crochet ADD, I decided to start another one. I love hexagons and decided to come up with my own pattern.

Each one only takes a tiny amount of yarn, so I can use all of these little balls

Materials

Yarn of your choice (I used worsted weight)

Size G (4mm) hook

Yarn needle to weave ends

Measurements

about 3.25 to 3.5 inches (depending on your tension)

Pattern (US terminology)

Ch 4, Join with sl st, forming a ring

Round 1: Ch 3 (counts as first dc), 11 Dc into the ring. Make sure you crochet over the beginning tail. Join with sl st into top of first st. Pull tail tightly to close the hole. (12 dc)

Round 2: Ch 3, dc in same st, ch 1, (2 dc in next st, ch 1) around. Join with sl st to top of first st. (24 dc and 12 ch-1 spaces)

Round 3: Sl st over to the first ch-1 sp. Ch 3, dc in same sp, ch 3, 2 dc in same sp. 2 dc in next ch sp. (2 dc, ch 3, 2 dc in next ch-1 sp, 2 dc in next ch sp) around. Join with sl st. Sl st over to ch-3 space. (this will set you up to sew hexagons together). Cut tail leaving several inches for sewing. 

When sewing together, whipstitch into the back loops of the hexagon. Sew from point to point. (This will be 10 stitches)

I like to use the tails of the work for sewing. Make sure after whipstitching together, you weave at least 3 inches into your work to secure the ends.

Just a note: This is a really simple pattern, not complex at all, so if there is another out there like this one or similar...it is purely coincidental. 

If you have questions feel free to ask. I'll try to answer them.

Have a great weekend!

A Little Crochet and More Organization

This weekend I have crocheted a little bit on the patchwork. 

I picked out a pattern for a coverup. We're planning two beach trips, the first one 10 days from now. I don't know if I'll be able to get it done. You can find the pattern here 

                       

  

I worked on the craft room organizing photos and cameras and books

I put my desk pieces together, hanging the rail...all pieces from IKEA

and here's a shot of my clock

The other pegboard

Now I think I'll go put something in the crock pot for dinner/supper.

What are you up to this weekend?

Update on wedding plans:

Photographer: Booked 

Rental: Booked

Dress: Purchased

Bouquet: A freakin mess  

any suggestions or help would be much appreciated

So if anyone out there has made one of these sea shell bouquets, please tell me how you did it. Thanks;)

Back to the 'Ol Patchwork

I've finally picked up the hook and dug out the patchwork...

I'm almost halfway there

Scratchy kitty would not go away...she just had to have her picture taken. 

After visiting Janette over at The Green Dragonfly and seeing her kitty cat, Billy, I thought I would post a pic of Scratchy. They look so much alike.

Then I had to take a few of the flowers. Something new opens everyday...thanks to the previous owners

I have started my sea shell bouquet...I'll share photos in a few days

I think I'll go and crochet a couple squares before bedtime.

Tuesday Tallies...Early

I just can't seem to make it home early enough on Tuesdays to take photos of my One a Day project. So I've decided to take my photos on the weekend.

I've completed 5 rows. 10 squares for each row makes 50 squares. Check out Gingerbread Girl to see other One A Day projects.

I've started another project....uuugggh. I'm terrible. I get so bored with doing the same thing

I am chevron crazy right now. I can't get enough of them

This chevron pattern is not the Neat Ripple Pattern used for my ripple blanket. I'll post this pattern when I'm finished

Here is another project I've been working on...I need multiple things to do at one time...I wonder if I have ADD?

I'm sure you've seen these printer trays all over Pinterest, Etsy, and other blogs.

I found this printer tray about 2 weeks ago while antique-ing one afternoon after work. (I like to check out the antique shops for mid-century furniture, Cathrineholm kitchenware, and old cameras).

It needs a lot of work before I paint it turquoise and add the hooks. I'll post about this project later. I really need to get focused and finish something...hehe.

Have a great week!