Challenges #19 and #20

My challenge for last week asked the question, "Have I ever crocheted something I saw on TV or in a movie?" No, I haven't. So I'm supposed to find a pattern I like and link to it. 

Ali from Random Wooliness mentioned the afghan on Big Bang Theory as one of her favorites. I've never seen the show, so I went to Google. The afghan is a traditional granny with small, four round squares, the last round being black. I found a step-by-step tutorial on A Simple Stitch. I know how to make a traditional granny afghan, but I really liked her reference to needing a "crap-ton of Red Heart Scraps". I have those :-) 

I've added it to my To Make Pile and plan to start as soon as I finish a couple of smaller WIPs. It would make a nice Christmas gift for someone.

Which leads us to this week's challenge: planning Christmas projects. Eek! I don't want to hear Christmas in July. But did you know there's only 161 days until Christmas? In a crocheter's time language, that's not a lot!

I don't have any concrete plans on what to crochet this year, but there are a few things I'd like to make:

Source: http://www.redheart.com/free-patterns/granny-tree-skirt

Granny Tree Skirt. We lost our tree skirt somewhere in the move, so I need to replace it. 

Source: http://www.bestfreecrochet.com/2010/11/14/granny-square-green-christmas-stocking/

Stockings. Hmm, I'm seeing a trend here :-) My grandmother made me a stocking like this when I was born, and I still use it. When I told Hope last Christmas that I wanted to make one for the Bean, she thought that was a great idea. She also wants one, so I have two to make.

Simple Snowflakes. These are the ones I made a couple of years ago. They're quick to crochet and make nice ornaments.

Our church donates hats and scarves to the children's home in Waxahachie, so I want to make some of those.

That's probably all I'll attempt this year. I'm sticking to the simple and basic patterns until Alex gets older, My crochet bucket list item on wanting to crochet advanced patterns will have to wait.

Thanks for reading. 

Blessings :-)

Today's Inspiration

Source: http://thegreyconcept.tumblr.com/image/53209495347

Challenge #18: Crochet on TV and in Movies

This week's challenge for the 52 Week Crochet Challenge hosted by Red Berry Crochet is to name movies or TV shows that show someone crocheting or show a crocheted item.

After racking my brain, I could only think of one time I've seen crochet in a movie or on TV. I've seen several afghans and crocheted clothing items on That 70's Show.

But, of course, I knew that couldn't be it, so I went to good old Google. Then I spent the next 10 minutes saying, "Oh, yeah! I forgot about that!" or "Really? I've seen that a thousand times. How'd I miss that?" 

So, here are a couple of crochet things I've seen on TV and in movies and apparently forgotten:

Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets- Molly Weasley's sweater sleeves

The Smurfs- granny square afghan on the couch

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory- the grandmother is crocheting

Roseanne- afghan on the couch and some sweaters

I also found a good forum discussion on Crochetville; this lists dozens of references to crochet in movies and on TV. 

And here's a section of posts from CrocheTime titled As Seen On TV.

And another good list from Crochet Concupiscence.

Crochet is everywhere :-)

What's your favorite crocheted item you've seen on TV or in a movie?

Thanks for reading.

Blessings :-)

Today's Inspiration

Source: http://www.theboldabode.com/free-updates

Challenge #17: Summer Project

This week's challenge for the 52 Week Crochet Challenge hosted by Red Berry Crochet is to celebrate the first day of summer by making a beach or summer project.

I'm not a beach person and now live several hours from any beach, so I made a couple quick summer projects instead.

 Three different sun hats for the Bean. She needs something to shade her face when we take our evening walks.

The Summer Sun Hat from AnnaVirginia Fashion was the simplest to make. I followed the pattern almost exactly, just eliminated round 10 so it wouldn't be too tall. It's a little big so she can wear it all summer. It's made with Bernat Handicrafter Cotton in Grape.

The Granny Stitch Sun Hat from My Merry Messy Life took a couple tries. It's not a difficult pattern, but I had trouble with the gauge. It's supposed to be for a 3-6 month infant and calls for a G hook. After working the brim and a couple rounds of the granny stitch with a G, I realized it was way too small for Alex. I pulled it out and started over with an H. Better, but it won't fit her for long. I stopped working the granny stitch at round 11 so it wouldn't be too tall. I also changed the brim pattern a little. I wanted more ruffle so after round 3, I did one round with two half double stitches in each stitch. It's made with Red Heart Super Saver in Sunshine Print and Bright Yellow (that may not be the exact name but it's close).

The Baby Ruffled Sun Hat was a fun pattern; I like the cross stitches. It came out too short, but several people on Ravelry said they had to add a round or two to make it tall enough; that's what I ended up doing. I added one extra round of cross stitches. I probably should have added two, but I still like it. It's made with an unknown pink and white variegated baby weight yarn. 

I'm linking these on the Stashbuster Link Party at Linda's Crafty Corner.

Any plans for a beach or summer crochet project in your future?

Thanks for reading.
Blessings :-)

Today's Inspiration

Challenge #16: Work From a Crochet Chart

This week's challenge for the 52 Week Crochet Challenge is a really good one for me. I had to find a small pattern with a stitch chart and crochet it. Working from a stitch chart is something I've always wanted to learn but have never really tried. I see so many beautiful crocheted items, but when I find there's only a chart and no written pattern, I turn away from them.

I chose a very small, very easy stitch chart to follow. This is motif #36 from Beyond the Square Crochet Motifs by Edie Eckman. It does have a written pattern with it, but I did my best to only use the stitch chart. It wasn't too difficult; I got stuck only a couple of times. I think I'll try to make some more motifs from the book using only the charts. 

Do you prefer written instructions or a stitch chart?

Thanks for reading.

Blessings :-)

Today's Inspiration

Challenges #14 and #15

Challenge #14 for the 52 Week Crochet Challenge hosted by Red Berry Crochet was to crochet in public and tell about the experience. I crochet in public all the time; it's the best way to pass the time when you're at the doctor's office or anywhere else you have to wait a long time.

When we went to the rodeo in Fort Worth last week, I brought my "purse project" with me.

This bag is always in my purse (well, now it's in the diaper bag). It holds small scraps of yarn, an H hook, a pair of scissors, and a yarn needle. Whenever I have a spare few minutes, I pull it out and make a few yo yos.

I had a few different reactions. My dad thought I was crazy. I got a few weird looks from people sitting in the stands with us. But the best reaction was from Tim. He's seen me crochet yo yos a thousand times and never said anything; this time he actually asked me how it was done and listened as I explained it! He then complimented me on how nice they looked. That really made my day :-)

Challenge #15 was to find a UK crochet pattern to make because the terminology is different. This was another easy challenge for me because I've been "interpreting" UK patterns for quite some time. A lot of the patterns I like from Attic 24 are written in UK crochet terms as are the patterns for these preemie hats I made yesterday and Monday.

 The PomPom hats (top) and the Lisha hats (bottom) are designed by Linda from Linda's Crafty Corner. I make these often enough that I only glance at the pattern when I start, but I do have to remind myself that when it says "tr", that's a US double crochet. She has a note in the pattern that says that, too. For some UK patterns, I will rewrite them in US crochet terms if the pattern is complicated or if I'm working it for the first time.

Speaking of Linda's Crafty Corner, I'm linking these hats for her Summer Stashbuster Link Party.

Thanks for reading.

Blessings :-)

Today's Inspiration

Challenge #13: New Crochet Tip

This week's challenge for the 52 Week Crochet Challenge hosted by Red Berry Crochet is to find a new crochet tip to try this week.

The one I've decided to try isn't really new; I've heard about it for a long time but never tried it: corralling yarn balls.

I'm working on Hope's Peace Sign blanket as much as I can, and so far I've been able to use scrap yarn. She picks two colors from my stash and I make two complementary squares. While working with two yarns at the same time off of two yarn balls, I get frustrated at least once a square as one or both of the balls roll off in opposite directions.

So I took an old ice cream container that had been washed,

cut two holes in the lid,

and put the yarn balls inside with the ends threaded through the holes.

It works great! Now I can crochet without worrying about the yarn escaping.

Thanks for reading.

Blessings :-)

Today's Inspiration

Source: http://www.daveswordsofwisdom.com/2014/05/think-before-you-speak_20.html

 

Challenge #12: Best Crochet Tip

This week's challenge for the 52 Week Crochet Challenge hosted by Red Berry Crochet is about the best crochet tip I ever learned that I use all the time. 

I've received a lot of great tips, but I think the best was about reading patterns. My crochet teacher taught me that when reading a pattern, don't look at the whole thing at once; it can be overwhelming. Just look at one step at a time, from one comma to another. Visualize what you need to do. It turns the most complicated-looking pattern into a much simpler project.

That being said, I'm still bad about sticking with simple patterns. I won't go outside my comfort zone too far and attempt something really complicated. That's something I'd like to work on more this year.

What's the best tip you've ever received?

Have a fantastic Friday :-)

Thanks for reading.

Blessings :-)

Today's Inspiration

Source: http://spiritualinspiration.tumblr.com/post/43909445974/so-be-careful-how-you-live-dont-live-like

Challenge #11: What Kind of Crocheter Are You?

This week's challenge for the 52 Week Crochet Challenge hosted by Red Berry Crochet is about crocheter type. Do I follow a pattern exactly as it's written or do I wing it and make things up as I go? Or am I a little of both?

I would say I'm a little of both. It really depends on the pattern. Some patterns I follow to the letter; if they are tricky or if I just really like them, I don't see a reason to change them. Some patterns I follow but make modifications as I go to suit my needs. And once in awhile I come up with my own pattern for something.

What kind of crocheter are you?

Thanks for reading.

Blessings :-)

Source: http://sayingimages.com/beautiful-nothing-looks/

Challenge #10: First Completed Crochet Project

This week's challenge for the 52 Week Crochet Challenge hosted by Red Berry Crochet is to tell you about the first project I completed.

I've told you about learning to crochet at church using the book, Learn to Crochet the Mile a Minute Way. This is my completed blanket.

I just used what yarn I had on hand to make it, not knowing whether or not I would enjoy crocheting.

However, this was NOT my first completed project. While I was still working on this, a friend had a baby shower for her first born. My instructor also knew her and was crocheting her a blanket. I wanted to do the same thing even though I was still a very new crocheter.

I ran to the store and bought enough yarn to make a Bubbles Baby Blanket. I think I made it green, but I don't remember what shade; I never thought to take a picture. Somehow, I managed to crochet it in a week so she had it in time for the shower. Her son is now almost 4 and still has the blanket :-)

Thanks for reading.

Blessings :-)

Today's Inspiration

Source: http://www.lovethispic.com/image/89640/happiness

Week 9: Organizing My Patterns

The week 9 challenge for the 52 Week Crochet Challenge is to organize my patterns and tell about any systems I use for finding a pattern quickly.

This is an ongoing project for me. As soon as I get it the way I want it, I decide to try it a different way. Right now, my printed patterns are organized like this:

 Each binder has its own category: Blankets (2), Squares, Holidays, Baby, Kitchen and Bath, Decorative, and Clothing. I still want to decorate these to make them prettier and put labels on the spines.

The patterns in each binder are arranged alphabetically, and there's a list of what patterns are in each binder at the front. I still need to put a tab on each pattern so I can look at the list, find the right pattern, and go straight to the correct tab. They won't have numbers on them because I'm always adding and taking out patterns.

I do have a Ravelry account with patterns saved and Pinterest boards with patterns organized by type, but I still prefer a hard copy. I don't always have access to the computer, and I like to take crochet on the go which requires a printed pattern.

Baby Name Guess Giveaway Update

I have an idea for a prize now, but I don't have any images ready just yet. Soon.
I love all the guesses so far! They are adorable :-) No one's gotten either name correct yet.
The question was asked if you have to guess both names correctly. I think it would be amazing if someone did, but I know that might be impossible. So I'm making a few amendments:

You can guess more than once, just leave your additional guesses on this post.
The first person to guess the correct first name gets a prize.
The first person to guess the correct middle name gets a prize.
If someone actually guesses both, you'll get a big prize!
If no one guesses either name by the cutoff date, consolation prizes will be sent to the first two people who come the closest.

Thanks for reading.
Blessings :-)

Today's Inspiration

Week 8: Work It or Frog It!

This week for the 52 Week Crochet Challenge, I have to sort through all my WIPs and UFOs and either choose to resume work on them or frog them. Ouch! I really needed this challenge. There were a lot of unfinished projects floating around.

On the positive side, I realized when I was frogging several projects (about 6 in all), I didn't feel too upset. I guess I wasn't as attached to them as I thought I was.

Here are the UFOs I decided to hang onto and continue working on:

1. Funny Bunny. I refuse to give up on amigurumi! I'm either stubborn or stupid. I love making the pieces, but I hate sewing them together. I need to find someone who loves to whipstitch. All I need to make and attach are the arms and Funny Bunny (or Frankenbunny, as Hope calls it) will be done.

2. The Wool Eater. I really enjoy crocheting this. It's time consuming and very warm to work under but enjoyable. I've decided to add three more colors (6 rounds total) and call it finished. That'll make it around 36" square.

3. Peace Granny. This is one I started for Hope. She loves peace signs. It's a great stashbuster. Round two is extremely tricky but once you get past it, the square's easy enough to finish. I have a lot more squares to make; she wants it to fit her queen sized bed. Maybe a birthday present for next year? 

4. Polka Dot. I love the patterns for the squares. They're all done, just need joining. What's holding me back is attaching the roses. I love making the roses, but I hate attaching them. I'm not sure why I have such issues with whipstitching; it's not hard. I just don't like to do it.

5. Maureen Scarf. This is a beginner pattern, but it was the first time I crocheted with sock yarn. I stalled out on it when the cat ate the second ball of yarn needed and I had to buy another one. It shouldn't be a problem to finish. 

 6. Granny Square Sampler Afghan This is a major thorn in my side. I really have no desire to finish it, but I put too much effort into it to frog it. Some of the squares I enjoyed making; others I hated. The job now is to suck it up, join all the squares (difficult because they're all different sizes), and call it done.

With the exception of the Peace Sign blanket, I think I can finish all five of these by the end of the year. Maybe. 

Of course, I have a bunch of WIPs, too. These are in addition to the Granny Stripe, Round Ripple and Yo Yo Blanket.

1. Bubbles Baby Blanket. I'm stalled on this one. I enjoy making these, but I haven't had much interest in it lately.

2. Baby Cocoon. I'm always making these. They're a fun and quick project.

3. Squircle Blanket 2. This one's for the Bean. I may or may not get it done before D-Day. 

1. Cupcake Hats. I love making baby hats. They're fun and quick, too.

2. Squircle Blanket 1. Here's another one I'm stalled on. I'm not sure why. I enjoy the pattern and am loving the Flat Braid Joining method. All it needs are two rows of squares and a border.

Scary, I know. The number of unfinished projects is overwhelming. And I can't seem to stop starting new ones. Focus. I need to learn how to focus. Does anyone else have this problem?

Thanks for reading.

Blessings :-)

Today's Inspiration

Source: http://www.keepcalmandcarryon.com/creator/?shortcode=awnmtsdI

52 Week Crochet Challenge

A couple of days ago I saw this post on Crochet Concupiscence about the 52 week crochet challenge hosted by Julie at Red Berry Crochet. It sounds really neat, so I thought I'd jump on board.

It started back in March, but with each challenge lasting a week, it was easy enough to get caught up.

Here are my responses to challenges 1-7.

Week 1: Celebrate National Crochet Month

March was National Crochet Month. I usually forget this. If I had thought about it, I probably would have had some extra blog giveaways and learned a few new crochet stitches. Something to shoot for next year.

Week 2: Start a crochet notebook, journal, scrapbook or blog.

Blog - check.
At the end of each month, I try to print a collage photo from Walgreens of all my finished projects from that month. They're all in a folder now, but eventually I'd like to scrapbook them.
The Footprints notebook is my crochet WIP journal. I keep track of everything I'm working on including yarn colors, pattern location and hook size being used. I also make lists of things to crochet for people, jot down future WIP ideas, and write down any patterns I create.

Week 3: Crochet a flower or make a project that has a flower motif or theme.

It wasn't made during the first week of spring, but here's my Spring Garland hanging in my living room window. It has an identical twin hanging on the left and on the right.

Week 4: Learning to crochet

I was taught how to crochet three years ago in a free class at my church. I had always wanted to learn but, because I'm a visual person who has to be shown, couldn't learn out of books. I had no idea there were videos on YouTube or websites with tutorials.
Both of my grandmother's crocheted, but one lived too far away to have any contact except by phone and the other wouldn't teach me unless I held my hook and yarn exactly the same way she did. I love my grandmother but I couldn't make my fingers behave like hers.
My class instructor, Vicki, didn't care how I held the hook and yarn as long as my stitches were consistent. She taught me the basic stitches (chain, slip, single, half double,double), how to read a pattern and gave us a basic project (a Mile a Minute afghan). I was off and running with no looking back.
Funny enough, out of four people who took the class (three students and the teacher), I'm the only one who still crochets.

Week 5: Learn a new stitch this week and show off a sample.

I've always wanted to learn the Catherine's Wheel stitch. I discovered it's not that different from the Bavarian stitch used in the Wool Eater blanket. I watched this YouTube video from the Crochet Geek and followed along.

Mine's a little loopy because I kept my stitches super loose so I could see it better. I didn't put the edging on my sample, but I like the rounded edge demonstrated at the end of the video.
I like it. I can see myself using this stitch for future projects.

Week 6: Organize your yarn.

Yarn, yarn, everywhere.
Full skeins of yarn get put in the cabinet. From top to bottom, the cubbies hold the DK weight, then the worsted weight, then the bulky weight. It's sorted by color, too, in each weight. If possible, I try to give each color it's own cubby, but for space reasons I have to condense some.
Yarn being used for WIPs is put with the project in a basket or bag with the hook and pattern being used.
Scrap yarn is balled and put in cloth bins in a cube shelf in the craft closet. It's organized by weight.
There are usually bags and bins of unsorted yarn in several rooms of the house, waiting for room in the cabinet.
And yes, I still need more yarn. I can never have enough :-)

Week 7: Make a scrappy yarn project.

I always have a Yo Yo blanket in the works. This is my current one, the third one I've made. The first looked about the same, but the second had turquoise yo yos attached with brown. It's very soothing to make, uses up lots of those tiny scraps of yarn that aren't good for much else, and travels well (the yo yos anyway). I keep a sandwich bag in my purse with small balls of yarn, an H hook, a small pair of scissors, and a yarn needle in it. Anytime I'm stuck somewhere, I can pull it out and crochet a couple of yo yos quickly. When I have enough (500 for each blanket I've made so far), I spend a couple weeks at home attaching them. 

The challenge for this week is Work It or Frog It. So I'm gathering my WIPs and UFOs together and deciding what to do with them. My goal is to have them sorted out this weekend.

Thanks for reading.
Blessings :-)

Today's Inspiration