Crochet Chronicles

Happy SNOWY December!

2008-12-17T17:02:00.001-08:00

Yes, Vegas is a winter wonderland. It is an amazing sight.

Here are pictures I took yesterday at Red Rock. I had an appointment right around the corner and decided to take the ride out to see how everything looked. It was definitely worth it.

Today, we had steady snow all day long. About three inches fell at my house.

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Happy September!

2008-09-02T18:32:00.000-07:00

My last post was on August 2nd, I thought I would keep up the once a month posting. LOL.

I have been crocheting and knitting caps for Afghans for Afghans and for Rad Bad Beanies. No pics - I'll wait till I have a stack full.

Meanwhile, I have decided to make this for my sister:

Lace 1, 2, 3 Shadow Scarf, a KnitPicks pattern. It is knit and it is lace and it uses size 3 needles. But, I think I am up to the challenge. I have until December to finish it.

On to other crafting news: I packed up my sewing machine two weeks ago. I wasn't having much fun and everything I was making was not working out. The final straw, I had ordered some cute knit fabric from Crybabys Boutique and totally messed it up. I ended up scrapping yards of fabric - well now I have some cute dust rags!!! A break was in order. Time to make room for other things.

Other exciting news! I finally broke down and got a new camera. It is an Olympus Stylus 840 and I love it.

I heard this today and will share it with you:

I am at the right place, at the right time, doing the right thing - and so is everyone else.

How cool is that?

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Happy August - Simplicity 2989 Finished

2008-08-02T12:12:00.001-07:00

Hello everyone. I'm still around reading blogs but not posting much.

I did finish the dress I was making for my niece:

I am happy with the way it came out. Apparently, it fit my niece perfectly. Here is a picture of her sitting down:

Isn't she a cutie!!!

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Currently Crafting: Simplicity 2989

2008-07-15T11:33:00.000-07:00

I am currently working on making this sweet little dress for my niece:

Cute pattern with different possibilities. I'm making the one on the right (in the picture it is the white and purple one). Here is my progress so far:

It is a polyester fabric that has a shantung silk look. I should have this finished by Friday.

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Afghans for Afghans shawl

2008-07-10T12:49:00.001-07:00

Yay, it is finished! This is my shawl for Afghans for Afghans. I started it in mid-May and have been working on it every day.

I used Knit Picks Gossamer - Lace Weight and a size 7 steel hook. The stitch was from my Harmony Guide and is called Wavy Shell Stitch.

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A Pretty Pouch

2008-06-26T16:15:00.001-07:00

I had some free time last night and whipped up this pretty pouch. I used some squares I had left over from my Scrap Happy Tote Bag.

This was super easy to do and it was inspired by a project in Bend the Rules Sewing (it is the project on the cover of the book).

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June Gloom

2008-06-17T12:17:00.000-07:00

Well, not here. We are sunny and in the 100's. Last week I was in San Diego enjoying the weather that seems to change in an instant. I love it there. We went to the Wild Animal Park, Coronado, visited the seals in La Jolla, and spent a few hours at the U.S. Open. All in all a fun trip.

Here are a few friends I made:

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Beautiful Blooms

2008-05-31T19:17:00.001-07:00

Went hiking yesterday and took this picture of a cactus in bloom (click on the picture to get a better view). Beautiful!

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Scrap Happy Tote Bag

2008-05-22T17:14:00.001-07:00

I have been trying to use the scraps of fabric in my stash. This bag was made with squares from fabric that I had used for skirts. Plus I added a Layered Dimensions flower to the front.

This was super easy. I didn't use a pattern. It is lined and this version doesn't have any pockets. It is approximately 15" wide and 13" high. I used a half sheet of regular sized notebook paper as the template for my squares. I plan to make a few more (this time I will add pockets).

I made it last night and only took a break to watch the season finale of Criminal Minds. Oh boy, I was so surprised at the ending.

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A Project Bag - Simplicity 4263

2008-05-13T14:56:00.001-07:00

I finished this bag over the weekend:

Simplicity 4263 is the pattern and it is View G (I made a smaller version a few weeks back). I used decorator fabric for the exterior and lined it with a brown linen.

It is the the perfect bag for this yarn which arrived in my mailbox yesterday:

Knit Picks Gossamer - Lace Weight .

I am using this yarn to make a shawl for Afghans for Afghans. After playing around with different stitch patterns it looks like I am going to be using the Wavy Shell Stitch.

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Found Crochet

2008-05-03T12:55:00.000-07:00

When I recently brought down my thread box I found these:

Two little flowers I crocheted years ago. These were made the same time I made the Layered Dimensions flower and this flower (which made its way on a pin cushion).

These two were made using embroidery floss. I think it is time to go get some more!

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Crochet Meanderings

2008-05-02T11:48:00.001-07:00

I finished another glass cosy. This time using the same stitch (Catherine's Wheel) but, adding another color to the mix. I like this stitch pattern. I decided to use plain buttons as the closure because the pattern is the real star.

I have been wandering about my Harmony Guide and playing around with some of the stitch patterns and dipping into my thread stash. So far, I have made two swatches.

They look like dishcloths. I still haven't decided what I will do with these

The one of the left is a stitch called Wavy Shell Stitch II (II because I used three different colored threads). The one of the right is a stitch called Solid Shell Stitch.

My favorite is the one on the left.

Here is a close up of the Wavy Shell Stitch II:

Working on these swatches have given me some ideas. I'm off to figure out how to make these ideas work.

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I Thought You Were Joking Glass Cosy

2008-04-24T13:57:00.001-07:00

The other day I was sitting at the table playing around with bedspread weight crochet thread. My husband asked me what I was doing. I said I was making a crocheted cosy for my glass because iced tea weather is on its way and I want to keep the condensation away from my hands. He said, "That sounds like a good idea." I continued crocheting.

The next day he saw me wrapping my crocheted cosy around the glass. Well, I think you can guess what he said next.

Here it is my - I Thought You Were Joking Glass Cosy.

The buttons on the side are three crocheted disks layered together. I tied them to the cosy (I think you might see the tied ends in the next picture).

Here is a view of the back. The stitch used is called Catherine Wheel (found in my Harmony Guide to Crocheting). This is a very easy stitch which makes a very nice dense fabric.
Overall, I am very pleased with this. I plan to make a few more and play around with the closure.

Details:
Pattern: None. It is a rectangle of fabric with some loops at the end to go around the buttons.
Yarn: Bedspread weight cotton thread in an off-white color. I don't remember the brand.
Stitch: Catherine Wheel.

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Violet Beauregard - Stitch 'N Bitch Crochet The Happy Hooker

2008-04-21T19:28:00.000-07:00

Yes, another finished crochet project. After finishing the French Bistro Top, I decided I wanted to make a crocheted skirt. I decided upon Violet Beauregard. Here is a close up of the bottom scallop:

This skirt was super easy to whip up. I think it took me about four nights. Here are some more pics:

I love the scalloped bottom.

Notes:
Pattern:
Violet Beauregard by Heather Dixon found in Stitch 'N Bitch The Happy Hooker.
Yarn:
Schachenmayr Nomotta Catania (100% cotton) - Navy.
Pattern Issues:
I would periodically check the fit while crocheting and used the pattern as a guideline. I know I didn't end up crocheting as many rows (dc and scalloped) as the pattern called for because the skirt would have been too long. I also did not do all the increase rows because it would have been too big on me.
Thoughts:
The Catania was the perfect yarn for this project. I wore the skirt with no sagging or bagging issues. Very comfortable skirt to wear. I wore it at our seder this past weekend and later lounged around in front of the tv with it still on. I love it.

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French Bistro Top - Interweave Crochet Spring 2006

2008-04-21T19:18:00.001-07:00

It is finally finished and I have already worn it out. Here are some pictures (didn't wear it with that skirt):

I wore it out the other day with pants. It was comfortable and cool -(worn with a tank top underneath). Yes, I decided to leave off the sleeves. I was having problems with gauge - I think it was the thread I used (LusterSheen).

Here is another picture.

Notes:
Pattern:
French Bistro Top by Shirley Paden found in Interweave Crochet Spring 2006. I left off the sleeves.
Yarn:
Red Heart Luster Sheen in Tea Leaf.
Thoughts:
The pattern called for Coats Opera 5. I think the top would have had a better drape if I had used the recommended thread versus the Luster Sheen. Luster Sheen is a bit too thick and stretchy for this pattern. Overall, I do like the top.

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Simplicity 4263 - Purse

2008-04-08T16:17:00.001-07:00

I have had this pattern for ages and never bothered to make it because I didn't like the way the pictures looked on the pattern envelope (so why did I buy the pattern? - I guess it was on sale). I decided to make view E/F (the top left and bottom left purses above).

But, it looked like a good way to use some material in my stash. So, I thought why not try it? I am glad that I did!

It is a simple purse made out of denim material (from a Joann remnant sale) and cotton lining (found for a quarter at a thrift shop).The only changes I made was to add pockets to the inside:

Oh, I also omitted the suggested embellishments. I left it plain because I am going to offer this to one of my nieces. I will let her embellish it any way she wants. I think this purse would look super cute with some crocheted flowers attached to it. I have some that I plan to send along with the purse.

Details:
Pattern: Simplicity 4263

Fabric: Denim and cotton

Changes: I added pockets to the inside.

Difficulty: Very easy and fast project.

Will I make more? Yes!

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Spring Forward

2008-03-10T13:12:00.001-07:00

I love this time of year. Our weather has been extremely lovely - in the 60's and sunny. I have spent quite a bit of time outside doing nothing but reading and thinking.

Not much crafting going on. I do have this skirt sitting on the table waiting to be sewn (the lining is done). Here is a close up of the fabric:

It is a nice white linen fabric I picked up at Joann's. Perfect for this time of the year.

What else? I am currently reading Change your Thoughts, Change your Life by Wayne Dyer. Simply wonderful book. Everytime I read a chapter it gives me just what I needed to hear. Lately it has been telling me to SHUT UP. Shut up and stop trying to control everything. Shut up and stop being so judgmental (towards myself and others). Shut up and relax. Good advice.

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New Look 6843

2008-02-07T18:31:00.000-08:00

I did manage to get some sewing in over the past few days. I made a skirt using New Look 6843 - View A (Red skirt at top left):

This is a very easy pattern. Here is a picture prior to hemming:

Most pattern reviews mentioned the very thin waistband. Yes, I agree it is thin. However, I liked it. A close up of the waistband:

Pattern Notes:
Difficulty: Easy. Only three pattern pieces, centered zipper in the back.

Fabric: I bought it at Joanns. It has a soft suede feeling to it. It is not heavy at all. It worked perfectly for this skirt.

Pattern changes: None. I cut a size 12 and it fits perfectly.

Would I make it again? Definitely!! I already started another skirt - View D this time (Black skirt at the top right and on the model).

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Yay! Free Day.

2008-02-02T10:17:00.000-08:00

Just realized that I have a free day today!!! Lovely. My plans are to sew, read (currently reading Letters from Nuremberg), and relax.

Don't you love the picture? That was taken out at a community called Tuscany. A beautiful lot available off the golf course. I was there a few weeks back previewing homes for a client. Yes, I do love my work.

Wishing everyone a fantastic Weekend.

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Crochet, Books, and a Movie

2008-01-31T13:00:00.001-08:00

Well, the sleeve is not working out for the Bistro top. I am thinking about winging it and putting in shorter sleeves. I'll let you know how that works out.

Nothing much going on. I have been really busy lately and not had time to do much crafting. I am in such a sewing mood. I have a few things I want to make and don't have the time to start.

I have had the time to read a few good books (and not so good books). Two great books:

The Witch's Trinity - this one I could not put down and read in one sitting.

A Thousand Splendid Suns - beautiful book.

I also had the chance to see There Will Be Blood. Daniel Day Lewis is amazing in this movie. But, the best part is the chemistry between DDL's character and a character played by Paul Dano. Brilliant movie.

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Oops

2008-01-09T18:10:00.000-08:00

I was happily working along on my sleeve for the French Bistro Top. See my progress:

Then I came to these words in the pattern, "continue working till the piece measures 14 1/2 inches," --- oops. I was way over that length.

It seems that I have not been checking my gauge. I didn't think about gauge because I have finished the front and back with no problem. I should have been checking it because it has been a long time since I finished those pieces. I guess I have been crocheting a bit loosely.

So, I frogged the sleeve and will start over with a smaller hook.

Will I ever finish this project????

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Books to Prisoners

2008-01-08T13:09:00.001-08:00

I heard about this charity through a podcast (DIY Culture). Books to Prisoners sends paperback books to prisons all over the country. Apparently, reading material and libraries are not a common feature in prisons. Sounds interesting and I thought I would share it with all.

Technorati Tags: charity

Happy New Year

2008-01-01T15:09:00.000-08:00

Wishing everyone a peaceful and happy 2008.

I spent last night watching some DVD's and working on the French Bistro Top. Yes, I know. The UFO that won't go away. I need to finish the sleeves then I am done. I think it will be ready for Spring.

I watched the best DVD last night. It is called The Lives of Others. One of the best movies I have ever seen. Rent it if you get a chance. Don't be put off by the subtitles - it is worth it.

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DonorsChoose.org and a Scarf

2007-12-24T11:39:00.000-08:00

A follow up on yesterday's post regarding holiday giving. DonorsChoose.org is a organization that lets you search through requests made by teachers. You can also buy a gift certificate and let someone else choose a project on their own. The best thing is that you can search for a school right in your community. I think this is a fantastic idea.

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I finished my jacket yesterday. No pics at the moment. I'll post later. After finishing the jacket I took this:

Wool remnant and some bias tape. Then made this:

A winter scarf that will be sent to my grandmother. I wanted to make her a cap, but was told she would not wear it.

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Merry Christmas

2007-12-23T11:34:00.000-08:00

Wishing blog land a Merry Christmas.

I will spend the day painting. I have had this planned for weeks and am looking forward to it. I spent some time prepping yesterday by removing the closet doors and painting them. Today (or tomorrow) I will sand the baseboards and tape off areas.

Oh, the jacket I have been sewing is almost finished!!! I struggled for three days to finish the collar. Finally, I had success yesterday. Now I need to hem (tons of hand sewing). I think I will spend some time doing that today.

Here are a few things I found on the Web while surfing this morning:

Give, Give, Give - how to take give back and add some meaning to your holiday gift shopping. I love this idea.

Crazy Crochet - I love the hats!!!

Can a Cute Dog's Face Save a Boring Dress? - Yes, it can.

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