Crochet With Cris

Taking a Break

2013-04-15T09:30:00.000-05:00

It has been quite a bit since my last blog. Honestly - I was a bit scared to even look so I figured .. don't. All I know is that its been entirely too long and I owed an explanation, even if relatively enigmatic.

I will not be blogging as regularly as I had at the beginning of the year. It is hard for me to admit that I basically have just broken off more than I can chew. Between work, marriage, family, actually crocheting/knitting, trying to get my weight in check, health, (and the list goes on and on) - I really just don't have time.

Part of my identified issue is that I really made this blog too specific - its crochet only, or at least I try to keep it that way most of the time. Right now, the things in my life are not crochet related so I don't really feel I can just slap it down into cyberspace - specifically THIS cyberspace.

On top of that I'm a bit miffed with Google as a whole. First - the reader is being taken away although I did get some feedback that Feedly seems to be good. I will most likely be switching to that. BUT in addition to that, Google Adsense has accused me of "cheating their system" and removed me from the Adsense program. I know it doesn't seem like a big deal but it bummed me out because 1) I'm not and 2) its punishment for getting more views and promoting my site locally. It is not the primary reason I blogged but I admit, it is the primary reason I put the majority of my patterns up for free because I knew that I would get some revenue from them to pay for my time and it wouldn't have to come from the reader base.

But - shame on me, eh?

I am not saying I will never return to blogging. I enjoy putting pen to paper (virtually) and know that I'll return soon enough - but perhaps I'll give my site a whole big make-over and make it more generalized so I don't feel so bound to any single topic (or two).

Diamond Luggage Tag [Pattern]

2013-03-21T20:15:00.003-05:00

The company I work for sponsors a trip for employees nominated for Employee of the Month and 12 others drawn randomly from a hat of people who had good reviews for the last couple of years. It's really a nice incentive to do a good job. A woman on my team was lucky enough to be selected so I wanted to give her a little something special for her trip.

She is a beginning crocheter so I wanted to surprise her with something crocheted... and something camo because that's just how she rolls. *grins*

I admit I was inspired by a pattern I saw on Ravelry for round luggage tags so I want to give credit where credit is due. The Monkey BooBoo blog posted this pattern on Ravelry for an Initial Luggage Tag. I will say upfront that I did not make this luggage tag so I have no input on the pattern posted; however, looking at it gave me the generic idea of "LUGGAGE TAGS" and here I am... making up a new pattern and excited to give my co-worker a little token of appreciation and something to help her on her trip.

Diamond Luggage Tag
By Cris

Items Needed:
Worsted Weight Yarn of your choice to be MC
Contrasting Worsted Weight Yarn of your choice for the border (or use same as MC)
Contrasting Yarn for initial (optional)
Size H Crochet Hook
Tapestry Needle
A little embroidery skill

Abbreviations:
MC - Main Color
ch - chain
sc - single crochet
beg - beginning
sl - slip stitch

Notes:
For the images, I used Red Heart Camo as the MC and Red Heart White as the contrasting color for the initial)

To Begin:
ch 16

Row 1
sc in 2nd ch from hook in the back "bump" of the stitch
sc across the foundation ch in the back "bump" of each stitch to the end of the row

Row 2 - 8
ch 1, turn
sc across row 1 (14 sc + ch 1 at beg of row)

---
Now is the time to add the initial. If you do not want to add an initial, skip down to the instructions for the border and loop.

For the Initial:
Do not cut the yarn, but draw out the loop so your work does not come unraveled.
Cut approximately 2 feet of your contrasting yarn for the initial. You will not use a lot for 1 initial.

Thread the yarn into the tapestry needle

Placement of the initial is up to you. Keep in mind you are folding the rectangle in half and it will hang from a corner to create the diamond shape. It is your decision if you want the initial to show upright with the top lining up with the point of the square OR if you want it to be crooked by lining the top of the initial with the flat side of the square. For the example, I am aligning the initial with the diamond shape. If you are aligning the initial with the diamond point, the top of the letter needs to be at the corner that has the loop where you stopped on the last row using the MC.

Using the embroidery chain stitch or something similar to stitch across the surface, create the initial you are wanting onto one half of the fabric. Because you are folding the fabric in half, the back side does not have to be perfect, but it is nice to try to be as tidy as possible.

If you are not familiar with the embroidery chain stitch, you can find a video on YouTube. If there is enough of a request here, I will do a video showing you how to do the embroidery chain stitch.

For the pictured luggage tag, I used a baby yarn in pink and embroidered in small stitches to surface crochet across the top of the camo material.

Border and Loop:

If you are using a contrasting color, cut and finish off where the MC is and attach the contrasting color.

If you are not changing colors, just slide your H hook back into the loop of the MC and continue.

ch 28 (ch more or less to match the thickness of your luggage)

sl into first ch to create a loop
fold the material in half to create the diamond shape, going between both pieces of material, sc around with 3 sc in each corner.

On the folded side, do your best to line the stitches up but DO sc down the fold to create the illusion of 2 separate pieces being stitched together.

sl into first ch to join. cut and finish by weaving in the ends.

To secure the loop, I did take a small scrap from one of the tails and tie a tight knot around the base of the chained loop and then wove those ends in as well. This step is purely option.

To Use:
To use the luggage tag, slide the loop around the handle of your suitcase. Fold the diamond and push it through the loop and pull tight.

Other Options:
Instead of doing an initial, consider a small applique that means something to the person who will be using the tags - perhaps an applique of a flower or the face of their favorite critter.

Google Reader

2013-03-21T16:52:00.002-05:00

So.. with Google Reader going away here shortly - I have a question to those who use a reader to subscribe to all their favorite feeds: What reader do you use or what reader will you be switching to?

Making Stitch Markers

2013-03-14T16:45:00.000-05:00

I rarely use stitch markers for crochet - I keep some simple plastic ones on hand but have also been known to use a paper clip, a safety pin, and little scraps of yarn. But now that I've been knitting more, I am finding need for something a little more sturdy - something not too thick like the plastic but something that isn't going to slip off.

After looking online, I decided to take a stab at making my own. This is what I came up with.

Squirt also took a stab.

The marker made with hearts was made by Squirt. She did a really good job - I was hoping she would make me more but she seemed to lose her momentum. The "eyeballs" across the top are mine. I kinda grouped them in the progressing stages of figuring out what worked and what didn't.

Squirt had trouble getting the loop around the ring snag free - and getting the ring closed all the way. Even I had difficulty in squeezing the ring all the way closed - but it works and its really cute. I'm glad to have a token like this from her.

The blue eyes, that are by themselves, I tried them in the same manor that Squirt tried - and it didn't work out too well for me. I had trouble getting the wire looped around and snag free. The middle "group" - the single pair of green eyes, was done a bit differently - I used a doubled up piece of wire around a smaller jump ring.... but in the end, I still shouldn't have used the thicker wire.

So that brings me to my last group, the group of three, that look a lot better - I think this will be my method.

Perhaps in the near future, I'll do a give away of some of my eyeball markers! (but let me make sure they work out ok first)

Have you ever tried to make your own stitch markers (beyond bending a paper clip just the right way) ? I'd love to see what you've created!

Christmas in March

2013-03-11T16:35:00.000-05:00

I took a risk last week and ordered from Knit Picks - ya know, first order after the security issue with them putting customer info where it shouldn't have been. I figure now is the best time to order - I bet they are really watching themselves. I bet they are more secure now than they ever have been.

Anywhoozles - I needed a yardage counter and of course, its nothing you can buy in town.... per norm.

So, I wanted to share my order with you all.

You can see the yardage counter so we won't talk about that again.

I got two circular needles - US 2. One is the nickle plated kind and the other is that stripey wood/bamboo - what's that called again?

I decided to try the two circular method of doing socks so I wanted to get nice circs that were different visually - I like the nickle a LOT.

Then, those items aside, I got 8 skeins of sock yarn - 6 of the skeins are Felici yarn and the last two are Stroll. They are really squishy! I can't wait to make the socks. I think I'll be making one pair for each person in the house. I'm really excited but put them aside for the zauberball.

I will keep you all updated on sock progress with the yarn from this order - but just know that right now, I'm spending a lot of time just squishing it and gazing at the pretty colors.

Year of Projects 2: Update 22

2013-03-10T09:36:00.002-05:00

Project Percentage Complete: 49%

Overall Percentage Complete: 70%

Number of Project Items: 98
Number of Added Items: 90
Total Items: 188

Total Completed Project Items: 48
Total Completed Items: 132

I had one completion this week which is a pair of vanilla socks. They are a gift so I'm hoping the person that receives them really enjoys them.

I continue to work on the Wingspan shawl and have cast on another pair of vanilla socks ... for myself this time. I am a little worried that I don't have enough yarn for them.... let me explain.

I purchased 1 ball of zauberball (*excited face*) and used my new yardage counter to split it in half... but then in the end, it wasn't even - I'm not sure but I'm pretty sure that there is some sort of a magic trick to using the yardage counter although I just thought I had to snap the yarn inside on the spinner wheel thingee and drag it through.... obviously I was over-simplifying things. *laughs*

SO, now I have my zauberball cut in what was supposed to be half - and one ball is smaller than the other. I decided to take on the smaller ball. I really do think that if I have enough, it will barely be enough to make an ankle sock - which is irritating. If I don't have enough to make the sock, I get the joy of frogging all that work and deciding to make smaller socks for the youngest OR making it into a small shawlette.

Thoughts? Opinions?

Percentage-wise, I had the one finish but added another pair of socks to the list - so I'm just kinda breaking even with the overall craft numbers. I can't wait to finish the wingspan since its on the original project items list, which means I'd be at 50% .... it would be nice to be more than half done by the time the year was up. *laughs*

Project List Items (not started/in progress)
- Navajo Indian Multi-Color Afghan (gift)
- 17 squares for SIBOL
- 9 crochet knockers for donation
- Knit Wingspan Shawl

- 5 pet beds for donation
- 10 chemo caps for donation
- 2 swiffer covers (for me!)
- Knit a Sweater for the Man
- 1 pair spat warmers
- Woven Blocks Crochet Quilt
- Room Shoes
- Amimono Kimono (for me!)

Project List Items (done)
- 33 squares for SIBOL
- 5 knit/crochet cloths for Mom (Christmas present)
- 5 knit/crochet cloths for SIL (Christmas present)
- State Fair Afghan
- Dead Fish Hat (Birthday gift for DS)
- Spidey-colored Round Ripple Lapghan (Christmas present)
- 1 crochet knockers for donation
- Wrap (ended poorly - was supposed to be for Squirt but... didn't work out)

Added Items (not started/in progress)
- Tongues of Fire (for me)
- Pimpelliese (for me)
- Vanilla Socks for me

- Striped Granny Bag
- Elite Syncopations
- Harry Potter Scarf
- Blue or Purple Cowl (for a friend; after the holidays)

Added Items (done)
- Have a Heart Shawl (free Red Heart pattern)
- Magic Square Potholder
- Boot Toppers (Christmas present)
- 50 Ruffle Scarves
- Striped Scarf (Christmas Present)
- Crochet Clock (Christmas Present)
- House Slippers (Christmas Present)
- Warm Hat with Bill (Christmas Present)
- Stocking Cap (Christmas present)
- 3 icord knit snakes
- My Garter Slipped Scarf (for me)
- 3 pair Vanilla Socks
- 2 plastic canvas door hanging pouches (for Valentine's Day)
- 2 Ice Pack Pillowcases
- 13 Crochet Fortune Cookies
- Headband to Match Garter Slip Scarf (for me)

---------------------
This post is part of the Ravelry Group "Come Blog-A-Long" #yearofprojects Project. If you are interested in joining along or finding other posts similar to this one, visit the group on Ravelry.

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Crocheting My Life Back: Update 7

2013-03-09T15:58:00.000-06:00

The Statistics
Current Weight: 292
Weekly Loss/Total Loss: -3/-8

Squares Allowed: 8
Squares Completed: 0

Thoughts on changes in the last two weeks
First and foremost, I want to let everyone know that I have decided to only post ever two weeks. Weekly seemed a bit frequent so I figure this may be best.

In the last two weeks I have begun drinking a protein shake I get from the local organic market. It's gluten free and heart friendly. The consistency is a little odd BUT its still good. I have been drinking it in the morning as a breakfast replacement, using almond milk instead of regular milk or juice. I'm really happy with the result so far.

It isn't meant for weight loss, but cutting out the extra calories has been enough to push for a relatively steady weight loss since starting to drink it.

Now, I am at a point where I think it'll be ok to make squares. There was something before where it felt like what I lost was a fluke.... that it would come back. I honestly held back making squares because I felt like it would all just come back (even though it was only a few pounds). Now I'm a wee bit more confident in making the squares.

I would like to get the pounds to come off faster. I know that slow and steady is best, but I would really like to lose at least 2 a week. In order to do that, I know I need to focus more on getting some sort of a workout regime here at the house.

So thank you for the suggestion to get a meal replacement shake. While the Spirutein is not meant to be a dieting shake - it really has been a blessing.

Things I want to do next week
Now that I have begun replacing out my breakfasts with a filling shake with great protein, now I need to work on getting a workout regime going at home.

Any suggestions? What are your favorite workout routines? Do you do DVDs?

Picture Time
No pictures this week as I haven't hit a 10 pound milestone.

<< Previous Update | Original Post | Next Update >>

Finished 'em!

2013-03-09T15:45:00.002-06:00

Just a quick note to say that I finished 'em.

They are plain ole vanilla socks with a ribbed top. The yarn is one of the Debra Norville colors - I think "chili" is what it was named.

My daughter is lounging here, making sure they felt ok.

They are not for her.

Toasty Toes

2013-03-07T09:30:00.000-06:00

It may be winter outside, but my feet are toasty inside my Opal socks.

I don't think I ever shared a proper photo of the socks on my feet... well... there they are!

Hope those of you dealing with winter, snow, and ice are staying warm.

That is all.

WIP Wednesday

2013-03-06T21:40:00.003-06:00

Whelp, here it is... we have moved into March (and definitely like a lion). It's just crazy how fast this year has gone by. I know years ago my dad said that the older you get, the faster it goes. It was hard to grasp when I was a kid because it seemed like forever until my birthday came... and forever until summer break... forever until Christmas.... so on and so forth.

But now, here I am, in my 30s and feeling the sentiment of my dad's words.

With that bit of randomness out of the way, here we are... Wednesday. I haven't done a WIP Wednesday post in a few so I figured why not. I have a couple things actively going (not the Navajo.. DOH!) so I figured I would share my progress in the creative images taken by the Man....

It may be 9:31pm, but it's still Wednesday!

My Wingspan

First up is my wingspan. I am still not getting into knitting this. Its just kinda... dry. Ya know - drier than what knitting normally is *laughs* The Man chose to use the new LensBaby lens to take the photo so it may seem a bit blurry at the edges - well, its supposed to be that way. I do think he's trying to figure out how to manually focus it, so yea....

I am on my 3rd triangle and like I said... its slow going.

I do like the yarn a lot although I admit, I'm a little worried that I won't have enough to make it long enough to wrap around me - no, that's not a dig because I'm overweight... I really am hoping to make it to the 8 triangles but in my mind am seriously doubting it. Even worse, I got the yarn on clearance at a yarn shop not very close to here. If I need more yarn, I'm going to have to go on an online hunt. I may have a post about that soon.. ya know - for all you expert yarn finders.

I basically put the wingspan on my bedside table... when I go to bed, I like to knit or crochet a bit before dozing off - it has become my bed project.

My daylight project has been socks. I told you I was bit by the sock bug... there is just something cool about making socks.

This is a standard pair of vanilla socks. There is no pattern on the foot but 10 rows after turning the heel, I started a 2,1 ribbing.

I really do like these socks a LOT. They are turning out very nicely and are super squishy.

As you can see by this photo, I'm pretty close to done. I have just the top of the second sock to finish off. I'd like to post this message and head over to the couch and do just that - finish them off.

I want to say I have around 18 rows left. Not too shabby.

Something you cannot tell with the picture above is that I *almost* got the stripes to line up. I really did want them to match up really nicely. While they are close, if you lay the sock down flat, as you can see with the sock that is still on the needles, there is an extra stripe around where the heel was turned. The other sock has the heel in pink with NO striping at the front side.

DOH!

Oh well, I did try and it is pretty close.

I was going to keep it down to just a couple pictures but the Man really is trying to improve his photography skills. While this shot isn't the best, I really like the affect from the LensBaby lens along with the perspective he chose for these socks.

Oh - and look - they are on the beast-ghan (which, in case you were wondering, is extremely warm and heavy.. its like sleeping under a big snuggley hug).

So there you have it. My WIP Wednesday.

If you like reading up on what others are working on OR would like to post your own WIP Wednesday update, head on over to Tami's Amis and check out the Mr. Linky! There is also another Mr. Linky over at Frontier Dreams - if you update your crafting progress on any day of the week, post your progress there.

Sushi Sadness....

2013-03-06T13:17:00.000-06:00

First, I want to apologize for not posting anything in the last week. As always, things have gotten a bit hectic although I'm trying to reign it all in now. I usually try to have several posts scheduled at certain intervals since I know my writing tends to go in spurts - I update a lot then go through a week or two of drought - I do try to be sensible and not post everything as I write it, spreading it out a day or two in between the posts just to ensure my blog doesn't end up like an ole ghost town.

So what is pushing me to post today... well, this is going to be a no frills, no pictures kinda post - and its definitely not about crochet.

As many of my regular readers know, I'm struggling to lose weight. I am working towards the completion of my life-ghan, an afghan that represents each pound loss. In the end, my life-ghan should be 100 squares strong... 100 pounds lost.

Today, after my doctor's appointment and getting a bit of work done at home, the Man offered to take me to our favorite sushi spot here in town. It is a small little out-of-the-way spot. The front of the restaurant has 4 tables then in the back, he has squeezed a few two-top tables into a hallway. When we walked in, the warmer side of the room only had 1 table open. At the other table sat a larger man.

By larger, please do not think that I am insulting him. I am a larger female. But I will say, this man was much larger than I was. I would guess him to be around 400 pounds, if not a bit more.

The Man and I sat down at the table next to him and ordered our sushi. Our talk, while low, I knew could be heard by the gent who was sitting next to us. We talked a little about my doctor's appointment and then talk went to socks - ya know, I am expecting some yarn in the mail... for more socks. Because I've clearly been bitten by the sock bug (and it helps me to avoid crocheting on the Navajo... which I really should NOT be avoiding.. doh!).

Anywhoozles, talk continued until the Man asked who I was making socks for next. I said me. Then someone else again. Then me... I shall alternate with me always being in the middle. I talked of a pair of socks with vines and leaves that I want to make... and I talked about the Tardis socks I want to make as well... and that took us straight to painting the kids' bedroom doors to look like the doors of the Tardis.

Did I mention we are Doctor Who fans?

It wasn't long until our sushi arrived and the gent sitting next to us said "I'm sorry but I overheard you talking about Doctor Who. I'm a huge Doctor fan too." We chatted a bit about the good Doctor. It is always good to meet another Whovian.

As the Man and I dug into our sushi, the other gent began shuffling around in his seat.

As he stands, he says (and I really wish I were kidding), "I'm gonna try and get out of here.. if you want to laugh at me, go ahead."

I was taken aback that he would say that. One - we just had a great conversation, why would I laugh? Two - why would anyone laugh? Three - its not like I'm a stick thin gal... I'm a big girl too.

I said quickly "No, no - there is no need to say that."

He squeezed through, said a polite goodbye and left.

I was stunned.

Why would he say something like that? Does he run into people who laugh at him? If so - how sad is that? Even more so, how sad that he felt the need to verbalize it to strangers...

After we finished our sushi, we got in the car and I couldn't shake that thought.

And honestly, I guess it went to a more personal level for me - do I do that? Do I put myself out there in a negative way, giving people permission to make fun of me, laugh at me, or just generally not accept my physical appearance?

I really do think this is something that I do. Perhaps I don't do it at the level of inviting people at the next table in a restaurant to laugh at me as I leave, but I do permit people, if they do see something wrong with me, to continue to see me as inferior because I am obese. I also believe this is a natural response to a lowered self esteem - if I am giving permission for it to happen, then it is not a boundary people are crossing - I am putting myself in a position to expect mockery instead of one that would be surprised if people did make fun of me or laugh.

I really do wish I had said more - but honestly, I don't know what I could have said. To tell him that no one has a right to laugh at him, regardless of his weight? Tell him that people who laugh really need to take a long hard look at themselves rather than focusing on belittling others.

I don't know.

I don't even know what the purpose of this post is other than to document my surprise and how it quickly came back to how I treat myself or at least open myself up to others to be treated.

It was sad, to say the least.

Year of Projects 2: Update 21

2013-02-24T21:44:00.000-06:00

Project Percentage Complete: 49%

Overall Percentage Complete: 70%

Number of Project Items: 98
Number of Added Items: 89
Total Items: 187

Total Completed Project Items: 48
Total Completed Items: 131

I completed nothing this week..... I worked a bit on the socks I started as a special present and have continued working on my Wingspan shawl. So needless to say, this has been a knitting type week.

This is a picture of the sock I am working on - the first sock. I have about half the leg done too, so that's good. I was hoping to finish it up this weekend but with all things considered, it just didn't happen.

Sitting here thinking a bit, i did crochet a bit this past week. I crocheted another ice pack pillow case and posted the pattern here on the blog for the taking. It's a quick crochet and good for using up cotton left over from dishcloth making.

I don't have much more to report to y'all. I wish I had. I am hoping to at least finish one of the socks this week and get a start on the second. Wanna know why? Because I bought some more sock yarn and want to get a start on those as well.

Project List Items (not started/in progress)
- Navajo Indian Multi-Color Afghan (gift)
- 17 squares for SIBOL
- 9 crochet knockers for donation
- Knit Wingspan Shawl

- 5 pet beds for donation
- 10 chemo caps for donation
- 2 swiffer covers (for me!)
- Knit a Sweater for the Man
- 1 pair spat warmers
- Woven Blocks Crochet Quilt
- Room Shoes
- Amimono Kimono (for me!)

Project List Items (done)
- 33 squares for SIBOL
- 5 knit/crochet cloths for Mom (Christmas present)
- 5 knit/crochet cloths for SIL (Christmas present)
- State Fair Afghan
- Dead Fish Hat (Birthday gift for DS)
- Spidey-colored Round Ripple Lapghan (Christmas present)
- 1 crochet knockers for donation
- Wrap (ended poorly - was supposed to be for Squirt but... didn't work out)

Added Items (not started/in progress)
- Tongues of Fire (for me)
- Pimpelliese (for me)
- Vanilla Socks for Mom

- Striped Granny Bag
- Elite Syncopations
- Harry Potter Scarf
- Blue or Purple Cowl (for a friend; after the holidays)

Added Items (done)
- Have a Heart Shawl (free Red Heart pattern)
- Magic Square Potholder
- Boot Toppers (Christmas present)
- 50 Ruffle Scarves
- Striped Scarf (Christmas Present)
- Crochet Clock (Christmas Present)
- House Slippers (Christmas Present)
- Warm Hat with Bill (Christmas Present)
- Stocking Cap (Christmas present)
- 3 icord knit snakes
- My Garter Slipped Scarf (for me)
- 1 pair Vanilla Socks
- 2 plastic canvas door hanging pouches (for Valentine's Day)
- 2 Ice Pack Pillowcase
- 13 Crochet Fortune Cookies
- 1 pair of Vanilla Socks for me
- Headband to Match Garter Slip Scarf (for me)

---------------------
This post is part of the Ravelry Group "Come Blog-A-Long" #yearofprojects Project. If you are interested in joining along or finding other posts similar to this one, visit the group on Ravelry.

<< Previous Post -- First Post -- Next Post >>

Crocheting My Life Back: Update 6

2013-02-24T21:07:00.002-06:00

The Statistics
Current Weight: 295
Weekly Loss/Total Loss: -1/-5

Squares Allowed: 5
Squares Completed: 0

Thoughts on my weekly change
I really didn't do a whole lot this last week. I weighed myself on Friday and was actually up to 302 - by that I had gained 7 pounds overnight. I wasn't able to blog on Friday and honestly, with a number like 302, it didn't hurt my feelings any.

Saturday night was spent in the ER with a freakishly high pulse and chest discomfort. Now - keep in mind, I don't think I had a heart attack and that's what the doctor's said as well. But I didn't like how I felt and it totally freaked me out. I don't know what I did or what was going on.... but I went. I ended up getting the ok as far as heart attack but did walk away with a heart monitor for 24 hours.

I will be turning the monitor in tomorrow after work and I will be making an appointment with my regular physician as well. In the end - I really do think I'm going to ask about bariatric surgery. I need to find out what it entails and just how much my insurance will cover. I feel like a failure for considering it but at the same time, I cannot continue to live at this size. It may not have been a heart attack on Friday night but it will be one eventually - I need help losing this weight.

Now - I may or may not have it done, but I need to do something.

Things I have changed in the last week
I didn't do the stairs in big sessions like I have in previous weeks but I'm trying to take the stairs more as I move floor to floor - and that adds up.

Things I want to do next week
I really don't know... any suggestions?

Picture Time
No pictures this week as I haven't hit a 10 pound milestone.

<< Previous Update | Original Post | Next Update >>

My Yarn Buddy

2013-02-21T16:19:00.000-06:00

Do you have a special yarn buddy? A friend that like to stay close to your side even if you are focused on your yarn?

My yarn buddy is my dog Andrew - shown here, this is the kitchen chair that I frequently sit at when I'm working on my blog or sometimes when I craft (and want to use the computer or watch TV from a good vantage point).

Often, Andrew will come lay at my feet, hoping I use him as a foot rest (and rub his sides with my feet) and ocassionally, he hangs out under my chair.... This was him last week - he was under the chair, relaxing, catching some shut-eye on the rung of the chair I was sitting in. The Man was able to catch a picture of him before Andrew got up and followed me to the other room.

Andrew is definitely my yarn buddy. I love him so.

Ice Pack Pillowcase [Pattern]

2013-02-19T15:49:00.001-06:00

I think every household has ice packs they buy for lunch boxes - packs that aren't necessarily built for injuries but in the end, end up on the boo-boos just as much as the nice ones designed for the task.

Recently, Bird found herself in need of the dentist's chair and when she came to stay with us for her recovery, none of the ice packs were comfortable enough for her to curl up with and sleep - ice in a baggie was just too darn cold, never mind the leaks. And ice packs were just so rough with their pointy corners.

I needed something that was cool, not bitter cold to the touch, that would be soft enough for her face and help keep leaking to a minimal mess.

So while she slept, I went to my hook for a solution.

ICE PACK PILLOWCASE
By Cris

Items Needed:
1 ice pack
1 skein 100% cotton yarn (more if you are covering a very large ice pack)
I Hook (H hook if you crochet loosely or using thinner cotton yarn)
Tapestry needle

Abbreviations:
ch - chain
st - stitch
blo - back loop only
hdc - half double crochet
beg - beginning
rpt - repeat
sl - slip
FO - finish off
dc - double crochet

NOTE: For the images, I am using an H hook with Knit Picks Dishie cotton in the colorway Daisy. If I were using Peaches n' Cream cotton, I would be using an I hook. You want a nice loose fabric - so use whatever hook you need to get the effect.

NOTE: This pattern is written in a manner to help you create an ice pack pillowcase that fits your icepack. Not all of the counts will be exact - just follow the instructions to fit your own ice pack. Each row starts with basic instructions written as a guide for your ice pack. Following that in italics is "for my ice pack" where I give the exact instructions that I used to create my pillowcase. Provided your ice pack is similar to mine, then the stitch count should be similar.

NOTE: If you want the pillowcase to be colder, substitute double crochet stitches in place of the hdc.

Row 1:
ch enough stitches to go along the bottom of your ice pack (the longer side of the rectangle), 1 inch longer than the ice pack itself (length + 1 inch of chain stitches)

for my ice pack: ch 29

Row 2:
hdc in 2nd ch from hook.
hdc to the end of the foundation ch

for my ice pack: hdc in 2nd ch from hook, hdc to end of the foundation ch (27 hdc + ch 2 at beg of row)

Row 3 - ?:
ch 2, turn
hdc in blo to end
Rpt this row until the fabric is long enough to wrap fully around the ice pack with about an inch extra space.

for my ice pack: ch 2, turn; hdc in blo to end. Rpt 25 times to create 27 rows of hdc in blo

Creating the Pouch

Direction of Seaming

For all ice packs: ch 1. Fold the material in half length wise. Using your hook, sl st down the long side of the pillowcase and across the short side. This will seam the two sides, leaving one short side open for the pack to slide in and out.

Finish off and weave in your ends with the tapestry needle.

Solid Anchor for Ties

Creating the Ties
Lay your sack down. On one side, find the middle of the rows. Attach your yarn in and ch 29. Make sure that wherever you attach your yarn, it is not on the edge but it is solid.

FO the chain. Repeat on the other side of the bag.

Weave in your ends where the chain attaches to the bag.

Creating the Edging
Attach the yarn at the top opening of the pillowcase, preferably on one of the side corners (one is a seam, the other is the fold in the material).

Ch 2
2 dc in each row end that is a ch 2 space and 1 dc in each row end that is an hdc all the way around. sl to join in top of starting ch 2.

ch 1, sl in next st - all the way around to create a ruffled edge.

sl to join. FO and weave in ends.

Turn the bag right side out (seams are to be on the inside) and enjoy!

The finished pillowcase ... WITH the icepack inside

KnitPicks - Data Leak

2013-02-19T11:23:00.001-06:00

I normally do try to stay somewhat on topic but I feel it is important to share this information with my readers, especially knowing many of you shop online at the same places I do.

Recently, it was discovered that the Crafts Americana Group, or CAG, accidentally put a file which included buyer data (name, address, credit card numbers) in a location that was not secure. This means the site was not hacked, but if a person with ill-intent were looking in the right place, this file would have been made available to them relatively easily. You can read the announcement made by CEO Matt Petkun here: http://www.knitpicks.com/cfBlog/post.cfm/message-from-our-ceo-matt-petkun

That's right - that's a KnitPicks blog link.

CAG includes Knit Picks, Connecting Threads, and Artist's Club. If you made a purchase from any of these three sites at the latter part of 2012, you may be affected.

The file was made available in an unsecure location mid December until mid January. According to the post by Mr. Petkun, US residents were mailed a letter if their data was in that file. I have not received anything - but from what I can see, no one has actually came forward and said they received any communication their data may have been compromised. He does offer to pay for any fees associated to switching your card information, which is nice.

So basically - this is just to make you aware of the situation. You can do the digging to get all the details. There is one blogger who is timelining the whole incident, although I admit I'm not exactly sure why - her blog is here - and it is specifically for this incident. It is not a blog she had before this and I doubt she'll maintain it after this situation is resolved.

I have contacted KnitPicks twice since I know a purchase was made there in December asking direct if my information was included in that file. No one has offered to tell me "yes or no" but I will let you know if I ever get an answer from them or a letter in the mail.

If you made any purchases at KnitPicks in the latter part of 2012, you may want to contact your bank or credit card company with this information, letting them know there may be illegal activity on your card or that you want to change your card/account number.

The only reason I'm choosing to post this is because in the circle of blogs I read, I haven't seen anything about it and I wanted to put it out there for people who may be in the same boat as me - not knowing more than there may be an issue I need to prepare for.

Fortune Cookie Pattern Review

2013-02-19T00:30:00.000-06:00

LoveHearts Pattern (c) June GIlbank

With Valentine's Day looming, I made a decision to make something small and different for the man, the kids, and my coworkers. I saw a cute pattern for crochet fortune cookies on Ravelry and made the decision THAT is what I was going to make.

For the Man and my kids, the fortune cookie was just a small piece to their Valentine's Day - for my coworkers, I left them a crocheted fortune cookie and a piece of chocolate.

The pattern I'm reviewing is lcoated on Ravelry and is also on Yarnovations, where the Ravelry link takes you. The pattern includes instructions for the fortune cookies and a jar wrap. This review is ONLY for the fortune cookies. I did not make the jar wrap.

First and foremost, you don't need to know much more than how how chain, slip stitch, and single crochet for this pattern, making it a good pattern for new crocheters. You do crochet in the round without joining (crochet in a spiral) so a beginner would have to decide if they were comfortable with this or not before taking on making a fortune cookie.

The pattern is very simple, consisting of a total of 6 rows. I think for the more expert crocheter, it is a pain to try and forget that when you increase on this pattern, you increase but still only do 18 stitches rather than the full increase round. You see this on rows 4, 5 and 6 - you want to add more stitches to do full repeats, but you have to remember to stop at 18 stitches, regardless of it being a full round or not.

The pattern suggests you fold the cookie in half and stitch around it and THEN you put the fortune in. I found it much easier to slide the fortune in and stitch the circle into a half circle with the fortune already in place. If you try to stuff the fortune in after you make it a half circle, the fortune gets wrinkled up a bit - I wanted mine to look a bit more pristine, ya know - as if they came straight from the fortune cooking making factory.

There is no real instruction on how to stitch up the cookie into a half circle OR how to stitch it into the shape of a fortune cookie. I think the pattern author was assuming people knew how to make the shape. I ended up whip-stitching the cookie closed in about the top 1/3 of the half circle shape - I left a decent hole on either side and, as I said earlier, I did the whip-stitching around the paper rather than putting the paper in afterwards. I then, instead of finishing off, passed my super long tail used to do the whip stitch down to the middle where I bent the cookie, shaped the edges using my fingertips and stitched the 2 sides together to the cookie shape (with the ends pinched onto my thumb and index finger).

I can at least say I know why the pattern writer didn't explain it in the pattern. I just tried to in the above paragraph and realize that I just spoke a foreign language even to myself! Maybe they left that part out because it really is too complex to tell people how to do it - but perhaps a picture would have helped. I don't know.

I think the most complicated part of this pattern was coming up with quotes to go into my cookies. The pattern page from Yarnovations includes several fortunes but I wanted cookies with quotes about friendship. It took me some time but in the end I had them printed and in the cookies.

On Valentine's morning, my coworkers were very impressed at the little cookies. Some people didn't even pull the fortune out because the way I did it, it was VERY difficult to get the fortune back into the cookie. One of my friends at work is on a mission to find out what every cookie's fortune is - especially when she found out I didn't duplicate any of them.

In the end, I'd say I give this pattern 4 balls of yarn because it was easy and the ending result was very much appreciated. I would have given it more if there would have been more instruction on finishing up the cookies, especially the part where you stitch it to look like the cookie shape.

My Valentines

2013-02-18T07:00:00.000-06:00

First and foremost, I offer an extremely belated Valentine's wish to all my readers. I had hoped to get on and post on Valentine's Day but it just ended up not happening... why?

Because I waited until the last moment to work on my Valentine's mini project for my coworkers.

oopsie...

But, besides that, these two door hangers are something I wanted to share with you all even though they aren't crochet. These are made with plastic canvas (if you couldn't tell already *laughs*)

The red one was made for Squirt and the black one was made for DC. The idea was that I would put little treats inside the basket front and have them wake up with a fun little "I Love You" on the morning of Valentine's Day.

To say the least, DC was the most excited to have it. He went through it and read the note I left and "opened" his crochet fortune cookie. He hugged me and said thank you and I love you - he's so sweet!

Squirt liked the items but never really said anything else about them.

Needless to day - I thought I'd get the opposite response - but that's ok. I know they both enjoyed it and returned the love with valentines they made.

Made by DC: A Negative Space Valentine

By Squirt: A More Traditional Valentines (with crochet magnet holding it up)

By Squirt: "Owl Always Love You" Valentine

The last item I made was Valentine's Day fortune cookies, made from a pattern I found on Ravelry. I will post a review of the pattern but just know, the end result, was a huge success! Everyone loved them.

Year of Projects 2: Update 20

2013-02-17T15:17:00.003-06:00

Project Percentage Complete: 49%

Overall Percentage Complete: 70%

Number of Project Items: 98
Number of Added Items: 87
Total Items: 185

Total Completed Project Items: 48
Total Completed Items: 130

Whelp, this week was a week of finishes for me... but not necessarily finishes from my original project list. *doh*

I finished the vanilla socks for me - they are ankle socks and I really do like them. I can't say it enough that I really liked working with the Opal sock yarn. It was delightful and fun.... two things I never thought I'd say about ANY knitting project.

I had some fun pictures of me wearing them BUT there was dog hair in every single shot *laughs* I am not ashamed of having a dog, but yea.... sometimes, when you are showing off your projects, pet hair is not exactly attractive.

In addition to the socks, I finished off 13 crochet fortune cookies, which I will be writing a pattern review and will have a picture in my Valentine's Day Crafting post I should have up this week coming.

My final finish was a short notice Ice Pack Pillowcase. I think I'll end up writing the pattern up and offering it here for free.

You see, Bird had some teeth pulled this week and BOY is she miserable. So, she was wrapping ice packs up in wash cloths, which I think is the standard go-to for most folks. Watching her trying to sleep with them and seeing them slip all over the place inspired me to make a tiny lil pillow case for them. She seems to like it and has already fell asleep on it once.

I was in the ethical dilemma of taking a picture of it "in action" or settling for a picture of it sitting on the side stand ... because I love her, here is the picture of it on the stand, before its first use.

I did get a start on my knit wingspan, which is on the original project list. I will admit, I'm back to not having much fun with this knit project. I'm using Happy Yarn, which is a bamboo blend, in the colorway Pisces. I have finished the first triangle and am mid-way done with the second.

I am not sure I'll have enough yarn and the triangles are seeming to take for-ev-errrr to make (read that with dramatic slowness). I'm hoping it speeds up a bit - of course, it won't speed up if I don't actually work on it. *laughs*

So - while I had a pretty successful week of finishes, my percentage for my project items did not change. The percentage of overall completion, which includes all the added items I've made, went up several points. That's pretty exciting.

Project List Items (not started/in progress)
- Navajo Indian Multi-Color Afghan (gift)
- 17 squares for SIBOL
- 9 crochet knockers for donation
- Knit Wingspan Shawl

- 5 pet beds for donation
- 10 chemo caps for donation
- 2 swiffer covers (for me!)
- Knit a Sweater for the Man
- 1 pair spat warmers
- Woven Blocks Crochet Quilt
- Room Shoes
- Amimono Kimono (for me!)

Project List Items (done)
- 33 squares for SIBOL
- 5 knit/crochet cloths for Mom (Christmas present)
- 5 knit/crochet cloths for SIL (Christmas present)
- State Fair Afghan
- Dead Fish Hat (Birthday gift for DS)
- Spidey-colored Round Ripple Lapghan (Christmas present)
- 1 crochet knockers for donation
- Wrap (ended poorly - was supposed to be for Squirt but... didn't work out)

Added Items (not started/in progress)
- Tongues of Fire (for me)
- Pimpelliese (for me)

- Striped Granny Bag
- Elite Syncopations
- Harry Potter Scarf
- Blue or Purple Cowl (for a friend; after the holidays)

Added Items (done)
- Have a Heart Shawl (free Red Heart pattern)
- Magic Square Potholder
- Boot Toppers (Christmas present)
- 50 Ruffle Scarves
- Striped Scarf (Christmas Present)
- Crochet Clock (Christmas Present)
- House Slippers (Christmas Present)
- Warm Hat with Bill (Christmas Present)
- Stocking Cap (Christmas present)
- 3 icord knit snakes
- My Garter Slipped Scarf (for me)
- 1 pair Vanilla Socks
- 2 plastic canvas door hanging pouches (for Valentine's Day)
- Ice Pack Pillowcase
- 13 Crochet Fortune Cookies
- 1 pair of Vanilla Socks for me
- Headband to Match Garter Slip Scarf (for me)

---------------------
This post is part of the Ravelry Group "Come Blog-A-Long" #yearofprojects Project. If you are interested in joining along or finding other posts similar to this one, visit the group on Ravelry.

<< Previous Post -- First Post -- Next Post >>

Crocheting My Life Back: Update 5

2013-02-15T13:57:00.000-06:00

The Statistics
Current Weight: 296
Weekly Loss/Total Loss: -1/-4

Squares Allowed: 5
Squares Completed: 0

Thoughts on my weekly change
I'm at a critical place. I really just want to give up. I had myself down 5 pounds (as you can see by earning the 5 squares) but... it went up and now its slowly going down.

I did the stairs once. I worked out at home... I kept my portions in decent control.

And yet I sit here feeling like a huge loser.

I really just don't have the umph right now - I want the umph.. I really do. I look at my body and just think I'm the most disgusting thing on the face of the earth.... and I just can't force myself to the high level of exercise needed to shed this weight as fast as humanly possible.

I dunno - I'm just a bit down over it all. Depression is a difficult battle anyway and then top a few things on top that have my nerves on edge and this is what you get.... a really depressive version of what I don't want to be.

Things I have changed in the last week
I did the stairs. I did a couple work outs at home.

Other than that... I'm still kinda blah about the whole thing.

Things I want to do next week
I want to have a two pound loss. I really do - but I have this fear in the pit of my stomach that says I'll be lucky if it stops at a 2 pound gain.

So next week I want to do the stairs, do more exercise at home, maybe even get in a run through the neighborhood.

Picture Time
No pictures this week as I haven't hit a 10 pound milestone.

<< Previous Update | Original Post | Next Update >>

Moogly Feature

2013-02-12T19:04:00.002-06:00

Tamara from Moogly Blog dropped me a line on my 1 Skein Pet Bed Pattern to let me know it was featured as part of a roundup for 10 items for the Cat Lover.

Being that I'm an all around animal lover, I really found some of these patterns something I'd be very interested in making, especially the cat scarf.

I just wanted to first give Tamara a huge "THANK YOU" for featuring my pattern as one within the collection. I really do appreciate this sort of acknowledgement from other bloggers, crocheters, and artists. And on top of that, I'm glad she pointed out that it really is a great item for donation to animal shelters.

So, please - if you have not been to the Moogly Blog before, I encourage you to go check it out.

Thanks again, Tamara!

Year of Projects 2: Update 19

2013-02-10T08:20:00.000-06:00

Project Percentage Complete: 49%

Overall Percentage Complete: 66%

Number of Project Items: 98
Number of Added Items: 73
Total Items: 171

Total Completed Project Items: 48
Total Completed Items: 114

I missed my update last week and by the time I got around to writing something up, I figured it was close enough to Sunday to just wait. So, this week has left me with a few finishes - but not items that were on my original project list.

I'm definitely finding it too easy to work on things not on my project list - I am seeing so many other wonderful things that I just want to do them all... so I'm trying my darndest but I can say that my "hobby job" on a gaming server is suffering because I'm so wrapped up in the cathartic nature of knitting and crochet that I haven't had time to log in and do my job over there. I should really do some of that today.. but maybe later because I have 53 more rows until I can turn the heel on my new pair of socks!

I now only have 13 rows and a bind off left for these socks

I have genuinely fallen in love with Opal sock yarn. Granted, I can't tell you much about the yarn because the band is completely in German. I know that its made of 75% superwash virgin wool and 25% polymide and I wouldn't have purchased this ball a few months ago if it hadn't been in the clearance bin at a yarn store my friend A- and I hit up on a quick yarn crawl north of here. The colorway I have is called "Schmetterling" and is one of the colorways in the Rainforest 2 collection. This collection is no longer being manufactured, which is somewhat heartbreaking as I LOVE many of the colors on the ball band. You can see them here as well: http://www.opalsockyarn.com/Rainforest2.html

I finished the Man's socks this last week to. He just wanted a very vanilla pair of ankle socks (which is what I'm making in the Opal because I liked the style a bit but wanted some color). It took me a few days to work through those. I admit, I wasn't intimidated by doing the sock, I was working a bit slower because working in all off-white isn't exactly exciting. I like seeing color changes on the socks I'm making from the Opal yarn, which seemingly makes me knit faster. Going round after round in off-white is kinda.... eh. *laughs*

I did want to stop and make his socks because right before the holiday he said he'd like me to make him some. I was a little stunned by his request - as he is always willing to take a new hat or scarf I've made, he had said previously he was not interested in hand knitted socks. But... for some reason he changed his mind. I told him that as soon as my holiday crafting rush was over, I'd work on him some socks. He picked out the yarn and it had just been sitting in the craft room since. I decided I had better seize the window of opportunity and make the darn socks... so I did. And he says he loves them and that they are super soft and squishy... which, in my opinion, means it was a successful project.

Other than that, I'm trying to get my oompf together and work on the Navajo. I tell ya - if going round after round in off-white didn't get me, doing row after row of single crochet with an occasional dropped double crochet may. That blanket was very fun in the beginning, now its just tedious. I will finish it. I will most likely use it as one of my State Fair projects ... and then give it to my brother, the rightful owner.

I did go on another yarn crawl with several of my yarn group friends last Thursday. I was only able to buy one skein of yarn (sock yarn, go figure HA!) because of my budget, BUT I had a great time and I'll post about it sometime this week coming.

Yup... that's about it, I think - I have a few other posts I want to start writing up today as well... oh, and of course try to finish off my socks in Opal Schetterling!

And even though I did have another craft related photo in this post, I thought - the personal random photos are kinda fun.

This is a photo of my son, DC, and our outdoor cat, Ed. It was taken just a few months ago at the end of summer. Ed is quite a personality in that he has a personality that if he were human with the same personality, no one would like him or he'd be in jail for murder. He's not a very pleasant cat but oddly, he LOVES our son. The cat genuinely does not like to be around people but if its my son, he is ok with being held and being petted for a little bit.

I'm pretty sure that cat has never scratched DC either....

oh, and note that this is not a tiny kitty - during the summer month's, Ed weighs in at about 18-20 pounds almost pure muscle.. in the winter, when he piles on the weight and gets his winter coat, he's closer to 25-28 pounds (and is much more grumpy in the winter). Don't worry though, he has a heated "cave" we built for him.

For such a jerk kitty - he sure is loved *laughs*

Project List Items (not started/in progress)
- Navajo Indian Multi-Color Afghan (gift)
- 17 squares for SIBOL
- 9 crochet knockers for donation

- 5 pet beds for donation
- 10 chemo caps for donation
- 2 swiffer covers (for me!)
- Knit a Sweater for the Man
- Knit Wingspan Shawl
- 1 pair spat warmers
- Woven Blocks Crochet Quilt
- Room Shoes
- Amimono Kimono (for me!)

Project List Items (done)
- 33 squares for SIBOL
- 5 knit/crochet cloths for Mom (Christmas present)
- 5 knit/crochet cloths for SIL (Christmas present)
- State Fair Afghan
- Dead Fish Hat (Birthday gift for DS)
- Spidey-colored Round Ripple Lapghan (Christmas present)
- 1 crochet knockers for donation
- Wrap (ended poorly - was supposed to be for Squirt but... didn't work out)

Added Items (not started/in progress)
- Tongues of Fire (for me)
- Headband to Match Garter Slip Scarf (for me)
- Pimpelliese (for me)
- 1 pair of Vanilla Socks for me

- Striped Granny Bag
- Elite Syncopations
- Harry Potter Scarf
- Blue or Purple Cowl (for a friend; after the holidays)

Added Items (done)
- Have a Heart Shawl (free Red Heart pattern)
- Magic Square Potholder
- Boot Toppers (Christmas present)
- 50 Ruffle Scarves
- Striped Scarf (Christmas Present)
- Crochet Clock (Christmas Present)
- House Slippers (Christmas Present)
- Warm Hat with Bill (Christmas Present)
- Stocking Cap (Christmas present)
- 3 icord knit snakes
- My Garter Slipped Scarf (for me)
- 1 pair Vanilla Socks
- 2 plastic canvas door hanging pouches (for Valentine's Day)

---------------------
This post is part of the Ravelry Group "Come Blog-A-Long" #yearofprojects Project. If you are interested in joining along or finding other posts similar to this one, visit the group on Ravelry.

<< Previous Post -- First Post -- Next Post >>

I Want This Yarn... have you used it?

2013-02-09T11:31:00.001-06:00

I know I have briefly mentioned a recent trip to a nice yarn store with several of my yarn group friends - a mini yarn crawl, if you will.

While at this yarn store, I saw this yarn.... and I want it.

I really really REALLY want this yarn.

So I want to ask you all: have you used it? what did you think of it?

It was a rather pricey yarn, as far as my budget is concerned, so any input prior to my purchasing this yarn would be helpful. I know that one of my friends purchased this yarn in the purple gem-stone type colorway shown on the right - I want the browns/greys.

Socks for the Man

2013-02-09T10:29:00.003-06:00

It definitely seems like I have been knitting more than crocheting; however, in my defense I say that the Navajo has really beaten it out of me - ya know, the desire to hold a hook. And then, when I do pick up a project, like the Have a Heart Shawl I recently reviewed, I don't dilly dally - I get in and get 'er done.

So, my most recent project completed was not a crochet project - it was knitted socks.

I will take this moment to say that while I have only done vanilla socks (nothing fancy, no lace or rickem-rackem anywhere to be found), they are pretty addicting. AND I have had so many suggestions on how to do socks with different cast on and bind of methods that I can continue to do vanilla socks for a wee bit longer and still be learning something new with each pair.

So back to the socks -

I think the funniest thing is that I asked the Man to take a picture of his socks for me. I meant "take a picture of you wearing your new socks" - but instead he had to manly up his socks by taking manly pictures of his manly socks next to his manly weights and on his manly air hockey table.

*laughs*

I thought that was really kinda funny.

The reason I asked for him to take a picture while WEARING the socks is because I don't have sock blockers. I really need to get some mostly just for taking pictures for the blog - other than that, sock blockers (to the best of my knowledge) serve no purpose. I get the same blocking affect by having washed the socks and wearing them.

For these socks I used Red Heart sock yarn with aloe in them. He really liked that yarn even though we were standing at a huge wall of sock yarn in multiple different colors. I knew he wouldn't want multi-colored socks, but honestly, I thought he'd go for at least something in dark grey or black.

Nope - he chose off-white.

Going round after round in off-white is not near as exciting as going a few rounds in Opal and being surprised at the next color that pops up.

These were made as toe up socks and instead of using the m1 instructions I used for my first pair of socks, I used a kfb (knit front and back) to do my increases. I found this eliminated the tiny holes at the toe that the m1 instruction caused in the first pair. Granted, they are not large holes - but they are holes nonetheless. I did a long tail cast on, which I know is odd - but I had forgotten what I did with the first pair so I was improvising since my book was on loan to my friend Swerves.

I worked up to the short row heel and found a video on YouTube for doing the short row heel - I found it to be extremely helpful (knitpurlhunter - video 1). From video 1 you can find video 2 in the right hand column.
Her instruction was clear enough on the heel that I used it for sock 1 but when I got to sock 2 I was able to do it on my own without needing to reference her video.

Anywhoozles, from there I worked standard knit up to where I wanted the ribbing to begin and did a k3,p1 ribbing.

I finished these over the course of 6 days, knitting on them a couple hours each day - so I am thinking that perhaps I'm not as excruciatingly slow at knitting as I originally thought I was.

YAY!

On to my socks!

(oh, and if I catch him wearing the socks I'll snap a picture of them on his feet)

A Review of the "Have a Heart" Shawl

2013-02-08T11:23:00.001-06:00

I did a review on Monday for the Magic Crochet Wrap - and unfortunately, with such a bad result from that pattern, I was in need of another - you see, I wanted to make a wrap, poncho, or shawl for my youngest daughter. She'd been wanting one for a while ... and when the Magic Crochet Wrap didn't work out - I was on the hunt again.

I decided, on a fluke, to go back through this bin of "freebie flyers" I pull from when yarn shopping. I came across the freebie for a Red Heart pattern called "Have a Heart Shawl." It was cute - and I was in need.... so this was the pattern I chose.

I genuinely had no idea how it would turn out. I liked the image, but I didn't have red yarn... and I'm pretty sure Squirt didn't want a red shawl anyway. I dug through my stash and I had a couple skeins of Red Heart Super Saver in the color Buff. I had remembered buying it because it was on clearance. One quick check of the pattern and I knew I would have enough for the body and part of the edge - that was enough... I didn't have to do the full edge to get the full effect.

I set out to crochet the shawl.

Honestly, it was a very quick crochet and relatively fun (outside of that hdc ch 1 row - UGH). In the end, I'd say it took me no more than 8 hours to work up. For me it was three separate sessions of crochet of just a couple hours each. The stitches and stitch patterns were relatively easy to follow although I did find it necessary to count each row, which is odd for me but if I thought it necessary, maybe you would consider it if you chose to make this shawl.

I didn't have any issues in reading the pattern. Everything seemed very standard. I will admit that when I got to the edge, I was happy I had already decided not to do the full edge because those instructions seemed a bit shady - I didn't work through them, only read them, but I know I would have had to re-read them a few times before they "clicked."

So, after a pretty good run with my crochet hook, I ended up with this Buff version of the Have a Heart Shawl.

On the other side of that head is a HUGE smile. She really liked it.

What I did add was a tie to the front (two chains joined in on opposite sides so she could tie it closed).

From the picture on the pattern flyer it looked like I wouldn't need this, but perhaps I should have used a larger hook (considering I did use the same brand of yarn suggested on the pattern) so that the shawl would overlap more. Of course, had I done that, the shawl would have been much too large to fit my daughter - granted, I could always just modify the pattern counts to come up with a smaller version.

But I really didn't want to do that.

So, in the end I have to say that I did enjoy this pattern. It was a good crochet. I could watch TV while running down the rows, but I did have to pay a bit more attention when switching stitch types from one row to the next. I also know that just from reading the instructions on the edging that I would have really had to think it through and possibly struggle with them a little. As I said, I was happy I had already resolved to not do the edging to the pattern due to not having quite enough yarn - it was at least a good excuse to not have to decipher the pattern.

My rating? I would have to give this pattern 4 balls of yarn out of 5.

Thank you, Red Heart, for a solid pattern. I have satisfied my quest to crochet a wrap for my youngest daughter because of you.