BOO!
Tuesday, October 31, 2006
Friday, October 27, 2006
I just finished the lapghan that I made for a traumatic brain injury unit. When I asked for the address where to send it, I found out that it's in my home town in NJ. I haven't lived there in a long time, but it feels nice to be sending something "home".
I'm proud of this lapghan. It's only the 2nd large project that I've made from granny squares. I really like the look of it. I struggled a bit with the joining, and its far from perfect, but I like the way the joined squares look like they have a rope or braided edge, and now I know for next time how to do it even better - which is good because I will soon be joining the squares for the EA Cares afghan.
My highspeed at home has been out for TWO WEEKS! This has been very trying on us! Hubby and I are internet addicts. Luckily, I also have crochet, so I've been busy. I'm finishing up a lapghan that will be going to a traumatic brain injury unit. It's a simple pattern that I've really enjoyed making. Should be done with it this weekend, and can post a photo then.
I'm also working on the EA Cares afghan. The other crafters squares will be arriving soon, and I can start joining. I'm trying a new method (for me) on the lapghan above, and like it, so hopefully it will work well for this project too!
Feeling pressure as I do, to get involved in so many causes, I've sent off two baby caps for the Caps to the Capital project. I hope to do more, but getting two out takes the pressure off. Now I'll try to make as many as I can, but I don't feel the pressure as I am already officially "involved" in the program.
Also working on the trees - which are really quick to make and great for a quick break.
My TMJ is acting up horribly - worse than its been in 20 years, and it's making me rather miserable. I've actually looked into seeing a chiropractor. I've been told that it might also help with my frequent headaches and belly aches, so I'm ready to try anything!!!
Looking forwards to a weekend to rest, crochet, and hopefully internet!
Tuesday, October 24, 2006
I was playing around with my tree pattern last night and tried making it in worsted weight yarn with pony beads and an "H" hook. I have to say, I'm really pleased with the way they came out and they are MUCH easier and faster to make than the thread version.
I'm making a bunch of these for Christmas Cards this year (ignore that EA folks!)
The pattern is the same as for the bookmark.
The only change that I made was in starting.
Worsted Weight Tree Ornament Pattern
Thread the star (or whatever you want to use for the top) charm on to the ribbon with both loose ends of ribbon on top. Tie loose ends together leaving the charm in the center of the ribbon (you will have a loop of ribbon above and below the charm).
As with the original version - thread more beads than you think you will need on the yarn before you start crocheting. As you work in the Back Side Facing rows, pull up beads at random. They will be anchored to the front of your tree as you work.
Row 1: Attach yarn to the bottom ribbon loop with a slip stitch, Chain 3, 2 DC (3 DC) Chain 1, turn
Row 2: (front side facing) sc in each stitch across (3 sc) ch 1 turn
Row 3) (back side facing) 2sc in first stitch, 1 sc in next, 2 sc in last stitch (5sc) ch 1, turn
Row 4) (front side facing) 1 sc in each stitch across (5 sc) ch 1 turn
Row 5) (back side facing) 2 sc in first stitch, 1 sc in next 3, 2 sc in last stitch (7 sc) ch 1 turn
Row 6) (front side facing) 1 sc in each stitch across (7sc) Turn
Row 7) (back side facing) slip stitch in first two stitches, chain 1, sc in next 4 stiches, leave last stitch unworked (5sc) ch 1, turn (by slip stitching in first two you will have a cleaner break between tree layers)
Row 8) (front side facing) sc across (5 sc)
Row 9) (back side facing) 2sc in first stitch, sc in next 3, 2 sc in last (7 sc) ch 1 turn
Row 10) (front side facing) 1 sc across (7 sc)
Row 11) (back side facing) 2sc in first stitch, sc in next 5, 2 sc in last (9 sc) ch 1 turn
Row 12) (front side facing) 1 sc across (9 sc)
Row 13) (back side facing) slip stitch in first two stitches, chain 1, sc in next 6 stitches, leave last stitch unworked (7sc) ch 1, turn
Row 14) (front side facing) 1 sc across (7 sc)
Row 15) (back side facing) 2sc in first stitch, sc in next 5, 2 sc in last (9 sc) ch 1 turn
Row 16) (front side facing) 1 sc across (9 sc)
Row 17) (back side facing) 2sc in first stitch, sc in next 7, 2 sc in last (11sc)
Row 18) (front side facing) 1 sc across (11 sc) finish off and weave in end
Weave in loose end at top. Push start charm down against the yarn and secure with a knot in the ribbon.
You're done! It's ready to hang on the tree or decorate a package.
Note: The trees might curl slightly - I tried using a larger hook and it did curl a bit less. You may need to block these. I found if I just layed them flat or pressed them under a book for a short while, mine were fine. :)
If you make these, I'd love to see pictures!
Monday, October 23, 2006
I don't celebrate Christmas, but I enjoy the holiday season, and I like to have things to give to my friends who do celebrate. It's not possible to buy gifts for everyone, but a small token of friendship is always appropriate, so this weekend I played around and came up with a Christmas Tree Bookmark/Ornament/Package Decoration pattern.
Writing it up was a bit complicated, but it is really an extremely simple pattern using only DC, SC, Slip Stitch and chains. You can make it plain, or with beads for ornaments.
With a tail and a "jingle bell" this works as a bookmark. Without the tail it can be used as an ornament or gift decoration.
Feel free to use this pattern for personal use and gifts. Please do not post this pattern elsewhere, but you may link to it here.
Hope you like it. :)
Christmas Tree Bookmark / Ornament
You will need:
Crochet Thread and appropriate size hook
(I used Aunt Lydia's Fashion Crochet Thread Sz 5 and a 3.5mm hook)
Small Jingle bell
You can make a plain tree with plain or iridescent thread, or a decorated tree using small beads of your choice (make sure that the hole is large enough to easily string on your thread. (I used 3.5mm round beads and small star beads for the top) IF you choose to use beads, you can add them at random on the BACK FACING ROWS.
(Hint: My thread has an iridescent strand running through it. To ensure that this strand didn't get stripped, I wrapped a small piece of scotch tape around the end of my thread while putting on the beads.)
IF using beads, start by threading your round beads on the thread. You can use as many or few beads as you like, but string more than you think you will need. (I suggest that you will want a minimum of 12 and perhaps as many as 25.)
Pattern:
To create the star at the top of the tree, using a needle run the thread through the charm twice to form a loop
Put your hook through the loop, yarn over and pull up a loop
(this is like a magic loop start with the bead at the top)
Row 1: Chain 3, 2 DC in starting loop (3 DC)
Now pull the loose end tight to close the starting loop and pull the bead down on top of t3 doubleble crochets. Chain 1, turn
Row 2: (front side facing) sc in each stitch across (3 sc) ch 1 turn
Row 3) (back side facing) 2sc in first stitch, 1 sc in next, 2 sc in last stitch (5sc) ch 1, turn
Row 4) (front side facing) 1 sc in each stitch across (5 sc) ch 1 turn
Row 5) (back side facing) 2 sc in first stitch, 1 sc in next 3, 2 sc in last stitch (7 sc) ch 1 turn
Row 6) (front side facing) 1 sc in each stitch across (7sc) Turn
Row 7) (back side facing) slip stitch in first stitch, sc in next 5, leave last stitch unworked (5sc) ch 1, turn
Row 8) (front side facing) sc across (5 sc)
Row 9) (back side facing) 2sc in first stitch, sc in next 3, 2 sc in last (7 sc) ch 1 turn
Row 10) (front side facing) 1 sc across (7 sc)
Row 11) (back side facing) 2sc in first stitch, sc in next 5, 2 sc in last (9 sc) ch 1 turn
Row 12) (front side facing) 1 sc across (9 sc)
Row 13) (back side facing) slip stitch in first stitch, sc in next 7, leave last stitch unworked (7sc) ch 1, turn
Row 14) (front side facing) 1 sc across (7 sc)
Row 15) (back side facing) 2sc in first stitch, sc in next 5, 2 sc in last (9 sc) ch 1 turn
Row 16) (front side facing) 1 sc across (9 sc)
Row 17) (back side facing) 2sc in first stitch, sc in next 7, 2 sc in last (11sc)
For Bookmark
Row 18) turn to front side and slip stitch through first 5 stitches, sc in 6th stitch. Chain 38 and end off leaving a 5 inch tail.
For Tassel, wrap thread around 3 fingers 8 times and cut. Pass the tail of the chain through the loop and tie off. Cut the other end of the loop for the tassel and trip edges.
Tie a mini bell in the middle of a piece of thread, wrap around the top of the tassel and tie off.
Using a thread, weave the loose end above the star through the first row of the tree.
For an ornament or package decoration:
End off after row 11 and weave in loose end.
Using the thread or a piece of ribbon, create a loop at the top of the tree behind the star and tie off.
Stiffen the tree with spray starch and you're all finished.
This pattern has only been tested by me, so please let me know if you find any errors or have any questions.
Note: Directions for a worsted weight ornament version of this tree can be found here.
I remember typing on a manual typewriter as a kid. In college I was lucky to have an electric typewriter, and by my junior year I actually could take the train home on weekends to use my fathers PC. It was a big green box, the size of a small car, but with Wordstar I was able to edit my long term papers without whiteout!! It was wonderful!
Now, I can't survive without my computer. My highspeed has been down for a whole week, and it's been incredibly stressful!!!!
The good thing about not having internet access is that it creates more time to crochet. I did got quite a bit done this weekend. In addition to a bunch of squares for afghans, I was able to make a shawl for my friend's grandma.
I started out using this pattern from Lion Brand, but didn't like the way that the triangle was looking, so I frogged it and used the same basic stitch pattern to make a rectangular shawl. Apparently I added some stitches somewhere as the thing isn't perfectly "square", but it is soft and warm and I hope Grandma likes it.
It was made with Lion Homespun yarn and trimmed along one edge with a complimentary color.
Friday, October 20, 2006
My husband has recently pointed out that crocheting, which brings me so much joy and relaxation, is starting to stress me out. Not the crocheting per se, but my need to be involved in every project. There are so many charitable causes and so many in need, and each time I hear of a new cause or a new family in need, I want to be involved. Right now I'm involved in making four different charity afghans, a shawl for a friends sick grandmother, and several gift projects for the holidays. I love it all, but I'm starting to have too many WIPS and not enough going into the completed pile.
It's hard because we all have our charities and causes of choice. There are places that I donate to regularly because they hold special meaning to me. Then I hear stories from others that tug at my heart strings, and I want to help.
I sometimes get frustrated because there is so much need in the world, and I can't make a big difference. When looking at World Hunger, my $20 check doesn't seem like much. When looking at homelessness, my afghan doesn't go very far. I want to make a difference and it sometimes seems impossible.
Then I look on the Web at groups like Crochetville, Hearts and Hands and EA Cares, and see so many others who are also trying to make a difference one project at a time and one dollar at a time. I see people who haven't crocheted in years pick up a hook to participate in a group project. I see people who can't crochet write checks to support a family in need. I see an outpouring of love and care that really warms my heart and gives me hope.
I don't have the skills or the money to cure cancer, but I CAN make a difference one dollar and one chemo cap at a time. It doesn't seem like much, but if everyone makes a conscious effort to give just a little bit, we can really achieve a lot!
So, I need to stop worrying about all the projects that I can't do, and focus on the small difference that I can make, and know that if everyone does the same, we as a community can move mountains.
It's hard because we all have our charities and causes of choice. There are places that I donate to regularly because they hold special meaning to me. Then I hear stories from others that tug at my heart strings, and I want to help.
I sometimes get frustrated because there is so much need in the world, and I can't make a big difference. When looking at World Hunger, my $20 check doesn't seem like much. When looking at homelessness, my afghan doesn't go very far. I want to make a difference and it sometimes seems impossible.
Then I look on the Web at groups like Crochetville, Hearts and Hands and EA Cares, and see so many others who are also trying to make a difference one project at a time and one dollar at a time. I see people who haven't crocheted in years pick up a hook to participate in a group project. I see people who can't crochet write checks to support a family in need. I see an outpouring of love and care that really warms my heart and gives me hope.
I don't have the skills or the money to cure cancer, but I CAN make a difference one dollar and one chemo cap at a time. It doesn't seem like much, but if everyone makes a conscious effort to give just a little bit, we can really achieve a lot!
So, I need to stop worrying about all the projects that I can't do, and focus on the small difference that I can make, and know that if everyone does the same, we as a community can move mountains.
Sunday, October 15, 2006
My wonderful nephew is six years old and is one of the big joys in my life! He lives in NY and I'm in Florida, so I don't get to spend as much time with him as I might like. Being a "big" boy and a boy's boy, he could care less about crochet. He's not into stuffed toys, and if I offer to make him a hat or a sweater, he politely says, "if you want to that would be ok". It's not often that I can crochet something for him that I think he'll like, but I figured that I could manage a little Halloween treat. While he might not care about the jack-o-lantern, he's sure to like the M&Ms inside.
I used this pattern but added a few rows to make it just a bit larger. Fast easy and cute crochet pattern that can be a nice autumn decoration for kids or adults.
Monday, October 09, 2006
I had a great day!
Started off with a good day at work. Came home and finished up a new (for me) Daisy Square pattern that I really like!
Then I saw that my Ava Cap pattern has been listed on Crochet Pattern Central! Ok - I know it makes me a geek, but it made me feel validated as a crocheter and it was a really good feeling!
Then, I took on on-line Tunisian Crochet class given by Kim. I had tried Tunisian before but kept adding stitches and just couldn't get it. That's because I was doing it incorrectly. After one hour on-line with Kim and 7 other students, I got the basics down. After class I made my first Tunisian square. It's a simple 8" square using Afghan and Knit stitch, and it's a bit curled and lopsided, but I'm pleased with the design and just thrilled that I now have a new way to play.
And to add icing on the cake, I got the very nicest e-mail from the daughter of a good friend of mine, and she just made my day.
I'm a happy worm.
Sunday, October 08, 2006
On one of my crochet groups, there was a call for help for a young mom with a set of tiny triplets.
Three babies is a lot of love, but also a lot of stress for any mom, much less a first time mom. I made these three carriage covers and cap sets for the little ones. I hope they outgrow them soon.
Monday, October 02, 2006
to me!!!
Yes, today is the day that I officially became......middle aged. Ok, so I already was middle-aged, but whatever.
Today was also Yom Kippur. Being Jewish, and observing Yom Kippur means that my day was spent in synagogue praying, and fasting. Lots of people say "too bad" when that happens. In actuality, it hasn't happened very often in my mumble-mumble years. As a kid it sort of stinks. As an adult, it's really not so bad.
The way that I look at it, we should be celebrating life every day. We also should be striving to be better people every day. Life is short and every day is a chance to live and to try to live right. Today was a formal day to celebrate my life and to repent for my sins, and somehow those two occasions falling on the same day just seemed right. Like I'm starting a new year with a clean slate and a chance to make the coming year the best yet!
So, no big parties today, but after the holiday my honey made me a wonderful meal to break the fast. I got great food, beautiful roses, and lots of great wishes from family and friends. All in all, a perfect birthday!
Yes, today is the day that I officially became......middle aged. Ok, so I already was middle-aged, but whatever.
Today was also Yom Kippur. Being Jewish, and observing Yom Kippur means that my day was spent in synagogue praying, and fasting. Lots of people say "too bad" when that happens. In actuality, it hasn't happened very often in my mumble-mumble years. As a kid it sort of stinks. As an adult, it's really not so bad.
The way that I look at it, we should be celebrating life every day. We also should be striving to be better people every day. Life is short and every day is a chance to live and to try to live right. Today was a formal day to celebrate my life and to repent for my sins, and somehow those two occasions falling on the same day just seemed right. Like I'm starting a new year with a clean slate and a chance to make the coming year the best yet!
So, no big parties today, but after the holiday my honey made me a wonderful meal to break the fast. I got great food, beautiful roses, and lots of great wishes from family and friends. All in all, a perfect birthday!
Sunday, October 01, 2006
My stash.
I have a lot of yarn. Recently I bought a hanging closet organizer on eBay to hold some of it. Who knew that yarn was so heavy? The think ripped. So I layed it out sideways along the top shelf of the closet and stuffed all the compartments full with yarn.
Today, I went to Target. They had a more sturdy closet organizer. I bought it, hung it in the closet and stuffed it full of yarn. They are both stuffed, plus the three plastic bins on the closet shelves. Then I remembered that the cabinet in the guest room is full of yarn. I can't fit it into the closet.
I have a lot of yarn. The funny thing is that I have so many duplicate skiens. Lots and lots of duplicates, which is good to have to make a large blanket or layette set, but since I'm not working on any sets now means I'm just hoarding. So....I think I've learned something. I need to get more of these closet things and get ALL the yarn in one location so that I can easily see just how enormous my stash is. Then I can plan my projects accordingly, use up what I have, and be able to buy more with "a plan".
I have a lot of yarn. Recently I bought a hanging closet organizer on eBay to hold some of it. Who knew that yarn was so heavy? The think ripped. So I layed it out sideways along the top shelf of the closet and stuffed all the compartments full with yarn.
Today, I went to Target. They had a more sturdy closet organizer. I bought it, hung it in the closet and stuffed it full of yarn. They are both stuffed, plus the three plastic bins on the closet shelves. Then I remembered that the cabinet in the guest room is full of yarn. I can't fit it into the closet.
I have a lot of yarn. The funny thing is that I have so many duplicate skiens. Lots and lots of duplicates, which is good to have to make a large blanket or layette set, but since I'm not working on any sets now means I'm just hoarding. So....I think I've learned something. I need to get more of these closet things and get ALL the yarn in one location so that I can easily see just how enormous my stash is. Then I can plan my projects accordingly, use up what I have, and be able to buy more with "a plan".
