tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-61272157608934738072024-03-19T05:21:03.609-07:00Chronicles of a CrocheterWendyPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00745591263150512530noreply@blogger.comBlogger19125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6127215760893473807.post-40146208147437114552010-10-13T19:36:00.000-07:002010-10-13T19:36:07.550-07:00MovedHi everyone. Sorry I've been quiet for a while. I've been working on a new blog. My new blog can be found at: <a href="http://chroniclesofacrocheter.wordpress.com/">http://chroniclesofacrocheter.wordpress.com/</a> I'm still working on getting the kinks out, but it should be up and running soon. :)WendyPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00745591263150512530noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6127215760893473807.post-86170484755134264632010-10-05T11:35:00.000-07:002010-10-05T11:36:56.931-07:00Bernat Mystery Afghan CAL - Clue #2<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Sorry it took me so long to post this, but this have been a little busy around here. Baby caught a cold and a clingy baby makes it hard to type. :)</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> </span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Well, clue #2 was released last Wednesday and it turned out to be: bum...bum...BUM! A Granny square! Whooo! LOL Well, I guess you can't really call yourself a crocheter without making or at least knowing how to make a granny square. Since they are so popular, I don't see any harm in posting my finished square in the body of this post. I'm not really spoiling anything by doing so. The color I used for this square was Grass.:</span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4105/5054485443_804e6ee9f3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4105/5054485443_804e6ee9f3.jpg" width="320" /></span></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">It was really simple to whip up two of the squares. Tomorrow we get another clue and I am anxious to see what it is.</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">In other news, I did finish my project for my niece and I have one more to go, then an additional project and I will have all the Christmas projects finished and I can carry on with other things.</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #29303b;"></span></span></span></div><div style="color: #29303b;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Free Crochet Pattern of the Day</span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">:</span></span><a href="http://enamieyes.blogspot.com/2008/09/my-big-fuzzy-spider-pattern_22.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> Big Fuzzy Spider</span></span></a></span></div><div style="color: #29303b;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></span></div><div style="color: #29303b;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">On the hook: </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">A few random afghan squares</span></span></span></b></span></div><div style="color: #29303b;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></span></div><div style="color: #29303b;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Days til Christmas</span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">: 81</span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></span></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">“Seek the LORD while he may be found; call on him while he is near.”-</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> </span></span><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?version=NIV&search=Isaiah%2055:6" title="Isaiah 55:6"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Isaiah 55:6</span></span></a>WendyPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00745591263150512530noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6127215760893473807.post-47149298750239355842010-09-28T08:08:00.000-07:002010-09-28T08:08:52.680-07:00Sharing your gift with others?<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br />
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<a href="http://www.craftyarncouncil.com/images/wua/WUAliberty150x215.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://www.craftyarncouncil.com/images/wua/WUAliberty150x215.gif" width="138" /></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #29303b; line-height: 18px;"><a href="http://www.landsend.com/feelgood/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Land's End</span></span></a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #29303b; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> is apparently donating yarn to be used in creating squares for blankets for </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #29303b; line-height: 18px;"><a href="http://www.craftyarncouncil.com/warmup.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Warm Up America!</span></span></a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #29303b; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">. You can read about it </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #29303b; line-height: 18px;"><a href="http://www.crochetmagazine.com/newsletters.php"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">here </span></span></a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #29303b; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">in the Crochet! magazine newsletter. I've been wanting to get a group together to do projects for charity, but I'm not sure if I could generate any interest in the people I know. I might see if I could get involved in this project.</span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #29303b;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span> </span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #29303b;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Anyone else know of good charity projects that you don't necessarily have to be part of group to participate in?</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="color: #29303b;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span> </span></b></span></div><div style="color: #29303b;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Free Crochet Pattern of the Day</span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">: </span></span><a href="http://bittersweetblog.wordpress.com/2007/06/09/one-bad-egg/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Half a Dozen Eggs</span></span></a></span></div><div style="color: #29303b;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span> </span></span></div><div style="color: #29303b;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">On the hook: </span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Project for niece for Christmas</span></span></span></div><div style="color: #29303b;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span> </span></span></div><div style="color: #29303b;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Days til Christmas</span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">: 88</span></span></span></div><div style="color: #29303b;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span> </span></span></div><div style="color: #29303b;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; line-height: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">“The man without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him, and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually discerned.”- </span></span><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?version=NIV&search=1%20Corinthians%202:14" title="1 Corinthians 2:14"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">1 Corinthians 2:14</span></span></a></span></span></div>WendyPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00745591263150512530noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6127215760893473807.post-65092678327962697842010-09-27T06:33:00.000-07:002010-09-27T06:35:05.670-07:00The Joys of Parenthood...<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">I think I'm going to have to get me one of </span></span><a href="http://www.joann.com/joann/catalog/productdetail.jsp?CATID=cat3015&PRODID=prd50680"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">these</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">:</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br />
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<a href="http://www.joann.com/images/11/07/2/xprd110724_m.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://www.joann.com/images/11/07/2/xprd110724_m.jpg" width="176" /></span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> My son got a hold of my skein of yarn that I was using for his cousins blanket and basically demolished it. I returned to find a rat's nest where I had left a perfectly fine (although slight floppy) skein of yarn. Had to do a fair amount of detangling before I could proceed with my project. The yarn tangles pretty easily as it is, the boucle-ness of it tends to get caught on other strands and can be annoying. Maybe with the container, things would be a little less stressful. Then if Aiden does get my yarn, he can still have fun with it and it will remain tangle-free. :)</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">I think I am about done with the project for my niece though. Aiden likes it so much, I may have to make him one next, though I think I will have to insist on a different color than pink, haha. Maybe I can find an orange. He is so fascinated by orange.</span></span><br />
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</span> </span><br />
<div style="color: #29303b;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Free Crochet Pattern of the Day</span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">: </span></span><a href="http://www.myrecycledbags.com/2008/12/19/my-pointed-granny-dishcloth/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Pointed Granny Dishcloth</span></span></a></span></div><div style="color: #29303b;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span> </span></span></div><div style="color: #29303b;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">On the hook: </span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Project for niece for Christmas</span></span></span></div><div style="color: #29303b;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span> </span></span></div><div style="color: #29303b;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Days til Christmas</span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">: 89</span></span></span></div><div style="color: #29303b;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span> </span></span></div><div style="color: #29303b;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; line-height: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">“But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”- </span></span><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?version=NIV&search=Matthew%206:33" title="Matthew 6:33"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Matthew 6:33</span></span></a></span></span></div>WendyPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00745591263150512530noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6127215760893473807.post-28108191505243914652010-09-23T14:25:00.000-07:002010-09-23T14:26:26.980-07:00While I wait...<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">While I eagerly await the next clue for the BMACAL, I'm working on a project for my youngest niece. She is a month older than my little one. I'm using a gradient pink boucle yarn called <a href="http://www.joann.com/joann/catalog/productdetail.jsp?CATID=cat3053&PRODID=prd33456">Rainbow Boucle by Sensations</a> (30% off at JoAnn Fabrics right now), and I'm liking how it is turning out. </span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.joann.com/images/11/34/9/xprd113494_m.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://www.joann.com/images/11/34/9/xprd113494_m.jpg" width="176" /></span></span></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">The pattern I am using is a v-stitch and the pattern is looking pretty interesting in the gradient pink. The winter hat I was working on is kinda on hold until I finish the project for my niece. </span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></span><br />
<br />
<div style="color: #29303b;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Free Crochet Pattern of the Day</span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">: </span></span><a href="http://www.crochetnmore.com/popcornhotpad.htm"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Popcorn Potholder</span></span></a></span></div><div style="color: #29303b;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></span></span></div><div style="color: #29303b;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">On the hook: </span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Project for niece for Christmas</span></span></span></div><div style="color: #29303b;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></span></span></div><div style="color: #29303b;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Days til Christmas</span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">: 93</span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">“Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.”- </span></span><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?version=NIV&search=Romans%205:3-4" title="Romans 5:3-4"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Romans 5:3-4</span></span></a></span></span></div>WendyPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00745591263150512530noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6127215760893473807.post-65546516471465609682010-09-22T11:26:00.001-07:002010-10-05T11:37:37.829-07:00Bernat Mystery Afghan CAL<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><div>Ok, so I started the mystery afghan. Following the directions, I started out with my Contrast A color which happens to be Fern. First things first, we start out checking our gauge. I fiddled around with a couple different hooks and tensions and wound up staying with the J size hook called for in the pattern, but with a lot looser grip on the yarn than I am used to. The gauge states that 11sc and 12 rows are 4". Here is my swatch: </div></span><br />
<div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/49412208@N00/5015525636/" title="Fern_swatch by emerald_blaze, on Flickr"><img alt="Fern_swatch" height="375" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4152/5015525636_c39efa2a06.jpg" width="500" /></a></span><br />
<div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">After the getting the swatch right I started right on the squares. The pattern is one row of sc followed by a row of dc. It is important to remember that when you count the turning chain as a dc on the dc row, you must skip the first sc of the previous row. If you do not, you will end up with an extra stitch every time. I'm not going to post my finished square directly into my blog so I don't spoil the surprise, but if you want to see the finished square, you can click <a href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4152/5015525636_c39efa2a06_z.jpg">here</a>.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">I've finished my 2 squares and eagerly await next Wednesday for the next clue. Good luck everyone else on their squares. :)</span></div>WendyPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00745591263150512530noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6127215760893473807.post-45116079704696140082010-09-22T05:04:00.000-07:002010-09-22T11:40:30.101-07:00And it begins...<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Got the first </span><a href="http://blog.bernat.com/2010/09/22/mystery-afghan-crochet-along-clue-1/#comment-3972"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">clue</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> for the Mystery Afghan Crochet-Along. Can't wait to get started... even though I can tell from looking at the pattern exactly what it will look like. A nice simple sc/dc pattern. I do have to start off with a swatch first. I'll post my progress on that later, I just wanted to post about the clue right away. :D </span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', sans-serif; font-size: 13px; color: rgb(41, 48, 59); "><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Free Crochet Pattern of the Day</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">: <a href="http://www.crochetnbeads.com/files/Undercover%20Bookmarker.pdf">Undercover Bookmarker</a></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">On the hook: </span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Winter hat</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Days til Christmas</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">: 94</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">“Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God.”- </span></span><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?version=NIV&search=Romans%2015:7" title="Romans 15:7"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Romans 15:7</span></span></a></span></div></span></div>WendyPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00745591263150512530noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6127215760893473807.post-80017482021043720482010-09-20T07:09:00.000-07:002010-09-20T08:04:08.073-07:00Stuff to do with wool...<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">So I found out that I'm not really allergic to wool after all. I must have just reacted to the particular yarn I was working with. The other day I got an idea from a friend to make your own felted dryer balls to use in place of dryer sheets. She got the idea </span><a href="http://goodmama.typepad.com/goodmama/2008/05/make-your-own-wool-dryer-balls.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">here</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">. Because only animal fibers felt, I had to use wool. I think they turned out pretty well. A couple of them are going as Christmas gifts.</span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4086/5008549306_de9e306b5e.jpg" width="375" height="281" alt="dryer balls" /></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /><br />I finished my tote bag, I just have to write up the pattern and send it in. I am now working with another type of wool: </span><a href="http://supersockstore.com/shop/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=214_227&products_id=1903"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Supersock Lace Semi Solids</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> - Mango by Cherry Tree Hill. I'm using it to make a winter hat for my son and I'm also thinking about making him a stuffed animal out of it as well. He loves orange. :)</span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', sans-serif; font-size: 13px; color: rgb(41, 48, 59); "><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Free Crochet Pattern of the Day</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">: <a href="http://www.coatsandclark.com/NR/rdonlyres/3F8296C5-BCD8-4A2B-9234-7F87CA0CD7F2/149041/LC2054.pdf">Apple Blossom Placemat</a></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">On the hook: </span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Winter hat</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Days til Christmas</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">: 96</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); line-height: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">“Be glad, O people of Zion, rejoice in the LORD your God, for he has given you the autumn rains in righteousness. He sends you abundant showers, both autumn and spring rains, as before.”-</span></span><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?version=NIV&search=Joel%202:23" title="Joel 2:23"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Joel 2:23</span></span></a></span></span></div></span></div>WendyPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00745591263150512530noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6127215760893473807.post-51759225313293669802010-09-17T13:34:00.000-07:002010-09-22T11:39:53.924-07:00Rededicate<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Ok, so I haven't really been dedicated to this blog in the past year or so... but this is an effort to get rededicated.</span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">"Big" News:</span></div><div><ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Baby came in January. Bouncing 11lbs 4oz, 22" baby boy named Aiden. He's a cutie, but a handful and the main reason this blog has not been updated in forever.</span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">I got 2 patterns published in the 2011 </span><a href="http://www.knittingpatternaday.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Crochet Pattern A Day Calendar</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">. (YAY!) Look for me on March 21 and the September bonus. I'm currently working on finishing my submission for the 2012 calendar. It's due Oct. 15.</span></li></ul><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">I received yarn today for my entry in the </span><a href="http://blog.bernat.com/2010/09/15/welcome-to-the-bernat-mystery-afghan-crochet-along/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Bernat Mystery Afghan Crochet-Along</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">. The colors I chose are:</span></div></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px; "><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Contrast A – Fern<br />Contrast B – Aqua<br />Contrast C – Teal<br />Contrast D – Grass<br />Contrast E – Emerald</span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">The Emerald is a lot more blue than I imagined it would be from the website. I hope it looks ok with my other color selections when the afghan is put together... Aside from any misgivings I have about the colors, I am excited to get the first clue so I can start making the afghan.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">I have a few other projects I am working on as well for Christmas (again... 99 days left). I miss the time I used to have when I didn't have a kiddo, but I wouldn't trade him for the world. :)</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><b>Free Crochet Pattern of the Day</b>: </span><a href="http://suzies-yarnie-stuff.blogspot.com/2010/07/suzies-soap-sack-ii.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Soap Sack</span></a></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><b>On the hook: </b>V-Stitch Tote Bag (personal design)</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px; font-size: small;"><b>Days til Christmas</b>: 99</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: normal; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">“Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children”- </span></i><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?version=NIV&search=Ephesians%205:1" title="Ephesians 5:1"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Ephesians 5:1</span></i></a></span></span></div>WendyPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00745591263150512530noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6127215760893473807.post-9578426129000882412009-11-09T06:21:00.000-08:002009-11-09T06:36:18.833-08:00Getting there...<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Still working away on the </span></span><a href="http://www.herrschners.com/220_img/200358.jpg"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">afghan</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">. I've gotten it a little over halfway done. I might be able to finish it before the end of the week if I am diligent. Then, all I will have to finish is the other one and I should be all set for Christmas. Yay! That will allow me to work on some of the other projects I have still to do for the nursery, like making a seat cover for my rocking chair.</span></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Free Crochet Pattern of the Day:</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> </span></span><a href="http://www.yarnjulepsontheveranda.com/2009/03/babe-chick-gets-new-do-is-living-la.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Amigurumi Chick</span></span></a></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">On the Hoo</span></b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#29303B;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">k</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">: Four Seasons Afghan</span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#29303B;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#29303B;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Days til Christmas:</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> 45 days</span></span></div>WendyPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00745591263150512530noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6127215760893473807.post-64764645712994261432009-10-27T06:14:00.001-07:002009-10-27T06:18:52.690-07:00Eee!<div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>Ok... I know I JUST updated, but I found this really <a href="http://www.craftster.org/forum/index.php?topic=314101.0">nifty project</a> that I just had to share.<div><br /><div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 500px; height: 375px;" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2616/3773324169_2145459190.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Isn't he nifty? I'm know... I'm a geek... But I couldn't help but be excited over this. It's amazing what you can do with crochet. :) I'd never thought of using granny squares as pixels, but now that I have, the possibilities are endless! Ok... that's probably enough nerdiness, I'll let you get back to your regularly scheduled day. :D</div></div>WendyPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00745591263150512530noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6127215760893473807.post-60210166921647691952009-10-27T05:42:00.000-07:002009-10-27T05:57:41.725-07:00Bees, etc...<div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>I found a really cute pattern today that I wanted to share:<div><a href="http://yellowpinkandsparkly.blogspot.com/2009/09/fuzzy-little-friends.html">Fuzzy Little Friends</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>In other news, I've finished the dad socks. Hopefully they will fit him. I found the measurements for him shoe size online and crocheted the sock accordingly, so theoretically they SHOULD fit. Let's just keep our fingers crossed so that I don't have to do too much adjusting when he gets them. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>I used this <a href="http://crochetme.com/patterns/ultimate-crocheted-socks">pattern</a> for the socks, which I think I like better than previous ones that I have done. I like the heel as you go thing rather than using an afterthought heel. It makes it a little easier to adjust later on should it be needed. It also seems to make the shape a little nicer too. Once I'm done with Christmas presents, I think I'm going to work on me a pair of socks with what I've learned from the pattern, only jazz it up a little with a couple different stitches.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>On the hook</b>: Four Seasons Afghan from Herrschners. </div><div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 220px; height: 220px;" src="http://www.herrschners.com/220_img/200358.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Countdown til Christmas</b>: 58 days.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div>WendyPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00745591263150512530noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6127215760893473807.post-27681196401366497802009-10-15T07:55:00.000-07:002009-10-15T08:08:33.959-07:00Dusting off the blog...Ok, so I haven't posted in a while. That isn't to say that I haven't been busy crocheting. In fact, I continue to be busy with the hook. I recently submitted a pattern to the <a href="http://www.knittingpatternaday.com/index.htm">Crochet Pattern A Day</a> calendar and am hoping to be accepted. I have a few other designs that need a little tidying up that I hope to get published in the near future. I do have some ideas that I've been working with and that I think are worth sharing. I think it's time to see if other people think they are good as well. :)<br /><br />In other news, I am currently working on Christmas presents, yet again. I'm going to be a little more ambitious this year and am working on a couple of afghans. We have 70 days til Christmas. Let's see if I can get these projects done before then. To add to the excitement, I'm expecting a baby in January. This could actually give me a little more time to work on projects since I'm started to not be able to do much else than sit.<br /><br />Currently on the hook: Socks for Dad using an altered version of <a href="http://crochetme.com/patterns/ultimate-crocheted-socks">this pattern</a>.<br /><br />Countdown to Christmas: 70WendyPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00745591263150512530noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6127215760893473807.post-10646528118893586072008-09-25T08:17:00.000-07:002008-09-25T08:53:08.375-07:00Socks and more socks.It's been a few days since I have updated. I've been crocheting constantly (which is kind silly because I'm supposed to be working on final projects for school, lol). But anyway, I just finished a pair of socks for my mother-in-law. The pattern is my own design loosely modeled from <a href="http://www.lloydknitting.com/downloads/pink_ribbon.pdf">this</a> pattern, which is an excellent pattern, but I don't enjoy knitting very well. So, I kind of took the basic idea and designed my own pattern. They look pretty cute, but I think I'm going to play with the pattern a bit so that it won't look quite so bulky. That's one of the downsides about crocheting socks, they tend to be a little bulky looking (and feeling). All in all though, I think the design worked pretty well. I used <a href="http://www.patonsyarns.com/product.php?LGC=grace">Paton's Grace</a> in "Blush" for the socks and enjoyed the yarn a lot. I absolutely love cotton and cotton blends. Which is good, because I found out today...<br /><br />I think I have discovered that I am allergic to wool. I'd never used wool before until today. I'd recently bought a bunch of different yarns to try and see what I thought of them. I'm not generally a big fan of wool anyway because it is so itchy, but I found out today that I have another reason not to like it. Among the yarn I purchased was a couple skeins of Cervina Calzetteria in the color Capri. It's 70% wool and 30% nylon. Itchy, but so pretty. I love the colors. Looking through my new copy of <a href="http://www.crochettoday.com/">Crochet Today</a> magazine, I found a really nifty sock pattern that I wanted to try(which I will talk about in a minute) and thought "This yarn would be excellent for this project." And it is; what I have so far is gorgeous...BUT I'm having adverse effects due to the wool. My hands were getting tingly and itchy, but I thought that could just be due to the itchiness of the wool, until I rubbed my eye...which is now red, itchy, and uncomfortable. Poo. So, I'm going to have to find another yarn for this project, which makes me sad because I really love the colors in this yarn and it's really nice to work with.<br /><br />So about the pattern. The pattern is called "Step-by-Step Socks" and the designer is <a href="http://www.thehookandi.com/">Amy O'Neill Houck</a> and can be found in the Sept/Oct issue of <a href="http://www.crochettoday.com/">Crochet Today</a>. I love the pattern. It's very pretty, really simple and doesn't look bulky at all. I think I'm going to make a few pairs of these for the females on my Christmas list (including me...haha). I'm actually considering reworking my pink ribbon sock pattern to incorporate some of the things I am discovering through this pattern.<br /><br />Well, that about brings you up to speed. Talk to you later!<br /><br />On the hook: "Step-by-Step Socks" (that I have to find new yarn for *sad face*)<br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);font-family:Arial;font-size:180%;" ><i><b></b></i></span>WendyPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00745591263150512530noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6127215760893473807.post-13917574354865677372008-09-19T15:47:00.000-07:002008-09-19T16:38:25.903-07:00Busy, busyI was listening to one of my favorite podcasts this morning and I decided that I just had to mention it in a blog post. If you don't already listen, you should check out <a href="http://knitthing.mypodcast.com/">YarnThing</a> hosted by Marly. Marly seems like an awesome lady. She fun, quirky and has awesome tips and ideas asll well as gives you an introduction to some of the coolest designers out there. Listening to her show always bring a smile to my face and inspires me to keep on stitching. :D In fact, listening to her show has inspired me to start trying to get my own designs published. Anyway, enough gushing...on that anyway...<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSvWpD2-m2MMrBWP6OugOerXHCTn_sPJJCsaZi4V-wCAXt9bdgbX4HSC9MMPqtO_oj9O1o78K7pOtDs2R8dm5AMlJWfuAqzHV0gihJankXFQALk7Ue75TWobzgKt-p6igQG7CMIbIvFfNm/s1600-h/IMG_1935.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 134px; height: 180px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSvWpD2-m2MMrBWP6OugOerXHCTn_sPJJCsaZi4V-wCAXt9bdgbX4HSC9MMPqtO_oj9O1o78K7pOtDs2R8dm5AMlJWfuAqzHV0gihJankXFQALk7Ue75TWobzgKt-p6igQG7CMIbIvFfNm/s320/IMG_1935.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5247869164163050546" border="0" /></a>Wednesday night I just picked up a new book called <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Crochet-Bible-Complete-Handbook-Creative/dp/0715324888/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1221867017&sr=8-1">The Crochet Bible</a> by Sue Whiting. I LOVE it and just had to share it with you. It is a great beginner's book because it goes over all the basics. It is also a great book for more advanced crocheters like me to help give ideas for different stitches or to give a refresher on certain skills that you might not use on a daily basis. I've been reading it straight through and am coming up with a plethora of design ideas just by reading through it. I really enjoy it and think you should check it out now...like right now.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimFpQ_Duxkn2iE9H3c5PX7mTJXk9TVVujCf598wQCWTK0eOCKLbjTYYObGDxKhzxlVC7bbQuFwlCvK1JGEfulzBMDMdTEvnHGOdj7xtdIXyHaF5o4QePCn0FBVNNZVAs8ejSs5IXA5Jrju/s1600-h/IMG_1928.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 201px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimFpQ_Duxkn2iE9H3c5PX7mTJXk9TVVujCf598wQCWTK0eOCKLbjTYYObGDxKhzxlVC7bbQuFwlCvK1JGEfulzBMDMdTEvnHGOdj7xtdIXyHaF5o4QePCn0FBVNNZVAs8ejSs5IXA5Jrju/s320/IMG_1928.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5247872848135284642" border="0" /></a>I've just finished a couple more of my personal little projects. One of them was a paperback tote from a pattern that you can find <a href="http://hometown.aol.com/lffunt/paperbacktotes.html">here</a>. I really enjoyed working on it and will borrow from the experience for another design that I am working on myself and will probably discuss at a later date. One thing I learned from this project that most crocheters/knitters will say "Well, duh!" to is that checking and double-checking gauge is a must! I haven't done this much in the past because gauge hasn't been a problem for me in the past. This time, though, I was using a new yarn that the pattern did not call for and it works up a little larger than regular worsted. So I wound up having to rip out a lot of work because of my silliness. I'll know for next time though. If I am going to be a proper designer, I need to take careful steps so that I will be saved a lot of extra work and heartache. Oh, btw, like my paper clip stitch markers? haha I love to improvise and they were the only thing I had handy at my office. They work really well actually. They stay put and are easy to remove. I'm actually thinking on using them again. I really liked the yarn I used. It's <a href="http://cache.lionbrand.com/cgi-bin/yarnInfo.cgi?yarnPage=1419772">Lion Brand Chenille Prints</a> in the color Paris. It's lots prettier than the picture really shows and is really soft. It would make a really nice, warm sweater.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimFpQ_Duxkn2iE9H3c5PX7mTJXk9TVVujCf598wQCWTK0eOCKLbjTYYObGDxKhzxlVC7bbQuFwlCvK1JGEfulzBMDMdTEvnHGOdj7xtdIXyHaF5o4QePCn0FBVNNZVAs8ejSs5IXA5Jrju/s1600-h/IMG_1928.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 197px; height: 147px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3264/2870441679_ab447c3cc2.jpg?v=0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5247872848135284642" border="0" /></a>Oh, I finished the scarf design I was working on. I think it turned out nicely and the <a href="http://cache.lionbrand.com/cgi-bin/yarnInfo.cgi?yarnPage=1683943">Lion Brand </a><a href="http://cache.lionbrand.com/cgi-bin/yarnInfo.cgi?yarnPage=1683943">Color Waves</a> in Sunset Red was an awesome choice for it(haha I sound like I am doing a commercial for Lion Brand. That's twice I've mentioned their yarn. I really do like other yarns...honest). It's really pretty. Now I just need some testers for the pattern before I try to sell it anywhere. I will probably get on the forums at <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/">Ravelry</a> and see if anyone is interested.<br /><br />Anyway, that's all I have for now. I'm so psyched about finding <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/">Ravelry</a> and getting connected with all these nifty designers and other crafters. I've got a TON of ideas floating around. I think my head will explode soon if I don't get some of these out onto paper and into yarn. Until next time, back to the hooks!<br /><br />On the Hook: Going to try to figure out how to convert a knit pattern into a crochet pattern for a pair of socks for my mother-in-law...but shhh....it's a secret.WendyPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00745591263150512530noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6127215760893473807.post-24252283380549267202008-09-15T05:48:00.000-07:002008-09-15T11:08:39.850-07:00Lion Brand Crochet Along - Part 3: Finished!So I finally finished my afghan...<br /><br /><div style="text-align: right;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBXgyOK6dukuM45vGOWYkGYicxvdSEbK6dn7xYs02dq6a1ULrOxOSNSl3cD4oWjPuBMzLp9H5koDmPTLaMblD6D2ImF3kZMTfTN92eC-4CFpjbDA8bIV230Q7uTIs3ShEH15lNYF-z3daW/s1600-h/IMG_1895.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 285px; height: 249px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBXgyOK6dukuM45vGOWYkGYicxvdSEbK6dn7xYs02dq6a1ULrOxOSNSl3cD4oWjPuBMzLp9H5koDmPTLaMblD6D2ImF3kZMTfTN92eC-4CFpjbDA8bIV230Q7uTIs3ShEH15lNYF-z3daW/s320/IMG_1895.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5246232826179091218" border="0" /></a></div>I'm pretty satisfied with how it turned out. It's nice and warm and will be a nice addition to my future nursery. I had a lot of fun doing this project and it was neat connecting with other crocheters and seeing their progress. This was my first CAL and I really enjoyed it. I specifically liked the interaction with the other crocheters. This project also helped me to get into the world of crochet, because I am now on ravelry and etsy and am learning more about the crochet world every day.<br /><br />I think the pattern is worth doing again, however I will definitely add different blocks next time. I'm actually tossing around ideas in my head for my own sampler afghan and the ideas that others gave for this project will help me develop that design. I'm excited about crochet again and I'm going to try my hand as a designer. I'm hoping that I can be successful with the ideas I have. Later on, I'll post some more about some of the designs that I am working with.<br /><br />On the Hooks: New scarf design I am working out with Lion Brand Color Waves.WendyPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00745591263150512530noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6127215760893473807.post-7844871677863543032008-09-10T06:02:00.000-07:002008-09-10T06:25:19.191-07:00Lion Brand Crochet Along part 2As an update on how the <a href="http://www.lionbrand.com/patterns/20124AD.html">afghan</a> is doing, I've gotten 4 panels down now and only have 1 more panel plus the border to do. It is turning out to be a pretty blanket. I think it will be great to have for future little ones. I think if I do this pattern again, I will incorporate a few more different types of blocks just to break up the monotony of it all. I may replace Block 1 entirely because I think there are a lot more exciting and better looking stitches than just the single crochet ribbing. I am crocheting the blocks together which I like better than the whipstitch method (it's much faster for one reason), but the way I am doing it it leaves a seam on the backside of the work that doesn't look real nice. I'll have to see if there is a way to join the blocks by crochet and NOT have that seam. All in all though, I think this is a project worth repeating. It is fast, simple, and would make a great last minute gift.<br /><br />In other news, I just received a box full of nifty new yarns for me to try. I've ordered a few different ones that I have not had the chance to try yet to expand my knowledge of yarn. I'm excited to get to play with these new types of yarn.<br /><br />I think the next few projects that I tackle will be a couple of cute amigurumi animals (because I have recently been sucked into the world of amigurumi) and I also have a few patterns that I have scrabbling around in my head that are just dying to get out on paper and into yarn. There are also various Christmas presents that are crying for attention. I'm so excited to be graduating in December because this means that I will have all this extra time to work on all these nifty projects.WendyPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00745591263150512530noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6127215760893473807.post-40568406165969832512008-09-08T06:54:00.000-07:002008-09-08T07:27:13.075-07:00Lion Brand Crochet AlongAbout a week back, I joined a <a href="http://blog.lionbrand.com/2008/08/24/welcome-to-the-sampler-afghan-crochet-along/">crochet along</a> hosted by Lion Brand. We are doing a <a href="http://www.lionbrand.com/patterns/20124AD.html">sampler afghan</a>. So far I've had fun doing it. I have three and one half columns done for a total of 20 blocks. I spent the last couple days in Maine as a chaperone for a church teen retreat and that gave me a lot of time to work on my squares.<br />I'm not following the pattern to the letter (but what type of crocheter would I be if I did?). I'm using a K hook as opposed to the P called for in the pattern. I am also using Bernat Softee Baby yarn in Mint. I love the softness of this yarn. I've used it in a few different colors to make me a couple pairs of warm socks to wear in the winter. I'm enjoying the project so far and am anxious to see what the afghan will look like when it is finished. You can check out my progress on my new ravelry account under the name WenP.WendyPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00745591263150512530noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6127215760893473807.post-31605435463469030292008-09-08T06:10:00.001-07:002008-09-08T06:15:27.635-07:00First post!This is a start of a brand new blog. I hope to use this blog to chronicle my endeavors in the crochet world. Some knitting and other crafts may find their way into these posts, but since crochet is my first love, this will mostly be dedicated to crochet. There are a few things that I am working on right now that I would love to share with you, though I think I will save that for another post. For now, welcome to my blog!WendyPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00745591263150512530noreply@blogger.com0