Real vs Fake

Since we went on vacation Labor Day weekend, I've been knitting and crocheting a lot! Yay for progress! I'll share my projects in a little while, but for now, I must share two funnies.

I've been trying to knit a preemie hat in the round (seamless). I've started, and frogged, the project approximately 10 times. No joke. I've tried Magic Loop using circular needles, and I've tried double pointed needles. I got so frustrated with the dpns at first, I wanted to use their bamboo loveliness as kindling for a campfire. I then planned to roast marshmallows and have smores to drown out my failure. Then, my toddler, Sweet E finds the dpns, and yarn, and decides she'll take a shot. Please excuse the after-nap hair, but we all know you must be well-rested in order to concentrate.

Now seriously, why does it seem she get them, and I don't?! I had to laugh and take a picture. It's priceless. Since then, I have cast on yet another preemie hat, and am actually halfway done with it. Seems I learned a thing or two from my daughter.

Second funny of the day. I saw this on a Ravelry discussion board last night, so this is not an original 'me' thought. However, I'm still laughing about it, so I thought I'd share it.

This picture was in a craft magazine, advertising the handy-dandy yarn holder for those projects that require multiple colors. The holder helps you keep up with your yarn, and helps it not to tangle. Nifty, right? Take a look at the picture.

At first glance, you may not think anything of it. However, look again, and ponder the following points.

-This is a crocheted, granny squares, afghan. If it's crocheted, then why is she holding knitting needles? You can't crochet with knitting needles, and you can't knit with crochet hooks (unless you're quite MacGyver-ish). Hmm.

-Why is she holding her knitting needles in the same hand, chopstick fashion? That doesn't work either.

-Why does she have her knitting needles stabbed randomly into the afghan? That's not how you knit either. With knitting, you carry individual stitches on your needles.

-Have you noticed yet that the afghan is completed, and not in progress?

-There are only 4 colors or yarn used in the afghan. There are 6 colors of yarn coming of of the yarn holder. Yellow is the mystery color I'm really caught up on. Where is she putting the yellow strand? Is she eating it, or using it to knit more blonde hair?

-Very rarely do you either knit, or crochet, with 6 strands of yarn at one time.

Anyway, please, if you work for a publication, and want readers to take your advertisements seriously, know your audience, and at least a little about the crafts your product pertains to. Maybe the blonde model explains it all! :) Ok, ok, just kidding about the blonde thing. Kinda.

I think Sweet E is doing much better with the dpns than the model is doing knitting her crocheted afghan. Just a thought.

Not meant to be

I really don't think my Waffle stitch knit dishcloth is meant to be. I've frogged more on this cloth, and considering it's a dishcloth, that's absurd. I'm persisting though.

Anyway, I began a knit preemie hat, but that didn't work out (it was big enough to fit me, thanks to a stretchy cast on), so it got frogged. I really will make one, one of these days. I'm going to attempt the double pointed needles next, but it's a bit intimidating to me to think I'm going to have to keep up with 4 needles at a time. Ahh!

I will also be crocheting 2 candy corn trick or treat bags that have been requested. I'll post pictures as I can - probably when I complete them both.

I'll may also attempt yarn dyeing tomorrow, as my dad helped (ok he did most of the work, but I did a little) me build a Niddy Noddy today. What is that, you may ask? Details to follow in a yarn dyeing post. Dad also helped me make a drop spindle today, as I'd like to see how I like spinning my own yarn. I'm quickly understanding why handspun and hand dyed yarns are so expensive.

All kinds of creations

I've been up to all kinds of stuff the last two weeks.

July 20 we left for vacation. Upon arrival, we unloaded the car in the pouring down rain. After the torrential downpour let up though, we had beautiful weather the rest of the week! We spent the first several days stringing, breaking, and canning beans. My grandmother also gave my sister and I a pickle recipe, so I've made some, and we're waiting to see what they taste like.

I also worked on quite a few projects.

I made a couple coffee cozies which will soon be for sale in a local coffee shop,

a little bag for Sweet E to carry small toys in (coffee cup there for size reference),

and a cloth for her to chew on to soothe sore gums, and busted lips (that's why it is black, and not a cute girly color.)

I also began some Bloomers for Sweet E to wear with her Pink dress I just completed, and completed a poncho/shawl for her too, except for adding buttons (the same one my grandma started.)

I've also started a Ballband knit Dishcloth, and will be starting to knit a dress for Sweet E - yes, another dress.

Another project was a cosmetic bag I crocheted for my best friend for her birthday.

I received my Knit Picks needle order, and love them! They have great customer service too, and I'll definitely order from them in the future.

When I arrived home from vacation, not only had my Knit Picks order arrived, but so had my swap package! This is what my swap partner sent me. What an awesome package! There were 2 balls of Peaches and Creme yarn, two, yes, two, sets of bamboo sock needles, two dishcloths and one pot holder.

Completed!

I finished the pink dress for my daughter! Yay, another finished project! I'll post a picture as soon as we get our new camera (which hopefully will be soon!)

We went to visit my grandmother for her birthday this past weekend (happy belated birthday grandma!), and she gave me a baby poncho that she'd started. I worked on it last night, and it is working up quite quickly. That is, if I can just keep working on it. I don't want to put it aside, because if I do, there's no telling when I'll finish it.

I only have one major crochet work in progress, but am actually overwhelmed when I think of what I want to start next. There are so many things I want to work on. I really need to continue working on Sweet E's teddy bear afghan. I don't know why I keep putting that off. I think it may be because it's so overwhelming to me since there are so many pieces to it.

I'll be starting on quite a knitting project Aug 1. I'm going to try and knit Sweet E a dress for next summer. What? You ask...Didn't you just learn to cast on? My answer would be, "Why yes, I did in fact. But, I'm up for a challenge." Or am I? We'll see. I'll be accompanied by another new knitter from Ravelry, and we're doing this dress as a knit-along, so we can ask each other questions.

A month?

No way has it almost been one month since I last posted. When I saw that this morning, I was shocked. I was sure that I've posted since then, but apparently I've written the posts in my head, and have not actually put them on the blog. Sorry about that!

I finished my fist doily. Since I washed it and blocked it, I'm very happy with it. Lace is not my favorite thing to crochet, at least not right now. The thread is so tiny, and keeps falling out of my hands. I try to hold on to it, but then my hands cramp. Somehow, I made it through it, and it now adorns my dining room table (because I didn't know where else to put it.) I have 5 spools of thread now, and Have no idea what to do with them, since I am not that crazy about working with it. The finished product is beautiful though.

The FlyLady has continued to help me around my house with organization, and de-cluttering. Cleaning my house is a becoming a breeze, and I thought my husband would faint the other day when I said I wanted to wash the windows. And I genuinely meant that I wanted to. She is helping me mentally get control of things, including my projects. In order to not be so overwhelmed, I'm attempting to use self discipline to actually finish things. Sweet E's Banana Split dress is coming along, slowly but surely. If I'd stop finding new patterns and project online that I'd like to do, and would actually work on her dress, it would probably be done by now. I've got to finish it soon though, or else she'll outgrow it.

I knit a little tiny Bubbles the fish rag, and Sweet E uses it as a teething cloth. I wet it with cold water, and she chews on it. She doesn't care if my stitches aren't perfect, and it was a good little confidence booster project. We still don't have a camera, but I'll post a picture when I can.

After I finish the dress, I think I'll make myself work on her Teddy Bear afghan. It too would be done if I'd just crochet it, and not procrastinate because of all the little pieces. I'd really like to make the projects in my head come to be, and the only way to do that so others can enjoy the finished object, is for me to actually work on them and get them done.

So that's where I've been the past almost month. I've also noticed that there is a baby boom at church, so I'll probably be making some afghans. I have a few new patterns I'd like to try, but because of the difficulty, we'll have to wait and see.

Scarf

Just a quick update - I started, and finished a scarf this weekend, for my best friend.

This was no where near as difficult as the Purple dress in the previous post, but all my crafts don't need to be huge undertakings, I figure. I got a new request for an afghan, and it's a pattern I've never done before, so it will be an adventure.

Pretty in Purple

One should either be a work of art, or wear a work of art. - Oscar Wilde

I'm not trying to be conceited and claim that this dress is a work of art, but in all honesty is a work of a mommy's love. I got most of this dress done as we traveled last weekend, and finished it up today. Well, almost. I need to go buy buttons to put on the back of it, then it will officially be done. I'm really happy with the way it turned out, and with the fact that I began, and finished, a project in about 2 weeks. Yay!

Snuggle up!

I made this afghan to match my new niece's nursery. Her mommy chose the pattern and the yarn, and I think it turned out nicely. The afghan is so soft and the pattern is appropriately named Snuggle Up. Without further ado...

This is the tag I made for it. I cut it on the Cricut, and the body of the butterfly is raised on pop-dots to make it 3-D. Washing instructions are on the back of the butterfly's wing.

I also made a matching card, kinds inspired by one I saw at Target. It is kinda hard to see in the picture, because I had already put the card in a transparent purple envelope (which accounts for the line down the right side of the card). This one is also 3-D. It's very simple, but I didn't have a lot of time.

I love the Cricut, and the fact that I can make many cute 'themed' tags. I look forward to playing around with the back of the tag, is order to stamp my name on it.

I've also been working on my daughter's crocheted dress, and it's quite cute. I should have it finished shortly, if I can just make myself sit down and do it.

My latest projects

Just a quick update so you can see what I've been up to...

Baby E with her Santa hat on. I made it big enough to fit over the band she's now wearing for the flat spot on her head. I hope that this will still fit next year - and it very well may, since she won't be wearing the band anymore.

Baby E's dress

My stocking for next year. E's and YammaDaddy's will come later...

The pieces to E's Teddy Bear afghan

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It's been a while...

Ah, so many things have happened in the past month or so, I don't even know where to begin. First we had our car accident (which we are still dealing with, and we still don't have a second car to call ours), then my computer crashed - with over 2,500 pictures on it. Mostly of Baby E. I was so upset. My sister's friend revived the computer, and saved all the pictures though! I can never thank him enough! Here are some other things I've been up to.

I made the Santa hat for Baby E to wear with her Christmas dress. I just realized that I don't have pictures of her actually wearing the hat, so I'll have to get one.

This is the bedspread that belongs to my neighbor. Her great-grandmother made it. Isn't it beautiful? From wear and tear, the delicate yarn (thread) had torn in a couple places, and I told her I'd be happy to repair it. Most were very small repairs - just joining stitched that had come loose, but there was one place that needed some pretty significant help. I had bought the smallest crochet hook I could find at the time, and I wasn't really happy with the repairs in that one area. Since then, I have found even smaller steel hooks, and have added them to my tool pouch. Next time I see the neighbor, I'll let her know I'll be happy to attempt that area again. It was such an honor to work on this. I can't imagine the hours, and the love put into the spread by her great-grandmother.

I've also finished an afghan for a friend, who's expecting a little boy. I'm so excited that it's completed, and ready to ship so far from the March due date! Usually, I'm pushing it to get them done.

I've also been working on Baby E's dress, and am making felt Christmas stockings for our little family, for next year. I'll post pics of those projects next time.

YammaDaddy and his parents got me a Cricut for my birthday, and man, am I excited! I'll be making my afghan tags with it, and cannot wait to learn all the cool features!

I'm so sorry I didn't get to post a special Merry Christmas, and Happy New Year post, so here's to a happy January!

Lovely Linen

I finished the linen brick stitch, and absolutely love it! It's new owner picked it up yesterday. It was custom made for her, and is approximately 60"x65". It is the perfect complement to the burgundy afghan I made her a couple years ago. Here it is.

I like this afghan so much, if I had the time, I'd make one for our bed! Right now, my big UFO (unfinished object) is the braided afghan for our bed. I need to just crack down and finish it. There are so many other projects that catch my eye, and attention though.

I found another UFO in my yarn stash, and it's the perfect afghan for a friend who is expecting a baby. I started the afghan just because I thought it would be cute, so I've been working on finishing that. I'll have pictures soon. I also will be making a lavender afghan for my husbands new niece. She's my new niece too, but I didn't want to cause any confusion, or possibly imply anything about my sister :) It's been a really long time since I've made a solid lavender (if ever?), so I'm really excited about making it.

I also am working on repairing my neighbor's spread for her bed. Her great-great grandmother (I think) made it, and over the years, some of the thread has torn. She has given me the honor of repairing it. It is absolutely beautiful, and I'm working on finding the perfect thread to repair it with. I'll post pictures next time.

I'll also be making Baby E a Santa hat in a week and a half. I have to wait until the 16th to start it. You'll see why soon. I also need to make her some mittens, so her little fingers stay warm.

It's a busy busy time!

Making progress

I've been working on the Linen Brick stitch afghan lately, but in my little bit of free time, when I haven't had the afghan with me, I've accomplished this...

2 more pages in the 'pre-made' scrapbook,

I've cut the pieces for Baby E's black and pink polka dot dress. A sample of the fabric is under the ribbon...Now what? I don't know. Guess I'll call mom and ask...

Lastly, I took about 10 minutes and converted my previous centerpiece to a wreath for the inside of my front door.

I'm still not happy with the wreath, so who knows what it will become next. Plus, it fell off its makeshift hangar, and it no longer a circle. Oh well, so much for that. I'll stick with crocheting.

Random-ness

I've not had many creations to show you lately, but I have made 4 scrapbook pages. I'm trying to actually crop some things, to help shrink the hopeless pile of stuff in my craft room. the pages are quite simple, but who cares? They're done!

I'm still working on the linen color brick stitch afghan, and am making a lot of progress on it! I think it is coming out nicely, and the color is a nice neutral that goes with match most any room in the house.

I also am working on a tiny blanket for the hospital babies. I also found a pattern and will be making Baby E some mittens, now that it has gotten cold.

I've also been contemplating what our Christmas cards will be this year. I need to stop thinking and start stamping...

Holidays

Mom and I made Baby E's pumpkin costume this year, and I really enjoyed the sewing project! I can't wait to make the dress I've bought fabric for. I'll need mom's help with that too :) Here is her pumpkin, hat, and candy corn bag.

Thanks to Krissa for the encouragement, and the pointers on the pumpkin.

I have begun the beige ripple afghan, and as usual, love this pattern. Tonight, I also made a wreath centerpiece for Christmas, for our kitchen table. Here it is, sans bow. I'll post another pic once that is added. I may need to reposition some of the poinsettias once I see the bow. I thought it looked plain, and didn't realize I had forgotten the bow until I sat down to post the pic! Oh well, no big deal.

I don't have any crafts for Thanksgiving planned, but am looking for ideas!

Completed!

I've completed two more projects!

Here are two candy corn bags I made this week. These are for my nephew and niece. I shortened the handles, so the bags won't drag the ground during Trick or Treating.

I started this afghan a while ago, just to use this color - I love it! It's a darker blue. Definitely appropriate for a baby boy, while not being the baby blue that everything else is. The yarn has a shimmery thread in it, which adds a little extra sparkle. I finally washed the afghan, stamped the tag, and took the picture. This afghan is for sale and measures 25 in x 28 in. Let me know if you're interested.

I also made two little hats for babies at the hospital today. I didn't take pictures, but will as soon as I have the chance. If you're interested in crocheting for charity and don't know where to donate, or what needs are, please let me know, and I'll see what I can help with.

My Little Punkin

I loom knitted Baby E a pumpkin hat for Halloween. I'm also sewing her costume. I took time off from it to make the pink and white ripple afghan shown below. I'm going to now begin candy corns bags for my nephew and niece for Halloween. They saw Baby E's and loved it. Shh, their bags are a surprise!

Here is my punkin's hat:

Here is the pink and white ripple. I really like it!

Another One Bites the Dust!

Another project is completed!

I chose not to felt the bag. I may make another, and felt it. I need to get to work on an afghan that has been requested. It's a pink and white Ripple.

Success!

This has been quite a productive week, which makes me very happy!

I completed the repairs on the peach brick stitch. It's not the best repair jobs ever, which disappointed me, but it's done, and is out of my sewing basket. Here are the results.


Speaking of my sewing basket, I've decided it's really time to crack down and finish this quilt. I pulled out my sewing machine, and got it all set up and ready to sew my quilt back together. My to my surprise, when I unfolded the fabric to iron it, it was already done! Either the quilt fairies took care of that for me, or it has just been so long since I worked on it, I forgot I had made it to that point. I think the latter is correct.

While my machine was all set up and ready to go, I decided to mend some clothes. I was so proud that I got it threaded all by myself, then as I began to mend my first shirt, my needle got stuck in the down position - through my shirt. It would not budge. On top of that, thread was all over the place when I removed the bobbin to check things out. After working on it for quite a while, I got it taken care of and figured out I had not popped the bobbin all the way in. Oh well. After that disaster, I successfully mended two shirts, and hemmed two pairs of pants! Woohoo!

I was 'sew' inspired, Mom and I went to the craft store yesterday and came home with fabric for my daughter's Halloween costume, and a little dress for her too. Pics will be up later tracking my progress.

I also made Baby E's candy corn treat bag for Halloween. Not that she'll be able to carry it, but it will be cute while she chews on it! This picture is before it is felted, and before the handles are sewn on. That's the big question of the day - to felt, or not to felt?


Also, check out Limelight Papercrafts today - Mandy's got some really fun stuff going on for world card making day! I'll be posting my pictures for her scavenger hunt on Flickr - user ID Yamma1212, if you want to keep up.

Repair services needed!

Baby E and I went on a walk one brisk morning this week. To keep her little toes warm, I grabbed an afghan my mom made for her. I hooked it to the stroller, so she couldn't kick it on the ground - or so I though. Halfway through our walk, the stroller wheel locked up. I stopped walking right away, and realized I had run over the corner of the afghan, and had managed to scuff it up, and rip one stitch. Here is the damage. Doesn't look too bad, right?

Wrong! Once I began ripping the stitches out in order to repair it, I ended up having to take out three rows. Here is the beginning of the repair work. Please keep in mind, one row had already been repaired in this picture! Oh no! What a mess.

I've abandoned the repairs until today. My goal is to have them finished tonight. I'll post pictures of the results.

Coincidentally, my neighbor asked if I repair afghans. She has a crocheted bedspread her great grandmother made years ago. I took a look at it, and really feel that I can fix it for her. If I do, I'll post pictures. It is beautiful.

The pink and green afghan now has a new home. It has been delivered, and will be given as a gift. I loved this afghan, especially when it was completed. I more than likely wouldn't ever have made a ripple of this color combo, but I think it is so cute! These are the colors that mom-to-be is using in the nursery. I think it will be adorable, and will definitely revisit this combo!

I include a tag with washing instructions, and another with my contact information, in case repairs are ever needed. :) I like to use matching ribbon to tie the tags on with, and also wash the finished product in baby friendly detergent, so it is literally ready for use!

Here's the finished product.


If you need repairs for any reason, whether or not I'm the one who originally crocheted the product, please let me know. I'll be happy to take a look, and see if I can help out. We've had a variety of reasons for needed repairs in our family - a rambunctious puppy, rogue scissors, a hungry washing machine, and a mommy who can't drive a stroller. Email me at Yamma1212@gmail.com.

Baby it's cool outside

We woke up to a chilly day yesterday, which prompted me to dig though my daughter's closet for a non-summer like church dress. I saw a sweater I'd crocheted for her while I was still pregnant, and decided that yesterday was the day to attempt it again.

While I was making it, I thought it would be the appropriate size for a newborn. Boy was I wrong! This is why you're supposed to make the swatch to check your gauge. Oh yeah! Oops. I put the sweater on her back when she was a tiny little thing, and the sleeves were about 2 inches too long, so back in the closet it went.

Yesterday, though, brought different results. The sweater fit perfectly, and she is precious in it! There is also a matching hat that fits perfectly as well.




I love love love this sweater. It is made of Bernat Cashmere - my child dresses nicer than me!

I can't find the yarn on Bernat's site any more, or else I'd provide you with more detail. I have a little of it left over, so Baby E may get some matching mittens this winter!