Blankets, Blankets, Blankets!

What a joy to make some baby goodies again...and so much pink too. Ahhhh that felt good.

After being dropped by a local chain store, that cancelled my order giving no reason at all, on the day it was supposed to arrive no less!... I finally had a box of delicious yarns delivered and set to crocheting straight away. (Yarn Canada coming to the rescue)

However...while waiting for said box to arrive, I decided to use some remnants from another project to knit this 'pixie baby nest' from a book I found in my local library ('35 knitted baby blankets' by laura strut)

The buttons can be undone to allow for easy access into the bag, with only the very bottom third sewn up to form a pouch.

I think the little triangle hood will come in very handy and I like that there is no seam to bother a little head as it rests on it. The tassel is a cute touch too, decorative, but will not get in the way.

And the whole lot folds up nicely to slip into a bag or stroller for a little back-up warmth.

Then on to the pink stuff!

I liked the look of this waffle stich blanket by The Crochet Crowd (free pattern HERE) and I used Bernat Pipsqueak for mine (Cotton Candy) Love how this turned out! It is super soft and although a little heavier than expected, totally delicious! Mama wanted a square blanket so that is what she got!

Mama also asked for a pale/soft pink square one and for that I found this Fast Free, Easy pattern by Amy Solovay.
It really was fast and easy and drapes beautifully. I used Bernat Baby Softee yarn in 'Pink'

And here they all are together, in better light! (it can be very grey around here this time of the year!)
I took myself off for a little visit to deliver them personally! What a joy!

Crocheting - 'Woven' Blanket

It has been many years since I first used this pattern so it was really nice to give it another go this year!

The first step is to crochet a grid. I chose to do it in the 3 colour striped pattern of the original design. The pattern dates from the late 70's if I remember correctly, or maybe 1980, as that was about the time I made one in very similar colours to the pattern picture from the magazine.

The first grid layer, ready to add the second one in 2019 colours... LOL

One does exactly the same 1ks, dc in dc (or 1ks treble into treble) repeat, only this time the dc (trble) is woven around the dc (trble) in the previous layer. The result is a woven look and a blanket that is double thick, soft and squishy!

I love how it turned out. I used Bernat Premium and a 4mm hook. The yarn is very nice and soft and the colours beautiful,  but some of the yarn was very lumpy with uneven patches. Did not inspire confidence in me to make something I expect to last a long time, or put a ton of effort into. Fine for my blanket though!

3 D Snowflake - Totally Regal

I started crocheting a collection of 12 3D snowflakes back in January of 2015. My plan was to make one snowflake a month finishing up the collection in December. All went well with the plan, till the end of May. At that point there was just too much else happening in my life and I was not able to keep it up. Family concerns were more important and I took time to adjust priorities.

It's with pleasure that I returned to my 3D snowflakes this week! I'm using patterns from this book - Dimensional Snowflakes - that I bought from Annie's Craft Store

So here is the 6th snowflake in the collection : "Totally Regal"

The dimension is more visible here -

I perch the flake onto wooden blocks when gluing the 3 pieces together. I find it much more convenient than trying to hold it in my hand. Here is the first snowflake's post, showing how I starch and shape these beauties.

It's good to get back on track with these and I hope I can wrap this collection up this season. I was thinking how pretty the parts of these flakes will be for making 'flat' flakes too. hmmm...

Now I need to find more or larger storage for my collection, as the current holder is full. What a delightful 'problem' to have!

Happy autumn to all of you!

Sea Breeze Cowl

Hopped on at Michaels last week to take a look at the new Caron Cakes yarn...and i liked what I saw. There was quite a few holes on the shelves, so I did not manage to get all the colours I had hoped to get, but I am still very pleased with these lovely cakes that are staying in my place for now.
I started crocheting a cowl straight away. This lovely looking 'Glacier Cowl' caught my attention. I found the link to it on Ravelry HERE. It is super quick to work up and although I was a little skeptical as to how much I would like it, I think it is a winner for sure. The pattern uses exactly one cake of yarn. I did use a slightly smaller hook (6mm) and did not quite manage to finish the last round, but fortunately that does not matter (is not visible)

The brown and lime green colours are a bit of a surprise and I would have liked the yarn without that, BUT I do think it adds a pop to the finished cowl that is very pleasing.

I shall have to find a model to wear this for me so I can add a picture for you to see just how pretty it looks!

Year of Projects - May 2015

As far as knitting and crochet work goes, May has been a quiet month indeed!

I bordered the afghan blocks with the light colour and joined the blocks, but having the large knitted piece on my lap is too hot for this time of year, so I'v packed that away for the next few months at which point I will decide on the final size (do I add more blocks?) and do the edging.

It is pulled all out of shape here, but you get the idea.

I did manage to get a bit of sewing done, and would have finished, but for the planting/gardening that just had to be done first. Hopefully I can finish this this week - really not much to do now. I made the top from quilt room scraps gleaned from a place we were at where folks made quilts to give to people in need of a bit of warmth. The scarps were too small for quilt blocks and it took me a long time to piece this together, but it was interesting. I added stamping to tie it all together. I'll add more detailed pictures when it's done and I have better light for a clearer picture. (yes, I've never been scared of a bit of colour LOL)

I also unpacked the cross stitch project that I started many years ago. One thing after another had caused this to stay on the shelf for many years. (like the pet parakeet that would sit on the frame and grab the needle every time it pokes out the top. And if she couldn't get that...well any other part of the piece is fair game. I liked her company so I didn't want to shoo her away. I know...pathetic but true hehehehe) Maybe I'll make progress on it this year? I think it's a nice project for a Sunday afternoon.

Finally I got a few balls of yarn to work on mittens for gifts and I did make the May 3D crochet snowflake :

Queen Anne - it's a pretty one and so far one of the larger flakes. So far so good on this monthly challenge!

Recap of the list and I do confess that I had forgotten about that 'smile' project...ugh! how COULD I?

My Year Of Projects  To Do list
My list is very flexible I’m ‘afraid’ I’m forever changing my mind mid-stride ;)

• I would like to finish the afghan started early in December (that's the one featured above) Coming along with 12 blocks done. 12-15 for the final count with some borders also to be added. Put to rest until the weather turns cool again. The finished blocks are joined and bordered.

• I want to knit 2 pairs of socks -yarn bought for first pair, just need to decide on pattern. Undecided on the pattern. I was hoping for something to knit without too much concentration. I might have found the pattern...

• At least 3 pairs of flip-top mittens (2 will be gifts) I changed this to 2 pairs of mittens and one scarf (done)  Yarn bought for the first pair of flip tops (yay)
• Completed 4 pairs of fingerless mittens (all test knits)
• Set of 12 3D snowflakes, from the book 'Dimensional Snowflakes' Making them 1 per month at least. (5 done)
• Smile project (mystery ;-) ) hoping the new pattern will work! - haven't tried the new pattern yet.

Sheila Scarf Box

A little gift box to contain a crocheted scarf for a friend

I used the 'Summer Holiday' Kit from SVG Cuts

I stamped the chipboard before assembling the box. The trim was embossed for interest and lightly inked on the edges.

Flowers and a few sprigs finished off the top. The cut files are from Lettering Delights.

I added sequins and beads to the flower centers.

And the scarf peeping out from inside the gift box.

I used the train truck cut files from 'Summer Holiday' by  SVG Cuts

And remember the latest SVG Cuts set Spring Blossoms is still available free with purchase.

  Click HERE to learn how to get 'Spring Blossoms' free with purchase.

3D Snowflake - Prince Charming

The 4th flake from  Dimensional Snowflakes

Prince Charming - this one worked up really quickly!

They are looking so pretty sitting in a jar on my shelf. I hope I can keep up with my plan to do one of these a month for the whole year!

Year Of Projects - April

Well I was doing the weekly posting for YOP, but that just seemed unnecessarily tedious to me, so I decided, after 3 months, to change over to a once-a-month update. Besides, some days/weeks I don't get much done anyway LOL

And then this month was busy with other important family 'things'. I hope May will be 'better'

During the month of April I...

Started adding a single 'log' of light around the blocks on the afghan. By April 10th I had run out of yarn (with 7 blocks done)

I finally got more yarn (after finding empty shelves on one occasion! Ugh.) But by the end of April I had gotten this far with those lighter strips. 4 more blocks need a single light coloured 'log' each still, then I can join them and start on the border. Slightly blurry picture...hmmmm.

and while there was tennis to watch (Miami Open) I knitted a scarf from an 'odd' ball of yarn I had hanging around. This will make a fine gift I think! This is the 'Quilted Lattice Ascot'  This knits up super quick though...not nearly enough for the tennis LOL

The light washed this picture out a bit, but I do like the details of the stitches!

I also finally boxed up the gift scarf:

And did make the 3D Snowflake for the month Prince Charming 

I wonder why I suddenly have blurry pictures? I'm not happy about that!

So let me recap my list :

My Year Of Projects  To Do list
My list is very flexible I’m ‘afraid’ I’m forever changing my mind mid-stride ;)

• I would like to finish the afghan started early in December (that's the one featured above) Coming along with 12 blocks done. 12-15 for the final count with some borders also to be added. This will take  while yet, as I need more yarn to make more blocks. I got more yarn and the afghan is 'growing' once more.

• I want to knit 2 pairs of socks -yarn bought for first pair, just need to decide on pattern. Decided on the pattern, was waiting for the new reading glasses. These finally arrived yesterday, so maybe I can finally make a start on these!

• At least 3 pairs of flip-top mittens (2 will be gifts) I changed this to 2 pairs of mittens and one scarf (which is crocheted and I have finished it - needs to be blocked), Yarn bought for the first pair of flip tops (yay)
• Completed 4 pairs of fingerless mittens (all test knits)
• Set of 12 3D snowflakes, from the book 'Dimensional Snowflakes' Making them 1 per month at least. (4 done)
• Smile project (mystery ;-) ) hoping the new pattern will work! - haven't tried the new pattern yet.

3 D Snowflake - Love Knots

Continuing along with my 3D Snowflake Collection : 

Love Knots - this flake worked up quite quickly and it is really pretty. It is a little hard to show all the details in a picture, but I think you get the idea. 

The resource I use for my flakes can be found HERE

I really need to find a branch or 'mini tree' to hang these on as I build my collection!

Year of Projects - Week 13

I'm a little late updating this. It has been crazy here at my place since Thursday, and not in a good way. Except for the 'Pride and Prejudice Tea Party' celebration for a friend's 50th on Sunday. THAT was good fun!

So let me see if I can remember what I did last week?

I finished Test Mittens #4 - You can find details and the pattern HERE on Ravelry

Used more of that Herrschner's yarn, but this one, like the pink is nice and soft and will be plenty warm enough for spring and fall. And for warm winters like the one we just had!
I took a picture specifically to show the inside of the mitt, which is textured all the way through. The mitts are lovely and snug and I'm very pleased with them. The pattern is easy and well written.

Next I did manage to add the buttons to the shawl, so that is now all done and I like the result! For details and the pattern link go HERE

I also finished off the crocheted 3D snowflake early in the week :

Love Knots from this pattern book. I headed outside to find a branch that I can 'plant' in a pot so I have somewhere to keep these safe as I continue my collection. BUT it is spring and between the birds and the wild flowers I got 'lost' and didn't remember why I headed out, until much later/too late. It was one of those weeks.

I was having a hard time showing the details on this as it is so thick and so intricate (but easy to crochet)

I'm enjoying making this collection!

I did not yet get round to updating my project list, but I have been looking for sock patterns and since all the other projects are done, I'm ready for something new. I did have to start the 'smile' project over again, and just this morning found a pattern that will hopefully work for me.


So let me recap my list :

My Year Of Projects  To Do list
My list is very flexible I’m ‘afraid’ I’m forever changing my mind mid-stride ;)

• I hope to make at least 6 Feel Better Friend Dolls ( the yarn arrived late January) Changed my mind, won't be doing these after all. 

• I would like to finish the afghan started early in December (that's the one featured above) Coming along with 12 blocks done. 12-15 for the final count with some borders also to be added. This will take  while yet, as I need more yarn to make more blocks.

• I want to knit 2 pairs of socks -yarn bought for first pair, just need to decide on pattern

• I need to knit a blue/aqua scarf for myself Finished this January 31st.

• At least 3 pairs of flip-top mittens (2 will be gifts) I changed this to 2 pairs of mittens and one scarf (which is crocheted and I have finished it - needs to be blocked), Yarn bought for the first pair of flip tops (yay)
• Completed 4 pairs of fingerless mittens (all test knits)
• Set of 12 3D snowflakes, from the book 'Dimensional Snowflakes' Making them 1 per month at least. (3 done)
• Smile project (mystery ;-) ) hoping the new pattern will work!

Year of Projects - Week 12

It was a busy weekend, so I never got round to posting this update -

I blocked the scarf and had hoped to add the buttons on the weekend, but that never happened- still 16 buttons to add is not really that much. All in all this project has taken way longer than necessary, but that is how it goes sometimes, right?

The 'Bernat Baby' blanket is all done. It turned out a bit bigger than expected, which is really nice. I'm pretty pleased with the result.

And I started work on a project that is taking a different route from what I originally planned. I was going to knit some with this variegated yarn and some of the dark blue solid that is in the variegated. Upon seeing this irl, I did not like the amount of orange and the yellow of the green, so I'm revising this project. I made a start with some squares and I have some sketches of roughly where I'm heading with it, but will see how it changes and grows from here. Right now I'm thinking of combining knitting and crochet, but we'll see how it all works out. Instead of being a straight forward kind of project it will now be a 'process' 

The third test mitten just went live this morning. You can find the pattern for Happy Birthday Mitts by Yellow Mleczyk HERE

This pink ball of Herrschner's Worsted Weight yarn is much softer to start with and I really like how these turned out. 

I hope to cast on for test mittens #4 tonight! Whoot!

I'll be revising my list for the year this week, adding more projects that I know I'll be doing/planning etc.