Finished Object: Sweet Pea Shawl

This was another project that I had planned on making and years went by but, I never picked up the hook. However, my sister April had also long admired this shawl so, she thought we should do it as CAL (crochet along). Well, long story short she finished the first row or two and then quit. I have a phobia of leaving things unfinished so, I kept with the CAL all alone

I really like how it turned out. I only wore it once and now it sits in the closet. Maybe I should start packing it along with me for these cold air-conditioned buildings. Of course, after I finished mine my mother requested one for herself. She chose this beautiful melon color and I really like how it turned out.

Details:

Yarn – Caron Simply Soft

Color – Mine (deep plum) Mom’s (melon)

Weight – worsted

Hook – I (5.5 mm)

Level – Easy to Intermediate

Knit Style: Bowtie Beauty

Even though I am just trying on the bowtie in this picture (it is going to be shipped out), I really like how the style of this looks. This is the outfit that I am wearing today and the bowtie just fit with it so seamlessly. My outfit consists of a colorful plaid full skirt, a crisp white collared shirt, belted waists, and accessorized with bangles and bold earrings. Then, the bowtie adds the final effect.

Finished Object: Your Neighbor Lady’s Doilies

Have you ever had one of those patterns that you knew you were going to make but, it just kept being in the back of your mind? And then years pass by and you realize that you have yet to make that pattern. That is exactly what happened with me and this pattern. I thought, I could whip up those doilies in a single night and have some time to spare so, I’ll get to it. Well, three years passed and I am just now getting to it

I was at home one night thinking about my future big projects (i.e. sweaters/cardigans) and how I couldn’t wait to start them. But, the yarn had not arrived from KnitPicks yet. I could have picked up my Shapely Cardigan that I have been working on and off since September 2012 but, that pattern just bores me. So, sitting right next to me was the May/April 2010 Crochet Today issue and I thought of those doilies.

I first made one in turquoise to match a painting that I had. Then, I thought let me whip up one for my mother and I chose the pinkish red color. The next night, I made one with a variety of 5 colors that matched the scheme in my Living Room. I love how super fast these worked up and I really enjoyed the simplicity of this pattern.

Details:

Yarn – Red Heart Super Saver

Hook – H (5.0 mm)

Level – Beginner

Finished Object: Bowtie Beauty

So, I just finished this bowtie this morning. I received a request for some bowties for an event and I decided, Why not? I usually don’t take commissions because I am not a big fan of having clients and the stress that comes along with it. I enjoy what I do and don’t want to lose that joy. So, I told her I would make it for her as a gift. She requested a few colors. So, I finished the blue. I’m currently making a vivid purple one and then, a fuchsia.

I searched Ravelry and the Internet for Bowtie patterns but, I wasn’t a big fan of most of them. So, I decided I’ll just make my own pattern. This is my first pattern and though it is super simple I think it is great for a beginner. It uses three different stitch patterns: seed stitch, garter stitch, and 1×1 ribbing. So, it keeps things interested. I am also pretty pleased with the construction of the bowtie. I added two buttonholes to the neckband because I wanted the bowtie to be adjustable since we all have different neck sizes. I also chose these precious nautical inspired gold buttons. I think they look gorgeous against the royal blue.

I think the bow portion could be used for a number of things. Such as adorning hats, as a necklace, a pin, etc.

Details:

Yarn – Red Heart Super Saver

Needle – 8 (5.0 mm)

Level – Beginner to Easy

I will probably make this pattern available for free. So, check out my Ravelry for the future pattern.

I also want better pictures of the bowtie (These were taken with my phone for this post). So, I’ll post future picks of me (or someone) wearing the bowtie.

Book Review: Sweater Girls

I have been purchasing quite a few craft books in the past few months. It is for that reason that I am now on a break from purchasing more. (Even though, I have been really wanting to purchase Blueprint Sweater by Robyn Chachula)

But, on to the review. If you know me, then you would know I love all things vintage, antique, old, whatever you may call it. So, when I was browsing the books in the Needlecraft section of Books-A-Million I knew I had to purchase it. They took old patterns from the 1940s, 1950s, and 1960s and they put them in this book. I think there are about two new designs in the book but, they also have a vintage feel to it.

Pros:

1. A nice number of vintage sweaters. There are also some gorgeous knitted stockings, a fair isle hat, a lace skirt, and some elegant wristers.

2. Nice instructions (I have read over a few but, I have yet to do a pattern yet.)

3. Very diverse. As aforementioned the patterns are from the 1940s – 1950s so, they are all the same style.

4. Beautiful and inspiring photos. They kept with the vintage feel but, still you can really see yourself wearing the style in today’s era.

Cons:

1. All of the patterns use fingering yarn except, the wristers (sport yarn). So, for me that means I have to order because there aren’t really any yarn stores in my area. I am limited to the department stores. But, KnitPicks really answers this call.

2. The patterns are mainly worked flat so, there will be a bit of seaming and a lot of finishing.

Future projects from the book I plan on making are: Clara Bow Panel Sweater, Vivien Sweater, Great Lacy Wristwarmers

Below I have featured a few of my favorite designs:

Finished Object: Elsa Jacket

Please don’t be irked with me for just now getting back to the blog :/ But, please believe I have been casting on and hooking away nonstop. Therefore, since I am back the future posts will definitely be featuring quite a few Finished Objects. If you follow me on Ravelry then, you have probably seen some of the projects I have been working on.

I definitely want to show you the finished results of my Elsa Jacket designed by the wonderfully talented Andi Satterland. I am a follower and big fan of Andi’s work so, when she put out the call for Crochet Testers I immediately applied. Please check out her blog HERE. I constantly check it out daily and always read the archives. It’s just that good

This pattern was great! I love top down construction because it allows for you to try it on as you go. Now, this was my first time using wool yarn and while I liked it, I hated the smell in the house during the blocking. It smelled like wet animal. Ugh. Back to the pattern…This is a nice pattern and very concise. I enjoyed it so much that I plan on making another. (I ordered some blue yarn from KnitPicks but, for some reason I am not to keen on the color. I am thinking of choosing a brilliant green.)

The little details were so fun to me! I adore choosing buttons and I really liked the idea of a zipper. Yes, it took some time to attach the zipper because you have to make sure it is perfectly aligned with the rows on the Left and Right side. But, with a little patience it is definitely possible.

Details:

Hook – 3.25mm (D)…pattern call for G hook but, I got gauge with D

Yarn – KnitPicks Wool of the Andes Sport

Color – Turmeric

Level – Easy to Intermediate

Size – S(33 bust)

Finished Object: Ruffles Scarf

Well, last night after watching Downton Abbey I finished the edging on my Ruffles Scarf. This was a really nice pattern to work up and I really like the finished result. The style of this scarf has me written all over it. It’s unique, chic, and just fabulous.

Details:

Yarn – Red Heart Super Saver

Color – Light Raspberry

Weight – Worsted (4)

Hook – F (3.75 mm)

Level – Easy

A Crafting Moment: Quilting

I have been wanting to learn to quilt for some years now. First, I needed the sewing machine and my sister, Alison, gave me one as a gift about a year ago. Next, I needed the space. So, I moved into a new apartment a few months back and I had decent space. Then, I needed the supplies and the knowledge. So, I bought the supplies and books. I also watched a lot of YouTube videos and I was ready to tackle quilting.

I started over my Holiday break. I began by learning how to work the sewing machine, I read a few of the books I bought to help me, which are (1) A Passion for Quilting, (2) Whip Up Mini Quilts, (3) Quilting 200 Q & A, and (4) Sewing Basics: All You Need to Know About Machine and Hand Sewing.

I started with a project from Nicki Trench’s book A Passion for Quilting. I started with the smallest project in the book which was a Trivet. Now, this was my very first project and I see where it needs major improving. My binding is not the best at all, my criss-cross stitches are a bit crooked, my seams are not aligned,  and I am not crazy about the binding colors with the patchwork colors. But, nonetheless, I am pretty pleased with how it came out.

This is the Trivet from Nicki Trench’s book.

This is my version of the Trivet…

After I completed the trivet, I was ready to tackle something a bit larger but not too large. So, I referred to my book Whip Up Mini Quilts by Kathreen Ricketson. I chose to do the first mini quilt because it involved basic squares and rectangles and it was Level Easy. Of course, I don’t have the supplies to print a photo to put in the quilt (which, would have been super cool!) so, I decided to draw a template of an owl (because I ADORE owls) and applique it to the quilt. I really enjoyed this pattern and I could see the improvement from my first project already. As soon as I finished it, I put it on the small table in my living room so, it could be displayed in a nice way.

The Pensive Pansy Photo Quilt is at the bottom left corner (with the pug in front of it.)

This is my version of the Pensive Pansy Photo Quilt.

I’m looking forward to tackling more quilting projects in the future. I plan on trying some Bandana Quilts/Lap Blankets in the future…

Current Project: Ruffles Scarf from Interweave Crochet Fall 2012

FIRST, LET ME GIVE AN UPDATE: Well, Christmas Break has come and gone and I feel like I’m finally getting back to real life :-/ The Holidays were phenomenal! I really needed that break and I thoroughly enjoyed it. It really flew by! I feel like I got a lot accomplished. I finished all of my Christmas projects on the morning of Christmas Eve (I didn’t want to push it that close.) The Christmas gifts were a success. My nieces and nephew loved their hats and they wear them quite a bit. My sisters really liked the spa sets. They thought they looked too nice to use but, I encouraged them to use them and that I would make more if they became worn down. My mother enjoyed the scarflet and brooch set. She put the brooch on her winter jacket so, she consistently wears it. Now the big hit was the Brioche Scarf I made for my Daddy. For years, I have never been successful in my endeavors to purchase wearables for my Dad. He is really picky. So, this time I asked him what he likes. I showed him the pattern and asked him for the color choice. Simply put, he wears the scarf all the time and said it is really warm. I was very pleased that he finally liked something I got him and that it was something I made at that!

Back to my current project…

Well, since I finished the gifts for everyone it was time for some selfish knitting and crochet. I worked on my Shapely Boyfriend Cardigan a bit. I did not pick up my Mitered Afghan And I started a new project. This project is from the Fall 2012 issue of Interweave Crochet. If you don’t have this issue you are missing out. The patterns are beyond gorgeous and I want to make every single one of them. So, I decided to make the Ruffles Scarf by Shelby Allaho. I wanted to try out a simple pattern but, I was also looking for something to warm my neck and chest when I’m indoors. My office never gets warm and my chest gets very cold so, I am always looking out for scarflets and cowls.

A few details:

Yarn – Red Hear Super Saver

Color – Light Raspberry

Weight – Worsted (4)

Hook – F/5 (3.75 mm)

Level – Easy

I’ll have more pics of the finished scarf in the future…

I’ve Been a Busy Little Elf

Well, I told you all previously that I would be making most of my Christmas gifts to give to my family. I feel everything has been going by wonderfully fast and smoothly. I finished the spa sets for my sisters, hats for my nieces, and a gorgeous lace accent scarf for my Mother.

Here’s what I need to finish: (1) The Brioche Scarf for my Dad (2) Beanie for my nephew

That’s not too bad.

I’ll leave you with a few pictures of what I’ve done so far. Of course, I still have to get creative with the wrapping and presentation but, I’m sure I’ll get to it…

I love how the spa sets for my sisters turned out. I used free patterns that can be found HERE, HERE, and HERE.

These are the hats for my nieces. Patterns are from Crochet Celebrity Slouchy Beanies for the Family.

I am in absolute love with this drapey lacey accent scarf.

My book 101 Designer One Skein Wonder arrived yesterday in the mail and I could not wait to do this pattern from the book.

I plan on making a felt brooch to go with the scarf.

Well, this little elf needs to get back to work so, I’ll update you all later.