So, the second day of January brings the start of the first CAL (crochet a-long) of 2016. I'm doing two CALs... I'll talk about the second when I start.
This one is HodgePodge Crochet Presents: The 2016 Afghan Sampler Project!. The link takes you to the first square. This CAL is 2 squares a week for 52 weeks (or the size you want). My colors are blues and cream. I hope I can keep up with this... I don't want to be behind and trying to catch up at the end of the year. Here's my square:
Anyway... I am excited - these CALs are the first two I have ever attempted. I'll also try to keep this blog updated as well. It will be fun to be able to go back and check the progress.
I'm working on a scarf and hat set as well as part of my two hats a month challenge. I haven't started working on my blanket yet... that's next.
2015 has been busy for me - I closed the store (I talked about that before), I started working outside the home...
... and I haven't had time to crochet.
Well, I'm changing that for 2016. I've written New Year's resolutions - yes, actually written - that are crochet related. I plan on making two hats and a blanket a month, as well as work on two CALs (crochet a-longs). I need to crochet more... I act like I don't have time, but I really do. This also gives me something to blog about (also a resolution). I haven't blogged much because it's no reason to type about absolutely nothing. But now, I'll be busy creating, and you'll get to see my work!
What am I working on? Well one of the CALs is a temperature blanket - and it seems as soon as I decided to share it with my group, 50 other people posted the same thing! Great (creative) minds think alike!
The colors I'm using for my CAL
I still haven't figured out the pattern, and I have to add some reds after the orange, but that won't be until it's in the 80's, so I have some time.
Anyway, I just wanted to share. It's going to be a great 2016.
As a yarn shop owner, I purchase LOTS of yarn. I love getting samples of yarn to play with, and I love getting yarn from small farms or small yarn suppliers. Feels good to have something different in the shop that most shops can't get.
The yarn I purchased recently was from a small supplier. It was a recycled cotton sweater that someone patiently took apart and wrapped into a center-pull ball. Wonderful!
This is more true to color than the picture of finished product
I sat down, tried to figure out the perfect pattern worthy of this beautiful yarn, and on Ravelry I went. Searched, searched, and searched... couldn't find anything. Then, since I couldn't figure something out, I decided to look at stitches I never used.... and "ta-da!", the Pink Cloud Scarf was born!
Then I started working it... and after about 3 rows, I HATED the yarn! It's still soft, it's still beautiful, and I have a nice scarf, but the yarn! OH!!! It is made with 10 strings together... try crocheting without dropping one - it doesn't work! Also, since it is recycled, there were several places where either two, three, or all ten strings were tied together. There were even some areas where two or three strings were NOT tied... that was even more annoying! I finished working with it, and I do love my scarf. I was going to make a matching hat, but I can't even think to pick up the yarn again.
What I did get out of this experience was the Pink Cloud Scarf Pattern! Now, it's VERY easy - it's only two stitches, one that I've never used before, but very easy. If you make this, PLEASE try not to use a recycled, stringy yarn.
Pink Cloud Scarf
Advanced Beginner
Materials:
Approx 300 yards ww yarn
N-9.00mm hook (I'm a Boye hook kind of girl)
No gauge required
Abbreviations (pattern uses US terms):
ch: chain
rep: repeat
dc: double crochet
blo: back loops only
st: stitch
Special stitch:
Herringbone Half Double Crochet (HBhdc)- yo, insert hook, yo, draw through st and first loop on hook, yo, draw through both loops on hook.
Here's a great video tutorial for Moogly (I LOVE that blog!)
Scarf: Ch 132. You can add or decrease as you wish, but add two at the end, as this is the first stitch of the next row.
Row 1 - HBhdc in 3rd loop from hook and each ch across. Ch 2, turn.
Row 2 - 12 - HBhdc in blo of next st and each st across. Do not fasten off.
Edging:
Ch 3, turn. 3dc in each st across. Fasten off. Do the same for other side. Weave in edges.
All done! Easy, peasy!
Tell me what you think! And show me your finished product - with better yarn!
I'm so sorry I've neglected my blog for so long! I won't do that again!
I'm here - I haven't been feeling well lately, but hopefully that will change soon. The yarn shop has been closed since last Tuesday, and I'm not sure if I'll be open this week. I'm so sorry I can't give you your yarn fix right now...
I can tell you that I'm having a giveaway!! (Yaaayyy!)
This giveaway features two skeins of Plymouth Encore and the Melissa Slipper Boot pattern from Jessica's Crochet (click the link to go right to her store) to compliment your new yarn! Jessica made these boots to honor her friend Melissa, who lost her valiant fight to breast cancer in 2012. Make sure you read the story about the pattern. What a nice way to honor her friend. Melissa Slipper Boot Pattern and story.
I made this hat and cowl set using Medora's easy and free hat pattern. The pattern was easy to translate into a cowl for a matching set. Everyone loves it, and now I have orders for it!!
Although I made the ties rather long, I love this pattern. I made 4 in one day! It's so fast and easy to work up, and very cute and different for the winter.
This sweater was my own creation. It was very simple and easy to create, and it's a nice and cozy wool. I love wearing it - dressed up or down. I was happy to be able to make something for myself.
I'm making a few items for the holidays right now - but they're not ready enough to show. I'm making several Christmas stockings, I'm going to start on some ornaments, and I'm going to make a few scarves for family.
... this is the name of my donation campaign. I need help keeping my store open, and you all can help me! I have great incentives... check them out!
I have been struggling with the store - I know, I know, it takes a while for a new business to get started. BUT... without help, I'll close early... and lose money... LOTS of money... So, please help.
Yes! We are having a 50% off sale from now until July 31st!
I don't have much stock, so you'd better get here fast! You can check my Square shop like on the side of this post to check out a sampling of what I have and order online!
Oh, don't let me forget.... we're also having another giveaway! This time for
FIVE SKEINS OF YARN!
Yes, that's right! You can win five skeins of banana fiber yarn! You know I love this yarn, and I want everyone else to love it as well!
