Status

I've taken a good bit of time away from my blogs....but although I've been away, I've been creating.  It's amazing just how many things I was able to crank out in the midst of packing and mothering.  I guess my computer time takes a lot of my free time.

Here's a look at some of what I've made (started & completed)!

I have three others that I see I haven't yet photographed (a silvery black & white one that's spiral and two others like the green one in other colors), but you get the idea! :D   I've found a lot of patterns online, worked a couple of them and then did a couple 'freestyle' (ie my way).  Gave me time to practice my crochet stitches.  Still learning!

I am currently working on  a Stitch Sampler Shawl.  It's being knitted.  I'm about half-way finished with this one.  Will share some pictures when it's complete!

How are things in your crafting world?

Another Scarf

I've completed my FIRST crochet pattern scarf.  As I've shared before, I'm more of a 'freestyle' crafter.  I learn the basics and then go with the flow.  I try new things out, collect and consult patterns.....then create from there.

I decided that I should try to follow a pattern so I can learn how to read a crochet pattern, being that I'm still new to this and all.  I found this pattern on Ravelry.  I now understand why my girlfriend says she's a "pattern-ho".  It's easy to collect patterns, so many choices and styles.

Anyway, this pattern is called Cascade Scarf (it's a free pattern by Lion Brand Yarn)....not bad for my first one, eh?  I've already gone through my stash and will be making another one tonight.  Gotta love crochet--it's quick!

What are you up do these days???

Fresh Off the Hooks!

Earlier this year I purchased some chunky baby alpaca yarn (IT'S SUPER SOFT & WARM) at a lovely yarn store (aren't they all?).  Since that time I've been deciding exactly what to make with it.  I settled on a scarf--simple and easy.  Instead of knitting it, I chose to crochet it.  I think the pattern I 'freestyled' as nice and was able to complete it in just under 2 hours!! (yeah, that the main reason why I chose crochet over knitting)

As I was making it, my son asked me to make him one, which is a big deal (to me at least) as he's never asked for something handmade from me (although I've made him several things)!  I looked through my stash and found the baby alpaca yarn that I purchased on Ebay months before his birth.  I was able to make him some booties of out that yarn, but that was it.  I'm must completed his scarf and will be starting on a matching hat.

It's rather hot still....but Winter is coming! My plan is to have everyone 'hatted' and 'scarfed' up before the cold winds blow!

Another Finished.....

I can't say "project" as I'd like to, simply because it was just a random thing i decided to do last night as I watched a movie with my hubby.  On my little break, my mother taught me to crochet a bit, I say a bit because I'm sure there are more things I have to learn.  That being said, I've been wanting to keep up what I've learned so far and because things whip up sooooo quickly, I've already completed another scarf.

When I say this yarn it immediately jumped at me--so I had to get it!  LOL!  It's varigated and is light blue, medium blue, dark blue, gray, med. gray, charcoal, tan mix.  Works perfectly well with everything I wear--blue, black, brown (khaki).

I'm loving it!  I still have a good bit of yarn left and am thinking about making a hat to go along with it.  Yeah, I know it's Spring...but Winter will come again! (smile)  Unfortunately this is where my limited skills of crocheting come into play as I don't know that much to crochet myself a hat.  I plan to take a look on Raverly for a pattern--but may fall back on my knitting skills and knit one instead.  We'll see.

Here's a photo of it...ok, two! :)

Preemie Hat--COMPLETED!!

UPDATE: PHOTOS BELOW!!

I am so happy to share that I've finished knitting the little preemie hat I've been working on.  After frogging the whole thing last week, I managed to restart and get it done (all but weaving in the ends).  I found another pattern that has worked out well.  It's my first time knitting with 5 needles--and this thing was small!!  I think it's good for a first time.  I'm planning to do another one.  Will post pics soon!

Oh, and I also learned to crochet while on my little break (from my real life).  I crocheted a scarf in about 3 1/2 hours!! Very tickled about that.  Yeah. The photos will be up soon! :D

Happy Crafting to you!!

My lovely new crocheted scarf:

My "Happy New Year" Scarf

In November '06 I started on a scarf for myself. I used some yarn that I purchased from an ebay store about a year and a half ago (or more). Isn't it lovely? It's 4 strands spun together: white, black, tan and gold. This was my first 'pattern' scarf that I've made. I used a pattern I found in Knitting for Dummies called Faggot Lace and created this scarf with it!

I finally completed it, adding fringe, the first Thursday of the year! Thus the reason for it's name! :) Because of the colors, it goes with everything! The yarn is so soft and warm--just in time for the dips in temps we're experiencing now!

I've just started on another 'longer' project with some fabulous yarn I purchase from the same ebay store. This is 4 strands spun together: 2 strands of black, a 2 strand of white & black spun together, and another 2 strand of silver and white spun together! (Actually 7 strands but some were spun together before being spun with the other colors...if you understand?) It's very nice! Since this project is for one of my favorite cousins, I won't share what it will be just yet!

For those of you who are interested, the ebay store is called The Spin Zone (Ebay ID: mhspinzone). I need to work out something with them since I love their yarn and I'm sharing it with you....we'll see! :)

Kari's Scarf

After completing Jaya's scarf, I got things together to make a scarf for Kari. I used a simple knit one row/purl one row pattern! I knitted it in just under two hours!!! I started on Wednesday while I waited during Jaya's ballet class and completed it during a brief naptime on Thursday! The yarn matches her new coat from Grandmother perfectly!

Kari prefers Jaya's scarf and Jaya prefers Kari's....of course!

Scarf for Jaya

I decided to make Jaya another scarf....since she LOVES the one I made for myself. I used LARGE needles so I could complete it quickly! I was able to knit it in 2.5 hours! Now she has a scarf (sort of) like mine! but a lot sooner!

(My pictures are too large to upload...so you must wait until I can reformat them to view her scarf! Please bear with me! thx!)