The Educating Of Young Minds

It's never too early to start enriching a wee one's mind. While pregnant with Henry I used to put ear phones on my belly and play Vivaldi. When he was 2 1/2 he asked Santa for a violin (and yes, Santa's elves worked hard on locating making a child friendly violin).  I don't expect to see him playing with the New York Philharmonic but you never know ... ok - reality - we just need to get through his second year of violin lessons first ;-)

Now, John was a different story (I never sat long enough to play music to my growing belly). His interests were inspired by his older brothers toys. Building, designing, imagining ... he's been making things with Lego's since he was below the 'choking' age. An architect maybe?

Who knows. All this to be said because I crocheted something. Stay with me ...

An armless triangle as Rocky christened it.

I figure the recipients mom will get a head start on shapes with her little fella. Why muddle it's form with arms. So why the legs you ask? Well, the sweet one has to have something to chew on (literally) while he is contemplating Einstein's theory of relativity.

I feel I have performed my civic duty by contributing to the betterment of society - one softie at a time.

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Turn the page ... Tuesday is this Tuesday!

Hattitude

My boys begged me begged me to make them hats to match their scarves

and I do.

Throwing everything else to the wind thus creating a massive weather system in the process.

What do they do upon completion and wear them once?

Get a hattitude.

They aren't too interested in their hats despite the fact that we've had many days with temperatures below freezing.

No, no, don't worry about me ... my crafting heart is just fine (she whimpers).

Hurricane Adrienne Hits Home In Virginia

What?

Hurricane season is over?

Hmmm ... not here in Virginia.

Adrienne is still going strong.

Haven't heard of that storm?

Category 4.

Just take a look at the destruction she caused (and this is only one place where her high winds and yarn poured down):

1. Hot tea from the morning ... still there when this areal photo was taken at 4:42 PM.
2. New gizmo gadget thingy that makes pom poms.
3. What's left of a skein of yarn. It's not  a toilet paper holder (really people - she's not that bad).
4. Just a small pile of the ends that were woven in for a hat for Henry ... there were more. Lots more.
5. The pattern for a scarf that was been a WIP for at least a year (the yarn was on the toilet paper holder cardboard tube)
6. A weapon. For real. Have you ever held a size P crochet hook? It could take anyone out and that has hooks on either end (she's a professional).
7. Hook/needle bag that fell prey and was missing in action due to Hurricane Adrienne. Located due to surveillance photo.
8. A coaster that obviously wasn't used for no. 1.
9. A big fat yarn needle that saw way to much action (see no. 4) and could not be stored properly (see no. 7).
10. Another gizmo gadget thingy that made no. 4 so much more bearable.
11. A Halloween silly band.
12. Another weapon stored improperly (again see no. 7). Sadly it is barely functional because the blades are so dull.
13. A bag that is housing a scarf (see no. 5) that is a quarter of the way done.

Sadly we cannot share any other photos of the devastation she has caused due to the sensitive nature of the unsavory material (laundry, dishes, finger prints, dusty window sills and abandoned sewing/crochet projects ~shudders~). Thank goodness we have these pictures of before the hurricane to preserve what was once a place of tranquility.

Stay tuned as we will continue to update you on this freak of nature.

Two In The Basket

After this blanket (which was welcomed enthusiastically by the recipient) I wanted to make another. It was so comforting to sit by the fire and crochet - the bigger the blanket got the cozier I became.

I decided my boys needed some mama made blankets for their beds.

I know, I know ... two at a time?! I doubt I will finish before it starts warming up especially with mishaps like this

I had to pull John's out all the way back to the first row. Too much egg nogg perhaps?

Quiet

I had a few of those moments over the past week when I was able to sneak in some Christmas crafting.

A scarf from the amazing Craft Hope book.

One of the two swiffer covers I made (the other I made is for me and would shame me ... it's filthy!). Raveled here.

Doll quilts for a friends little girl.
 

Stash busting never felt so good ...

with pillows from flannel to match.

I actually made it to a chain yarn store and got some more to finish these mitts. That was before I had to take Henry back  to the MD. sigh. Poor kid has just had the wind knocked out of him with this strep throat. He seems to be on the mend today. Let's hope it continues.

Here's to some quite moments to not only finish some last minute projects, but for rest and reflection of our Savior's birth. It might be quiet here until after the new year - I don't know. I'm going to enjoy this time with my family and just be ~ Merry Christmas everyone.

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And in case you are wondering ... no - I did not get my house clean but the sheets on the guest bed were changed. That's what matters - right?!;-)

Diversified

I want you all to know that I took your advice to heart. You all were right. I should never have all my hooks in one basket as to avoid the let down upon completion of a project. So, I found as many bags and bins that were 'available' and got goin'.

You might recognize this bag that is hanging permanently on one of Rocky's grandmother's chairs ...

it's been housing this scarf in progress for at least a year. The pattern requires some brain power/counting and goodness me - these days I can't handle that! One day I'll have a luxurious bamboo/silk black scarf to keep me warm ...

You might also recognize this bag ...

it actually is the home of two projects - a scarf for John and another market bag for me - man can they hold a lot of loot!

What was empty ...

is empty no more! One hat of what I hope will become many for Caps for Good and a scarf for Henry.

And lastly, a project that doesn't have a home yet. It's a bit transient. I've been moving it from the living room to the dining room to the kitchen to ... you get the picture. Those cones are so handy - no run away yarn ... well, that is if you don't have a 4 year old and a 1st grader who is home with strep trying to 'help' ... oh, and let's not forget the cat.

I'm no longer a one project gal - I'm diversified. Are you?

Finito

It's done. I finished the blanket.

I'm kinda sad.

I liked working on this blanket. It was so warm and comforting sitting by the fire mindlessly crocheting. I need to start another one. Like pronto.

And as I was crocheting so blissfully my house was being demolished around me.

1. More library books than we have time to read

2. A snow globe that has seen so much action the poor snowmen have lost their carrot noses

3. A mantel still undecorated ... and I'm not too optimistic

4. One of the three lanterns from the boys adventure. Think every blanket and pillow on the street - no in  Virginia - piled, draped, hung in my living room

5. My now empty crochet basket. Boo. Hoo.

6. My camera case that has been sitting there f.o.r.e.v.e.r. it's become an accessory and requires dusting

7. A Thanksgiving book that never made it into the bin (Yes, I am annal. I have bins for each holiday. It's the only way I stay sane ... well, ok - not sane but find everything)

8. A cat who insisted upon sitting on my lap and lying on the blanket while trying to take pictures ... not unlike what he did while I was crocheting it

9. Said blanket in action. Gotta make sure it really works before it's gifted

10. The sofa that also would not cooperate while trying to photograph the blanket. How in the world did our couch get so stained, written on, painted ...

Some quick stats: I have no idea how big it is. I used 2 whole pounds of love and about 1/4 of a 3rd. I cropped the top picture (so you wouldn't see how trashed my foyer is - can't let you all think I'm a total slob now can I). I am 5 ft 6 1/2 in (you know that 1/2 inch very is important) and the blanket was resting on the top of my feet and my arms weren't fully spread out. This will work nicely when curled up in a chair or on the sofa. The pattern can be found here on Ravelry and here directly.

So there you have it. One of my most favorite projects thus far. I'd like to say I'm off to clean my living room but ... let's be real here people. I'm getting ready to spend waaaayy to much on Ravelry looking for the next one. What are you about to do?

Shell Shocked

So there was this woman who thought she could crochet just about anything (she was obviously delusional) ... and then she realized that math was involved (reality set in) ... and then she thought she was really clever because she worked a little magic (back to the aforementioned altered state).

OK so maybe I'm not all that clever (but definitly delusional). I just could not make my blocks work for me; so instead of abandoning the seven 'rectangles' that were destine for a blanket, I made a scarf. Wonky is OK wrapped around your neck.

Keep Calm and Crochet On!

And that is just what I did. I think I've finally found my go to pattern (I'll make the official declaration after I've completed it ... just in case. A gal can never be too sure ya know).

Wanna see?

Here's a peek.

I've used up one pound of love (less what is now a scarf); only two more to go!

I really like how it is turning out. Once I got going it started to move really fast. Don't ask how many times I ripped out the first couple of rows ... one time I managed to flip the thing upside down and crochet the whole way across only to figure it out once the next row wouldn't work. I'm bright like that you know.

Here's the link to the pattern. I am digging the simplicity of the one color (not to mention not having to change yarns every few rows). It seems to make the shell pattern stand out even more. I also got a kick out of how my pumpkins complimented my basket so nicely.

Maybe I'm just a bit shell shocked ;-)

What's coloring your world these days?

The Illusionist

I know it's been quite on the crafty front here lately but I really have been up to something. Really! Tell me ... what does your eye see?

Something cozy?

Previously we had a little math lesson with a few crocheted blocks of yarn.

Now I'd like to share with you a new skill I've mastered.

The slight of hand.

What was once a blanket in the making ...

is now a scarf.

I told you had been up to something ;-) More tricks ... or treats ... with yarn to come.

Move over David Copperfield. I'm comin' to Vegas.

Geometry

Once I came undone, the adventure began to find the perfect blanket to make. Boy oh boy is it easy to get lost in this virtual world of ours.

I became slightly obsessed interested in the Catherine Wheel Stitch but could not locate a free pattern for a blanket despite my search.  I did however stumble upon this beautiful scarf. I did find a pattern on Ravelry for a scarf but I was too lazy / math illiterate to convert it into a blanket. This one comes close (and maybe it is indeed a version of the CWS) but I decided against it. I saved it to my favs to go back to later (along with about 52 others).

I then moved on to this gorgeous blanket. Are you all familiar with the Garnet Hill catalogue? There was a blanket similar to this a few years ago and I drooled all over that page for months. I don't remember how much the blanket was but I remember thinking that it was overpriced. That was obviously before I began crocheting and knew how much work that blanket would be and the cost of the yarn! I quickly came to my senses - no I did not try to buy the blanket but realized that I am stash busting - cream yarn it is.

Then Sunny Spread came my way. Oh boy. I love it. It's beautiful. It's great for a solid color. It requires my undivided attention - oh wait stop. Can't go there. Added to the favs (number 53).

After much waxing and waining and far too much time on the computer neglecting children, hubbie, dinner, bathrooms I decided upon this pattern from Lion Brand.

It seems simple enough but not sleep inducing.

Then I began wondering if I was wrong.

Simple has become complicated.

One four five letter word.

Gauge.

gets.me.every.time.

All these squares are lined up edge to edge and as you can see they are not the same size.

I'm hoping that once they are all done (only 27 more to go) and assembled it will work out ... or if nothing else, once wrapped in the blanket the recipient won't even notice the fact that her blanket is a new geometric shape ... rectangleish.

The Glass (Acrylic) Slipper

I feel like Cinderella.

Progress is being made AND I already have my prince charming ...

three of them to be exact.

Wonder if there is a ball I could be swept away to this weekend?

Details will be forthcoming for the slippers (and if there indeed is an evening of dancing that occurs ... a gal can always dream!).

She's Come Undone

So I'm supposed to be working on another project ... and I somehow manage to become obsessed interested with a UFO (unfinished object).

What is up with that? I mean really. I haven't thought about or touched this blanket since last fall? Maybe winter ... it's been sooo long I can't even remember.

One thing I do remember though is somewhere right from the get go I made a mistake on the cables and just kept going ... improvising. Sadly, my improvisation was a difficult one. It made making this blanket quite laborious.

I couldn't pick it back up because I have no idea what I was doing before.

Sadly this is the state of my mind on any given day. Just ask Rocky.

I finally bit the bullet and yanked it out.

I ran into a bit of trouble and couldn't get one stitch to come out so I had to cut the yarn. This is what I'm left with:

As you can see, I've already come undone ... something to help me put this back together would be nice; I have three of these pounds of love to work with so coming up short is not an issue (at least in the yarn department that is!).

Any suggestions for a simple adult sized afghan that isn't completely mind numbing and nothing but double crochet?

Slipper-y

I never thought after my last granny square project that I would have any desire to square dance anytime soon.

I started having flash backs while setting up this picture.

I had forgotten how long it had taken me to sew in all the ends and then piece the purse together.

Boy did I enjoy that purse - all summer long.

That's brought me back from the edge.

Deep breath. 

I turned my pile around and saw this:

Ahhh. Much better.

And then I took a peek at the top.

And then I remembered that I need to make four more squares to then transform them into something nice and cozy ... I'm on a slipper-y slope - back to the edge I go.

I see some fancy footwork on the horizon ...

Withholding

Please forgive me. I didn't mean to tease you with my crocheted bag and never share the stats. I just got a little delirious (as you can tell by that post) and lost all track of time and forgot about sharing.


Let's make up.

I know you've been waiting with baited breath ...




I used sock yarn. Crazy isn't it. I couldn't find any variegated yarn that I liked (in the 5 minute window of time that I had to shop) so I took a deep breath and stepped out of my comfort zone and bought this Mellow Stripe .... and used an itty bitty crochet hook (D) hoping that the name alone would make this a positive experience (despite the teeny weenie hook).


I followed this pattern that I found on ravelry. There is a correction that was referenced in the comments on ravelry but if you've grannied before you would probably catch the mistake ... I on the other hand had to figure it out the hard way and start from square one. Twice.


The lining was a bit challenging - I laid my purse out flat and traced around it. Unfortunately I didn't do a very good job of this - it's a wee bit (ok - a lot) wonky.

I actually cut 4 of these (wonky) pieces (that had to be trimmed to line up); I didn't want a seam showing through my purse so I followed the April Bag instructions to finish the lining then hand sewed it in. One thing that I love about this bag is how the squares are on an angle - that is what made making the lining so difficult. I didn't want it to just go straight across - I thought that might look funny - so I brought it up to the peaks (sorta).

Told ya it was wonky.

I love it despite it being a bit off center ... you know how they say a dog can resemble it's owner - I say that applies to purses too. I did remember to sew a pocket in this one so now I don't have to dig to the bottom of my purse for my cell phone and subject everyone in a 50 mile radius to Michael Buble whenever Rocky calls ... but why withhold such a catchy tune ;-)

Jeopardy

Given the weekend I was having I thought it was high time to play a game. You in? How about a little round of Jeopardy.


(Disclaimer - photos are terrible - it was overcast here AND if you guess right ... well - good for you but there is no prize other then knowing how brilliant you are)

I'll take Mythology for $500.

Who used their wits and slayed Medusa?

A. Perseus

B. Yo Adrienne

I'll take Hollywood for $200.

The Flying Nun was played by?

A. Sally Field

B. Yo Adrienne

Double Jeopardy.

Which Pin Up Girl does this model resemble?

A. Marylin Monroe

B. Yo Adrienne

The bag is finished - the lining made. Now I just need to hand sew the bugger in ... will this bag make it to the final round? Don't change the channel during the commercial break ...

Slow Dancing

Sixteen grannies

lined up in rows

what will happen no one knows ...

There's a skip in the ol' record over here. I just can't seem to get into a groove. Square dancing has become like trying to slow dance to an 80's hair band.

just.can't.do.it.

One day I hope to weave in all the ends ... sew the sixteen squares together ... crochet a strap ... make a lining (with a pocket - very important detail) and have me a new summer purse ... before winter of 2010.

sigh

Maybe I should try to Polka instead.

Shall we dance?