Monday, September 29, 2008

Granny 101

I am excited about the opportunity to teach a crochet class! After thinking about what kind of projects to work on I decided that a pot holder set and placemats would be the ideal beginner projects! I have come up with these little pot holders in a variety of granny square designs.
Granny Square Pot HolderGranny Square Pot Holder
These two pictures are actually the same potholder. I love making these...it's simply one large granny square with the corners folded in and seamed together! Oh, the doily they are laying on is one my Grandma made for me years ago...it's one of my favorite! Both my grandma's were skilled with a crochet hook!!!!
Granny Square Pot Holder
Granny Square Pot Holder
They are all so bright and cheery, and once you learn the basic granny square you can make so many things from them.
The placemat design is just a simple half-double crochet swithing colors every row.
Placemat
I especially like the way this looks! Almost like it was hand woven. I am definitely making a set of these for my kitchen table!
I am also working on a throw pillow from small grannies that will go great with these! I'll post pictures of it once I get it done.

After crocheting most of the weekend I had to take a little break to let my hands rest and to get some housework done. The rain kept us indoors most of the weekend, but Sunday afternoon I was able to get out the camera and take a cute little picture of Phoebe.
Phoebe

Friday, September 19, 2008

FRIDAY NIGHT BLUES!

Blue On Black Knit Wrap
Finished! What a great way to get the blues! I finished up this little wrap last night. I normally do not use a lot of blue in my knitting and crochet, so this is a little out of step for me, but Boy...do I like it! The different textures in the yarns make me drool! And I simply cannot get enough of the garter stitch in these different yarns. I don't know what it is about it! My mom has always said that she was addicted to fabric, not being able to resist buying that piece of fabric that caught her eye...I totally understand. I'm hooked on the string!! I used scraps from my stash in this, and a skein of of Vanna's black yarn to pull them all together.

These wraps are so much fun to make, and it's even more fun to play with them and see how many ways it can be worn!
Blue On Black Knit Wrap/Scarf
It looks awesome as a scarf. This is going in my etsy shop, but I have plans on making another for myself. I have now started a long slinky scarf of the same colors. A girl cannot have too many scarves!

Wednesday, September 17, 2008

BLUE ON BLACK

Something for the Etsy Shop
Such a pertty combination of colors! This is a little something I am working on to go in my etsy shop. It will be similar to my "Urban Warmth" (pictured below). I have used a variety of yarns, from metalics to some novelty...so it's full of texture! This is my favorite what to knit...basic garter stitch and just picking up color randomly. Pure inspiration! I never know exactly what it will look like until it's done.

Urban Warmth
I am seeing the same nubby fringe on each end and a loop and button. Can you not see these blue and black colors in a long slinky scarf??? I sure can, and think that may be forthcoming!

I've been working on a little scarf using some sock yarn from my stash. It's light and airy, and full of color. I added the little crocheted motifs to give it a little more length and a little more weight.

Ladder Knit Scarf with Crochet Motifs
I haven't decided for sure, but think it may go into my etsy shop.

Saturday, September 13, 2008

IT'S HIP TO BE SQUARE!

Granny Square Afghan
I have made more progress on my afghan and it's getting close to being finished. It almost covers me from head to toe and I'm thinking just a couple more rows of squares before it's ready for the border. I have thoroughly enjoyed working on this blanket, and as I am coming to the completion of it I've been getting the urge to pull Babette out and finish her up.
Another Row of Squares
Here are a few more squares to go into the next row. I really like the combination of the purple and brown square.

I visited my local yarn shop to pick up a ball winder...well, I walked out with more than that. A 30% off sale tempted me and I could not resist! I am thinking of a Ladder Shawl done up in this yummy yellow yarn!

Yummy Yellow Yarn!

I wanted to share my new book with everyone. Got it off of Amazon, and it is packed full of good stuff!

My New Favorite Book
Life would be perfect if I had the time to do everything I wanted!! Unfortunately, this is a problem that I share with all my girlfriends...not enough time. Oh well...back to this book. It is so packed full of motifs my brain did the happy dance as I thumbed through the pages!

Life lately has been hectic and stressful. As some may know, my sister had a heart attack. It is so rare, the condition is called "Spontaneous Coronary Artery Dissection - Postpartum". The artery to the left ventricle dissected causing a heart attack. It has been so scary for her, at the age of 37, with a two month old, and two children ages three and six...you can imagine. I made a trip up to Maryland to help with the kids and the house but had to get back home because I was out of vacation time. She's in Johns Hopkins, and has been there for ten days and hopes to get home tomorrow if everything goes well today. It has been hard on us all worrying about her.

Needless to say, the worrying along with this stupid pain in my back and hip has left me sleep deprived and tired! I got up Friday and got ready for work...my camera was sitting out and I snapped a pic...even though I am pooped, with bags under my eyes I put a smile on my face. I know she is going to get better and will be back home with her kids and hubby soon.
Friday Morning.