Oh, Granny!

Yay! I finished! I am loving it, too. It turned out almost how I thought.

When I start a new project I can see it finished in my head, and this one is pretty close to what I had pictured in my little brain. I was toying with the idea for an edging at the top of the bag, but decided against it...I thought it looked complete as is.
I did something new on this, I chained stitched a long cord and used it as a lace to tie the sides of the bag, similar to how you lace up a tennis shoe. I loved it the moment I tried it!

This is the first time I have done something that was both knit and crocheted...and it turned out great, the two look like they belong together. Using a seed stitch for the bottom of the bag and the straps added so much stability to the bag, which is necessary for a tote bag, or in this case a diaper bag.

Of course, I had to make a "Dangle" for it!

The Tasseled Dangle is the icing on the cake. It adds that little spark of personality. I was thinking these might be kind of neat as Christmas Ornaments! Can you tell my brain never stops?!
I'm so pleased with the way this turned out! I'm ready to let my crochet hook cool off for a little bit, but probably not for too long!

Coming Right Along

As you can see, I've been busy with construction of the diaper bag. I chose to cast on with the knitting needs and do the bottom of the bag in a seed stitch, using two strands of yarn to make it extra durable. I'm liking the look!



I have decided to knit the lining in stockinette stitch also using two strands of yarn. It is turning out great! I have ideas for a trim edge at the top of the bag, and the shoulder straps. I was thinking of a short-stubby crocheted fringe around the top. For the lining I just picked up stitches at the top of the bag and did stockinette stitch on circular needles. It's working very well.



I have to post a couple pics of an afghan I have had for years, made by my Grandma. It's my favorite. My Grandma had an eye for color and was very talented with crochet, and the sewing machine!!! I love her eye for design!





Phoebe had to get in on the fun when the camera was out!! She looks so cute on the afghan...my little comfort hound!

Good Ole Red Heart

I know, but I can't resist...I learned to crochet in the 70's, and Red Heart was it...so I have a secret love for it. I am working on a diaper bag, so the stiff acrylic is just what I needed, and let's face it, Red Heart comes in some GREAT colors!
These are the first of my grannies for the bag. I am envisioning the style to be something similar to a old-timey carpet bag.

The variegated yarn has been discontinued. I loved it when I first picked it up, and my sister I know will like these colors. I am wanting the bag to be something she can use long after the baby is out of diapers!

Update on Babette!!!
Take a look! I am starting to assemble the squares. This is the most exciting part of the blanket.

I am weird, but I enjoy sewing the squares together. This is when it all comes together. I am going to have to add some panels to the blanket to get it to a larger size.
Just got my Interweave Crochet Magazine this afternoon, and it so full of great projects. Maybe when I get past these two projects I can kick back and work on something new! Always have to be planning the next thing, you know!

Inspiration

I was surfing the internet yesterday and came across this granny square blanket, which I absolutely love! It inspires me and makes me want to pick up my crochet hook.



Aren't the colors yummy??!

Yesterday, on my lunch hour I hit my local Hobby Lobby and walked out with a bag full of Red Heart Acrylic. My sister has requested a diaper bag for her newest arrival, so I am going to crochet one for her...hopefully it will be a bag she will use long after baby is out of diapers!

Started the squares last night, and I will have pictures of them posted this weekend. Also, the Babette is coming along beautifully and I have begun joining squares. Two projects at one time! This is so unlike me. I normally have to get one thing complete before starting another.

Four Round Squares Near Completion!

I am getting there. I have about five more of these little four round squares to complete! I love them. I can see an entire blanket done in these little squares. It would be a lot of work, but well worth it. Of all the squares I have worked on for the Babette Blanket, I think these are my favorite! My goal is to get these completed and begin on the two round squares...it's a very do-able goal. The next size is the two round squares, which will go quickly. These will be so small I am thinking that I may do them in solid colors.



Aren't they happy?!!! I have decided that I need to make one of these blankets for myself. I am so glad Sebrina opened up the world of the Babette Blanket to me!

Here are some six rounders...they are very pretty, also.



You may notice that I do not crochet my squares traditionally when it comes to changing colors. I do at times, but I thought changing colors mid round would give this little blanket even more personality. I use this technique when crocheting with embroidery floss, and got hooked on it.

Here is a vest I did a while back in embroidery floss. Embroidery floss is perfect for crocheting grannies with...it has such a pretty sheen to it. I encourage every crocheter to give it a try!

More Squares....

I have completed all the six round squares on Sebrina's Blanket and have begun the four round squares. These will go fast. Although, with this fine yarn and my small hook, my squares are smaller than the pattern, so I may end up going back and adding rows to them. We'll have to wait and see...but I suspect I will have to!





It's been a full weekend, and I haven't had as much crochet time as I would have liked! But I'm pleased, they are coming right along!