Something New Saturday - Ripple Pillow

I think my "Something New Saturday" might have to turn into just plain "Something New".  A new project from beginning to end sometimes takes me more than one day.  Last Saturday, I was battling a cold and really didn't feel up to crocheting.  For this post, I actually started the project last night.  I've been searching for a ripple pillow pattern from my great aunt's generation.  I posted an inquiry on my Online Angels group, and a member told me how she's made them in the past.  So I found the basic pattern, and chose up-to-date colors.  I loved how it turned out.  I can't wait to play with more color combinations for my pillow projects next year.

I was excited to get started on my Something New, but I made myself complete my final afghan Christmas present over Thanksgiving.

The first afghan I made for my sister-in-law Kimberly.  Using Simply Soft, it's a country blue color.  The pattern is from Heirloom Afghans (Leisure Arts), and is called Marvelous in Mauve.  (I used my artistic freedom and chose a different color.)

Next on the list was an afghan for my brother-in-law and sister-in-law - Ken and Lisa.  I've used this pattern before for my nephew when he got married.  For this afghan I also used Simply Soft, but using a dark blue.  The pattern is found in Birthstone AFGHANS  (Leisure Arts), called JULY - Ruby.  I've always loved the pineapple design.

The final afghan for my Christmas project is for my parents-in-law.  Again, using Simple Soft (can you tell it's my favorite yarn?) - this is a heather color - plum.  The pattern is another from Heirloom Afghans called Just Peachy (notice the color of mine isn't peach.)

Now that I have these out of the way, I get to work on my WIPs in addition to my donations for Online Angels.    Let's see - Amanda's blanket, another blanket using up some baby chenille, scarves for the Special Olympics, a candle cozy, fabric yo-yos, edged fleece blankets .....  I'm sure there are many others but they've been put away for so long I just can't remember.  Oh, and for next year - my personal projects will be pillows and more pillows.  Maybe slippers - as my family seems to get a kick out of the old-fashioned hand-crochet slippers.  For Online Angels, I'm going to concentrate on baby items.

Something New Saturday - Baby Booties

I chose a quick project for today because I knew I wouldn't have a lot of time to crochet.  I went to a funeral today of a dear old lady I've known for almost 30 years.  She was very talented - from cooking to crafting to artwork.  Almost 25 years ago she made my wedding cake and catered my wedding reception.

My something new to try today was a new pattern for baby booties.  The pattern was called Easy Baby Booties using Vanna's Baby Yarn by Lion Brand.  I loved the look, and a plus was these didn't require sewing, and they are one piece.  The instructions were clear for the sole, but coming up the sides they made absolutely no sense to me.  And the finish was even more bizarre because where I finished was at the end opposite of where the pattern said to end.  So.....  I had to improvise, and then I had to remember what I did when I made the mate.  Not my best work, so I'll end up throwing this pattern out - unless I can find it again with corrections.  I really like the look of these booties.  I used medium-weight 4-ply yarn, but I think baby yarn would work best - something lighter weight.  Lucky for me, my work is not a total loss.  The charity I volunteer for is great for finding the perfect home for whatever I make.

Something New Saturday - Spa Set

Yesterday I spent a lot of time "working out" with more cotton yarn.  I don't know why I feel like it takes more strength to crochet with cotton...  This Spa Set (Crochet World - August 2010) includes a wash cloth, scrubbie, and puff.  I used some cotton yarn from my stash - so not really spa colors.  I think the puff gave me the most challenge - working through all the ruffles, and wondering "am I almost done?"  But I really turned out neat, and I'm glad I tried it.  Next test is to see how it holds up when put to use. 

Last week I gathered everything up for my November box to send to Online Angels.  Shown are 250 squares.  I made 50 more squares to make 300 in the box.  After these, I think I have about 60 more to make to reach my 1000-square goal.  Also included in the box are some fleece blankets I found at the drug store marked way down.  And then some hotel toiletries and condiments collected for me by my husband and some co-workers.  These items make great stocking stuffers for senior homes, shelters, children's homes, and hospitals.