Something New - Cuddle Bunny Blanket

Now that my daughter is driving - better -, I'm able to crochet in the passenger seat.  The other day, heading out of town, I was able to quickly crochet this blanket - Lion Brand's Quick & Cozy Cuddle Bunny Blanket using Bernat's Baby Blanket yarn.  I had some trouble with backstitching the face, but I came up with a face that works for me.  I loved the way it turned out - I plan to make more to give to hospitals for their young patients.

Two More Finished WIPs

This is a ripple pattern - Baby Lacy Ripples.  I used a larger hook size to make it an adult-size afghan.  A couple of years ago I made a baby afghan for my great-niece using this baby terry yarn.  My nephew loved it so much he joked and said he needed a soft afghan just like it.  That gave me the idea to use the left over yarn for a bigger ghan.  I used the left overs, but actually had to buy more.  Any excuse to buy more yarn!  The finished ghan is extra soft and cozy.  My daughter has already claimed it.

This is a quick and simple prayer shawl made with Lion Brand Homespun.  The pattern is Crochet Wife Scarf out of the first The Prayer Shawl Ministry pattern book.  It is a quick pattern, but it took me awhile to finish it.  My main problem is starting so many projects and then not finishing them.  This summer I've made a good start on finishing my WIPs!
This shawl will actually be one of my first donations for my new community outreach program - Crafting Blessing.  Check my other blog for more information - www.craftingblessings.blogspot.com.

Another Finished WIP

I finally made the time to finish my daughter's afghan.  I think I've been working on it on and off for 4 years.  Since she just graduated from high school, I thought it was about time.  Plus, she's been begging me.  I used 4 different yarns, I don't even know if I can remember them all.....  The green is a soft Red Heart, the White is a fuzzy Lion Brand, the black plain Simply Soft was paired with black eye-lash yarn.  I thought the main color was going to be green - the way the pattern read.  But it looks more like the main color is white.  I just hope it doesn't get too dirty.  The size turned out shorter than I'd like, and it's extremely heavy.  I added several rows of single crochet as a border trying to make it a little bigger - until I started to run out of yarn.  Then the final row is picots.  The pattern is from Lily Chin's Mosaic Magic - Fair Isle Fancy.

The Wedding Afghan

I finally finished the afghan for my nephew who's getting married in a couple of weeks.  It took a little longer than I expected, but it turned out pretty.  I think it's going to look great draped over the back of their chocolate leather couch.  I just love working with Simply Soft yarn!

Meet oJo

oJo is a character my daughter created when she was in middle school.  Previously I posted a couple of pieces of art she painted.  As you can tell, she is very creative.  She created oJo on paper - something to doodle.  I expanded a little on that and created a toy animal.  These are my first prototypes.  I'm still perfecting the pattern.  I'll build the inventory, then approach some local shops to see if they'd be interested in selling them.  I've already tried them out on my great niece and nephew, and they seem to be a big hit.  These toys are a perfect fit in a toddler's hand.  The weight is just right, and the construction is very durable.  These appendages won't be coming off easily.  And no plastic eyes or mouth to swallow.  Totally OK to chew.  Totally wash proof.  Cuddly to boot.  Awesome choice of a favorite toy for both child and mom.

Crochet: Hexagon Granny Baby Jacket

Several times while looking for crochet patterns I've come across this really cute baby sweater.  I took the time to look for the pattern, and I printed the one from Bev's Country Cottage.  She refers to the pattern she found on Tina's Blogspot.  But I'm still not sure who the originator of this design is.  It's so versatile and the color combinations are endless.  This is my first attempt, and I'm sure I'll be making more.  I had some problems with the ribbed cuffs, so I ended up with a ruffle instead.  I repeated the ruffle around the collar and bottom to complete the effect.  I also chose to use tie closures instead of buttons.  I was pleased with the final product.  The pink and purple are Bernat Satin - one of my favorite yarns.  The variegated is Bernat Softee Baby.  I'm hoping whoever ends up with this sweater feels extra special.  This is a contribution to the charity I volunteer for - Online Angels.

Crocheting for Online Angels

This past week I've crocheted a few baby items for Online Angels.  I've been accomplishing some much-needed work around my house, so my crafting time has taken the back burner.  The items pictured were made during my lunch hour at work.  I plan on making a lot of baby items for Online Angels this year.  You can't really tell the size just by looking at the picture, but some of them are so tiny.  There are preemies born every day, and the new parents need to see them in cheerful clothes.  Handmade is especially meaningful during the stressful time of taking care of a newborn in need.  There seems to always be a shortage of donated baby items for hospitals and shelters.  I wish I could do more.

Crochet A Rainbow

For many months I have admired the artistic talent of fellow crocheter Sarah London.  Sarah has recently started a campaign called "Crochet A Rainbow" in order to provide some comfort to flood victims of Australia.  For many years I have dedicated much of my crafting time to a very worthy charity based out of Pennsylvania.  This is the first time I've reached so far across the globe, but I feel blessed to be able to use my God-given talent in order to help in this special way.  Thank you, Sarah, for heading this up.

For more information, click on "Crochet A Rainbow" in the side bar.

Working on WIPS

One of my goals in 2011 - other than concentrating on baby items for the charity I volunteer for - is to finish up some WIPs that have been hanging around.  I have, oh, maybe 5 or more years worth of projects to complete.  Well, it might not be that bad.  But I do have a lot.  Over the summer when fleece was on sale, I bought 4 panels to edge in crochet.  I think they're 2 1/2 yards and 60 inches wide.  Nice and cozy, with a personal touch.  Here's the first.  I ran out of yarn before I could complete the final round, but I think I like it this way better - not so ruffly.
I have to make a plug here for the awesome tool I have to make the evenly-spaced notches in the fleece.  It's a rotary blade called the Skip Stitch blade.  Look it up on the Internet (using Goodsearch to help Online Angels, of course) and check it out.

Crochet for Birthday

My mother-in-law's birthday is exactly 2 weeks after Christmas - 1 week after New Year's.  I get so stressed out getting all the gifts for Christmas, her birthday usually pops up on me quicker than expected.  This year, she's getting hand made.


Crochet Scrubbies (cotton and plarn)

Crochet Dish Cloths



Crochet Hot pads



Crochet Coasters (6 in all)





More Crochet

Until Christmas has passed, my crocheting and blogging time will be limited.  So, I thought I would post a few things I've completed these past couple of weeks.

Scarf made on a scarf rake knitting loom.  Hat is crochet - check out the ear flaps and brim.  Dark blue with hunter green accent.  I can't wait to see it on Little Mikey.

A crochet scarf and a hat made on a Knifty Knitter round loom.  Veriegated white / purple / green with purple and pink accents.  I love making spirals.  I think Layla will enjoy watching them spring and squiggle when she walks.

My second Special Olympics scarf.  Crocheted using a wave pattern.

Misc Crochet

A Christmas gift for my niece.  Pattern from Sarah London's Hip to Hook 2010 - Radiant Sunbeams.  I didn't follow the pattern for the backside - it's the same crochet in the round as the front, but without the loops for the beams.  I only used the yellow.  

 I added the loops of all the different colors on the outside edge - my own Cary2Crafty finishing touch.

This was a quick scarf I knit using my awesome scarf loom.  It's a little looser than I'd like, but it's super soft.  This will be a donation for Online Angels.  There's always a great need for scarves in the winter.

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.

Something New Saturday - Hot Pad

This past week I've been visiting some blogs of fellow crocheters.  I've added myself as a follower of several that seem to have the same interests.  I've been inspired by many - there are so many talented people.  I could spend days surfing blogs on the net.  Last week my interest was renewed in potholders and hot pads.  I started my Saturday running errands, including a trip to AC Moore for some cotton yarn for my Something New project.  Back at home, I was going to search for some patterns on-line, but today my home internet connection decided to die.  They sent a technician right away, so I had a mad dash around the house picking up mess the kids left.  Fun, fun.  While I waited for the tech to show up, I pulled out some pattern books in search of a pattern of something round that would make a cool potholder or hot pad.  I found a pattern in an afghan book with some motifs that would be perfect for a potholder.  I made 2 and joined them together, then made 2 final rounds.  I think this will also double as a hot pad.  I don't really like working with cotton, but it's the best yarn for kitchen stuff like pot holders, hot pads, and coasters  You might not be able to tell the colors - the picture quality isn't the best.  But I used pale yellow, navy blue, a variegated "Vintage Twist", burgundy, and sage.  These colors will go great in my kitchen.

Something New Saturday - Special Olympics Scarf

For many personal reasons, the Special Olympics Scarf Project is near and dear to my heart.  I stumbled upon this project a few years ago, and was awestruck by the response across the country.  I participated that year and sent in about 6 scarves.  Following the activity, I was surprised to see that they could practically fill a basketball court with all the donations.  At one point I was disappointed that they had so many contributions that the scarves ended up across the town and in stores.  Then again, I was humbled that so many people would care enough to take the time to participate.  I ran out of time last year, so the 2 scarves I completed ended up being donated to Online Angels instead.  I hope I can get myself together enough to make the deadline this time.  For my Something New, I ran across this idea when looking at some afghan patterns.  This is a Scandinavian Square pattern from a recent magazine.  I didn't chose the colors - these are designated for the 2011 Special Olympics Scarf Project.  It was fun to do, but not fun enough to mass produce.  I'm thinking of a Mile-A-Minute pattern for the next one.  Stay tuned for a different one on an up-coming Something New Saturday.

Something New Saturday - Grannies

Today I thought I'd kill two birds with one stone.  I wanted to continue with my Something New Saturday, but I also have the deadline of my 1000 squares goal looming.  So I decided to get out my 99 Grannies book and try out some new patterns.  Although it was good practice for me reading and following the different patterns, I think I'll just stick to the basic granny from here on out.  The basic granny is so quick and easy, and I think the lines are much nicer and cleaner.  Plus - I don't have to constantly think about what I'm doing - I can watch TV, listen to music, have a conversation with the family - without worrying about losing my place and messing up the pattern.  I found one major mistake in one of them, but I just left it alone.  It adds character.

On a different note, I was excited this past week when I was able to complete my supply of yarn for my next project - 2011 Special Olympic Scarves.  You can read about it on the internet - use GoodSearch as your search engine and look it up.  You'd be surprised at the overwhelming response they get to their call for handmade scarves.  And I'm sure Coats & Clark is happy with the yarn sales.

Something New Saturday - Fabric Basket

For today's something new I decided to put a new spin on something I used to make about 15 years ago.  A friend taught me how to crochet baskets before I was crocheting for real.  I found another friend who hooked me up with a supplier of some fabric ends.  I've saved those ends for a long time - not really knowing what to do with them, but not wanting to throw them away.  True crafters know exactly what I'm talking about.  Anyway, I saw an idea from Crochet Dude....  I ripped some of the fabric I had into smaller strips - thinking I could make a smaller basket.  Well, fabric is NOT easy for me to crochet with.  So although this Something New was kind of a bust, at least I was able to come to the decision that crocheting with fabric just isn't my thing.  So... off to make more squares.  I just calculated my total, and I have 690 done for the year.  That means I have to make 310 more.  Which calculates out to be a little bit more than 100 a month over these last 3 months of the year.  Throw in a couple of holidays, some other "must do" craft projects that will be Christmas gifts, and the usual stuff with the kids - this is going to be very difficult to accomplish.  Wish me luck!

Afghan and Bookmarks

Last night I was looking forward to working on bookmarks.  Got supper out of the way, cleaned up in the kitchen, paid the bills.... then the power went out.  So much for WIP Wednesday.  So, I made up for it tonight.  I finished up some bookmarks that I had been working on.  I think they'll make great stocking stuffers, or be that special extra touch tucked in a book given as a gift.  These, too, I'll work on as time permits, and add them to my inventory for "one day".  One Day when I decide I have enough goodies put away to open a store.  I'm also working on some Christmas gifts for family.  This afghan is number 3 of 3.  I'm only about 1/4 done.  Afghan number 2 still needs to be washed so I can add the fringe.