This Easter, I’m wishing you to have a peaceful heart and peaceful mind.
May you realize all of your aspirations and hopes. Wish you and your
family a Happy Easter!
Sunday, March 31, 2013
Friday, March 29, 2013
Crochet Stash-Buster Update
Progress! Slowly but surely I am using up my stash. First, my basket full of cotton is finally disappearing.
Yes, it's been three weeks of cotton crocheting and I have a lot to show for it! You've seen my Overlay Crochet Mandala,(soon to be a pillow) and you've seen my Mandalas, and this week I made a much needed dishcloth for myself. This pattern is so pretty and so fun to make I want to make several of them.The cotton yarn I used for this one is Hobby Lobby's I Love This Cotton in Buttercup Print.
And I have to say, I am getting really excited about my new little granny square blanket. I love the white now and I only have one row done but I worked in all the ends and it's looking pretty good.
Happy Crocheting!
Thursday, March 28, 2013
The CGOA Chain Link Conference: Three Days of Crochet!!
Hello fellow crocheters! Are you planning on attending this fun crochet event? Have you ever been before? Do you know someone that has gone in the past?
I think this just sounds like a blast and a dream come true. The post below is from the CGOA Now! Blog.
Hello! I’m the new kid on the board, so I’m just figuring out what the
CGOA board is all about. I’m excited to be a part of helping to shape
crochet in America and, more important, finding out what it is that you
want to see in your CGOA, both on the shiny new website and at the Chain
Link conference.
As editor of Interweave Crochet, I am all about crochet. All day, every day. How great is that? Maybe you are just as fortunate. Maybe not.
If not, I have the next best thing for you: Close your eyes. Picture yourself in a place filled with people with hooks and yarn. People who don’t ask you if you’re knitting. People whose eyes don’t glaze over when you respond that you’re crocheting. People who don’t say “Huh, an old lady down the street used to do that.” The people in this room come up, touch your sleeve, ask what crochet stitch that is, where you got the pattern, what yarn you used. They ask if you used an inline hook to get the bullions so smooth. They might ask you if you’ve seen Lily Chin or Doris Chan or Tammy Hildebrand roaming around. Because you are that kind of person -- the kind who hangs out with Lily and Doris and Tammy, just crocheting and shootin’ the breeze.
Ok, now open your eyes and fetch your calendar (go ahead -- I’ll wait). Circle these dates: July 17-21 and October 2-6. Now dial up your Google maps. Figure out how far it is from your house to Indianapolis. Now to Charlotte. Go for whichever is closest. Then sign yourself up for the Chain Link Conference. Because you deserve to be in a room filled with crocheters who love crochet.
And, really? These people are serious fun. Don’t believe me? Check this out. (And in case you missed it there at the end, watch the video that was made at the 2010 Chain Link Conference)
You’ll learn, you’ll crochet, you’ll do nothing but breathe this great craft for three full days (and, yeah, you might have to buy a commemorative hook and a skein or two of yarn, to work on in the lobby with Doris and Tammy and Lily. Because you are that kind of person.)
I look forward to seeing you there. Let’s have a coffee and crochet a motif. Can’t wait!
Best,
Marcy
Let me know what you think!
Happy Crocheting!
I think this just sounds like a blast and a dream come true. The post below is from the CGOA Now! Blog.
Sunday, March 24, 2013
Come Join the Fun!
As editor of Interweave Crochet, I am all about crochet. All day, every day. How great is that? Maybe you are just as fortunate. Maybe not.
If not, I have the next best thing for you: Close your eyes. Picture yourself in a place filled with people with hooks and yarn. People who don’t ask you if you’re knitting. People whose eyes don’t glaze over when you respond that you’re crocheting. People who don’t say “Huh, an old lady down the street used to do that.” The people in this room come up, touch your sleeve, ask what crochet stitch that is, where you got the pattern, what yarn you used. They ask if you used an inline hook to get the bullions so smooth. They might ask you if you’ve seen Lily Chin or Doris Chan or Tammy Hildebrand roaming around. Because you are that kind of person -- the kind who hangs out with Lily and Doris and Tammy, just crocheting and shootin’ the breeze.
Ok, now open your eyes and fetch your calendar (go ahead -- I’ll wait). Circle these dates: July 17-21 and October 2-6. Now dial up your Google maps. Figure out how far it is from your house to Indianapolis. Now to Charlotte. Go for whichever is closest. Then sign yourself up for the Chain Link Conference. Because you deserve to be in a room filled with crocheters who love crochet.
And, really? These people are serious fun. Don’t believe me? Check this out. (And in case you missed it there at the end, watch the video that was made at the 2010 Chain Link Conference)
You’ll learn, you’ll crochet, you’ll do nothing but breathe this great craft for three full days (and, yeah, you might have to buy a commemorative hook and a skein or two of yarn, to work on in the lobby with Doris and Tammy and Lily. Because you are that kind of person.)
I look forward to seeing you there. Let’s have a coffee and crochet a motif. Can’t wait!
Best,
Marcy
p.s. If you have some swatches and spare yarn lying around looking for a home, why not whip them up into a blanket? Our friends over at Crochetville are gathering blankets and donations for Project Night Night, which is seeking handmade blankets 50” x 60” or smaller. A patchwork blanket will help you clear out your stash and help a homeless child stay warm and feel loved. Win, win!
Let me know what you think!
Happy Crocheting!
Wednesday, March 27, 2013
Pinterest Crochet Inspiration: Spring Fling
After getting another 10" of snow on the 3rd day of Spring I am definitely in the mood for some bright and cheery Spring inspiration. I have gathered several beautiful crochet projects that are not just gorgeous but...they are all free! Woo Hoo! Enjoy...
Happy Crocheting!!
Thursday, March 21, 2013
Stash-Busting Crochet Cotton: Mandala Crazy
Here's what I've been up to...
Mandala Crazy!!
The two on the right and the cute red/yellow flower dishcloth were already done. I just added three more to my wall.
The one above is just a regular crochet Granny Mandala. This is from the pattern by Crochet with Raymond.
Below is my Easter African Flower Mandala front and back. This pattern is also from Crochet with Raymond.
and one more front and back...
I really enjoy making these and giving them as gifts. They make wonderful potholders or hot pads and cute kitchen decor. I have to warn you... they are very addicting! They work up so fast. I make the front one night in front of the TV and the next night I do the back, and sometimes I work on the back and joining them together in the mornings before work, if I have time. I am going to make one more African Flower Mandala for the 2013 Ravelry Potholder Swap. I better hurry, the deadline is April 1st!
Before the Overlayed Crochet Mandala CAL and all the above Mandala's made this week....
to after...
Can you tell the difference? Seriously?? I feel like I've barely made a dent into my cotton stash. I do have to make the back for the Overlayed Mandala because I am going to make it into a pillow. More on that later...I'll be bored with this pretty soon and then I'll have to move on to more fun with 2013 stash-busting challenge!
Happy Crocheting!
Monday, March 18, 2013
Pinterest Crochet Inspiration: Crochet Delights
Happy Monday and another week in front of us and I wonder what it will bring...
My back is improving finally after two weeks of constant pain and missing 1-week at work. Luckily on Thursday the doctor gave me prednisone and it's truly a miracle how quickly it has worked.
Also, it is March Madness time. Of course a lot of you probably don't care or watch the NCAA men's basketball during this tournament time but for me, working at the University of Kansas and living in Lawrence and having a daughter that will graduate in May with a Doctrate in Pharmacy, I'm kind of thrown into the fray. I really don't mind. It's kind of fun filling out the brackets and watching the games that is all the buzz at work and around town. I have also learned that when KU is playing basketball anywhere it is the best time to go out and run errands. There is hardly any traffic and Walmart is almost empty.
So, I'm hoping for another good week with good health and big wins for the Jayhawks!
Now.. for my Pinterest Crochet Inspiration: Crochet Delights!
This delightful collection of some of the most unique and beautiful crochet designs on Pinterest this week...
Have a great week and Happy Crocheting!
My back is improving finally after two weeks of constant pain and missing 1-week at work. Luckily on Thursday the doctor gave me prednisone and it's truly a miracle how quickly it has worked.
Also, it is March Madness time. Of course a lot of you probably don't care or watch the NCAA men's basketball during this tournament time but for me, working at the University of Kansas and living in Lawrence and having a daughter that will graduate in May with a Doctrate in Pharmacy, I'm kind of thrown into the fray. I really don't mind. It's kind of fun filling out the brackets and watching the games that is all the buzz at work and around town. I have also learned that when KU is playing basketball anywhere it is the best time to go out and run errands. There is hardly any traffic and Walmart is almost empty.
So, I'm hoping for another good week with good health and big wins for the Jayhawks!
Now.. for my Pinterest Crochet Inspiration: Crochet Delights!
This delightful collection of some of the most unique and beautiful crochet designs on Pinterest this week...
Have a great week and Happy Crocheting!
Sunday, March 17, 2013
Finished Afghan: From Jan Eaton's 200 Crochet Blocks
Manly-Man Afghan
I finished this afghan in 2011 for my son-in-law. He doesn't use it because I made it out of Red Heart yarn and it isn't soft. I think I'll take it back when I make him another one that is softer. I loved how this came out and it was fun to make!
Enter to win 2-Skeins of Pulled Silk from Darn Good Yarn
Nice contest over at AllFreeCrochetAfghanPatterns
You have until Wednesday to enter to win this yarn, but don't forget! You wouldn't want to miss out on your chance to win two skeins of Pulled Silk yarn form Darn Good Yarn!
Pulled Silk from Darn Good YarnGifted By: Darn Good Yarn
Reviewed by Nicola Trumbull, Editor for AllFreeCrochetAfghanPatterns.com
This limited edition yarn is in a sweet baby pink color. Made from reclaimed silk, this yarn is machine spun to create a nice and balanced yarn. It's a wonderful yarn that is great for sensitive skin - no scratchiness here! Pulled Silk is super soft and you can feel great
about using yarn that was made from silk that would have just been thrown away. To keep this projects made with this yarn looking extra fluffy and just like new, wash with cold water and lay flat to dry. Each hank is 100 grams containing 155 yards (a #4 weight). I can picture so many crochet projects being made with this yarn - crochet scarves, arm warmers, and other crochet accessories. Don't miss out on this one of a kind yarn!
about using yarn that was made from silk that would have just been thrown away. To keep this projects made with this yarn looking extra fluffy and just like new, wash with cold water and lay flat to dry. Each hank is 100 grams containing 155 yards (a #4 weight). I can picture so many crochet projects being made with this yarn - crochet scarves, arm warmers, and other crochet accessories. Don't miss out on this one of a kind yarn!Win 2 skeins of Pulled Silk from Darn Good Yarn!
We are giving away 2 skeins of Pulled Silk from Darn Good Yarn. The deadline to enter is March 20, 2013 at 11:59:59 p.m. Eastern Time. We’ll send an email to the winner, so please check to make sure your email address is entered correctly.Happy Crocheting!
Friday, March 15, 2013
A Simple Crochet Mandala and A Potholder Swap
I am so excited to show you my Simple Granny Crochet Mandala that I am going to swap in the Ravelry 2013 Pot Holder Swap.
The Mandala pattern is by Crochet with Raymond
Who knows...I might keep it and make a different potholder for the swap. I need to make 3 potholders using the same pattern but different colors to send by April 1st. I love swaps because you get such a variety of items and a chance to get to know other crocheters.
I also made this cute flower. I call it a hybrid because it is part Japanese flower and part plain flower. I'm going to keep working on it until it is what I want it to be.
Have a great weekend and Happy Crocheting!
The Mandala pattern is by Crochet with Raymond
Who knows...I might keep it and make a different potholder for the swap. I need to make 3 potholders using the same pattern but different colors to send by April 1st. I love swaps because you get such a variety of items and a chance to get to know other crocheters.
I also made this cute flower. I call it a hybrid because it is part Japanese flower and part plain flower. I'm going to keep working on it until it is what I want it to be.
Have a great weekend and Happy Crocheting!
Thursday, March 14, 2013
Fun Little Flowers and a New Designer Granny Square
Look at these cutie pies! Aren't they the sweetest little flowers ever?
Since I am still Stash-Busting my cotton yarn I thought I would make up some of these Teeny Flowers from Attic24
.
And now I present to you the newest designer granny square...
The Flower Mesh Granny Square
What do you think? Do you like it? I'm thinking of making a baby blanket with it. This one is done in Cotton Yarn so I'll probably use a sport weight yarn when I make a bunch of these and all different colors. This will be a fun one to work on and plan for. Not a great picture but sure was fun to make and oh so easy for a beginner.
Happy Crocheting!
Wednesday, March 13, 2013
Overlay Crochet Mandala Tah Dah!
Here it is...
The big reveal...
I have finished this challenging Overlay Crochet Mandala No. 4 by CAROcreated design. So that also means I have finished this fun Crochet-a-long (CAL).
The overlay is really much easier than I expected. I'm pleased with my colors but it desperately needs blocked. I was going to wait for the big "Tah-Dah" until I blocked but that might be like NEVER, so just in case I took a crappy picture of it but you get the idea right? I was surprised how thick and heavy and durable it is. It would make a great pillow, (I think that is what I will do, check out the great pillow Casey made her mandala into) or cushion on top of a chair or wooden bar stool.
The stats are on my Ravelry project page and unfortunately it didn't do much for my cotton stash-busting. It looks like it would be a HUGE yarn eater, but it wasn't. But it did get me started using up some of that cotton. I have some little projects I am doing with it and I'll show you those later so stay tuned...
I leave you now with some more crappy pictures of my Overlay Crochet Mandala...
Monday, March 11, 2013
Celebrating National Crochet Month!
Happy National Crochet Month!!
Five ways I am celebrating my favorite month...
- I am taking advantage of all yarn sales.
- Stash-busting to make room for all the new yarn.
- Following the Crochet country tour on Crochetville.com
- Joined the Overlay Crochet Mandala CAL
- Learning 3 new stitches.
How are you celebrating National Crochet Month?
Friday, March 8, 2013
Granny Update Crochet Blanket
I saw this pattern at RedHeart.com and I just loved it. I didn't zoom in on it but from the picture it reminded me of a African flower motif. I ordered the yarn and printed the pattern.
When I got the yarn I saw that the blue was much brighter than it appeared in the pattern picture.
So I went ahead and made up a motif.
It doesn't look like the pattern at all. I must have made a mistake.
This pattern is an intermediate and I know why. This one little motif took me a couple of hours and the pattern calls for 98 of them! I'm not so sure I like it now. The blue needs to be darker but then I think it might look good in this bright blue. I think the motif is pretty and looks a little like a flower because it is raised on the Hexagon. So, I'm not sure if I will make this or not. I might try making a few more motifs and joining them to see how it looks or I might just make it an African Flower motif and go with that.
Happy Crocheting!
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