Thursday, November 29, 2007

Let It Snow!

I've got a fabulous book of snowflake patterns and a big old ball of white thread - and it about time I get my rear in gear and start cranking out some snowflakes.

My initial plan was to make enough to put in the holiday cards. But given the fact that I haven't started making any snowflakes and a dozen or so cards are already written and sealed, let's save that idea for next year, shall we?

  • If I can get a few done this year, I'll be happy.

  • If I can get them pinned and stiffened, I'll be very happy.

  • If I can manage to get them completely finished and good enough to be given away as gifts, I'll be ecstatic!


But let's start at the beginning before I get too carried away.

First - I have the initial supplies - hook, thread and pattern. Just got to pick out a few patterns to try and get crocheting them!

Second - I'll need to make a blocking board. Foam core, wax paper and graphs need to be purchased and printed.

Third - I'll need to figure out what type of stiffening process I want to use and I need to buy some pins.

Fourth - I'll have to find the time to do all of this.

I'm optimistic that I'll at least get a few done. I hope. Here are some snowflake related links and resources:

Thread Crochet and Snowflakes Just added this under "Crochet Resources" on the side bar. All the info you need to make a blocking board and info on stiffening techniques.

Julie used the technique above - check it out here. She's also in charge of the "Snowflake Mondays" ring group. I may need to join this.

Snoflakes Group on Ravelry (sorry if you're not a member yet and can't see this group) As a current member, I'm finding that the boards have great tricks and tips and the shared projects give me lots of inspiration.

Tuesday, November 27, 2007

It's beginning to look a lot like...

Early spring? Perhaps mid-autumn? Cause at 70+ degrees on Thanksgiving Day and a mild 60 degrees today, it sure doesn't look like winter is anywhere close to arriving.

Howdy! Hope all had a fabulous Thanksgiving and holiday weekend. I know I did. Good times with family and friends and plenty of delicious food (see example below) and entertaining football on the TV.

Thanksgiving 2007

And while I had high hopes of accomplishing a lot of crocheting on multiple Christmas presents, that didn't exactly happen thanks to an early Christmas gift from Sean - Guitar Hero III for PC.

Now, Sean hadn't played it before while I had become addicted while playing with The Queen. When I loaded it on the computer, he watched me go through the tutorial. After my first couple of songs, he decided to give it a try. And try he did - he was hooked! Oh - the fun we had! We played non-stop for like 4 hours and ended up beating the game on 'easy' that night. I also did a bit of decorating - on my guitar.

Guitar Hero

Best. Sticker. Ever.

Yes, that is a skull wearing a viking hat. Could it be anymore perfect for moi?

I'm working to get more progress done on a blanket due for Christmas (earlier if I plan to ship it), not to mention the snowflakes I wanted to make and the coasters I need to finish. But I've got other exciting news - I got a new job! Huzzah! The commute will be shorter, the pay much better and the work just as interesting, but I'll have more ownership of it. I'll start the new job in a couple weeks so wish me luck.

In the meantime, I'll try to get a few photos of WIPs and perhaps a more crochet-focused post here on the blog.

CHERRS!

Thursday, November 15, 2007

Completed Project: Blue Scarf

Made this for a friend of a friend whom I also know and like. I hope she likes this!

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Kobye Scarf 03

Here's one with more of the beautiful leaves in the background:

Kobye Scarf 01

Close up:
Kobye Scarf 04

Pattern: My own! Just hdc back and forth with a sc border (one round sc, 1 round sc in back loop on sides)

Hook size: K (6.5 mm)

Yarn: about 1+ skein of Lion Brand Homespun in Montana Sky

Size: 62" long by 5" wide

Modifications: None - as this was my own pattern. I got to make it up as I went along.

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Tuesday, November 13, 2007

Ta-Da!

BEFORE:

Before


AFTER:

After


And yes - I did have the urge to fill the wine rack with skeins of yarn. I have a problem, I know.

Bang on the Drum All Day

The benefits of working from home two days a week are many...

  • Don't have to wake up as early

  • Can do some housework while working (i.e. laundry, dishes)

  • Don't have to deal with the masses while commuting

  • Don't have to deal with train issues (when they happen)

  • Less distractions while working

  • Can listen to music without headphones

  • Able to meet delivery people who are delivering new, fabulous furniture

  • Etc...


But one of the downsides of working from home is that I don't spend as much time crocheting. Not to worry - some work has been started, including a swatch of the afghan for my brother-in-law's girlfriend. I'm still trying to figure out what stitch to use. I may need some feedback on it once I take a photo or two.

In the meantime, while I don't have any new photos of crocheted items to share, I should have one or two of the furniture being delivered later today. :)

Friday, November 9, 2007

Holiday To-Do's

It's about time I take a serious look at my holiday list of things to make. It's shocking that this year is a bit slim in that department. But that doesn't mean I can put off starting them as there is one big project in there.

Things to do:
  • Scarf for a friend of a friend (this one is almost done)

  • Blanket/afghan for brother-in-law's girlfriend (I've got the yarn but I'm still selecting a stitch pattern to use)

  • Snowflake ornaments and/or present embellishments

  • Christmas stockings (this is a maybe)


I've decided to whom I will be giving the Colorwaves Afghan. I'll probably wrap it soon and get it ready for shipment.

I'm still undecided about what to do with the doilies I've made. I'd like to give them away, but I'm not sure who would use them. Then again, if they look good on the Thanksgiving table and/or buffet, I may end up keeping them.

I also need to gear up to learn how to knit because I'm hankerin' to knit me some socks. I think I'm going to put my anal retentiveness organizational skills to work and create a schedule for reading the books I have (and the books I hope to get for Christmas). I've got to give myself some structure, timelines, goals and deadlines to prompt me to really learn. This may turn into my New Year's resolution...besides, the "dieting and lose weight" one has been done time and time again without results. I might as well concentrate on something more enjoyable, right?

How are your holiday projects coming along?

Wednesday, November 7, 2007

Completed Project: Ripe Wheat Doily

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Photo before I ironed it:

Ripe Wheat Doily 01

Photos after I ironed it:

Ripe Wheat Doily 03

Ripe Wheat Doily 04

EGADS! After ironing, the doily got HUGE!

Pattern: Ripe Wheat Doily

Hook size: 6

Yarn: More than 1 skein of J.P. Coats Classic Crochet Thread size 10 in Victory Red

Size: 19" diameter

Modifications: I used a larger hook and different thread (size and color) than what the pattern suggested.

Comments: The final product doesn't lay as flat as I would like. I may have to iron it again or try blocking it.

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Defining Moments

I subscribe to "Word of the Day" from Dictionary.com in the hopes of increasing my vocabulary power. I don't know that it's done much to help yet, but it's still a good read each day.

The word of the day for 11/5 was "Woolgathering" which means "indulgence in idle daydreaming". Not at all the definition I thought it would be.

So what happens if one indulges in idle daydreaming about wool and yarn? Am I wool-woolgathering?

Sunday, November 4, 2007

Wake Up!!

I'm not a cat person. I was when I was growing up, but not anymore. It's not that I hate cats, I just don't want one as a pet. I soooo very much want a dog. I'm anxiously awaiting the day when Sean and I can get a dog and love him and squeeze him and call him Youkilis.

Back to cats, this video is soooo funny - funny cause it's true! Do you cat owners out there agree?

Saturday, November 3, 2007

Crafty Baker

Yes, I have a completed project and no you can't see it yet. I haven't pulled out the ironing board and I probably won't get to it this weekend.

So much to do - jobs to apply for and still more boxes to unpack. Will the unpacking ever end? Will I find places for everything? Will I ever figure out how to decorate the place and find the right furniture (that is also affordable)? And I need the new job with the higher paycheck to afford the furniture that is halting the unpacking. Another vicious cycle.

In the meantime, I'm going to bake a pie. Pie crusts were on sale at the store and now that I live right next to a farm stand, how could I not bake a pie? I bought a 1/2 peck of Winesap apples today and WOW - they are DELICIOUS! I don't know that I've ever had a Winesap apple before but I think it might be my new favorite (sorry, Braeburn). I'll be baking that pie tomorrow in time for the Pats v. Colts game on TV. And as I'm watching the game, I hope to be working on one of the various Christmas projects I need to complete.

Happy weekend, all! And don't forget to turn your clocks back tonight! Yee-haw, more sleep!