Announcing: iYarny

First, my apologies as this is going to be a quick, photoless blog - but that's ok because I have some really exciting news.

Today I would like to announce the addition of iYarny to my blog.

My Craft Show Attempt #2

Left Side of My Table

December 23rd found me quickly - a day set aside for my second craft show.


I spent over a week crocheting almost non-stop for this event. In the first picture youc an see all my towel toppers and my cloche (that I'm loving!). I made the puppy hat without a pattern and the scarves/hat above the pupply (blue) and to the right (green/tan/white) were sets.

Year of Projects: Week 26

Project Percentage Complete: 76%

Overall Percentage Complete: 93%

Number of Project Items: 21
Number of Added Items: 120

Total Items: 141

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Yarn shopping CAN be fun!

I started out my Christmas Even on the run - I had to make a few stops here and there so I figured I'd pop into Hobby Lobby and see if they had a certain yarn. I have been really wanting to try crocheting with the yarn that looks like a wide mesh to create a spiral scarf and I thought "what a perfect project for the trip to my mother's house."

As we made our way through the yarn aisle, I had to give a double take.

[FOTH] December 19, 2011

My most recent installment of Fresh Off the Hook!

Year of Projects: Week 25

Project Percentage Complete: 64%

Overall Percentage Complete: 77%

Number of Project Items: 25

Number of Added Items: 105
Total Items: 130

A Review of 30s Cloche Hat

Have you ever looked for that hat that was "just the right one?"

I began a search for hats over on Ravelry a week ago after my craft show. I got an order for one hat I had. The story the woman told was touching - I wanted to send along a second hat with her order. A bonus hat.

The color she requested was "somewhere between blue and green" followed by her pointing to a crazy lime green ornament on a nearby wreath. I don't know about you, but lime green has never been somewhere between blue and green. When I went out that night to grab yarn for the order, I held lime green in hand - but I knew that hat she ordered would not look good in lime green. I knew it. So what do I do?

CwC Changes

I have decided to make a few changes to the blog. Now that I have finished my Master's in Public Health, I should have some more time for the blog. One of the big changes is that on the main page of my blog, you will see that longer posts (anything longer than two paragraphs) will have a nice little "Read More..." link under the text.

Go ahead and give it a practice click to continue reading about changes to the blog.

Crochet Concupiscence Give-Away

If you aren't a member of the all-crochet website Crochet Concupiscence, the I highly suggest you get over there now and subscribe.... oh, and while you are over there, be sure to enter the daily give away. That's right - every day in the month of December, Kathryn is giving away something wonderfully crochet-ey (is that a word... eh, is now!).

So why am I posting this today?

Well, dear readers, today's give away is my pattern "Celebrate the Square" which is three crochet dishcloth patterns written by yours truly.

I hope you all pop over there and check it out.

Buying for Your Yarnie - a giving guide for spouses, children, parents, and friends

There once was a time for me when I found it difficult to understand that some people do not love to stroke fantastic fibers and dream of what can be made. Some folks actually do not create with fibers at all - some folks don't crochet.

*gasp*

As I have gotten older, I have come to terms with this matter and am on a crusade to make the world a better place by joining yarnies and non-yarnies together through education and understanding. Today's lesson comes to you compliments of the upcoming holiday season and the knowledge that the spouses, children, parents, and friends of yarnies may not know what to give their lil addict.

Most Organized Blogger... ME?!?!?!

I am a humbled humbled blogger.

Last night I opened up my Google Reader to go through the many wonderful folks that I follow when I came across a post by Crochet Concupiscence (Kathryn). You see, every day in December Kathryn is giving away something. And every day in December she is giving away a blog award in various categories.

Year of Projects: Week 24

Project Percentage Complete: 64%

Overall Percentage Complete: 75%

Number of Project Items: 25

Number of Added Items: 96
Total Items: 121

Year of Projects: Week 23

Project Percentage Complete: 64%

Overall Percentage Complete: 87%

Number of Project Items: 25

Number of Added Items: 80
Total Items: 105

Yarn Karma

Last night a friend of mine and his wife stopped by the house because she wanted to learn to knit. Of course, I had no problem obliging - taking up knitting or crocheting, in my opinion, is an exciting adventure and I'm more than willing to help anyone learn.

So she and I sat there - I loaned her some size 8 straight needles and a small ball of yarn to practice. She cast on slowly then got faster, then moved into a couple rows of knit - then finished with casting off her small piece of work. The excitement was all over her face.

[FOTH] November 28, 2011

My FOTH vlog for the YouTube Family: Fresh off the Hook.

If you are wanting to check out more folks doing FOTH, click through my video and look at the description of the video.

Year of Projects: Week 22

Project Percentage Complete: 64%

Overall Percentage Complete: 84%

Number of Project Items: 25

Number of Added Items: 70
Total Items: 95

This week was spent with a LOT more crochet dish cloths than I could have ever imagined. I made a lot. I used up a full 1 pound ball of the Bernat cotton so I have a lot of blue dishcloths laying around now.

Related to cleaning, I also made a fun dust mitt. I used pom-pom yarn. This is a pattern I definitely want to write up but need to free up my counter to do so - you see, this is a pattern for those who knit and crochet.

 It worked up relatively quickly - perhaps 2 hours. I have used it on a few small things but I think I'll be dusting the televisions today.

Let's see - what else....

I started knitting a chemo-cap for my friend's son-in-law. He is undergoing treatment now and has shaved his head. I tried to take a picture of it but it is grey outside here and the color of the hat is dark blue. Perhaps I'll be able to get a better picture of it once I finish it and can get it outside. I'm thinking I have about 5 more rows of knitting to do on it then I will start the decreases. I bought some dpn's yesterday so I would have at least 6 in the same size as my needles. I'm really hoping I do ok with the decreases.

As for a pattern on the hat - I made it up. Reading knit patterns is something I'm going to have to get better at. Crochet patterns come easy (years and years of experience) - knit patterns not so much.

Ok - that's all I really have going on. My percentages are looking pretty good considering where we are at with the holidays and such and all that I have finished. I cannot believe I've made over 90 items in the last 6 months. C-R-A-Z-Y

So with that said - here is a picture of the pumpkin pies I made (there were 4 then one disappeared *laughs*) and a list of things I've made with links to patterns where available.



Project List Items (not complete)

- Filet Market Bag
- Lacet Table Runner [...started...]
- Throw for living room sofa
- Round Afghan/Throw
- Angel Tree Topper
- 4 pair Paperclip Ice Skates Ornaments (office Christmas gift)

Project List Items (done)
- 3 pair of Paperclip Ice Skates Ornaments (personal use)
- 11 pair of Paperclip Ice Skates Ornaments (office Christmas)
- Easy Cabled Scarf
- Poncho (early Christmas present)

Added Items (not complete)
- Wristlet Bag (adjusting pattern) [...65%...]
- Angel Hair scarf
- 2 Kitchen Chair Wall Protector
- knit socks [started]
- 1 sock monkey character hat
- 1 knitted chemo cap

Added Items (done)
- Wristlet Bag (making my own pattern)
- Mystery CAL Beach Bag
- 5 Knit Washcloth
- 15 Crochet Dishcloth
- 2 Kitchen Chair Wall Protector
- Ear Bud "purse"
- WW Yarn Runner for  ledge
- Angel Hair scarf
- 1 hour cowl
- Hipster (accidental creation)
- Hybrid Hat (pattern coming soon)
- 1 Loom Knit Hat
- 10  Candy Stocking Ornaments
- 2 Crochet Lid Topper
- 2 wreath pins
- 8 Sherry's Headband 
- EnviroTote Market Bag #4
- 1 crochet headband (no pattern)
- Spiderweb Doily
- Crochet Scarf for coworker's son
- 5 crochet washcloths (Christmas presents)
- 1 crochet face scrub finger mitt (Christmas present)
- 1 dust mitt

---------------------
This post is part of the Ravelry Group "Come Blog-A-Long" #yearofprojects Project. If you are interested in joining along or finding other posts similar to this one, visit the group on Ravelry.

Almost Caught...

Last night, around midnight, when I knew my daughter slipped safely to slumber - I broke out a hook and yarn and began making her a sock monkey hat.

You see, my dear readers and friends, my daughter is seriously obsessed with sock monkeys. I don't know why - just that whenever she sees one, she wants it. She goes goo-goo eyed over it and I really don't know why. She loves them.

I have watched a few folks on YouTube vlogging about their projects, and it seems like the sock monkey always makes an appearance. Well - there is now one half made in my house. I think she's going to love it!

I got to working on it last night and was very excited to get the majority of the beanie done. I wasn't sure if it were long enough so I took a break knowing that my son and I both get up very early. She normally sleeps rather late. Boy - that girl can sleep.

Anywhoozles. I did go just far enough down and was ready for the ear flaps. I used my son as a model (again) to get them on appropriately. I was just finishing with the second flap when I heard the pitter patter of little girl feet coming down the hall. I grabbed it up and shoved it behind my back just as she walked into the room.

her new sleep mask

Now, I'm not sure if she saw the ball of yarn with the string going to behind my back. I'm going on the hope and assumption she was too drowsy to have noticed. She was still wearing her monkey-eye sleep mask, pushed up onto her forehead, and was wrapped in her pink princess comforter. She took a quick moment to say good morning before headed off to grab a bowl of cereal. When the last bit of her comforter train turned the corner to the kitchen, I grabbed the hat and ran to my craft room.

I'm sure that wasn't suspicious at all.

As she made her cereal - I finished the last row of the second ear flap. I called my son in to me and he tried the hat on.

YAY - it fits and the ear flaps look normal and fit a kid.

I'm glad I had those two close together; otherwise, I'd be without a similar size child to try things on as I go *laughs*

So the hat is sitting in the craft room on the foam head. I need to go around it twice in single crochet, make the face items (ears and mouth - gonna use buttons for the eyes, I think) and then put on the braided tassle.

And then get it into a box so my sleepy-faced gal won't see it until Christmas morning.

Chemo Cap Patterns for MEN

This isn't really a blog post but a request of my readers/followers:

What is your favorite chemo cap pattern for men?

I am looking for something, knit or crochet, that works up relatively quickly and would be a perfect sleep hat for a man. If you have a favorite pattern, link me in the comments (if its available online, ravelry included) OR if it is a paid pattern, just leave me enough info (pattern name and publication) to find it.

I'd really appreciate it.
Thanks!
- Cris

[FOTH] November 21, 2011

This is a video family I have joined on YouTube. All the lovely crocheters share their finished works via video. I figured I'd post the first few on my blog and if my blog readers (not YT followers) prefer I do not post them, then please do leave a comment. I'm still undecided if I should post them on my blog or leave them specific for people who want to follow me on YouTube.

In order to see the whole list of people who are participating in fresh off the hook (FOTH), you'll have to click through to YouTube and then expand the notes area for the video.

Year of Projects: Week 21

Project Percentage Complete: 64%

Overall Percentage Complete: 83%

Number of Project Items: 25

Number of Added Items: 58
Total Items: 83

Could it be that we are halfway done with the year of projects blog project? Wow - until I typed in the subject line, I hadn't thought about it.

I did get some time to crochet this week. I spent most of it crocheting dish and wash cloths for Christmas presents. I have created a facial scrubber and will work on it to perfect it before posting a pattern on the blog. You can look for that in the next few weeks.

I am also going to start doing "Fresh Off the Hook" or FOTH on YouTube. It's like a big FO Friday only with vlogging. There are several people who do it. The list is maintained by Marcelle, or onevirtuouswoman on YouTube. If you are interested, you can subscribe to my YouTube channel. I will be posting my FOTHs on Mondays.

I have also begun putting some of my WIP Wednesdays on YouTube simply because it is a lot easier than taking a bunch of photos, transferring them, and then writing a blog post. I'm lazy that way :P

I did take off the 2 sets of golf club covers from my list. Why, you ask? Because I started the pattern and quite honestly, I wasn't feeling it. The size was all wrong and I didn't like how they turned out (I made 3/4 of one before throwing in the towel). I think that I could make my own pattern that I'd like more; however, I just don't have the time right now to do that. If I decide to make them for the guys' birthdays, I'll add them to the "added" list. 

I really don't have much more to say other than I am going to go put more of a dent into my cotton stash with some more dishcloths a few folks from work have ordered.

Because I don't want to leave you without a photo, here is quite a silly photo I took of myself after playing restaurant with my youngest daughter. I call this: banana brow.

Happy Crocheting!

Project List Items (not complete)

- Filet Market Bag
- Lacet Table Runner [...started...]
- Throw for living room sofa (no pattern selected yet)
- Round Afghan/Throw (potential Christmas present)
- Angel Tree Topper
- 4 pair Paperclip Ice Skates Ornaments (office Christmas gift)

Project List Items (done)
- 3 pair of Paperclip Ice Skates Ornaments (personal use)
- 11 pair of Paperclip Ice Skates Ornaments (office Christmas)
- Easy Cabled Scarf
- Poncho (early Christmas present)

Added Items (not complete)
- Wristlet Bag (adjusting pattern) [...65%...]
- Angel Hair scarf
- 2 Kitchen Chair Wall Protector
- knit socks [started]

Added Items (done)
- Wristlet Bag (making my own pattern)
- Mystery CAL Beach Bag
- 5 Knit Washcloth
- 5 Crochet Dishcloth
- 2 Kitchen Chair Wall Protector
- Ear Bud "purse"
- WW Yarn Runner for  ledge
- Angel Hair scarf
- 1 hour cowl
- Hipster (accidental creation)
- Hybrid Hat (pattern coming soon)
- 1 Loom Knit Hat
- 10  Candy Stocking Ornaments
- 2 Crochet Lid Topper
- 2 wreath pins
- 8 Sherry's Headband 
- EnviroTote Market Bag #4
- 1 crochet headband (no pattern)
- Spiderweb Doily
- Crochet Scarf for coworker's son
- 5 crochet washcloths (Christmas presents)
- 1 crochet face scrub finger mitt (Christmas present)

---------------------
This post is part of the Ravelry Group "Come Blog-A-Long" #yearofprojects Project. If you are interested in joining along or finding other posts similar to this one, visit the group on Ravelry.

Like a kid again...

I know I have touched base on the feelings of accomplishment crochet, or any craft for that matter, offers an individual. There is just something about the excitement of finishing a new object whether it be something for yourself, a family member, a friend, or someone else via donation or purchase.

I like the satisfaction of knowing I have done something with my time.

But there is something else that comes along with learning anything new - the excitement and joy of learning. Not through the satisfaction of knowing, but through the discovery of something new.

It almost makes me feel like a kid again. Perhaps this is why I continually put myself into situations where I have to learn something new. Could I possibly be addicted to this wonderful feeling?

This last Wednesday, as mentioned in my WIP Wednesday vlog, I have been working on an epic sock - a knitted sock. The story of the sock is a long one I believe I have already told; however, the short story is that I had the foot of a sock done and needed help doing a short-row heel. The best plan of attack, after my first attempt, was to take it to my yarn group and ask one of them to help me through it. Diane was more than willing to help, which is an exciting blog post all it's own.

She gathered her items and came and sat next to me, reading through my book and instructing my shaky hands on what they should be doing. I followed her instruction and the more we went row by row, the more sense it made. Things just "clicked" - and I swear, I felt as if I were 3 years old and first discovering the magic of an escalator. There was something there - something pure and fun about learning this. I know I clapped a couple times and was smiling ear to ear.

I know it must sound absolutely cheesey to anyone reading this post, but I really did feel like I had discovered something new and I was genuinely excited to know that I did it... that I finally did it - and it looked good!

Perhaps it seems insincere or fake, but I thanked Diane several times over for helping me through. Before I made it to the car, I had already texted the man and told him that I did it and that my sock was awesome. As I type out this message, I'm still pretty hyped up and excited to get to work on it more tonight. I cannot wait to slip it onto my foot - I'm thoroughly excited.

That is the beauty of crafting and the fiber arts - there will always be some new discovery waiting for me; a discovery that allows me to enjoy the simple and pure sense of joy that comes from learning something brand new.

WIP Wednesday: Nov 16, 2011 vlog

A video reviewing what I'm working on including a sock. I touch base on joining the FOTH family on YouTube as well as request what I should be doing with some boucle.

If you are interested in other WIP Wednesday posts, hop on over to Tami's Amis blog.

Year of Projects: Week 20

Project Percentage Complete: 59%

Overall Percentage Complete: recalculate%

Number of Project Items: 27

Number of Added Items: recount
Total Items: recount

I have gone on a headbang making spree! I have made so many of Sherry's Headband pattern to help me keep my hair in check and then my daughter decided she liked them too - so you will see that number jump which will cause my number of added items, total items, and overall percentage complete to go up significantly. Go fast projects!

The reason I do not have everything counted and recalculated for this week is because I'm on the thows of my Comprehensive Exam. The headbands have been good for stress relief - but I'm headed back to research-ville!

Have a great day everyone!

Project List Items (not complete)

- Filet Market Bag
- Lacet Table Runner [...started...]
- Throw for living room sofa (no pattern selected yet)
- Round Afghan/Throw (potential Christmas present)
- Angel Tree Topper
- 4 pair Paperclip Ice Skates Ornaments (office Christmas gift)
- 2 sets Golf Club Covers (no numbers) - (Christmas gifts)

Project List Items (done)
- 3 pair of Paperclip Ice Skates Ornaments (personal use)
- 11 pair of Paperclip Ice Skates Ornaments (office Christmas)
- Easy Cabled Scarf
- Poncho (early Christmas present)

Added Items (not complete)
- Wristlet Bag (adjusting pattern) [...65%...]
- Angel Hair scarf
- 2 Kitchen Chair Wall Protector
- knit socks [started]
- Kid's Scarf (purchased, needs finished) [started]

Added Items (done)
- Wristlet Bag (making my own pattern)
- Mystery CAL Beach Bag
- 5 Knit Washcloth
- 5 Crochet Dishcloth
- 2 Kitchen Chair Wall Protector
- Ear Bud "purse"
- WW Yarn Runner for  ledge
- Angel Hair scarf
- 1 hour cowl
- Hipster (accidental creation)
- Hybrid Hat (pattern coming soon)
- 1 Loom Knit Hat
- 10  Candy Stocking Ornaments
- 2 Crochet Lid Topper
- 2 wreath pins
- 6 Sherry's Headband 
- EnviroTote Market Bag #4
- 1 crochet headband (no pattern)
- Spiderweb Doily
- Crochet Scarf for coworker's son

---------------------
This post is part of the Ravelry Group "Come Blog-A-Long" #yearofprojects Project. If you are interested in joining along or finding other posts similar to this one, visit the group on Ravelry.

Z is for Zeitgeber

Ah - like X, I decided to find a good Z word for crochet and boy have I found it!

Zeitgeber

First, an exercise - in the comment box, before you read the actual definition - you tell me what you THOUGHT the word meant. Maybe you already knew the word - maybe not. But it would be fun to see what you thought it meant.

Zeitgeber is a German word meaning Zeit = time and geber = giver. Basically, zeitgeber is any rhythmic cue that allows an organism to synchronize their internal "clock" with the environment. The most common zeitgeber is light. When we see the sun rise and set, our internal selves know when we should be sleeping and when we should be up doing things.

Zeitgeber's do not have to be biological or environmentally driven. They can be non-photic. Other zeitgeber's would be things like exercise and social interactions.

I think crochet could be a zeitgeber if you do it enough. It is definitely a rhythmic motion and if you do it at a set time each day, your body would begin to pick up on the activity and link it to the general time. During the week, I tend to crochet at night - so when the evening starts to drag on, I find myself with a hook in my hand right about the same time each day. During the weekends though, I through that off because I tend to pick up the hook multiple times a day and even when I'm in the car.

Of course, I also think crochet can be an anti-zeitgeber because I can definitely lose track of time when the hook is in hand.

What are your thoughts - is crochet a zeitgeber or an anti-zeitgeber in your life?

WIP Wednesday

A video talking about my projects currently on the hook (and a little side rambling, per norm).

If you are interested in seeing what others are doing or you would like to share your own WIP Wednesday blog post, then head on over to Tami's Amis blog.



My Blog:
http://crochet-with-cris.blogspot.com/

Curly Girl Book (on Amazon):
http://www.amazon.com/Curly-Girl-Handbook-Lorraine-Massey/dp/076115678X/ref=s...

My Review of Sherry's Headband Pattern:
http://crochet-with-cris.blogspot.com/2011/11/review-of-sherrys-headband-patt...

My Candy Stocking Ornament Pattern:
http://crochet-with-cris.blogspot.com/2011/11/candy-stocking-ornament-pattern...

Y is for Young

I know you are looking at this and thinking "Y, Cris... you are still at Y? This meme is over!"

Well, I know I'm a couple weeks behind. I would like to throw out my schedule but I know I'm not the only busy person in the universe, so I will digress and just get the Y post over with so I can move on to Z *laughs*

Hmmm maybe you could look at it as I am extending a fun meme :P

So what in the world does the word young have to do with crochet?

I am going to say that crochet helps keep you young. Yup - I believe it.

Ok, it may not stop you physically from aging, but I do think crochet offers benefits to people to assist with physical and mental well-being that helps keep the mind alert and the fingers nimble. All it takes is a quick search on Google News to get a list of people well into their 90s and 100s helping others through crochet. I have known several elderly people who crochet and they always seem to have aged better than their counterparts.

I know I'll be crocheting my entire life - from age 5 to whenever the good Lord calls me home. Could it be an influence to my life and how I lived it? Can I attribute some of my good health to crochet? I know the stress and anxiety relief it offers when I'm moving towards a panic attack. I would like to think it has stimulated me mentally and allowed me to grow intellectually beyond if I had not crocheted and I would like to think it has offered some to my general good health.

So, what do you think?

A Review of Sherry's Headband Pattern

If anyone watches my YouTube channel or knows me personally, then you may know I got my hair cut. You also know I have seriously curly, thick hair. In fact, I refer to it as "the mane" when its this short. I didn't expect it to be cut this short, but that's just the roll of the dice with hair stylists.... unfortunately.

So, with this new found plight haircut, I now have need for headbands. I prefer something soft - ie not plastic. Growing up, my dad called me Conan.... and not after Conan O'Brien. Yes - Conan the Barbarian. If I get a plastic headband, consider it snapped in two. So plastic is completely out of the question. The cloth stretchy ones from stores slide right off my head. So - crochet is my only real option for quick hairbands. I know that if I crochet a headband, I'll end up needing to use bobby pins to affix it to my head, but that's ok - anything to control the mane.

So I did what any good crocheter would do - head off to Ravelry to find a great pattern to solve all my hair woes.

I looked at several and decided upon Sherry's Headband by Sherry Lichtenwalner. You will need a Ravelry account to view this pattern. I did not see a link to the pattern on a blog or anything like that, so I'm using the direct link her Ravelry listing.

So, first thing's first - I liked the pattern and overall design. It was simple, not too wide, and easy to work through. If you can work a granny square, you can work this head band pattern. It reminded me a lot of working through my Pointed Granny Scarf pattern, without the points.

I think the pattern, as a whole, is written fairly well. There were a couple places that did not specify to turn. Since I had not turned previously, the assumption would be to not turn; however, to work the pattern (knowing from experience) I had to turn between Row 2 and 3. The pattern did not cover how to handle that transition between rows. Maybe I wasn't supposed to turn but because she did not write in how to transition between the rows, the natural instinct was to turn. I worked through it; however, it would be nice to have that area clarified a bit, but the pattern did start out saying that if you can make a granny square - so if the person did find themselves in trouble, they could easily look up a granny pattern and muddle through.

I think the size is good and the recommendation of using sock yarn is a good one. I used Red Heart "Heart and Sole" sock yarn in the color Tequila Sunrise.

I also like that at the end of the pattern, she shows a variation of her headband as more of a head scarf. The only problem is that she states on the Rav listing that it's easy to extend it out to make it longer, but does not tell you that you have to extend in multiples of 4. She tells you an exact number for the foundation chain for the head scarf, but I think that would have been good for people with larger heads (like myself) or people who want to make the head scarf instead of the smaller headband to actually give the multiples of 4 increase number.

One other change to the pattern I will make in the future, and does not count against her in the review, is that instead of dc'ing into the 6th chain from the hook when starting row 1, I will dc in the 5th chain from the hook and then at the other end, I'll have 4 dc's in the last cluster. This is so the band will be more even.

Allow me to explain - With Sherry's Headband, one side has a large ch 5 space followed by a dc cluster of 3. The other side has a dc cluster of 3 that you have to split into a chain space with a cluster of 2. I would just do it more for evenness of the pattern - Both ends of row 1 should have a dc cluster of 3. with a ch space to work the next row into.

But that is all just personal preference and has nothing to do with the pattern itself.

I am getting ready to go put on the headband and head out for dinner. I'm happy to have something quick and easy to maintain the mane (thanks, Sherry!).

I have to average this pattern's rating out because  I would rate this pattern 4 balls of yarn for simplicity, speed, and aesthetics. I would say a 3 for the couple little areas in the pattern that could have used some more explanation, that I got through based on experience. I would also give it a 5 for pure practicality and just that I like it very very much. With that being said, the total rating for this pattern would have to be 4 balls of yarn.

I will make this one again with the modification mentioned above. I would not have a problem making this as a gift for someone or even recommending it to my intermediate+ crochet friends or those beginners that have made a granny square before.

Year of Projects: Week 19

Project Percentage Complete: 59%

Overall Percentage Complete: 76%

Number of Project Items: 27

Number of Added Items: 43
Total Items: 70

I decided to type this message up a lot earlier than Sunday simply because my comprehensive exam begins on Friday.... as far as when I'm actually writing this - that means tomorrow (its Thursday night). I'm not overly stressed about doing the exam or even passing, I just know that it is going to be a very intensive 9 days with all that has to be written and all other time commitments like work. It makes me wish I had another week to take off work - I'd seriously schedule vacation time to cover this just for the extra time.

So before Friday, I began working on several smaller items. One of those was the candy stocking ornament, which I posted the pattern to earlier this week.

My friend, the one who does craft fairs, approached me after the last one and asked if I could put some more items on her table. While I do have a few scarves left that I could send back to her, I thought it would be best to try out a few small items. In addition to making 10 of the stocking ornaments this week, I finished 2 lid-holders, 1 crochet dishcloth, and 2 wreath pins.

In addition to all of that, I sat down Saturday for an hour and whipped up Sherry's Headband pattern from Ravelry. I will be posting a review of that pattern tomorrow.

All in all, rather productive excluding the fact that none of these items were on my original list. Because of that, my project percentage complete hasn't gone up at all; however, my total percentage is rising really quickly.

I did do something a little different this week too - I visit Crochetville a lot and hang around the "need help" forums in case there is something I can help with. Another forum member posted a question this week about teaching a one handed person how to crochet - I sat there for a moment and picked up a couple different hooks and gave it a whirl. I figure the only way to answer that question is to try doing it yourself. I posted a video about that yesterday - There is a lot of rambling in it, talking about where my inspirations and ideas for the technique came from, but the last half of the video is me actually crocheting one-handed. 

I highly doubt I'll get much crochet done in the next week because of the exam, but I am going to try to crochet at least 30 minutes before bed just for relaxation.

So, with that said - here is my detailed list showing progress.

Enjoy your day everyone.

Project List Items (not complete)

- Filet Market Bag
- Lacet Table Runner [...started...]
- Throw for living room sofa (no pattern selected yet)
- Round Afghan/Throw (potential Christmas present)
- Angel Tree Topper
- 4 pair Paperclip Ice Skates Ornaments (office Christmas gift)
- 2 sets Golf Club Covers (no numbers) - (Christmas gifts)

Project List Items (done)
- 3 pair of Paperclip Ice Skates Ornaments (personal use)
- 11 pair of Paperclip Ice Skates Ornaments (office Christmas)
- Easy Cabled Scarf
- Poncho (early Christmas present)

Added Items (not complete)
- Wristlet Bag (adjusting pattern) [...65%...]
- Angel Hair scarf
- 2 Kitchen Chair Wall Protector
- knit socks [started]
- Kid's Scarf (purchased, needs finished) [started]

Added Items (done)
- Wristlet Bag (making my own pattern)
- Mystery CAL Beach Bag
- 5 Knit Washcloth
- 4 Crochet Dishcloth
- 2 Kitchen Chair Wall Protector
- Ear Bud "purse"
- WW Yarn Runner for  ledge
- Angel Hair scarf
- 1 hour cowl
- Chunky Cowl
- Hybrid Hat (pattern coming soon)
- 1 Loom Knit Hat
- 10  Candy Stocking Ornaments
- 2 Crochet Lid Topper
- 2 wreath pins
- Sherry's Headband 
- EnviroTote Market Bag #4
- 1 crochet headband (no pattern)

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This post is part of the Ravelry Group "Come Blog-A-Long" #yearofprojects Project. If you are interested in joining along or finding other posts similar to this one, visit the group on Ravelry.

Remembering my Dad and One Handed Crochet

I wasn't even sure that I would blog today; however, a question on Crochetville inspired me to sit down and try something new - something inspired by memories of my dad and wanting to help out a fellow crocheter.

It's a 16 minute video - my hair is wet, my face is fat, but it turned out a'right in my book. *smiles*

A Conversation with Aggie

I have a very good friend, AG - that I'll just call Aggie for the purpose of anonymity.

She'd think this was funny....

Aggie and I met a couple years ago through a mutual friend who thought "we were perfect to be friends" - and that mutual friend could not have been more right. Aggie and I enjoy each others company and things like strange conversation, crazy weird freaky items, and the color brown.

With my semester the way it is and my work schedule, I have not got a chance to sit and talk with Aggie that much at all. Today we were able to have lunch together and while I sat and crocheted, we had a terrific conversation.

Let's back up a little.

Several months ago Aggie brought up that she'd like to learn to crochet. She had always seen herself as a knitter but would like to learn crochet for the diversity of intricate, lacy stitches. She said her grandmother, if I remember correctly, had shown her the basics. She only needed a refresher to get moving. It only took a couple sittings for her to catch on and it wasn't long until she picked up a pattern for a ripple afghan. She's on her last skein and is ready to move on to another project.

Like me, time is not on her side right now. It also doesn't help she accidentally left her craft back and afghan at her parent's house after a visit.Before our conversation, she asked "is it bad that I'm sitting here, watching you crochet, and am actually drooling - I want my craft back. I want to crochet again."

Of course, like a good friend and crocheter, I offered her some of my extra cotton and a hook from my craft bag. *chuckles* She declined stating she'd be picking her bag up tonight.

Anywhoozles, the real meaning of this blog post is to recap our conversation and to find out if you feel the same way.

She brought up that it seems odd that crochet and knitting are pretty much "cool" again - many younger people are picking up the hooks and needles. Some are even starting yarn groups in colleges. We conversed about an article I read about how it seems crochet and knitting skipped a generation - what was once considered a grandma hobby was spreading like wildfire. It seemed to be taking over as a popular hobby once again.

We talked about why we felt this was going on: 1) with the economy the way it is, some people are being more open to learning how to do something rather than buying it in a store, 2) the idea of "going green" and reducing one's carbon footprint is more viable if the person learned how to make things, and 3) while not learning to craft related, the popularity of owning hand made items is more appealing with the push to support local growers, crafters, and artists.

Needless to say, it was another enjoyable, thought provoking lunch with Aggie - a reminder why I enjoy her company so much.

So..... what are your thoughts? Have you  noticed the same in your community? If so, what do you think it can be attributed to?

Candy Stocking Ornament [Pattern]

THIS PATTERN HAS MOVED

Please click the link below to be taken directly to the pattern on the new site.

My apologies for any inconvenience.

http://iyarny.wordpress.com/2011/11/02/candy-stocking-ornament-pattern/

Year of Projects: Week 18

Project Percentage Complete: 59%

Overall Percentage Complete: 61%

Number of Project Items: 27

Number of Added Items: 29
Total Items: 56

I had a bit of a faux pas with the socks. I'd like to say it was a "newb mistake" but I'm afraid it was just me not paying attention. What happened is I was visiting my mother when I decided to start on the second sock rather than attempting the short-row heel on the first sock. So, I shot over to Hobby Lobby and grabbed a new set of dpns. Yup... a new set... that were 1 size too small.

*sigh*

Oh well. I used the 2nd sock to practice the heel on and learned the lesson that I really don't want to attempt the heel on my "real" sock without the yarn ladies at my side.

That'll teach me, eh? Since I won't be able to go to yarn group for a little, I've had to set my fantastic socks to the side temporarily. That has opened up my craft time to a lot of other things.

One Hour Cowl with Black Buttons

In list news, I added 3 new items to the list: two hats and a cowl. I whipped the cowl up in 1 hour and plan on putting the pattern on the blog. Pardon that I look like I'm half asleep and seriously hot. I am half asleep and seriously hot... that cowl is warm!

I had my son take the picture - and because he is 12, there is this weird slant upward for the photo. Oh well - I'm just glad he is willing to help me with silly things like this. *chuckles*

The first hat is something I've been rattling around in my head for a while but haven't tackled until Wednesday night after I finished the cowl. I think joining different types of yarn crafting is interesting and I'd like to try more of it. The hat was my first attempt at doing this. Look for the pattern soon. I may do it as a video and written instruction.... just because.

Cris' Hybrid Hat

Other than these items, I really don't have much more going on. I know I need to snap off the last few ice skates and start the golf club covers if I'm going to finish them to be Christmas presents.

The last week has been an interesting one ... I have not quite felt myself since I have achy joints, sore chest, and dizzy spells. You see - I was bit by a spider last weekend. I haven't gone to the doctor yet simply because I am not displaying a fever. I have looked up information and have a decent benchmark on when I should go to the doctor if necessary - couple how I feel physically to my general workload AND the idea I need to make the kids' costumes by this weekend ... its a recipe for blog failure.

I really do plan on getting back to regular updates as soon as possible. Right now it looks like it will be in two weeks, right after I finish my comprehensive exam for graduation.

sneak peek to my daughter's costume

So other than all this - things are going along as normal. I look forward to seeing how everyone else is doing. For me, right now, I think its interesting to see that the list I originally picked is way to small but I know I could never have predicted all the additions. Granted, it will be pretty cool at the end of 12 months to see just how much I can get done in a year.

Have a great day everyone!


Project List Items (not complete)

- Filet Market Bag
- Lacet Table Runner [...started...]
- Throw for living room sofa (no pattern selected yet)
- Round Afghan/Throw (potential Christmas present)
- Angel Tree Topper
- 4 pair Paperclip Ice Skates Ornaments (office Christmas gift)
- 2 sets Golf Club Covers (no numbers) - (Christmas gifts)

Project List Items (done)
- 3 pair of Paperclip Ice Skates Ornaments (personal use)
- 11 pair of Paperclip Ice Skates Ornaments (office Christmas)
- Easy Cabled Scarf
- Poncho (early Christmas present)

Added Items (not complete)
- Wristlet Bag (adjusting pattern) [...65%...]
- EnviroTote Market Bag #4 [90% complete]... I really need to line this and get it off the list!
- Angel Hair scarf
- 2 Kitchen Chair Wall Protector
- 4 thread crochet coasters
- knit socks [started]
- hybrid hat

Added Items (done)
- Wristlet Bag (making my own pattern)
- Mystery CAL Beach Bag
- 5 Knit Washcloth
- 3 Crochet Dishcloth
- 2 Kitchen Chair Wall Protector
- Ear Bud "purse"
- WW Yarn Runner for  ledge
- Angel Hair scarf
- 1 hour cowl
- Hybrid Hat (patting coming soon)
- 1 Loom Knit Hat

---------------------
This post is part of the Ravelry Group "Come Blog-A-Long" #yearofprojects Project. If you are interested in joining along or finding other posts similar to this one, visit the group on Ravelry.

Surprising Sales

I have never done a craft fair before.... and in all honesty I still have yet to do one BUT my crocheted items made their debut yesterday.

So let's back up a little bit.

I have wanted to try doing a craft fair, I really have, but unfortunately my time restrictions are just too insane, especially this semester. I have a few friends who do them and do really well selling their crafted goods. Weirdly enough, these are not the same friends that know I'm relatively crafty - odd, eh? I figure when they are showing me stuff, they aren't looking for me to talk about what I do - they are simply wanting feedback on their crafty goodness....

but I digress.

So somehow, in the last few months, one of my friends who does craft fairs found out about the hidden crochet inside of me. She offered that if I had anything I'd like to send along, I could - she'd have no problem displaying my pieces. I thanked her politely and thought nothing more of it.

Fast forward to a few days ago - Where we work hosts a holiday craft festival at the end of October. So I happened into my craft room (like that doesn't happen daily *cackles*) and realized I had a box with several scarves in it that I really hadn't any plan for. It was then I thought I'd take them to my friend and offer for her to display them for me. I offered half the table fee and she insisted no - that I could barter with her: my goods selling on her table at no extra cost for my helping her get an Etsy store set up (banners, etc).

Anywhoozles, it was a little exciting sitting at work today knowing she was downstairs, with my scarves on her table.... and people were looking at them! I think it was good that I was not sitting there because I usually get nervous and act all weird and get really talkative - mostly because I don't want people thinking I'm overpricing things or that I have no talent and shouldn't be selling anything (personal demon, don't ask)

1st scarf to sell

Around 11 she had texted me and said she sold a scarf. I was EXCITED! The first scarf to sell was the scarf I originally began making for the man. Remember it? I thought the colors were masculine enough but after he saw it, he said it looked a bit too girly - the white halo of fiber is what I think he was referring to because the last I checked, brown and grey were "guy colors."

In the early afternoon, someone came up and asked me about the smaller of the scarves and if she could get it in different colors... of course, I replied - and I walked away with an order for that. And to top it off, when my friend brought my stuff to me at the end of the craft show, a coworker bought another scarf.

I'm pretty stoked, to say the least!

2nd scarf to sell

It's exciting that people would be interested in something that I made.

I was pretty surprised too because when I walked around, I think mine were the only scarves. I could have swore there would have been more - but nope, mine were the only ones.

So, I ended up with a pretty satisfied feeling after that and another offer to set items on the table in two weeks. If I do that one, I'm sure I'm going to pay my friend something. Those tables aren't cheap!

FO Friday

Ahhhhh another FO Friday. It has been a long time since I've participated in this meme; however, it is not because I have not finished anything. Quite the contrary - I've finished quite a few items related to my Year of Projects list and a few others on the side.

The primary item that I have finished in the last week is a cowl.

I worked it up in a bulky white yarn, I believe by Sensations. I'm not 100% on that and quite frankly, I've thrown the label away.

The cowl itself was crocheted on a size M hook and took less than one hour to complete. Another "one" milestone is that it took less than one skein. I attached two large black buttons for contrast and am very pleased with the outcome.

I am thinking of writing the pattern up and posting it here for free, even though it is simple.

I started a bit of a hybrid hat on Wednesday and finished it up Thursday night. I am using a loom and crochet together and will post the pattern here in the next few weeks.

The hat is technically a match to the cowl although I think the hat needs some matching black buttons to really make them match. What do you think?

If you enjoy reading about what people have finished and would like to read more OR you have a FO of your own you'd like to share, head on over to Tami's Amis blog and check out the link party.

Review of the Coming Home Poncho

image (c) Lion Brand Yarn on Ravelry

Today's post is something I have not done in quite a while - it's a pattern review.

I am going to be reviewing the pattern called the Coming Home Poncho. The pattern was written by Doris Chan and published by Lion Brand Yarn.

Ravelry Link: http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/martha-stewart-coming-home-poncho-crochet

Honestly, I was a little surprised to find this pattern on one of the "free - take me" sheets at Michael's. My oldest had shown interest in a shawl I had made myself but indicated she'd much rather have it in a poncho rather than the open-front shawl. I must have tucked that tid bit away for future reference because as soon as I saw the free pattern, I immediately thought of her.

While you can replace the recommended yarn out with whatever you prefer in the same size, the recommended yarn is Lion Brand homespun. I don't know about all of you, but I for one am not a fan of this yarn. I love the colorways but the yarn itself is a bear to work with. It is very splitty, that little thread in the middle just seems to catch on everything except the hook, and quite frankly, when I'm crocheting it seems to fuzz up a little.

I do like that the yarn is washable, it's very soft, and like I said before - the colors are gorgeous.

I chose to do my eldest's in "prairie" which is a gorgeous mix of browns with a splash of blue and green mixed in. I thought it was perfect autumnal colors and she would love it.

The pattern works in the round, and as you can guess by the nature of the yarn, it was a beast to get going from the starting chain. Once I got the first row of double crochet finished, the remaining portion of the body of the poncho was easy enough to finish.

The edging is nice but I have to sheepishly admit that I thought the poncho was going to be a little short so I added a couple extra rows to the main portion - so when it came time to do the edging I had to modify it a bit so the numbers added up and the peaks made sense visually.

Working the color last was fine and presented no issues.

As I said, I ended up adding a couple rows because it didn't seem like it was going to be long enough. Granted, I did not come out to Ravelry to see if they had the poncho posted in different sizes so in a way, that's 'shame on me.' Had I went to Ravelry, I could have seen the published the poncho for all sizes and I could have picked a pattern that fit the eldest instead of modifying the freebie pattern to fit my needs. I genuinely didn't even think of it - I figured a free pattern was all it was. Lesson learned!

my eldest in the "Coming Home Poncho" I made for her

What happened in the end is that I didn't finish the last row of the edging, although I think that it ended up looking pretty darn good.

The colors are definitely very autumnal and while it was meant to be a Christmas present, I gave it to her early so she could enjoy the benefits of the garment before it was too cold.

Overall, I would say the pattern was well-written and worked up pretty easily. I started it and even with limited craft time due to work, school, and family - I felt that it didn't take too long at all.

I believe this pattern is good enough for a beginner to complete although knowledge of basic crochet through making double crochet stitches is needed. If a new crocheter is going to try this yarn, I would suggest they use something other than the homespun.

In the end, I rate this pattern 4 balls of yarn simply because the pattern cannot be increased easily and it was recommended to use the homespun yarn. Both of these are easily resolvable by looking up the pattern in different sizes and using a different yarn; however, a person that doesn't know either of these options are viable would probably not think the pattern goes as smoothly as it does. I'm sure that if I came back to make this again and used a different yarn, I'd rate the pattern higher.

I will make this pattern in the future and know that it'll work up even faster once I get way from the suggested yarn.

X is for.... Xenagogue

While I did not get to post last week, that does not mean I'm ignoring the letter X out of ease. Sure, it's a hard letter but that doesn't make it any less important than the others... and yes, I can tie my X word back to crochet.

Xenagogue.

Simply (?) defined as a guide or someone who conducts strangers.

I consider myself a little bit of a xenagogue because of the tutorials I put on YouTube. I started on YouTube (YT) several years ago and was opening myself up to give advice. I have done a lot of research in my day and thought I could open the world up to what I knew. That turned into something interesting as it was the driving force behind my going back to school.

While I didn't give direct instruction with my advise, I do think I was loosely considered a xenagogue. As time went on, I received my bachelor's in psychology ..... however, my channel changed. I started putting up more personal vlogs - insight into my home life and the first time I lost a lot of weight. From there, I continued on to school which I am almost ready to graduate with a Masters in Public Health (MPH). But again, my YouTube channel changed. A few months ago I decided to put up a tutorial on crochet. It was well-received.

Since them I have received thousands of views on my videos and several nice comments about how helpful they are - all from people I don't know.

I really am glad I can do this for others - I hope to be able to put as many that are needed out there as time moves forward. You can see all that I have done by clicking on the category for video tutorials (on the right).

In a nutshell - I think I have offered a lot of xenogogue-esque (now that's a word!) behaviors to anyone who came along to that channel.

---------------
Image from: http://www.jmeacham.com/

Year of Projects: Week 17

Project Percentage Complete: 59%

Overall Percentage Complete: 61%

Number of Project Items: 27

Number of Added Items: 23
Total Items: 51

I'm posting this later because I was traveling a bit - and mostly because I would prefer to have it fully updated when it posts BUT also because I have took some projects with me and was wanting to push my numbers up in a good way.

I have added a pair of socks to the add list but I have no idea how long that'll be before I finish them. The numbers didn't go up because I removed the "child's scarf in self-patterning yarn" - I decided this yarn is best suited for socks soooooo once I finish the pair I'm working on, my first pair ever, then I'll move on to the pretty self-patterning yarn.

Going out of town this weekend (just got back!) gave me plenty of car time to work on the socks. I started out with only one sock on the dpns but then when I got there, I got to the heel so fast, I decided that I should get another pair of dpns and make the other one up to the heel. The reason being: they are my first pair and I have no clue how to do a heel flap.

I am going to try and decipher the heel flap on a toe up sock BUT if I can't, then at least I was/am making progress. I figure I got enough done, the yarn group ladies can help me if I don't figure it out and I will have spent no wasted time waiting. I'll have 2 socks ready for a heel flap come Wednesday night yarn group.

As for getting things off the list - I desperately need to get my arse to the fabric store to pick up a remnant big enough to line the market bag that has been sitting on my list forever. The finished bag is downstairs just waiting to be lined. I just need to line it.... perhaps I'll put that down as a goal for the next week.... perhaps *laughs*

I was able to finish the shawl that I'm giving to my oldest as an early Christmas present. I was pretty happy to have it done. I just hope it's long enough. She came to visit on Thursday night. I was pleased with her reaction. She genuinely seemed to like it. So, finishing that one item pushed my percentages up and it looks like I'm over the halfway mark for total items and the original list itself. YAY - go me :)


Now I shall leave you with the list. Not too shabby if I do say so myself.


Project List Items (not complete)

- Filet Market Bag
- Lacet Table Runner [...started...]
- Throw for living room sofa (no pattern selected yet)
- Round Afghan/Throw (potential Christmas present)
- Angel Tree Topper
- 4 pair Paperclip Ice Skates Ornaments (office Christmas gift)
- 2 sets Golf Club Covers (no numbers) - (Christmas gifts)

Project List Items (done)
- 3 pair of Paperclip Ice Skates Ornaments (personal use)
- 11 pair of Paperclip Ice Skates Ornaments (office Christmas)
- Easy Cabled Scarf
- Poncho (early Christmas present)

Added Items (not complete)
- Wristlet Bag (adjusting pattern) [...65%...]
- EnviroTote Market Bag #4 [90% complete]... I really need to line this and get it off the list!
- Angel Hair scarf
- 2 Kitchen Chair Wall Protector
- 4 thread crochet coasters
-  knit socks [started]

Added Items (done)
- Wristlet Bag (making my own pattern)
- Mystery CAL Beach Bag
- 5 Knit Washcloth
- 3 Crochet Dishcloth
- 2 Kitchen Chair Wall Protector
- Ear Bud "purse"
- WW Yarn Runner for  ledge
- Angel Hair scarf

---------------------
This post is part of the Ravelry Group "Come Blog-A-Long" #yearofprojects Project. If you are interested in joining along or finding other posts similar to this one, visit the group on Ravelry.