The Crochet Cottage

My Most Favorite Pattern

2011-03-06T22:14:00.001-08:00

The other day I posted a swatch of this project ~ my most favorite pattern of all time ~ the loveliest of tissue box covers.

It is from the magazine I posted on the same day as the swatch: Women’s Household Crochet Spring 1994. The pattern was created by Katherine Eng who seems to still be designing. Recently I visited a friend’s cottage in Idaho and was thrilled to discover that the cover I had made for her was lovingly displayed in the guest bathroom.

All of the covers I made with this pattern were to give to friends, so this weekend I whipped one up for my living room and started another one to add to a little stash I am hoping to earn a little money with. I recently became a grandma and would love to visit my little mister in California often! I’m also thinking of a trip to Houston next January with a good friend. It’ll take a lot of crocheting, but then again I have a lot more patterns and a little more yarn

From the cottage, with love

Tina

Tina’s Treasures

2011-03-04T01:14:00.001-08:00

Downsizing from one cottage to another wasn’t easy and we still have some things in storage. On a rare occasion I was with DH while he was paying the bill for the storage unit so I asked if we could take a peek.

Of course I had an ulterior motive … I’ve been looking for a favorite pattern and thought maybe it might be in one of the boxes that was stowed away. I also knew I had yarn and thread safely tucked away in plastic totes

Five totes later we were on our way home only to discover that the pattern I was looking for wasn’t in the box I thought it was. Bummer. But moving things around the unit had inspired my hubby and in his travels through a storage room at the house, he came across my Crochet Stitch Bible. That was a great find too and I asked him where he’d found it.

He also mentioned there were other books and patterns in the box. Could it be…? Yes! The magazine with the pattern I wanted was in there! Along with some other treasures … not the least of which are several old Workbasket magazines that belonged to my Nonna. Here’s the one I was looking for:

I’ve been dying to make a tissue box cover that is in this magazine, and because the magazine is out of print … well, there was no finding the pattern. Believe me, this magazine is not going back into a box anytime soon! With my enormous stash now safely home, I started in right away:

The reddish tint to the swatch is my phone flash I think but I should have the finished project ready to view tomorrow. Oh, how I have missed crocheting in the cottage! Tomorrow is Crochet with Jane day … a new harbor friend and fellow blogger. I can’t wait to settle with some tea and a have good long visit over our hooks (hers might be those pointy ones …) and see what we shall see!

Hope you’re having some fun today too! From the cottage, with love,

Tina

What’s a Blogger to Do?

2011-02-26T17:16:00.001-08:00

So after that last thrilling post some three years ago my crochet habit just waned. It isn’t that I haven’t crocheted at all in the past three years, I just didn’t find the time or inclination to blog about it. No great loss for you really but even so … why have a blog if I’m not going to use it, right? So what’s a blogger to do?

Well, just pick up where I left off, much like any other work-in-progress. Speaking of which, I was looking through some old posts the other day and realized I haven’t finished my Bye Bye Birdie Blanket. Oh, Chloe would be pleased to see that done!

I also have some other unfinished projects (no big surprise there!) that I am systematically planning to tackle. A couple of baby blankets that I will probably donate to CareNet, a doily or two, a scarf, some dishcloths. Okay! So I’m really hooked here … pun intended.

I am hopeful though that many of these projects are going to get tackled this year. Partly because I am going through a process of organizing at home and partly because I have some motivation from a group of friends who also love to crochet and knit. We held our first Crochet and Pray the other day, and have plans to get together again soon. We found a great Groupon for yarn!

So like all good works-in-progress, don’t give up on the Cottage yet. I think we have a great year ahead of us!

A New Cottage

2008-01-01T20:15:00.000-08:00

Today's title is a reflection of the many changes of this past year. After a year's absence (not so constant, eh?) The Constant Cottage is back in a new home. A lot has happened since I last wrote and it is so hard to believe that we have moved from our cozy cottage in a small town by a river to a bigger community in a harbor . . . still in a relative cottage. My New Year's resolution is to write more - lucky you - and possibly pursue a writing career, perhaps as a magazine contributor or something like it. You know, work from home and make lots of money. Right. Well, at least I resolve to write something every day. So new cottage, new focus to the blog, and we'll see what else is new in the New Year. Happy 2008!

Blogged Down

2006-03-11T14:50:00.000-08:00

I am a little behind in blogging this week. Aside from the fact that I ~~haven't actually finished a~~ have only completed one project this month - I haven't been feeling well. After a gi-normous migraine and two weeks of vertigo-like symptoms and little after-thought headaches, my doctor decided to run an MRI/MRA on my brain. Nothing turned up. Well, I do have a brain (a very young looking one according to the technician!) but nothing is wrong with it that can be determined by actual scientific methods. Drat! Now I can't use that for an excuse! I am still awaiting blood tests to see if there is anything amiss otherwise.

When I got home from the test last night, I found that Chloe's mom had sent me a new set of Korean teacups. Aren't they just beautiful?! What a treat to come home to. If there's anything I love more about the Cottage, it's the fact that it is just my style. In the post below you can see where I display my teacup collection - handed down to me by my Italian grandmother who used to go to Vancouver, British Columbia, with my grandfather and an aunt and uncle every year. Each year my grandma and aunt would bring back a teacup to commemorate the trip.

I've added very few to the collection of my own, but I have a few that are very special to me. One was purchased at a friends yard sale that used to be her grandmother's. (I tried to tell her the value of such a piece but she wouldn't accept the price) Another was given to me by a friend who had me babysit her teacups until she had a place of her own to display them. This one was also her grandmother's cup. One was a lovely memento of a Women's Retreat put on by our church. I was one of the speakers that year and what a memorable time it was. I'm sure this cup must have belonged to someone's grandma once - and by the time it gets passed down, I hope I will have been a grandma. Although as young as my brain is right now I'm really not ready for that yet!

Where Teacups and Crochet Converge at the Cottage

2006-03-11T14:48:00.000-08:00

Completed projects in 2006

2006-03-11T14:44:00.000-08:00

A running list:

Woven stitch scarf
Homespun Neckwarmer
Homespun Shawl/Wrap
Jiffy Baby Blanket
Checkerboard/Tic Tac Toe Game
Sunflower Potholder
'Little Boy's Blue' Homespun Hat

B's Valentine's Purse
Michaela's Purse
Chloe's Purse
Beatrice Shrug (for Crochet Olympics)
Receiving Blanket
Nathan's Blanket
Morning Star Doily

Fabulous Felted Bag

Fabulousy Felted!

2006-03-09T12:47:00.000-08:00

Doing a little jig for the felting process! I think it turned out nice. Michaela says it's the cutest thing I've ever made (qualified with 'I wouldn't carry it') so it must look alright - she's the fashion guru of the cottage.

Speaking of the cottage - this pic is taken on one of the many rock-themed items in the yard. I took the advice of a CP-er who recommends using natural lighting to photograph one's work and thought this background would highlight the method of felting. Gives it an outdoorsy quality, eh?

About the bag, the off-white yarn did not felt as well as the darker colors (which I had presumed would happen because of the dyeing process of lighter yarns.) But I like that it has a different texture. The textured handle and upper blue portion (woven stitch) made interesting felt qualities which I love. So I will try unique stitches again in the felting process.

While it was in the washer I could hardly stand to leave it alone. I ran it through three times on hot. I agitated it with towels which I think helped it with the friction needed. And, yes, definitely love to felt so you will see more of this in the future!

Pre-Felted Bag

2006-03-08T11:42:00.000-08:00

I have no idea how this is going to turn out. Whatever happens, I'll be glad to know I tried. I worked mostly in sc, making it up as I went along - I used a relief sc, a woven stitch and finished the edge with reverse single crochet. I hope I didn't get too daring in trying to get some texture to it, but I saw the most gorgeous felted items at the yarn store yesterday and did not want to end up with just a plain piece of felt! I also crocheted a flower to attach after felting, which is what I will do with the strap as well. I don't want to take any chances of some areas felting well and some not. It's off to the washer now - wish me luck!

Wool It Felt?

2006-03-07T16:58:00.000-08:00

I hope it will! That's why I bought it! I had the most fabulous experience at a yarn store today. For any of you who are in or around A Grand Yarn, I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.

Their website is just now being developed so what they have up right now is a list of classes and a list of brands they carry, but not pictures or prices yet. Even so, the classes list is exhaustive. They teach knitting AND CROCHET! And best of all, their staff was very friendly, very knowledgeable, and when I mentioned I was a crochetier - not at all snooty! I found out they do offer the free use of a ball winder when you purchase hanks - which would have been nice if I'd had the time. They have a club card for $10 that will get you 5% off all purchases. And some of the yummiest yarns I have ever petted!

I chose some pretty pedestrian yarns for my first project (they had some delicious looking wools that would be great for future projects if I find I can do this!) But I just love the colors! I got two hanks of Cascade Pastaza which is 50% llama and has a little bit of a fuzz to it as it is felted. The other two are Cascade 220 - 100% wool. Now I just need a pattern!

I only crocheted one square today as my friend's appointment went so well she didn't have to have the 3 hour procedure done that we thought she would. Good thing DH has a meeting tonight or I might not get in as much time crocheting! Hmm, now do I keep working on WIPs or find a felting project? Which would you do?!

Real Time Blog Photos Are Back

2006-03-06T11:34:00.000-08:00

The girls are back from the state tournament (the boys got 2nd!) and so is the camera. So here is a current photo of what I will refer to as the Bye Bye Birdie Blanket - since I will be working on it primarily during rehearsals while I wait for the girls! At home I am working on the Granny Grid Bag and that will go with me tomorrow as I am off the city again. That is where I hope to stop at a "real" yarn store and maybe buy some wool for felting.

I missed the new Oxygen Network show yesterday - Stitchcraft with Lily Chin. It is supposed to air again Friday. By all accounts on the CP List, it was interesting although this episode was not very hip to crochet. It sure would be nice if there were more out there for the serious crochetiers.

This week marks the three-month countdown for Michaela's graduation and Chloe's leaving. I know the time is going to fly by and I haven't started a project for either of them. I want each of them to have something that is a visual reminder of mom with them and since I rarely have a day without a hook in hand, I'd like it to be crocheted. I know that Chloe will cherish anything mom makes her but Michaela is a little more - shall I say, discerning. She won't want anything that is not functional (did I mention she's joined the Navy?) or that will clutter her life. Maybe I'll just make her a nice watch cap!

OK, Maybe I HAVE Done Free Form Before

2006-03-04T18:50:00.000-08:00

These are my two youngest daughters, Chloe and Brianne. (Note: Chloe is our Korean exchange daughter who has won our hearts as completely as our own daughters!)

Notice Brianne's cute little bolero? I made that Free Form (?) by crocheting a honeycomb pattern and holding it up to one of her favorite shirts for shaping. Ultimately it didn't turn out how either of us had imagined but Brianne humored me and wore it to Homecoming anyway. (Thanks, B!)

So I guess I have done a 'form' of Free Form, made possible by the understanding and experience that I have with sewing. What I really would like to try is something that is not a stitch pattern but really free-formed.

You may have noticed that the only pictures I've posted lately are older, more personal pictures than my usual "This is what I'm doing. This is what I've done." Well, my girls have the camera (which technically belongs to Michaela) at the state basketball tournament where our boys' team is playing for the State Championship tonight! Go Bears!

This is the first year DH and I haven't gone for a long time. The past two years we went as Pep Band Director and Cheer Coach. But our school cut the band program last year after a levy failure and I didn't have the energy to volunteer for a position I had been paid to do for two years. We could have gone - but it was nice not to HAVE to. We're listening to the game on the radio!

So I spent the day organizing and taking an inventory of my pattern books and magazines. I culled out some of the ones I won't use and will raid my stash to put together a package of yarn and patterns to donate to the CP Recycling Contest. I definitely have more thread patterns than yarn but I notice a broadening of my interests lately. Some of my most beloved patterns are a Tissue Box Cover in an old Women's Household Crochet magazine and Clothespin Angels in a leaflet from Leisure Arts. I have a few patterns that were my grandma's even though her true love was knitting.

Well, I've spent slightly more time blogging this week than I have crocheting this weekend, so I think I'll go put my feet up and work on some WIPs, with a cup of tea and the game in the background. Happy Crocheting for now!

The Superior Craft?

2006-03-04T00:03:00.000-08:00

Is it just the debate of the craft world or is it a conspiracy theory based on the behavior of yarn shop owners? Knit vs. Crochet - which is the superior craft? Horror stories of snobbery and condescension abound - most recently on CrochetWithDee's journal - Needing to Blur the Line. Shop owners who ignore the needs/wants/desires of crochetiers while pandering to the whims of knitters. Granted there may be an huge misunderstanding of the needs/wants/desires of crochetiers. But what is the truth about which craft is superior?

We all have an opinion, right? And that opinion is probably biased - in large part by which craft we each gravitate to. You know where I stand - and if you're reading this I may be able to guess where you stand. But for the sake of argument lets examine a few facts:

Knitting: two needles that make noise when you use them
Crochet: one hook that silently glides with the yarn (ok that might have been a poke at knitters, but after all I'm using a blunt tipped crochet hook!)

Knitting: uses less yarn per project
Crochet: uses more yarn per project

Knitting: patterns and magazines more widely available
Crochet: patterns and magazines harder to find

Knitting: uses yarn in a variety of textures and fibers
Crochet: uses yarn in a variety of textures and fibers

Based on the facts it seems that there is a slight bias toward knitting, evidenced by the fact there are fewer patterns and magazines geared toward crochetiers. Knitters may even try to convince you that it is more economical to knit - you can get more projects out of an equal amount of yarn - but I submit this to you:

On page 46 of the BHG Learn to Knit booklet, knitters are encouraged to pack a small bag with the tools of their trade. Interestingly enough, of the 14 items listed - one is a CROCHET HOOK - and an explanation is offered for its use (for picking up dropped stitches!) Oh, and did I mention that the BHG Learn to Crochet also recommends a kit for crochetiers? Seven items on the list - nothing specific to knitting that could be used in case of crochet emergency.

So, clearly crochet is the superior craft - evidenced by the fact that crochetiers require fewer tools (we're lower maintenance) and knitters mistakes must be fixed with the one tool a crochetier cannot live without! (I admit that was a Python-esque stretch of logic but it sure was fun!)

Seriously folks, it is a bit ridiculous to imagine that one craft is more superior than the other. If we all think hard enough, we can come up with appreciable qualities for both mediums. I agree with Dee that there must be a blurring of the lines - why must either craft be looked down upon by the other? I only know about the recommended tools because I have BOTH books. I am trying to blur the lines in my own home by learning to appreciate a craft that frankly has left me somewhat dissatisfied in the past. I think if I give it half a chance I might come to appreciate it much more than I do. In honor of National Crochet Month, let's all get along - teach a knitter to crochet! (Considering they already have the most important tool in their bag!)

"It's a Wee 'umble Cottage"

2006-03-02T11:07:00.000-08:00

I thought you all might be interested in how my page got it's name. This is where I hang my hooks, so to speak. Today's title is a line from one of our favorite movies - The Quiet Man. This picture was taken back in the Spring and hopefully, will look this way again real soon. Right now things are a little brown and dreary from the end of winter.

Regarding yesterday's post, someone over at CP posted a link to a tutorial about the seamless finish or Hidden Ends. Another link calls it Invisible Finish Off (IFO) has different pictures, same basic instructions. I think either way you can use it for more than just Granny Squares. I plan on finishing all my work this way! Wish I'd learned it sooner.

I've decided to try my hand at crocheting some socks for Christmas this year. I emailed my friend over at Flying Hooks to get a few pointers on patterns and yarn choices, so don't be surprised to see Sock WIPs in the future. I'm going to test a pair for myself first to see how easy that would be doing that many pairs this year.

I'm taking my friend back to the doctor next week and am hoping to make it to the yarn shop that I've discovered is quite close by the doctor's office. I looked it up on the 'net and found that an acquaintance from my hometown teaches knitting classes there. She'll actually be there the day we're going so I hope to get to say Hi! (And to buy some wool for a future felting project!)

A Funny Thing Happened

2006-03-01T12:14:00.000-08:00

on the way to Walmart. I had to take Chloe to play practice 30 miles from home - just so happens that's the where the closest Walmart is too! =) So we planned to go to Walmart and then grab a bite to eat before practice. Well, on the way out the door we got two very important phone calls. In all the hustle and bustle I FORGOT MY CROCHET BASKET! At Walmart, I had planned on looking at the yarn anyway but now I ~~want~~ HAD to buy something because I was going to be at the practice for 1-1/2 hours with nothing to do. So I looked at the patterns and chose a Leisure Arts Little Book, Granny's Delight Afghans. Then I wanted to pick out the yarns. They were out of several colors of Simply Soft, which I now HAVE to try because of the discussion on the Crochet Partners List, about the propensity toward splitting, especially with Boye Hooks. So I chose a different colorway and bought yarn, an extra hook (like I didn't already have 3 "I" hooks at home!) and a basket to tote it in - all for about $25. Of course I forgot to buy scissors too, but the yarn in my teeth is a different story.

As we were heading into the practice Chloe says to me: "Mom, I can tell you can't go anywhere without crocheting!" Well - yeah - if she had to wait an hour and a half for me somewhere she'd want something to do too, right? At the practice I got 11 squares done. I noticed that the yarn is wound rather loosely and could split if not careful but even though I was using a Boye Hook, I had no problems with it. I'm thinking that the looseness of the wind is part of what makes it so soft. (The opposite could be said of RH - the tightness of the wind is what makes it so stiff)

I also figured out the seamless finish on the Grannies that Dee was talking about on her blog on Monday. That was exciting! It really does make a wonderful finish - a real professional look.

So yesterday my promise was that I would not start a new WIP before I finished the Granny Grid Bag - but circumstances beyond my control (hee) - caused me to break that promise. (Hangs head in shame) Oh well, such is life at the Cottage: Grant me the serenity . . . and if I can't tell the difference - Crochet on!

Finally Finished Frogging

2006-02-28T10:20:00.000-08:00

I don't know if it's because I've been under the weather or that I wanted so badly to finish this doily - but I frogged row 11 four times, and row 12 twice! By the time I got to the last row (13) I was so determined to finish this that I stayed up until 3 am. (It helped that Michaela was up late finishing her Senior Culminating Project as well.) In any event, the Valentine's Doily is complete! The pattern is from an old White Crochet magazine and is called 'Morning Star Doily.' I won the book as part of a package in the Recycling Contest over at Crochet Partners. You have to be a member to participate but the people over there know so much about crochet - the list is moderated in part by Jean Leinhauser, founder of Leisure Arts and the American School of Needlework. (Warning: the list generates a lot of email but you can be on digest or read the archives and the wealth of information is worth the time and effort!)

Now I have two WIP's left. I am going to finish the Granny Grid Bag before starting anything else and I am determined to keep going on the Table Runner in between other projects. I have yarn for baby blankets, a cropped cardigan and surprisingly eight balls of yarn leftover from the Olympic Shrug! Plus tubs and tubs of stash that I need to use. Maybe a Homespun Scrap Blanket for a wedding gift. We shall see! We shall see!

Cutie Patootie Booties

2006-02-25T12:58:00.000-08:00

DH: What's that?
Me: A bootie.
DH: It's bootie-ful.

Made these last night for a shower that I'm giving today. Too cute and oh, so fun to make. And obviously they work up fairly quickly. I actually got halfway through a second pair before I had to start getting ready for the shower. The pattern is free at the Bernat website.

(Not too) Bad Case of YAS

2006-02-24T14:37:00.000-08:00

Went to the city today. Had to get my eyes checked. While I'm sitting in the waiting room, a lady picked up a magazine from the table next to me. I was crocheting on the doily and she says "Nice doily. You don't see too many knitting like that with tiny thread anymore. Well, ones that don't have gray hair!" I chose not to correct her because I was too interested in what she meant by "one's that don't have gray hair." I mean - I don't have gray hair but are there really no threadies who are younger women? Saucy me says, "Really? I must not get out much because I did not know that!" "No really . . ." She was wearing a Fun Fur Skinny Scarf. I asked her if she knitted it. She did. Now I'm really confused because - did she really not know that I was crocheting, not knitting? If I had not been called into my appointment, I would have been obliged to . . .

The last time I had my eyes dilated it took me all day to recover - today I decided I'd take a little time before I drove the 60 miles home and do a little browsing. ;-) Two crafts stores later, this is what I had:

You can't tell very well in the picture but there are two skeins of TLC Baby for another receiving blanket. The Bernat CottonTots will make baby booties and maybe a hat. Paton's BeMine for hats and booties. And the others are all sale items - Blush in Persimmon (reg. $8.99 for only $1.99), two skeins of Sullivan's Sensuale blue/purple for $1.25 each and one skein of Sullivan's Sparkle in Agate for $1.99. Not a bad day's browsing - especially with a little blurred vision.

The baby yarns were all for dedicated projects but the others - well, a girl can be impulsive every once in a while can't she?

Nathan's Blanket

2006-02-23T11:38:00.000-08:00

I finished this blanket (Wool-ease 'Wood') this morning. I can't believe I've finished two WIP's this week in addtion to my Olympic shrug. I could finish two more if I put my mind to it. I have an eye apppointment tomorrow that I may spend a fair amount of time in a waiting room for. But tonight is Olympic skating and I'm throwing a baby shower on Saturday. I had considered an extra project - booties or baby washcloths - even though I had already given a blanket before baby was born. We'll see how ambitious I feel.

Receiving Blanket

2006-02-22T11:30:00.000-08:00

I finished this while waiting in the doctor's office on Monday. In the pic you can really see that the pattern made by the variegation changes. It doesn't look this pronounced in person (thankfully) and I'm really pleased with the results. The finished measurements are about 22-1/2" x 23", perfect for a newborn.

I found out that the baby this was to be for is definitely a boy. So I'm thinking about making him something a little different and saving this for the next baby, which is due in June. I just about have enough time to do a different blanket before April - but that means abandoning my resolve to finish all other WIP's first. At least I already have the yarn for it! =)

I still have four or five rounds, plus a border on my giant granny square blanket - I got into watching the skating last night and would stop crocheting to watch. I may or may not finish it tonight, so keep checking for those pics.

Shrug in Action

2006-02-21T16:36:00.000-08:00

Here's the shrug on. Below is a picture of the back. I really like the way it feels on. It was a little warm as I went to help Brianne pin her quilt onto the quilting machine at school but once outside it added just enough warmth to feel comfortable on a semi-Spring day.

As promised I have a story to tell from my trip. Sitting in the waiting room, of course crocheting, a woman looked over and commented on the Receiving Blanket I was working on. We began to visit as she is a fellow crochetier and spins her own yarn. We began to talk about Kool-aid Dyeing and other things. She told me about a Fiber Fest for spinners. I aked her if she ever felted. Oh yeah, and she began to describe the process of felting with - are you ready? - bubble wrap! Who knew?! (BTW, I finished the receiving blanket at the motel last night and am now working on the other Blanket WIP. Should be finished with that tonight and will post pics of both tomorrow.)

While I was gone I received an email from Dee of CrochetWithDee. She has been having guest bloggers while she celebrates her birthday. (Happy Birthday, Dee!) And she chose my submission as one of her guest blogs. Scroll down to Monday to see it! While you're there, browse through the rest of her stuff, check out her website. Talk about a lady having fun with crochet - Dee is fantastic!

Oh, and the sweet lady I traveled with yesterday has offered for me to go through her crochet patterns as she will not be using them anymore. She asked if I had enough yarn - silly me, I said yes! Ah well, maybe she'll offer again when I go for the patterns.

Back of Shrug

2006-02-21T16:10:00.000-08:00

Finished Olympic Shrug!

2006-02-19T23:31:00.000-08:00

It's not the best picture - hope to post on a live model before I leave, but it's done! Added to the list of COMPLETED projects - phew!

Heading into the Medal Round

2006-02-19T19:58:00.000-08:00

Things are heating up here in the Cottage. Things that have nothing to do with DH keeping the woodstove stocked, although it is much appreciated.

I finished the tie and even though I had my reservations, I am really pleased with how it is turning out. I plan on staying up to watch the Ice Dancing and put the shrug together. I'm feeling the heat though because I'm leaving for an overnight trip tomorrow and won't have access to my computer for posting my progress. If I can get the shrug done tonight, I can post in the morning. Can't you just feel the pressure? I'm hoping for a Seth Wescott or Hannah Teter experience and not the Bode Miller or Lindsey Kildow variety. Ouch! DNF doesn't sound good at all.

Unfortunately I won't be able to visit any LYS while I'm away but I'm surely taking a project or two to work on in the doctor's office and later on at the motel. Oh, which WIP will be chosen to make the trip?! That will be a fun diversion. I'll be driving 300 miles tomorrow - taking my dear friend to an appointment in the city. She's 88 and still drives locally but is hesitant to make the longer trips by herself. I'm looking forward to spending some time with my fireball of a friend. She's an amazing lady. She's been through a lot of rough spots in her life but has come through them intact and with an incredible faith that is definitely inspiring. We have the best time talking and laughing while I learn plenty about how to do this thing called life with integrity. I'm sure I'll have a story or two to tell when I get back.

Baffling Belt Blueprints

2006-02-18T15:51:00.000-08:00

Oy! What an headache! I've spent way too much time trying to figure out a belt for my shrug. I finally settled on something close to what I think the designer was going for but I wasted a good evening and part of the day searching for just the right look. Rather than get stuck on this project, I decided to press forward with my original thoughts. I had, in fact, crocheted about 25 rows this way yesterday and then frogged it because I wanted something a little more substantial. As my friend Tracey would say "Holy Buckets!" I really could be close to sewing it on by now.

I wanted to debut this creation at church tomorrow - will that be enough to spur me on today? Hard to tell. But I know this - I'm looking forward to getting back to some other projects. Like the Granny Bag I started a while back or some Scrubbies that are made with colored netting. I need a change, that's for sure. With that in mind, I'm off to finish the belt. Check back tomorrow to see if I finished it. ;-)

Finished Fabric

2006-02-17T11:40:00.000-08:00

Woo Hooo! I have finished crocheting the fabric for my shrug. I started crocheting the tie but the silly pattern has another mistake (or it is not written clearly enough for someone of my experience - advanced - to decipher) so I am making my own pattern.

I am hoping to get the sewing part done, either tonight or Saturday. And then I will be finished! This really is amazing because I used to be the kind of crocheter that would get frustrated with flawed patterns and quit when I couldn't figure out the directions. Now I just improvise and make the pattern work for me. This kind of trial and error is risky but has made me a better crocheter in the long run.

My newest dream is to design a garment of my own - maybe a skirt or sweater. And then who knows?! I don't know if I'll ever design for a living - I've found it usually kills the enjoyment for me when I'm under deadlines - but I do know that I am capable of so much more than I ever thought I would do! Wishing all my Team Wearables teammates similar Olympic success!

Twelve Rows left in Torino Games!

2006-02-16T08:18:00.000-08:00

OK, it doesn't look like I accomplished much yesterday. In reality, I didn't - eight rows is not much. But I only have 12 rows left! In my defense, Wednesday is the day that I don't have time to think, eat or breathe. Between tutoring, after-school club at church and worship team practice, I am gone from noon until eight. When I got home last night I had a hard time focusing on both the Olympics and my crochet. I finally curled up with the heating pad on my feet (there is Arctic air coming in this week but no snow) and fell asleep watching the speed skating. Luckily, I have all morning to crochet today and this afternoon, two hours in the car with my hubby for a quick trip to the city! Check back tomorrow for a possibly finished garment!?

Olympics Day 5

2006-02-15T09:32:00.000-08:00

I think the neck shaping went very well. It was a little easier than I thought it would be. I have 22 more rows to finish the right sleeve. Then all that's left is the sewing and crocheting the belt tie. I am thrilled with the results. It didn't take too much thinking about how to enlarge the pattern slightly when the time came. My gauge being consistent has been both a surprise and a pleasure - I feel like a professional at this point!

If you haven't been to my blog recently you'll want to scroll down to view Lyn's Felted Red Hat. Didn't it turn out fabulous!? I'd love to try felting a bag or something else that size doesn't matter so much. (I don't think the sailor sweater my grandma knitted me when I was thirteen counts!) I'll have to keep my eye out for a pattern that I like.

I've also added a syndication button to my sidebar just in case some of you want to add my blog to your web clips! Isn't blogging fun?! Hope you enjoy visiting often!

Lyn's Felted Hat

2006-02-14T22:50:00.000-08:00

This hat was made by Lyn from Moab over on the Crochet Partners List. It is the first of her Crochet Olympics projects. Lyn made her hat of Merino Wool and then felted it. Doesn't she look too young to be a Red Hatter?! See below for another view of the hat. Great job, Lyn!

Hat View Two

2006-02-14T22:46:00.000-08:00

Olympics, Oscars and Overcoming Obstacles

2006-02-14T09:30:00.000-08:00

I'm finished with the left sleeve. I have 5 more rows for the shoulder and will be doing the neck shaping later today. I am so excited about this project! At first I wasn't sure I would enjoy doing it (you remember my intention was that this would be for Brianne) for myself. I began to doubt my color choice, wondering if I could even adjust the pattern to fit me, I just wasn't sure it was a good project. Well now that I'm this far into it, I'm really excited about it.

You have to admit the Olympics have way of generating excitment. Before the games began, I had no idea who Shaun White was. I'm just not a snowboarding kinda gal. But it was really fun watching this guy compete. It made me want to see more. I was disappointed to see Michelle Kwan leave, but I'm anticipating seeing what Emily Hughes will show us - after all her sister came to Salt Lake in the same team position and ended up winning gold . . . I think Sasha Cohen must be nervous!

All the Olympics coverage makes me think of my favorite Olympics-themed movie Chariots of Fire. If you've never seen this film and you love the spirit of the Olympic games, watch it! It won four Oscars, including Best Picture. I would be hard pressed to say that there are any films at this years Academy Awards, that are the caliber of this movie. What I love most about this movie is that the two competitors learn to overcome the obstacles in the way of achieving their goals.

Which is how I have felt about my own 'Olympics' goal. I'm learning to overcome my expectations, my prejudices and my self-doubt to create a project worthy of the GOLD!

Crochet Olympics

2006-02-12T16:56:00.000-08:00

Making my swatch gauge for the Crochet Olympics wasn't as easy as it looks. First of all, I chose for my project, the Beatrice Shrug from the Berroco website. I'm using a Debbie Bliss wool/cotton yarn in taupe to make it monochrome. It's a really nice yarn that I got on clearance a while back. Although it does have a tendency to split if I get careless with my tension. The problem came when there were no specific instructions for the swatch. I had to estimate the number of chains to use for the pattern. Then as I got to the second row of it, I discovered a mistake in the pattern. It took a while ot figure out that it was actually a mistake. Because I only went through the pattern twice to get the swatch.

The great thing is that my gauge was perfect. I have two extra balls of yarn. And all that's left is the doing. I just hope I like the finished project as much as I like the swatch!

Valentine's Gifts Are Finished

2006-02-11T17:46:00.000-08:00

I finished Chloe's purse just minutes ago. Just in time to begin my Crochet Olympics project - which I couldn't begin last night because we were at a baby shower. Tonight we are having friends over to watch their hometown girl try for a gold medal in the women's moguls. I have to do my swatch gauge first, and I hope I can concentrate a little on the games while I'm crocheting. The Olympics are going to be a real social event in our home this year. We have several friends who don't normally watch tv and we've invited them to come in and see it with us anytime. Hope all my Team Wearables teammates are doing well. See you at the Medals Ceremony!

Valentine's Purse Number Two

2006-02-10T07:32:00.000-08:00

I crocheted this one right under Michaela's nose! She was working on her Senior Project - she's writing and illustrating a children's book - while we watched Dancing with the Stars and Kate and Leopold. She asked what it was when I had just the base and about four inches of the bottom done. I flipped it over my head and told her it was my new Jackie Kennedy hat. we had a few laughs, then she asked me to turn it into a beret because she would wear it. After that she got so caught up in her project that I guess she forgot about it. the pattern is from the same booklet I used for Brianne's purse.

I also started Chloe's purse. It's coming along nicely and I should be able to post it tomorrow. I have to drive 60 miles today to pick up a cake for tonight's baby shower so I won't have as much time to crochet. But I have to have it finished before the Olympics start so I can begin my new shrug. I'm really looking forward to doing a garment. I hope it turns out well.

In other news, I'm really excited about the fact that my parents have finally entered the 21st Century! They bought a computer this week and are now online. I'm sure they were not the last household on earth without one, but it was frustrating not to be able to email or point them to a cool website (like this one - Hi mom! Hi dad!)

First Valentine's Purse Done!

2006-02-09T09:49:00.000-08:00

Wow, I really am back in the groove. I worked this up yesterday, between being a reading tutor, working with the kids at church, worship team practice, and dinner with pastor and his wife. Total time spent was about four hours! I couldn't find a 'real' button that worked with the back so I crocheted one. The pattern is one from Leisure Arts Leaflet #3775 called In The Bag. Of course I tweaked the pattern to be more of what Brianne would like - which means I made it a little bit smaller, used a different weight of yarn, and crocheted the button.

Michaela's purse comes from the same booklet. I am still planning on the Striped Purse for Chloe. Of course, I have to have them done - not only in time for Valentine's Day - before the Crochet Olympics begin! Unfortunately, I'm going to get a late start on that project! The baby shower for my new little friend is at the same time as the opening ceremonies. I'm not worried ~~much~~ though, if I truly have my groove back, I think I can handle it.

The challenge in my particular project is that this is the first time I have done a garment and I am enlarging it slightly from the pattern. I had thought to do it for Brianne, but she decided at the last minute that she wouldn't care for it as much as she first thought (that's no BIG surprise!) Then I realized I had the perfect weight and quantity of yarn to make it for me! I had ordered 16 skeins of Debbie Bliss wool/cotton to make a sweater a while back and it was tucked safely away in it's original shipping carton, just waiting for it's chance at the big time. Now it has dreams of Olympic glory - or at least of being crafted into something a bit more functional!

How I Got My Crochet Groove Back

2006-02-08T22:56:00.000-08:00

Well, I didn't particularly want to go to the meeting - the WASL (Washington Assessment of Student Learning) meeting. Daughter #2 said "I'll do better on the test if you go to the meeting." I didn't think I needed to go to the meeting. But go, I did. And I thought "Since I'm going to be sitting still for two hours, I might as well take something to work on."

I took the blanket I'm making for the little guy I looked after last week. Well, I crocheted like a madwoman. Turns out the meeting was mostly for parents whose children are at risk of doing poorly on the test - which daughter #2 is NOT. Turns out she (and daughter #3) got 30 extra-credit points in English class for having a parent attend. Lucky for her it picked me up out of my crochet slump and now I'm almost done with the blanket.

Valentine Doily

2006-02-07T09:13:00.000-08:00

This is one of the WIP's I started to try to get my crochet groove back. It's a little time consuming with the changing of thread every round or two but it is working up rather nicely . . . don't you think? At least it will be a sweet gift for one of my girlfriends.

It's a Blog Button!

2006-02-03T14:22:00.000-08:00

Alright, so I'm having a crochet slump . . . I'm just not focusing very well. So I've been playing with my blog again and I created a button for my site. Isn't it perty?! Maybe someday I will have a full-fledged website to display my creations on . . . with a store and everything! Now that would be cool.

But I really need to get over my slump. I'm not sure why I can't get excited about crocheting. I have some really great projects that I'm working on. I just can't seem to stick with one long enough to get anything done. I'm signed up for the Crochet Olympics too. I need to train!

Maybe I'll just read a good book this weekend and give the crochet thing a rest. I really wanted to get the Table Runner done. I guess it's taken the wind out of my sails. I should just force myself . . . nah.

A Little Good-natured Rhyme For the BIG Game!

2006-02-02T20:56:00.000-08:00

Ok, so this isn't really crochet related . . . but the cottage will be alive with the sounds of helmets and shoulder pads clashing and colliding this weekend! We are so looking forward to seeing the Seahawks make their first Superbowl appearance on Sunday. In honor of this momentous occasion, I've written a little tribute to my favorite team!

As Superbowl XL approaches
The Seahawks and all of their coaches
Are preparing for battle
Amidst Steeler prattle
Which will be met with touchdown reproaches!

GO SEAHAWKS GO!

WIP - Table Runner

2006-02-01T12:03:00.000-08:00

This is the modest start I have on my table runner.

Having a two year old around the house this week while my friend C is getting ready to come home with baby has left little time for crochet. But I wouldn't trade this week for anything! We've had a lot of fun visiting baby, playing hard . . .and we've even had a few naps in the process.

With Superbowl coming on Sunday, it's safe to say it might not be done in time but we're hoping to have a great party anyway! How can we not, watching our beloved Seahawks in their first ever Superbowl appearance!? J & C will be here with new baby and family. C and I have great plans to continue our needling of DH who was mistaken for baby's Grandpa in the hospital!

Big brother tried to take over the newest blanket I'm making. I already have someone in mind for it so I now have a new WIM. I think I'll make a huge Granny Square with Wool-ease in "Wood" What a manly little blanket that will make!

It's a Girl!

2006-01-29T23:34:00.000-08:00

Baby blanket #1 has a new owner! Friends J & C welcomed their baby girl tonight at 10:40pm. Big brother got to spend the night at 'Auntie Tina's' house while mom & dad were at the hopital. I'm on my way to the hospital right now to meet her!

What Kind of Yarn are You?

2006-01-28T01:52:00.000-08:00

This is kind of a fun quiz to take:

You are Shetland Wool. You are a traditional sort who can sometimes be a little on the harsh side. Though you look delicate you are tough as nails and prone to intricacies. Despite your acerbic ways you are widely respected and even revered.

What kind of yarn are you?
brought to you by Quizilla

My latest WIM

2006-01-27T09:59:00.000-08:00

Oooooh! I was checking out some links in the Berroco newsletter I got today. One thing led to another and I found this cute bolero. I wonder if any of my girls would like me to make it for them?

In other news, I must get to organizing my stash and patterns today. Amazingly, I have been keeping the house fairly tidy, but my craft room has been in complete disarray since Christmas. I still have to put together the box to send to Korea and I've been wanting to get my Crochet Journal updated and pics posted, too. So many projects, so little time.

My next must do crochet project is the Superbowl Table Runner. I am having the hardest time finding the right colors for the lettering. Sage is too green, teal is too blue. Navy borders are too dark, French blue not grey enough . . . you get the picture. I will do this project, I will! Seahawks fans have waited almost thirty years for this game . . . I will give DH a Superbowl Table Runner for the big day!

'Little Boy's Blue' - Homespun Hat

2006-01-25T12:00:00.000-08:00

I finished the Homespun hat after a disastrous 1st attempt (ended up with a round mat suitable for the cat to sleep on!) This one will be shipped off to Korea with the neckwarmer and Woven Stitch Scarf, some Aplets & Cotlets and the DVD set "Over Washington" - all gifts for Chloe's Korean family.

Parenthetical Project - Potholder

2006-01-25T09:53:00.000-08:00

All of the Potholder talk over at the Crochet Partners List made me want to make the Sunflower Potholder I'd seen online. This one's for me! The concensus at CP (and this group knows what they are talking about!) is to use 100% cotton or wool yarn for a safe and thick potholder. Acrylic and nylon yarns can melt at high temps, potentially causing severe burns or even melting the fibers into the skin. I used two strands of 4-ply worsted weight cotton for this. Because it is only one layer, I will only use it as a hot pad to protect my table unless it thickens up during the washing process.

Blog This

2006-01-24T14:58:00.000-08:00

I'm learning to make changes on my blog and have added a new side bar category: Crochet Blogs. I am accepting "applications" for additions to the links I will list there. If you would like your blog to be considered for a link, please post your real name, your blog address, and a brief 'advertisement' of your blog (25-40 words) as a comment under this subject. I will use the following guidelines for adding blog links:

Guidelines:

Content
- Must be a crochet blog
- Suitable for all ages
- Not a commercial site
Relevance

Has useful tips and/or patterns
Updated consistently

Aesthetics - should be easily navigable

So . . . Get busy and bring on the blogs!

WIP Volume 4

2006-01-24T14:31:00.000-08:00

This is my latest attempt at a hat for Chloe's Korean brother. I'm sticking with this pattern I think. It is adapted from the One Skein Hat & Scarf Pattern. I changed the brim to a FP/BP Double Crochet and am doing the rest of the hat in sc. Otherwise the pattern is the same! =)

Adding Patterns

2006-01-23T12:36:00.000-08:00

I've added some patterns to the posts below, due to the overwhelming responses I've had. Thanks so much for your encouraging comments and for taking an interest in the art of crochet. Check back often for more fun ideas and patterns!

WIM - soon to be WIP

2006-01-22T19:47:00.000-08:00

Well, the SEAHAWKS are going to the Superbowl! I've been wanting to make a table runner from an Annie's Attic Booklet - Year Round Table Runners in Thread, a football field with crocheted letters. I'm considering adding something about Superbowl on it. In the meantime, I've finished the Checkerboard/Tic Tac Toe board . . . see pics below. I'm getting ready to do a hat out of Homespun and the Valentine's Day Stripe bags for my three daughters. I also promised to have pics of my Project Journal up tomorrow. Ooops - better get busy =)

Checkerboard Finished

2006-01-22T19:42:00.000-08:00

I am so pleased with how the Checkerboard/Tic Tac Toe board turned out! It is thicker than I imagined but really sturdy and lays very well. I hope I can wait til Christmas to give it to the recipient!

Pattern: Checkerboard side (see below for Tic Tac Toe Side and Joining directions) Finished size is approx. 12" x 12"

Materials: 1 skein each RH Super Saver Black, Red; Size I crochet Hook

With Black Ch 41.

Row 1: sc in 2nd ch from hook, sc in next 4 ch, *change to red, sc in next 5 ch, change to black, sc in next 5 ch* repeat between ** three times, change to red, sc in next 5 chains, Ch 1, turn.

Row 2-40: sc in first 5 sc, *change color, sc in next 5 sc* across, ch 1, turn. At end of Rows 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30 & 35, change color in last step of last sc. Do not fasten off at end of row 40.

Border: ch 1, 2 sc in last sc. sc in the end of row 39 and in next 37 rows, 3 sc in corner, sc in next 38 st, 3 sc in corner, sc in end of next 38 rows, 3 sc in corner, sc in next 38 st, 1 sc in corner, sl in front loop of each sc around, sl st in first sl st. Fasten off. Weave in ends.

Tic Tac Toe Side

2006-01-22T19:41:00.000-08:00

See Below for Pattern

Pattern: With black, ch 41.

Row 1: sc in 2nd chain from hook and in each ch across (40 sc); ch 1, turn

Row 2-13: sc in first sc, *change to red, sc in next 12 sc, change to black, sc in next sc* three times. Ch 1, turn.

Row 14: sc in each sc across.

Rows 15-40. Repeat rows 2-14 twice. Do not fasten off.

Border and joining: same as checkerboard above except do not fasten off at end. Leave a tail long enough to whip stitch pieces together using the back loops only of border row.

WIP-a-Day 3

2006-01-21T09:15:00.000-08:00

Baby blanket #2, a receiving blanket, is for a momma due in April. I haven't made many baby things over the years so I'm hesitant to try my hand at clothing, although my Grandma knitted many fine baby sweaters for my children and others. Maybe that should be a resolution this year - to try crocheting at least one garment for babies. The detail of the stitch on this blanket is shown below.

Blanket detail

2006-01-21T09:13:00.000-08:00

WIP-a-Day 2

2006-01-20T07:55:00.000-08:00

How cute is this Granny Tote? It's from the BHG Learn to Crochet 2nd Edition. I love the bright colors! You can see the first square I finished . . . I can't wait to get them all done. This will be Christmas gift #2 for the year.

WIP-a-Day

2006-01-19T11:05:00.000-08:00

Since I'm struggling with layout issues and downloading pics I'm going to do a WIP-a-Day pic over the next five days. Today's is the checkerboard/tic tac toe game I am working on.

It is done in sc with the yarn carried behind the work so it is not visible through (or in!) the stitches. When I am finished with it, it will be my first Christmas gift completed for the year!

Baby Blanket 1

2006-01-16T11:37:00.000-08:00

This is the first baby blanket of 2006. I know several women having babies this year and will be doing more than one!

Homespun Shawl/Wrap with Rose

2006-01-14T22:30:00.000-08:00

This shawl was made for my friend who just had surgery. I took it to her in the hospital and she has slept with it every night since!

Pattern: The shawl is my own "design", but very basic. I used two strands of Homespun - approx. four skeins total - and an N hook. Ch 36 (or an even # to get the width you want - you may need more yarn) Sc in 2nd Ch, *ch 1, sk next ch, sc in next ch* across, ch 1, turn. Row 2: Sc in first sc, *sc in next sp, ch 1* across, sc in last sc, ch 1, turn. Row 3: Sc in first sc, *ch 1, sc in next sp* across, sc in last sc, ch 1, turn. Repeat rows 2 and 3 until you achieve the length desired, leaving enough yarn to complete one rose from the Lion Brand Website. Attach rose securely in any corner.

Homespun Neckwarmer

2006-01-13T22:28:00.000-08:00

I made several of these neckwarmers for the men in my life for Christmas 2005. This particular one is going to Korea, for my exchange daughter's Korean dad.

Woven Stitch Scarf

2006-01-13T22:25:00.000-08:00

I wanted to make something special for Chloe's Korean mom. This woven stitch scarf is just right.

Change of venue

2006-01-13T13:12:00.000-08:00

Welcome to the Crochet Cottage. I'm hoping to share with you my love for crochet, a few patterns, a place to pull up with your current projects and a cup of something warm to drink . . . and enjoy a quiet moment of crochet bliss!