So I have no pictures to post right now, but I have at least 3 or 4 almost finished crochet projects and 2 in progress. I’ve made a pair of slippers, hats (too many, don’t ask), and a purse/pouch that was supposed to be a hat but I got the gauge so wrong it was too small for a hat.
I used a pattern from Crochet World magazine. I have to say I’m not a big fan. At least the magazines were free. A friend of mine gave me a few right before she moved away. The projects tend toward the stuff that gives crochet that “Grandma’s craft” stigma, doilies, hideous afghans, silly ornaments and tree skirts. There are a few patterns, though, that actually aren’t too bad. There’s only one or two per issue, but again they were free.
The pattern I used, Jewel Tone Cloche, was supposed to work up quickly, just a few rounds and a flower. Instead it turned into a five attempt, stop by Joann Fabrics, still not quite right kind of project. The fourth edition fits me, but was still too small. I made it one last time and I think I might have a winner.
The slippers are from a pattern book, Fabulous & Flirty Crochet. There are quite a few projects I want to make from that book. However, when I bought the book, I did not think I would ever make the slippers. They were quite ugly in the colors chosen for the pattern, orange and pink. I went with brown teal as an accent. A little more sedate but then so is the recipient.
I am working on a shawl, Dragonfly Shawl from Interweave Crochet magazine. It’s in the same issue as the Big Bow Cardigan is featured on the cover. This project is proving to be a challenge. I have a cat and the pattern uses lace weight yarn. I think you see the problem already. I have to sequester myself in the spare bedroom away from the nice big screen TV and my husband which is very boring. It is also a very detail intensive pattern, so I can’t watch things with subtitles. Suffice to say, I’m stalling on doing this one! Unfortunately, I need to get it done before Christmas, so I really need to stop procrastinating!
I recently started a pattern from DROPS & Garnstudio. It’s a European yarn company with the most beautiful crochet patterns! I’m hoping I have enough yarn for the project because what I bought was on clearance. The chances of my finding more of the same dye lot are quite small! I seem to be going through quite a bit of yarn, too. I like the color of the yarn. I forget the brand but its Kelly green Solari 100% cotton. I don’t like working with it too much. It’s some type of treated or differently woven cotton. I don’t know my fibers that well.
I am nearly finished with the Queen Anne Lace blouse. I had the recipient try it on before adding the sleeves, just in case. I was so happy to discover that it fit her perfectly! Now I just have to sew in the sleeves and the buttons, and clean up the side seams. I will post pictures here when I’m done.
It took a while only because I had a problem with a big tangled mess that I posted previously. I thought it came out quite beautifully. I had a little trouble weaving in the ends, so I’m not sure how long it will last. I will try to keep washings to a minimum, I think.
I bought some very lovely hand dyed yarn at a local yarn shop a few weeks ago. I was very excited, the colors are gorgeous, the yarn fine and soft. In short perfect for a cute summer crochet tank. But then! Let us take into account that I am still a relative newbie when it comes to yarn and crochet but especially to more expensive yarn. Now imagine this beautifully coiled skein and an excited amateur sitting down together. This ameteur does not own a yarn swift (pictured). Some of you more experienced can already see where this is going. For the rest of you, this is what happens when you think you know everything:
I just received my prize from Getting Loopy’s contest from the Della Q interview. I am oh so happy with the 
Last night, however, I won something I’m really excited about. I won a copy of 
I have been working on the 
