Crochet Crafter

Cats and yarn

2006-09-10T12:11:00.000-05:00

I think it's important to recognize the special relationship kittens have with yarn. That's why I'm posting these Whiskas commercials! The commercial about Hank demonstrates the yarn/cat connection, and the others are just too funny to leave out! Enjoy!

Boris

Hank

Hubert

The FROG - this crocheter's best friend

2006-09-10T09:20:00.000-05:00

I'm a huge believer in froging my work until it is perfect. (FROG means fix by ripping out your stiches and, in some cases, groaning). I started a project that I have been wanting to do since the fall of 2004. The pattern is called "Hooded Car Coat" and I discovered it in a hard to find publication by Better Homes & Gardens called "Simply Creative Crochet." I say it's hard to find because I've never seen another one since this 2004 issue.

Anyway, the main part of this easy pattern is a faux cable stich, where you skip one stitch, do a dc in the next two, then go back and do a dc in the one you skipped. I was working away at this pattern and I realized fairly early on that my cables didn't line up properly. But, I was content to let it go and just enjoy the simple repetitive stitch. So I worked and worked and I got to the part of the back panel where armhole shaping begins. After a few stiches Irealized I would need to fix everything else because all of a sudden my cables were lining up. So, I froged about 12 inches of work and looked at the pattern again. Good thing, because some how I failed to notice that after every faux cable row I was supposed to do a row of sc! Ooops!

I'll post some pics as soon as the work is big enough! I'm using Bernat's Harmony yarn in Nature's Blues.

Project List

2006-08-10T11:43:00.000-05:00

There are a number of projects on my mind right now, so I thought I'd publish a list of those I want to complete by Christmas - maybe doing this will keep me accountable, ha ha!

First up is a pink boucle poncho. I've got a couple of ideas for it, but I'm still searching for just the right pattern, or inspiration for a pattern.

Next, I want to make a hanging dish towel with some leftover green Lustersheen cotton, which apparently no longer exists, as it's not on Coat's and Clark's website.

Before I go on, I have a confession to make. I like buying exotic yarns that are being cleared out or on sale for really, really good prices - without even knowing what I'm going to make with them. Are all crochet-aholics like this??? I have found this strategy has worked for me, with very few exceptions. That being said, I've got three skeins of boa yarn that needs the right project. Suggestions are welcome!

Getting back to my list, I have a baby blanket I'm currently working on that I'd like to finish in the near future - like in the next two weeks!

I NEED to finish the Half Way top I started this spring.

That's it for now. I'm sure as the holidays approach I'll decide on other projects that I'd like to make as gifts - and I'll add them to my list.

Bad Blogger!

2006-06-30T11:01:00.000-05:00

Wow - has it been a long time since my last post! Oops! Oh well, the important thing is that I've still been crocheting, just not posting. I'll have to work on that. Anyway, in light of my recent shortcomings as a blogger, I thought it appropriate to post many pictures of my most recent projects for your viewing pleasure.

Half Way!

2006-06-30T11:00:00.000-05:00

I started this top in March and am happy to report that at least the back is finished! Unfortunatly, I got the pattern from a library book but had to return the book before I could finish the top! It's a great, tight pattern but I found that it took forever to do this little section! I'm too accustomed to making afghans with a much larger hook, which gives me the illusion that I'm "flying" through my work so quickly!

Color-Crazy!

2006-06-30T10:56:00.000-05:00

This is one of my favourite afghans of late. I started this at Christmas time and finished months ago, except I decided to put fringe on the sides - something that looks nice but takes me forever to do, mostly because I have to psych myself up to set there and cut yarn for a few hours! My thoughts on the color scheme were to make it look as much like a stripped sweater or scarf as possible, to really play up the image of a "cozy" afghan for a cool winters night (hey, it's less than six months 'til Christmas!) This will make a beautiful Christmas present for someone special this year.

Baby Boom

2006-06-30T10:53:00.000-05:00

It seems like so many people I know are pregnant, so I've been experimenting with patterns and textures as I stock pile baby blankets. I made this ripple with Bernat's Miami yarn. It's heavy, yet drapes very well. And, thanks to the pattern, some little princess will be able to stick her toes through it one day soon!

Little Boy Blue

2006-06-30T10:50:00.000-05:00

Baby Connor loves sticking his toes through the blanket I made him! He also plays hide and seek with it, and sleeps with it as his cover every night! It's nice to see your creations being enjoyed by others. I always tell people to go ahead and use the baby blankets I make because they'll bring so much more joy that way then if they sit tucked away in the linen closet.

2006-02-13T15:38:00.000-06:00

Another Blanket
Just because I haven't posted in a while doesn't mean I haven't been crocheting! Here's a pick of a blanket I did for baby Sophie! I edged it in white for a lacy look.

Halter Pattern!

2005-10-17T10:31:00.000-05:00

So many people have been asking for the pattern to the lace crochet halters I've done, so here it is: http://www.angelfire.com/art/bubamara/free/mariahtop.html. Enjoy & happy crocheting!

Baby Wave

2005-08-23T13:03:00.001-05:00

Baby wave pattern blanket.

A change in season

2005-08-23T13:03:00.000-05:00

As the weather changes, so does my crochet focus. The 15 halter tops I've made this summer have been put aside (I even sold some!) in favor of other, more pressing, projects. I've got baby blankets to make! Two cousins and a dear friend are expecting - one in September and the other two in December - so I've got to get with the program. Pictured above is one of the blankets done up in a delicate, colourful acrylic/nylon yarn. The pattern is wave stitch - very popular for these little blankies and super easy to make. It's the second one I've made this summer.

Busy Summer!

2005-07-07T21:53:00.000-05:00

Wow - it's been a busy summer and a while since my last post! I've been busy, though not with a lot of crochet projects. Here's a quick list of what I've made since my last entry: A baby blanket; a queen-size afghan; 4-5 halter tops; a tote-style purse, and I think that's it. I gave the first two away as gifts for a baby shower and a wedding. Silly me, I was so proud of my large afghan that I made a painstaking effort to fold it and tie it up with ribbons and decorate the gift bag, etc, that I forgot to take a picture of it! I started it at the end of April and completed it in time to give as a gift on June 18.

I've got a bunch of projects lined up for the next little while, including some ponchos, a couple of afghans, two different styles of purses and a crayon-shaped pillow. All of these will make great Christmas gifts!

New tops now available!

2005-05-13T13:34:00.000-05:00

I've finally gotten the chance to post more photos of the variety of halter tops I've been producing! I've been experimenting with all types of material, from cotton and thread to chenille and mohair yarns. To give you some perspective on what's available colour-wise, here are some links to colour swatches for the materials I've used:

Luster-sheen thread
Bernat cotton
Bernat frenzy

... and as time goes on I'm sure there will be many more!

2005-05-13T13:33:00.000-05:00

Here's my new lace halter tank top. It's one of many I've made recently and I'm taking orders now for custom tops in various colours and styles!

2005-05-13T13:29:00.001-05:00

Here's the back of my new lace halter tank top.

2005-05-13T13:29:00.000-05:00

This is a close-up of the back of one of my lacey halter tank tops. Like the blue and red ones I've made (see photos below), it laces up in the back for an elegant-looking fit.

2005-05-13T13:27:00.001-05:00

This is my mohair halter. It's fuzzy and looks very posh with jeans!

2005-05-13T13:27:00.000-05:00

This is the same pattern as the mohair and chenille tops, but because it's cotton you see the pattern more easily. I added beads to it too.

2005-05-13T13:26:00.000-05:00

Here's one of many new halters I've been whipping up. It's made out of chenille in a colour called marine.

2005-04-26T17:06:00.000-05:00

Ta-da! Here's my awesome blue halter top! It looks great with jeans and is so increadibly comfortable to wear. In fact, everyone who's seen me working on it wants one, and I just sold my red top to my aunt. It looks great on her too!

2005-04-26T17:04:00.000-05:00

Okay, I'm finally posting photos of my blue halter top! It looks really great when someone is wearing it, but unfortunately I didn't think to have someone take a picture the other weekend when I wore it to a social. Here's a close-up of the bottom part so you can see the pattern.

2005-04-26T17:03:00.000-05:00

I finished my beautiful doily (see earlier work in progress picture below), and thought I'd make some coasters to go with it. I used white rubber jar rings in the coasters to ensure they are sturdy. I think the set turned out great and will make a nice gift - once I tuck all the ends in of course!

2005-04-26T17:01:00.000-05:00

Here's what I've been busy at for the last three weeks! I made this cat bed for Ginger and although it's not quite complete she's already enjoying it!

2005-04-05T17:49:00.000-05:00

Here's a snap of the halter top I made. The pattern was super easy - and it turned out great! (Yay!) I'm going to make another one in blue, but I'm going to make it into a full-length shirt.

On the rampage...

2005-03-30T19:40:00.000-06:00

I have been on a crochet rampage lately! I decided I want to alternate between thread and yarn so that I don't find it so awkward to go from one to the other. So, since I finished the baby blanket, I started something for me - a halter top! I haven't had a ton of success with clothing, but I don't blame my crochet skills. When I was about 12 or 13, I wanted to make a sweater. I bought a pattern book and some mill end yarn in a beautiful shade of aqua blue. I worked so diligently on it, making sure each stitch was super precise. The back of the sweater looks great - I should post a photo! But, when it came to the front, I ran out of yarn just before finishing. I still have the sleeves, collar and the button thingy (the name escapes me) to do, and I didn't have any yarn left! And, because I bought mill ends, I've never found a yarn that matches : (

But, I am excited about the halter top. I found the pattern online and picked up Red Heart Luster Sheen Sport Fine thread in Cherry Red to make it. So far it looks awesome - I just hope it turns out!

2005-03-30T10:09:00.000-06:00

Here's a close up of the shell pattern of the baby blanket. You can see the shiny thread in the yarn too - it adds a shimmery effect to the finished product.

2005-03-30T10:07:00.000-06:00

Here's a baby blanket I made this weekend. I used Bernat's Baby Coordinates yarn in Aqua/Pink, and did the outer edge in white. I looked far & wide for a new pattern to try, but when it came down to it, I stuck with shell stitch. It's the perfect fit for this yarn, and it works up quick too!

A little of my history

2005-03-14T12:20:00.000-06:00

In the posts below, you'll find a little of my crochet history. When I started this blog, I didn't really think I had that many of my projects still around that I could post - but I was wrong! I've made a lot over the years, and the best thing is that each item is different from the next. The versatility of this craft is, I believe, often underestimated by those who aren't familiar with it. Projects are only limited by a crocheter's imagination!

2005-03-14T12:18:00.000-06:00

Help! Have you seen this pattern? I started this doiley last year before my wedding and I cannot find the pattern now! If you recognize it please let me know!

2005-03-14T12:17:00.000-06:00

Here's another project of mine that's still in the works. I have to attach the arms and add some buttons and a collar. I've never made real clothing before this (I don't think the Princess of Power doll dresses are on the same level!).

2005-03-14T12:15:00.000-06:00

I just found this little Zebra guy the other day. I still need to sew his legs on, but I pinned them on to see the final effect. I think he looks pretty good!

2005-03-14T12:14:00.000-06:00

Here's more of my Princess of Power doll collection. They were the belles of the ball in my crochet collection!

2005-03-14T12:12:00.000-06:00

Recognize this doll? She's Glimmer - one of the elite Princess of Power dolls. Crocheting dresses for these dolls was what really got me hooked on crocheting.

2005-03-14T11:23:00.000-06:00

I crocheted this crib coverlet about 10 years ago. A family friend "hired" me to make a baby blanket for her granddaughter, and I made this coverlet with the leftover material. At the time I absolutely loved the shell stich. I still think it's beautiful, but I'm having fun experimenting with new patterns.

2005-03-10T09:26:00.000-06:00

Here's my time consuming doiley that I've yet to finish. Only 3.5 rounds left! The outer ring of it will be pinapple patterned, and the final round will be worked in the purple colour.

Thread - so much effort!

2005-03-07T21:47:00.000-06:00

Crocheting with thread is hard work! I'm still not finished the doiley project I started, and I swear I could have completed a purse or baby blanket in the amount of time I've invested in this doiley! I must admit that I am enjoying watching this project take shape. The daintiness of thread crochet gives the doiley the appearance of lace, and it's quite remarkable to be able to create something so delicate. I've only got four more rounds left - I'll be sure to post a photo of the finished piece!

Fine Art Crochet

2005-03-03T11:53:00.000-06:00

I've never really been big on fine art crochet, which is the type of crochet done with thread, so it's a challenge for me to do it. Yesterday I bit the bullet and started an easy doiley pattern and so far it looks very nice. One day I'd love to make a table cloth - but that takes so much time! Anyway, I'll post photos of my new fine art crochet project soon.

Projects

2005-03-02T13:49:00.000-06:00

Hello again! I thought it's high time I post some photos of my projects to my blog. I'd love to hear some comments on them. To me, crochet is a form of design, and whenever I design anything I love constructive feedback! So, let me have it!

2005-03-02T13:46:00.000-06:00

Okay, this one I need help with! It's the centre for a daisy pillow I started over the Christmas holidays. I'm done all the petals too, and I'm ready to put it together except it needs to be sewn and I don't have a sewing maching!

2005-03-02T13:44:00.000-06:00

Here's an extreme close up of my latest afghan, which is still in production. The pattern is extremely easy, and it's a very cozy afghan that drapes well.

2005-03-02T13:42:00.000-06:00

I started this granny square afghan shortly after my Baba (Baba is the Ukrainian word for Grandma) passed away. I inherited her wool, so this is my tribute to her.

2005-03-02T13:40:00.000-06:00

Here's one of the jumbo granny squares I've made for my granny square afghan.

2005-03-02T13:39:00.000-06:00

Here's a close up of the beaded side of my pillow.

2005-03-02T13:38:00.000-06:00

This was my first attempt at crocheting with beads. I really like the outcome! It's a fun throw pillow, with colourful beads on a black front and a bright blue colour without beads on the back, so there's a side to display and a side to cuddle!

2005-03-02T13:37:00.000-06:00

Version two of the same doiley. I still never completed the pattern - I liked how it looked at this stage so I just stopped! The first version I made is only as big as the inner three circles, which you can see clearly in this picture.

2005-03-02T13:35:00.000-06:00

Here's version one of a doiley. I made this with a thicker crochet thread.

2005-03-02T13:34:00.000-06:00

Here's a lace cross I made. I weaved blue ribbon through it and I really like the effect!

2005-03-02T13:33:00.000-06:00

Here's the pillow that matches my ripple afghan.

2005-03-02T13:31:00.000-06:00

My first ripple afghan. I really wanted to work the green in there, but I think it would look better if there was less green, like there is in the matching pillow I made.

Welcome

2005-02-07T22:49:00.000-06:00

I'm very excited to be creating my very own crochet blog! I've been working every day on a number of fun crochet projects, and as soon as my photos are ready I'll post them so you can see what I'm talking about :)

I crocheted a couple of baby blankets - one in acrylic and the other in virgin wool - for two very sweet twin girls; a cotton purse; a cotton hat; and, a pillow with beads crocheted right onto one side. I'm also working on a daisy-shaped pillow, and a large afghan for my sister.

I bought some really cool new yarns that Bernat has created for fun projects - Frenzy, Fur-Out, Boa, and Miami. Check out the Bernat website to see the wonderful textures of these yarns. I can't wait to sink my hook into these babies!