Ravelympics

I have to say I'm pretty excited about the Winter Olympics this year. Partly because I do enjoy watching them and because Ben will be able to be home some to watch them with me. I'm also excited about the start of the Olympics because this year I have joined the Ravelympics! I have 4 crochet projects that I will attempt to complete in the 2 weeks of the Olympics. Projects may be started at the lighting of the cauldron and not before. The 4 new WIP's in my sidebar are the projects I've chosen.

I've joined Team West Virginia and will be working on the Avalon Top in the Sweaterboard Cross Event.




For Team Scarfstreet I will be making 3 scarves to use up some novelty yarn I bought on ebay in the event Scarf Super-g. I can't enter this in the Stash Compulsory Dancing Event because I've not had this yarn for at least a year.

Crochet Bookmark

I love to crochet and love to read. I often like to make notes in a book or underline a good point. I usually don't have a pen handy and hate to jump up to find one. I designed this bookmark with a pocket to hold a pen and have found it to be very useful! I jotted down the pattern but have not yet typed it up or had it tested.

Nic's new beanie

Nic has nearly worn out his navy and white beanie (which was originally meant to be a basket). He requested a new beanie in his new school (Marshall University) colors. So here he is will his spoiled cat in his green and white beanie.

Winterfest Beanies

I made 18 beanies for our group to wear to Winterfest 2009. This actually turned out to be a great idea because it was easy to spot each other in the huge crowd - much better than matching tees. It made me feel really good too that the kids were pleased to wear something I made! We received a lot of comments on them. I probably could have paid for our trip if I had made enough of them to sell! I love this picture and had it printed as a poster.

Honeysuckle Purse

This purse is made from Mary Jane Hall's Sari Silk Purse pattern from her book "Positively Crochet". I used Bernat Haven yarn in Honeysuckle. I altered the pattern a bit by crocheting the handles, button and button flap.

Felted Tote and iPod Cozy

These are definitely favorites! I get so many compliments on the tote and then I have to pull out the iPod cozy and show it off too.

Patterns are from Mary Jane Hall's "Positively Crochet".

Crocheted Choker

This choker is also from Mary Jane Hall’s book, Positively Crochet. I chose not to add any beads. I love the simple elegant design. It worked up very quickly.

Coffee Lover's Scarf

I love this scarf! What a great pattern! It can be found in Mary Jane Hall's book, Positively Crochet. The coffee cups are crochet in thread and sewn on to the scarf.

Casserole Cozies

These were pretty simple to make and a very useful item if you carry dishes to pot luck dinners. They are made with several strands of yarn held together at once so it requires a large crochet hook.

Some scarves

I had some fun yarn that I found at the Dollar Tree and used it up recently to make some scarves.

My first pattern! - Pyramid Dishcloth

I've enjoyed making dishcloths recently and wanted one that was a bit more "airy". I came up with this pattern. Feel free to use this pattern as you wish but please don't republish it.

You may link back to my blog if you desire to share the pattern.

Thanks to the wonderful ladies at C'ville who tested this pattern for me and who gave me tips to make the pattern easier to follow!

Pyramids Dishcloth

Materials:

1.5 oz. of worsted weight cotton yarn

Size H/8 crochet hook

Size:

8” x 8”

Chain 27 loosely

Row 1: Dc in 4^th chain from hook and in each chain stitch across (25 dc)

Row 2: Ch 4; turn (counts as first dc and chain 1 throughout); skip next dc; dc in next dc; ch 1; skip next dc; dc in next 17 dc; ch 1; skip next dc; dc in next dc; ch 1 dc in last st (21 dc, 4 ch sp)

Row 3: Ch 4; turn; dc in next dc; ch 1; dc in next 3 dc; ch 2, skip next 2 dc, dc in next 2 dc, ch 1; skip next dc; dc in next dc; ch 1; skip next dc; dc in next 2 dc; ch 2; skip next 2 dc; dc in next 3 dc; ch 1; dc in next dc; ch 1; dc in last st (15 dc, 8 ch sp)

Row 4: Ch 4; turn; dc in next dc; ch 1; dc in next 3 dc and in next ch st; ch 1 dc in next 2 dc; ch 1; dc in next dc; ch 1; dc in next 2 dc; ch 1; skip next ch; dc in next ch st and next 3 dc; ch 1; dc in next dc; ch 1; dc in last st (17 dc, 8 ch sp)

Row 5: Ch 4; turn; dc in next dc; ch 1; dc in next 4 dc and in next ch st; dc in next 2 dc; ch 1; skip next ch sp; dc in next dc; ch 1; skip next ch sp; dc in next 2 dc and in next ch st; dc in next 4 dc, ch 1; dc in next dc; ch 1; dc in last st (19 dc, 6 ch sp)

Row 6: Ch 4; turn; dc in next dc; ch 1; dc in next 7 dc and in next ch st; ch 1; skip next dc; dc in next ch st and in next 7 dc; ch 1; dc in next dc; ch 1; dc in last st (20 dc, 5 ch sp)

Row 7: Ch 4; turn; dc in next dc; ch 1; dc in next 8 dc; ch 1; skip next ch sp; dc in next 8 dc; ch 1; dc in next dc; ch 1; dc in last st (20 dc, 5 ch sp)

Row 8: Repeat Row 7 (20 dc, 5 ch sp)

Row 9: Ch 4; turn; dc in next dc; ch 1; dc in next 7 dc; ch 1 skip next dc; dc in next ch st; ch 1 skip next dc; dc in next 7 dc; ch 1; skip next ch sp; dc in next dc; ch 1; dc in last st (19 dc, 6 ch sp)

Row 10: Ch 4; turn; dc in next dc; ch 1; dc in next 4 dc; ch 1; skip next dc; dc in next 2 dc; ch 1; skip next ch sp; dc in next dc; ch 1; skip next ch sp; dc in next 2 dc; ch 1; skip next dc; dc in next 4 dc; ch 1; dc in next dc; ch 1; dc in last st (17 dc, 8 ch sp)

Row 11: Ch 4; turn; dc in next dc; ch 1; dc in next 3 dc; ch 2; skip next dc and next ch sp; dc in next 2 dc; ch 1; skip next ch sp; dc in next dc; ch 1; skip next ch sp; dc in next 2 dc; ch 2; skip next ch sp and next dc; dc in next 3 dc; ch 1; dc in next dc; ch 1; dc in last st (15 dc, 8 ch sp)

Row 12: Ch 4; turn; dc in next dc; ch 1; dc in each dc and each ch st across to last 2 ch spaces; ch 1; dc in next dc; ch 1; dc in last st (21 dc, 4 ch sp)

Row 13: Ch 3; turn; dc in each dc and ch st across (25 dc)

Border: (work border loosely to prevent pulling)

Ch 2; turn; hdc in next st and each st across to last st; (hdc, ch 1, hdc) in last st (corner worked) ; working along side of cloth, work 2 hdc in side of each row; (hdc, ch 1, hdc) in top last st; hdc in each st across bottom of cloth to last st (hdc, ch 1, hdc) in last st; work 2 hdc in the side of each row to the border row; work (hdc, ch 1, hdc) in last st in side of border row; join to beginning ch. Finish off.

Red Pepper Hotpad

This is definitely a favorite. It was easy to make and very useful. And a fun hotpad!

Dish cloths

I've been rather lax in keeping up with my blog because I'm keeping track of my projects on Ravelry but I'll try to get a few added. Here are some dish cloths I worked up. This is the first I've made dish cloths. I kept the first one for myself (because it turned out a bit wonky) and I have to say that I really like using it. The only problem is that I hate the thought of staining it and end up grabbing a store bought dish cloth for the messier jobs. : )

Purse Accessories

I made these little bags to go with the lovely Vera Bradley Cambridge bag given to me by the ladies of my church for Pastor Appreciation. I love the bag and these were easy to work up with Sugar 'N Cream cotton yarn.

Crocheted Items

I made this insert because I have a few tops which I love but am always concerned are too low cut. I hate to wear a top and always have to be pulling at it because I feel exposed. I really liked the way it turned out so I used the same thread to make a necklace and bracelet. I like how the bracelet turned out. I'm not sure about the necklace though. I suppose when I put them all together I'll know better. The victorian buttons came from a vintage blouse.

Short & Sassy Spring Cardigan

This pattern is from Crochet! Magazine May 2008 issue. I started it on March 30, 2008 and finished it May 2, 2008. I've already worn it several times. I had a few issues with keeping the front sides straight. I suspect I wasn't getting row 7 on the body right. I added the few rows at the bottom and really like it that way. The designer is Nazanin S. Fard. This yarn is very old and no longer available. It is a tweed and great for this pattern.

Homemade Bread

I hadn't made fresh bread in years. I was craving it today and went looking for some yeast. We keep some because Ben occassionally makes pizza crust. It turned out great! I used my new Kitchenaid Artisan. It certainly made the kneading part easier. That is the part I've always hated. It's sticky and messy but the mixer does all that for me. Now I'd like to try a sourdough recipe.

Another Basket With CD

I made another of the baskets. This time I made another round and crocheted it to the base and put a CD between the layers. It helps with the shape and support.

Ebay Squares

I bought these squares on ebay. THERE ARE 38 FINISHED 7" SQUARES, 1 IN PROGRESS SQUARE AND 31 FINISHED YELLOW CENTERS WITH 4 PACKAGES OF YARN TO FINISH THE PROJECT. I got them for $16. I wouldn't allow myself to start working on them until the baby afghan for my friend was completed.

I've now started working on them. I'm joining them with a navy blue and will probably make 2 twin size covers for out camper. I'm still not sure about that though. The colors in the first picture are more accurate than in the joining picture.

Very Victorian Afghan

Here is a picture of my completed Very Victorian Afghan. The pattern called for a ribbon but I really didn't like the way it looked once I had added it ..... so I took it out.

I made this holding 2 strands of yarn although the pattern didn't call for it. I'm very pleased with the result.

This was made with Caron Simply Soft. The color is called Off White but I really think they should call it something like Soft Ivory. It's such a delicate color. I love it but looking through some of my pics I realized I've used it a lot and really need to to get some color in my projects.

This will be a gift to a friend who will be giving birth to her first baby in June. Wow! I'm way ahead on this one!

My boys

This photo was taken at a youth event while Mitchell was home for fall break. Nic thought he was being funny making a face at me but I think he actually ended up looking adorable. Mitch is so photogenic... he always takes a great picture.

A couple more baskets. And I have 2 more I have no picture for yet. I'll probably price these at $2.00 each.

Crocheted Baskets

I I really enjoyed making these baskets. They are made holding two strands of 4-ply yarn. It's fun to see the color combinations. I will also donate these to the craft sale. If they sell well I'll make more of them. I need to make one for myself. Just need to decide on colors. : )

This is my Green & White Leaf afghan. I really enjoyed this. It will be sold at the church craft sale in October.

I made this Star of David ornament for the C'ville ornament swap. I just couldn't seem to get the points - pointy. It's made with off white thread and trimmed in gold glitter thread.

Yard Sale Yarn Bonanza!

I'm so excited!! Look at all this yarn I found recently at yard sales. Both cost me $15. There is over 87 ounces of Red Heart in the green and white bag. I wouldn't even wager a guess on how much is in the large bag - just lots! Praise the Lord! Most of my projects are donated to our church craft table.

Okay, this has nothing to do with crocheting but I wanted to share a picture of my family. I love them so much! They are my life!

Completed Elegant Clusters Afghan

I have completed the Elegant Clusters Afghan. This was made in Caron Simply Soft in Off White. It's such a lovely soft color. I would consider it to be more of an ivory than off white. Nic even thought it was yellow. The pattern is in "Vanna's Favorite Gift Afghans". I did change the border because it called for tassels and I have never been fond of tassels. I used a picot stitch. I did a slip stitch in the HDC, chain 4, slip stitch in third chain from hook, chain one, slip stitch in next HDC around. I was very pleased with the finished product and will very likely make another of these sometime.

Baby Afghan

I completed my first "Miscellaneous Afghan CAL" project! This is made with Bernat Candyland which I received in a ROAK. Thank you, ROAK'er!! This will be donated to our church Women's Ministries Craft table. Again, I would appreciate pricing suggestions.

I made these 2 pocket tissue holders with size 10 thread. I don't make thread projects very often so I was really please with these. I modified the pattern slightly to make the larger one. I'll be donating these to a craft table our Campmeeting. Suggestions on a price?

Chic on the Half Shell

Yes, it really is supposed to look like that! The creator of the pattern said so. :) This is a free Crochetdude pattern called Chic on the Half Shell. It is actually quite easy.

Scrapghan

I'm not sure how long I worked on this afghan made with scraps of yarn. I did enjoy it. I joined the granny squares by slipstitching them together as I went because I really don't like whipstitching. The second picture is a close up of the joining method. The scrapghan was donated to one of the charity projects at C'ville.

Elegant Clusters Afghan

Here is an updated picture of the Elegant Clusters afghan - making progress. I really love this yarn!

I've started a new afghan. This one will probably be donated to our church craft sale. I'm really enjoying it. I chose a project that doesn't require making motifs which is a relief after the daisy afghan. It's called "Elegant Clusters".

I've finished the Fresh As A Daisy afghan which is a gift for my friend who will be giving birth to her first child in March. I have to say that this is one of my favorite crochet projects. It was such a thrill to finish it.

"Heart Of Family Afghan"

This afghan was a challenge for me but a very rewarding one. I invited the crocheters of my church to make a 12 inch square and give it to me. I collected 15 of them and made this lapghan. The lapghan was auctioned at our church Christmas banquet. We raised $125.00 for our new church fund!

Santa Baby Ornaments

I thought these were fun to make. I made them a few years ago but have no idea where I got the pattern. If anybody is familiar with these and can tell me where to find the pattern that would be great!

Soft Scarf

I bought this yarn at Tuesday Morning because it was on the clearance table. :) I really didn't know what I was going to make but decided on a scarf. It's very, very soft!

Southern Belle

I made several of these dolls years ago. All were donated to church projects or given away. I never did keep one for myself. I recently took a picture of this one which I gave to my mother. I loved this soft yarn. It was such a pleasure to work with.

I had forgotten that I had given her a petticoat until I picked her up to take the picture.

I'm not very good with thread but my Christmas ornaments do turn out nicely. This is the bell. The gold thread has become very difficult to find. I finally had to buy it on ebay. I'd like to get some more of these finished to put in the church craft sale.

This Prairie Star afghan was a lot of fun but I've only made one. This is one of the few projects that I've actually kept for myself. I love the color combination on this. The only bad thing about it was all the ends to work in.

Well, I finally got around to taking a picture of my Crochet Olympics project. It is a baby poncho. I'll be donating it to our church craft sale in October. I'd like to make some more as it was so easy but I'm afraid to make too many before I know if they will sell. If anybody has a recommendation for a price, I'd like to hear it.

It is made with baby yarn and trimmed in a very soft, fluffy, white terri yarn.

My flag afghan

This flag afghan is one of my favorites. I have made 4 of them. All four have been donated to charity sales. I may eventually make one for myself.

I no longer make all the star motifs and then sew them together. I now crochet each motif into the star field as I go which is much more enjoyable for me because I have never liked to sew.