Hooks n' Sticks

Fishnet Poncho

2007-11-12T19:52:00.000-05:00

This is the "Fabulous Fishnet Poncho" from Crochet in Style, finally done. Once I talked with the designer and found out how to wear it (the picture in the booklet was wrong!), my "error" on the neckline disappeared! Woo-hoo!

I think it looks better on me than on the dressform, don't you?

It is surprisingly warm; it's warm tonight, and even though we have the a/c on, I got a bit toasty just in the few minutes it took to take this picture. I hope it's chilly again tomorrow so I can show it off. It's the first thing I've made for myself!

Ravelry Rocks

2007-11-12T16:21:00.000-05:00

So, I've been making a Fishnet Poncho from the booklet "Crochet in Style" by Mary Jane Hall (author of Positively Crochet), and I just finished it up. It came out pretty nice, but the neckline was a little wonky. I ascribed it to my finishing it up at about 12:45 am.

Well, I posted the project to my Ravelry project list, and who should comment but the designer herself! Turns out the technical editor changed the instructions a bit and that may have messed up my neckline.

But how frickin' cool is it that Ravelry has made it possible for designers to see who is making their projects and for the crafters to interact, one on one, with the designers.

Over at Crochetville, we have several designers who are members, but they can't easily see who is making their projects. Not that isn't just a great deal of fun and a super source of info just chatting with them (especially Jean L., who is always willing to help out!).

It must be really neat for them to see how many people are actually creating their designs, too, rather than just buying their books and patterns.

Found Object

2007-11-07T08:21:00.000-05:00

You know you have way too many WIPs when you find half finished projects you forgot you had. I just found a half-finished poncho in a basket the other day. It's the easiest fishnet stitch pattern, so I'm going to finish it up today, as the high is only going to be 72F, which for Tampa is cold.

Oh, hush Yankees. It was 90F last week, so I'll enjoy what ever little bit of "cold" I can get. You try crocheting in the sub-tropics!

I'm going to try to finish it up this morning, then I'm going, ugh, Christmas shopping. Just to pick up a few things for Ellie that are on sale. I'm going to keep Christmas much more low-key this year, what with the economy and all, but there are still a few store bought things I want to get for her. Today will be a Play-doh thing on sale at Target. Plus, the Toys r Us near me is going out of business, so I'm going to check there for some baby doll accessories, as she's finally playing with baby dolls more.

I'll be making some baby doll clothes for her, too.

Thread Earrings

2007-11-06T21:10:00.000-05:00

These earrings were also made for my Autumn secret pal - the purple ones are just a "potato chip" scarf type pattern, done in size 10 thread.
These chandelier earrings were the first pair I did, in size 20 thread, with a teeny tiny hook and some lovely pearl beads. I started out using a pattern, didn't like it and then just made the whole thing up from scratch.
And these cutie (pumpkin) pies were whipped up in about 15 minutes for her daughter to wear for Halloween. Again, I just sort of made up my own pattern and I hope I can remember it, because I want a pair!

Bunny in a Dress

2007-11-06T13:23:00.000-05:00

Here's yet another item that went to my secret pal (for her daughter). It's from Lion Brand - Mr. Funky Bunny in a Dress. I guess the bunny has some gender identity issues . I added the flower, so this one is clearly a girl.

This was a fun pattern to make - some interesting shaping in the arms and legs and ears and the dress was created in a very novel fashion. Making it made me want to buy the book!

Crystal's scarf

2007-11-06T11:11:00.000-05:00

A close up of the Tunisian stitch pattern used in Crystal's scarf.

Crystal's scarf

2007-11-06T10:55:00.001-05:00

101_0119
Originally uploaded by Tiga Crochets

This is my own pattern, my first. It's a tunisian stitch scarf, done with two strands of Bernat Satin. I first worked the scarf with Bernat Glacier, but ran out of yarn and was unable to find anymore locally.

I thought I could fudge it and finish it off with two strands of Satin, but the sheen wasn't the same, although the softness was.

In the end, I'm glad I used the Satin, b/c it doesn't shed nearly as much as the Glacier does, and the two strands makes it nice and warm.

I wrote out my notes on this, and will write up a pattern soon. I think I want to try to get it into the 2009 calendar, after I have some people test it over at C'ville.

It just depends on how many people ordered those huge Tunisian hooks from Annie's Attic when they were on sale, lol!

Crystal's Slippers

2007-11-06T10:52:00.001-05:00

101_0121
Originally uploaded by Tiga Crochets

Of course, I made a pair of slippers for my swap partner herself! These are from a Drops design, but I used Homespun (Corinthian is the colorway) instead of their Eskimo yarn.

These are really, really nice. They fit like socks, but are of course much thicker. I am going to have to make a pair for myself, too.

Bunny Slippers

2007-11-06T10:49:00.001-05:00

101_0123
Originally uploaded by Tiga Crochets

These are for my secret pal's daughter; aren't they cute?

Another free pattern from CPC; I just searched for Bunny Slippers.

Don's Slippers

2007-11-06T10:48:00.001-05:00

101_0125
Originally uploaded by Tiga Crochets

Actually, not really. That's just the name of the pattern I used. I made these for my Autumn Secret Pal Swap partner at Crochetville. Well, her husband, really.

They are a great slipper, really sturdy, but soft. I used RH TLC, two strands held together, in blue and a variegated blue. I'll get the exact color names if anyone wants them.

The pattern was a free one, from CPC.

Miss Gracie

2007-11-06T10:11:00.001-05:00

101_0109
Originally uploaded by Tiga Crochets

This is the teddy bear I made for Maddie, up in St. John's. I used Vanna's Choice, and it came out nice and soft, but sturdy, too. Vanna's Choice is now going to be my go to yarn for stuffies and amis.

Miss Gracie is lying in repose in a granny square blanket made for me 30 some odd years ago when I was a baby, by my Grandma. JoAnn's Sensations Rainbow Classic still comes in the same color, and I just made a blanket out of it. But that's another post.

Maddie's mom reports to me that Miss Gracie has slept in Maddie's bed with her every night since she got her, which is totally cool.

Ellie likes the toys I make her, but she's not so very attached to them. The scarves, yes, the toys, not so much.

Anyway, I used this pattern at Craftster: Beary Jackson.

My mouth isn't quite as cute, but it works. My embroidery is pretty good, though. I'm getting a lot better at it.

I'm not sure the pattern said to do so, but I embroidered the felt before I sewed it on, using embroidery floss.

Oh, and the scarf is just some hdc using Bernat Baby Coordinates I had left over from Sophie's blanket.

Holy carp and other orange fish

2007-11-01T01:06:00.000-05:00

It's been too long since I posted. I just got my Ravelry invite (Oh. Mah. Gawd. It's too, too awesome over there.) and figured I'd tidy up the blog a bit. Didn't realize how many cobwebs had accumulated.

I've still got to get all my FO pictures off the old hard drive, but I've got some new FOs on the camera to upload, so there will be some eye candy forthcoming.

Off to do that now.

Book Score!

2007-04-03T08:43:00.000-05:00

I love income tax time - I just ordered 5 books from amazon.com!!!

I can't wait to get them! I'm finally getting:
Stitch n' Bitch: Happy Hooker (Mom got me the knitting Stitch n' Bitch for Christmas - nice, but no FAT BOTTOMED BAG!!!)
Geometrics, a New Way to Crochet
101 Crochet Squares
http://www.amazon.com/Ribbon-Afghans-Americas-State-Fairs/dp/1579906710/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1/102-1739556-0549748?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1175608822&sr=1-1and
The Knitting Answer Book

Can't wait until they get here!!!

Welcome to Slumpsville

2007-04-02T22:21:00.000-05:00

Ugh.

I'm STILL working on the never-ending baby soon-to-be-toddler blanket. I finally finished the main body of it, so no more rows and rows of slippery dc to do. Yeah me! Now, I just have to make some fairly simple flower squares, sew them on the corners, do a quick shell edging and call it done.

And yet...

I've not worked on it in days. True, my stupid ovary is acting up, so I feel like crap, but still, I should at least work on it. I mean, I knocked out a charity square tonight in less than an hour!

I'm avoiding finishing this blanket, and I have no idea why. My crocheting needs therapy now.

I've got three, maybe four things left to make my swap partner. I feel like it's not enough; everyone has been getting so much awesome stuff from their partners and I feel badly that my partner got stuck with a slowpoke!

I should be working on something for her now, actually. Think I'll go work on {THIS PORTION OF POST CENSORED} for her. That'll be "big fun", as Ellie says.

Oh, and if any of you need a great yarn tote, the wheely ones from JoAnn's kick ass. I'm loving mine. I got two, and I'll post pictures at some point of how much I can cram in them.

My Very First Finished Object

2007-03-11T17:43:00.000-05:00

This is the very first thing I ever finished - a "school blanket" for my daughter Ellie. I worked on it non-stop for 4 days last summer so she would have it in time for the first week of school in August.

As usual, I missed the first week, but she uses it every day now and just loves it. It's a simple ripple pattern in RHSS "Summer Breeze" (why, oh why did they discontinue that color??? It's so gorgeous!) with a shell edge of whatever blue I could find at Wally World.

Here are some close ups:

And the whole thing, laid out:

Of course, Ellie is now longer than this blanket, and needs more width to get really cozy, so I'll need to add onto it for next year. Anyone know where I can get more Summer Breeze?

Busy Bee Me

2007-02-25T20:19:00.000-05:00

I've been so busy the last week. Man.

I'm almost done with the Mary Maxim kit I got - it's a 12 point round ripple baby afghan in pastels. So pretty. I'll get pictures up tomorrow when I'm done. I've actually only been working on it for two days. It's gone really quickly. Two strands of Bernat Coordinates and a K hook will do that for a project, lol!

I've still got lots of things planned for my swap partner, but tomorrow is going to have to be dedicated to finishing Marissa's baby blanket. It must get done. I should be working on it now. But the thought of a G hook and baby weight yarn makes me want to go into a corner and cry. Add to it rows and rows of nothing but DC, and I'm ready for a padded room. What.Was.I.Thinking?

Up next - the Mary Maxim GIANT round ripple in their Serene yarn. Holy granola, I can already tell I'll be throwing things across the room. It's a very nubby yarn, and thin. Oh well, the color changes are gorgeous, and it's totally going to be worth it. Someone remind me of that when I'm jamming yarn back into a plastic zip bag and driving north to return the kit .

Stashing

2007-02-17T15:42:00.000-05:00

Got a package from ebay today - SCOOOOORRRE!

I'll take pictures later, but I got a great selection of vintage 1970's patterns. Got a few iffy thread patterns (did anyone ever actually WEAR filet crochet collars after the 1790s?), and a book I already own (A Year of Afghans), but everything else is awesome.

I totally want to make the Granny Square Sampler Afghan in one of the books. I'm actually thinking of doing something like that for the kids now, since the squares in all the different yarns are coming out in such different sizes. The pattern has squares ranging from 5 inches to 12 inches, in all different colors.

Well, back to crocheting for my secret pal!

Lovin' the Secret Pals!

2007-02-17T15:40:00.000-05:00

Just wanted to say how much fun I'm having with the secret pals swap!

I'm having a blast emailing with my Unknown Pal (she said I'm "fun loving"!), and I hope I'm bringing a smile to my Known Pal's day.

I can't wait to start mailing stuff out!!!

Fri-uh-dah Ni-uh-ght

2007-02-16T20:59:00.000-05:00

Now, let me start by saying I have NOTHING against the following:

People who like country music
People who live in the country
People who ride horses
People who drive trucks

In general, I have nothing against those that would term themselves "rednecks". Living in Florida, some of the nicest people you meet are "rednecks".

That said, there is nothing worse that having to go out on a Friday night and getting stuck in traffic with THREE groups redneck poseur teenagers in their trucks two sizes too big and their hats two small.

It's COUNTRY music, kiddos. You don't have to turn it up to 15 and deafen the entire tri-county area to make it sound good. It has actual rhythm and lyrics (not my favorite type of lyrics, but still, coherent sentences can be understood from time to time ).

Also, you are driving a half-ton pickup, not a sports car. Your Ford F150 is not known for it's cornering ability nor it's ability to go from 0 to 60 in 5 seconds. Please don't try to outrace the little Mazda next to me. And don't cut me off to do it.

Ugh.

I think I'm getting old.

What to do? What to do?

2007-02-15T17:38:00.000-05:00

So, I'm making this item with the idea to send it to my secret pal, but I want to keep it! It's going to be so cool. I can't say more, lest I give myself away. But I will post the pattern here when I can.

I'm totally going to have to make two.

And I think I'll have to go buy more yarn. This was supposed to use up scrap yarn. Ooopsie.

My secret pal emailed me!

2007-02-15T09:58:00.000-05:00

I feel like a little kid, I'm so darn excited. Seriously, I'm stupid excited over this swap, both the sending out part and the figuring out who my secret pal is.

Oh, and I'm so sending out the best clues to my swappee. She'll never figure out who I am from them! Especially since I might be sending my stuff through a proxy...if my friend is able to help me out.

I want to hide the postmark, b/c I'm pretty sure the postmark will be a dead giveaway. I think there are only two of us at C'ville from Tampa, me and TampaGirl, and I'm not sure if TampaGirl is participating in this round. If not, process of elimination pretty much leaves me. So here's hoping my proxy mailer comes through!!!

Okay, and me, being me, has decided to frog the big project I started working on last night, and start over again. Luckily, I only got four rows done, and it was only 192 stitches to start with and it's an open pattern, so it was only about an hour's worth of work. But my new idea will be soooo worth it, in the long run. I just hope I can do it!

2007-02-14T22:57:00.000-05:00

Well, I didn't work on a bookmark, but I did work on my "big" project - much easier than I expected it to be. I'm "madmomming" it (which means I'm adapting a pattern and generally making stuff up as I go), and I'm worried it won't come out okay.

So far, so good, though. It has a bit of a pattern in it, and that part looks good at this point.

I do have a back up plan, just in case, though!

I really need to get the house cleaned tomorrow, though. A week of me feeling like I'd been hit by a truck and a sick Ellie home from school for three days does NOT make for a neat and tidy house. You think Lego bricks are a pain to step on? Try tiny little plastic "counting" bears - you know the kind that come with matching color cups in the "educational" aisle at Wally World?

There are no words to describe *that* pain at 3:00 am, let me tell you.

Well, time to watch the news and prepare to face the day tomorrow. Sleep tight, all, and don't let the bed bugs bite!

Current work

2007-02-14T20:04:00.000-05:00

Okay, well, that was fun. Just spent the last hour figuring out how to put that nifty "Crochetville" button over there --------------------->

I need to go play with some yarn. Think I'll work on a bookmark for my secret pal!

Or I'll finish the never ending baby blanket.

Note to self: do NOT make another baby blanket with one strand sport weight yarn and a "G" hook. Not if you want the kid to have it before their 4th birthday.

But it'll be purty when it's done:Flat Rose Motif for the corners

Irish Rose Motif for the Corners

The body of the blanket is in a variegated pink/green/lavender/white. No pictures of that part, yet. Off to play with yarn!

Secret Pals!

2007-02-14T18:26:00.000-05:00

I'm so excited to be a part of the Secret Pal Swap over at Crochetville (I promise, I'll slap a button up over on the side soon!)!

I've done a little bit of shopping for my Secret Pal, but I want to get to know her a little better before I spend any major bucks (not that I have major-major bucks, but I do want to spend wisely).

I do know that I'll be making a few small things for her and one big thing (but it's simple, so I *should* be able to finish in the time allotted), but alas and alack, I won't be able to post pictures lest I give my secret identity away!

I have a secret identity! Cool! Does this mean I have to wear tights and a cape when I'm sending emails as my secret self? I really don't *do* tights, although I can rock the cape. Especially with a kickin' pair of boots.

2007-02-14T17:40:00.000-05:00

Here are the very first things I crocheted - just last summer, believe it or not!

I started with the 63 Easy to Crochet Squares booklet, and quickly got the hang of it. I'm still working on this afghan, and do plan to finish, and I bought all the variegated yarn I'll need to do those squares and I won't use it for anything else.

Here are my first few squares:

SC square, done in RHSS Light Sage, edged in RHSS Aran

HdC square in RHSS Aspen Print, edged in Aran

I'll post some more of these squares later. Off to dinner for me!

My First FO!

2007-02-06T11:05:00.000-05:00

I made this baby blanket for my daughter's physical therapist when she had her first child last year. She has a "Finding Nemo" theme in his nursery, and finding colors to match that was pretty difficult. I finally found some, though. And I thought I'd picked an easy pattern - right off a yarn label, so how hard could it be?

Ha! I used Bernat Baby co-ordinates self-striping in blue/green and white/orange, so it wasn't the color changes that got me. No, it was the fact that this was crocheted ON THE DIAGONAL!!! As you can see from the picture, it's not exactly square. My stitch count was off at the beginning, but I didn't realize it until I was nearly done, and there was NO way I was frogging that much work. This took me about a month to do, working off and on.

Baby Tyler is still using and loving this blanket, though. His mom tells me that no ends have popped out and that the yarn is holding up well through many, many washings. I'm so happy that they are actually using it!

Hi!

2007-02-06T10:51:00.000-05:00

Well, I've decided to join the bandwagon and start a yarn blog. I have so much to say about crochet, and now knitting, too, and some people I live with are tired of hearing about it, so, what the heck.

I'll join the 21st century and blog away!

I'm going to post the pictures of my first crochet projects, in the order I made them today, and more pictures will follow.

Not sure what else I'll put up. Probably links to some of my favorite online free patterns and stuff like that. We'll see.