Christmas Crochet 2012

Alright Folks! The gifts have been given and here's the crochet round-up!

Michigan State Scarf
No pattern for this one. I think I started with a ch 14, but don't quote me on that. I know I used dcs in each stitch across. I ch 2 in the turning chain, because, for me, that helps to even out the rows.
Added a fringe. Thats about it.
6.5mm Hook & Red Heart Super Saver Yarn

Winter Day Moebius Cowl
Made just like I did the Rainy Day Mobeius Cowl last Christmas.
The yarn was "Sensations Rainbow Boucle" and it was NOT fun to work with. They LIE when they say you need a 5.5mm hook. LIES. SO I ended up working 2 strands together and using a 6.5mm hook. Not bad, but if I could find my 9mm hook, I bet that would be even better. Still turned out nice though.

Pineapple Pattern Shawl
I really love this pattern. Its called the Sidewalk Shawl and it is very pretty. Not too complicated once you get going either. I used Red Heart Super Saver and I stopped short of the pattern because it was big enough. Used a 6.5mm hook (are you seeing a trend yet?)
Very pleased with this one overall.

Magnificent Mantle Shawl
Well, this shawl pattern did not work well with this yarn. Again, I used the "Sensations Rainbow Boucle". My crochet center triangle came out so deformed that I frogged it and knit the stupid triangle. Just adding one increase on the first and last st of each row. Size 3 circular knitting needles for the center and 5.5mm crochet hook for the edging.

Golden Glimmer Fan Shawl
I used this Fan Shawl Pattern and Lion Brand Vanna's Choice yarn (in Topaz). I LOVE both the pattern AND the yarn. Used a 3.25mm hook and it worked up beautifully. Of the three shawls that I made up this year, this is my favorite pattern, and it got tons of compliments while I was working on it. 2 skeins wasn't really enough yarn though.

Seaside Scarf & Hat Set
Oh, look, more of the horrible "Sensations Rainbow Boucle" yarn. Why did I buy so much of this?! I knit the scarf using size 9 knitting needles, with the yarn held double. Improvised the hat with a 6.5mm hook and the yarn held double again. I fully intended to make a set of mittens or gloves to go with the set, but I just couldn't make it happen. Cast on to knit them 3 times with 3 different size DPNs and never could get the right gauge. Crochet just seemed like it would have been a nightmare because I couldn't see ANY stitches. At least its pretty.

Kevlar Survival Bracelet
Yes, you heard me. Kevlar. I stumbled across kevlar string on thinkgeek.com and I couldn't pass up the opportunity to make a survival bracelet for my favorite doomsday prepper, Kevin. I worked the first and last rows around a 3/4" parachute buckle and the rest is dc sts. I think the first and last row are sc stitches for stability. You CAN cut through the thread to trim it, if needed, FYI.

Baby Blues Cardigan
This is another pattern that was super easy and super cute. Its called the Don't Be Square Cardigan and it is 2 granny-style hexagons that are simply seamed on the sleeves and back. SO SIMPLE! I made this in September and didn't write down the hook I used, but I know I used scraps of "Red Heart" and "I Love this Yarn".

Patterns Worth Repeating

I've been working backstage for the current production of Dracula over at The Players Guild of Dearborn. For my part, I don't do a whole lot during the first 2 acts, and its given me some dedicated time to crochet. I had the opportunity to make a couple of projects for myself before the inevitable holiday insanity occurs.


Strawberries & Cream Sweater

Pattern: LionBrand Bolero
Hook: 9mm
Yarn: Lion Brand Homespun in Parfait
(3 Skeins, due to color variation)
I made this project for my step-sister for Christmas 2011. I love working with Homespun and a larger hook, the material is so soft and stretchy! Its also still very warm!
This time, I worked the back and sides as one piece, joining on my yarn in separate places to shape the arm holes. I also worked the arms in the round until I got to the shaping. I adapted my stitch count to make the measurements match up with what it should be.
Love it!!!!




Count Moebius
Pattern: Snowy Day Moebius Hood
Hook: 9mm
Yarn: Lion Brand Homespun (1.5 Scrap Skeins)

Ok, so I made this one for Vicky, as a Rainy Day Hood that she could wear as a scarf or to keep the rain off her glasses. This time I used Stitch Grid #88 from the Compete Book of Crochet Stitch Designs, but worked as a moebius as in the above pattern. Somehow, the people at the theater had never even heard of a moebius. That, combined with everyones fake "transylvania" accents, lead us to joke that it must be the scarf of the notorious "Count Moebius" the most feared crocheting vampire of all!!
Look, we get really bored backstage sometimes, ok? No Judging!

Avalon Sweater

So this sweater has beeen FAR too long in the making, but I finally got it done over the holiday break. I am so glad to check this one off the list, and pleased to find it much warmer than it looks.

Started in April 2010, Finished January 2011.
Crochet with a 5mm hook using Pound of Love yarn in cream color.
Pattern found through Ravelry.com
Avalon Sweater Pattern

Too Many Projects, Never Enough Time

So, I did manage to finish my recycled grocery bag, but I am still in progress of working on my Avalon Sweater (http://www.naturallycaron.com/projects/avalon/avalon_1.html) using the giant 1lb ball of yarn donated to me by Donna. She couldn't stand working with it, and I can understand why. Though, since the sweater has such an open pattern, I'm usually crocheting into chain spaces which makes life easier.

I am also working on blankets to donate to the Humane Society. The animals there have metal crates, and they only get blankets if someone donates them, since they leave with the animal after use. I'm working together with some of the girls at school, since our Professional Development professor agreed to give us community service credits for our effort. We also found out about a Rabbit Rescue in need of similar donations, though they require 100% cotton, since the bunnies will chew on their blankets.

Went to Joann's and pick up some inexpensive cotton yarn and a few skeins of the Red Heart Super Saver yarn. Then I cleaned out my yarn stash and pulled a few half-used skeins of varying god-awful colors that I don't ever see myself using again. I figure this might be a good chance to try out some new stitches, since the animals won't be picky about how pretty they are in the end. But at least for my first blanket, its a giant granny square pattern.

If you do want to donate to your local humane society, call them in advance and make sure they are accepting donations. If you are really nice, ask them what sizes they need. I had patterns for some 1' diameter round mats for small dogs and cats that I was planning to make and donate, but when I called, they said they were in need of something approximately 2' square. Easy enough to make exactly what they need, and you know some poor little dog is gonna be able to cuddle up with it right away.