Busy, busy, busy!

Things have been quite busy around here. Last week, our dd had her first birthday, and we had her party on Saturday and my MIL and FIL's house. Strange kid, didn't like the paper or the boxes...she actually went straight for the toys inside! Lol. We had pizza for dinner, and she ate 1 1/2 pieces all by herself. Then, when we went for the cupcakes, she just wanted the frosting. She took her fingers and scraped off the frosting and put it in her mouth! She didn't even want to eat the cupcake itself! *sigh*

Of my hook this week have been: Several snowflakes. I've been making them for friends and family, and my pile keeps getting bigger and bigger. I've also been working on my challenge to Shelleden at the 'Ville, making Sock Monkey Hats whenever I'm not working on something else. I also need to keep working on my SILs' Christmas gifts...I'd say what they are, but you never know when they might be reading!! Shhhhhh.....!

So far, for the challenge, I have a pirate sock monkey, a ponytail monkey, a preemie monkey, a regular sock monkey, and in my head I have a few more... I'd say what my ideas are, but the recipients of these hats might be reading, and I don't want to give them away just yet! ;-) I also have a matching scarf that I've been trying to work on with the scraps that won't make a complete hat, so I hope that it comes out okay.

Oh yeah! It finally snowed here today!! My friend, Meron, would have loved to have seen it! We got about 1/2-3/4", and it stopped around 10:00, which was when dd and I finished eating breakfast. Since she has never played in the snow before, her daddy wanted me to take her out in it, just to see what she does. Well, I get her shoes on, and she's okay. I put on her mittens (she'd never worn them before) and she starts screaming because her hands disappeared! Then I put her in her coat--which she hates because it's still just a little too big for her, but it's the warmest thing she has right now--and that made her scream even harder. So, I don my own coat, grabbed my keys, put on my shoes, and opened the door, which made her quiet down. We go outside, and she starts walking toward the grass, only to fall down into slush. By now, I feel really bad for her and as if I'm the meanest mommy in the world by making her do this! She started to scream again, and tried to crawl, her coat making it very difficult. I sighed, picked her up, and tried to set her on her feet. She wanted none of that! So, we went to check the mail, and then came back inside. Again, my kid's weird! *sigh*

Bittersweet weekend...

Thanksgiving went by without a hitch. The table was beautifully set, the house cleaned and scrubbed, and the food was delicious. We had family surrounding our dining room table, and we had a nice visit afterward.

Friday, we received some terrible news. . .Brandon's grandmother--who was just here the day before, helping me cook and then clean all the dishes (the dishes had to be hand-washed)--had blacked out and fallen down her basement stairs while carrying her vacuum cleaner. Turns out, she had anemia (no one knew, not even she!) and it caused a brain aneurysm, making her black out. Her fall caused severe neck damage, and she never regained consciousness (as far as I know). A few hours later, she was gone. It was such a shock, since she was the healthiest out of all of our (mine and Brandon's) grandparents combined. The uncertainty we have now is, who will continue to take care of Clair, her husband? Right now, her sister is taking care of him. We are to drive to Bellefontaine tomorrow by 1 to be with family for the viewing times, and then again on Wednesday for the funeral.

In the midst of all this, minutes after receiving the first telephone call, I received a call from one of my dearest friends...she's expecting! Yay! A new baby to spoil! (Her name is withheld because not everyone knows yet...If you think you know who it is, try guessing again because I have several friends who might possibly fit the bill!!)

Needless to say, Friday was one of mixed emotions. I've been helping Brandon adjust to his grandmother's passing, and I've had to really restrain myself from truly bouncing off the wall over my friend's good news.

Despite all this excitement, I've been working on various gifts for the next few weeks. I finished my FIL's afghan for his birthday (yippee!), which he's been waiting on for a while now. I started both of my SILs' Christmas gifts, and began several sock monkey hats for my cousins and various friends for Christmas. Also on my to-do list are snowflakes, dishcloths, and another afghan for a friend who purchased the yarn. I keep praying that I get everything done and fast!!

I borrowed some Gooseberry Patch books from the library, and one of them had a great idea for recycling felted wool sweaters--you know, those sweaters that seem to shrink every time you wash them, only for you to discover they were wool and should have been hand-washed? Turns out, you felt them even more, turn them inside out, and cut out a stocking shape, using the neck of the sweater as the cuff of the stocking. You sew the sides together, turn right-side-out, and embellish as you desire. I think cabled ones would look wonderful! I think I just might use this idea for next Christmas, gathering up wool sweaters from thrift stores over the year and felting them for stockings. Hmmmm...

Well, I need to go. Since Brandon's off for bereavement leave, we're going shopping to find him some appropriate clothing for the next 2 days--his suit no longer fits!

Broccoli Bobble Bag Pattern

Okay, I decided to post the pattern here, so it goes along with the pics of the bag in my previous post. A couple of my friends and I were looking at it during the OSU Buckeyes vs Michigan game, and decided it looks like an upside-down broccoli spear, and since we like VeggieTales, I thought, why not? Hence, the name. Remember, since this will be felted, it will be HUGE as it is being worked up. I believe mine was about 2 1/2-3' long and about 4-6" wide.



You will need:

• 100% wool yarn--I used maybe 3 skeins of Bear Brand "Town 'n' Country" 2-ply which came in 2-pk 1.5-oz. skeins, and the other color came from a cone of Peruvian wool. I had purchased them from a thrift store on separated occasions, so some of them were used. I think different color mixes would make a great felted bag!
• US Size P hook
• Washing machine w/ hot wash/cold rinse cycle
• Cotton pillow case (not flannel, because it will pill)
• 3 yds. 1"-wide gross-grain ribbon

Directions:

Ch 42.
Rnd 1: 2dc in 3rd ch from hook, and dc across, 3dc in last ch, dc across on other side of foundation ch, join to top of turning ch. Ch 3, do not turn.

Rnd 2: Dc around. Join in 3rd ch of turning ch, ch 3.

Rnd 3: Dc in next 3 sts, *work a 4-dc bobble [(yo, insert hook, yo, pull hook through, yo, pull hook through first two loops) 4 times, yo, pull through all 5 loops on hook--3-dc bobbles will have one less] in next 2 dc, dc in next 4 dc. Rep from * across to where the the piece begins to curve around to the back. There should be 7 groups of 2 4 dc bobbles. Dc around to beginning of round. Join, ch 3.

Rnd 4: Dc in next 3 sts, work a 4-dc bobble in top of next 2 bobbles, dc in next 4 sts, (work 4-dc bobbles in top of next 2 bobbles, sk next dc, dc in next 3 dc) 4 times, work 4-dc bobbles in next 2 dc, dc in next 4 dc, work 4-dc bobbles in next 2 dc, (dc in next 8 dc, dc2tog) to end of rnd. Join, ch 3.

Rnd 5: Dc in next dc, dc2tog, work 4-dc bobbles in next 2 bobbles, sk next dc, dc in next 3 dc, work 4-dc bobbles in next 2 bobbles, (sk next dc, dc in next 2 dc, work 4-dc bobbles in next 2 bobbles) 4 times, sk next dc, dc in next 3 dc, work 4-dc bobbles in next 2 bobbles, (dc in next 6 dc, dc2tog) to end of rnd. Join, ch 3.

Rnd 6: Dc in next 2 dc, work 4-dc bobbles in bobbles, sk next dc, dc in next 2 dc, work 4-dc bobbles in next 2 bobbles, (sk next dc, dc in next dc, work 4-dc bobbles in next 2 bobbles) 4 times, sk next dc, dc in next 2 dc, work 4-dc bobbles in next two bobbles, (dc in next 5 dc, dc2tog) around to end. Join, ch 3.

Rnd 7: Dc 2 tog, work 3-dc bobbles in bobbles, sk next dc, dc in next dc, (work 3-dc bobbles in next 2 bobbles, sk next dc) 5 times, dc in next dc, work 3-dc bobbles in next 2 bobbles, dc across to end. Join, ch 3.

Rnd 8: Dc in next dc, work 3-dc bobbles in next 2 bobbles, sk next dc, work 3-dc bobbles across to dc, sk next dc, work 3-dc bobbles in next 2 bobbles, dc across to end. Join, ch 2.

Rnd 9: Work 3-hdc bobbles [(yo, insert hook, yo, pull through) 3 times, yo, pull through all loops on hook] across to dc section, hdc across to end. Join, ch 2.

Rnd 10: Rep Rnd 9, only w/ 2-hdc bobbles. Join, ch 1.

Rnd 11: Sc around. Join, ch 4.

Rnd 12: Sk 1 sc, dc in next sc, (ch 1, sk next sc, dc in next st) around. Join, ch 1.

Rnd 13: Sc in ea ch-1 sp and ea dc around. Join, fasten off.


By now, the bag should be about 2 1/2-3" across. Place your bag into a cotton (not flannel, as it will pill) pillow case, and place in your washing machine. Do not put anything else in there with it, as I found out the hard way! (I'm still picking of the thousands of little 'fuzzies'!) Throw a little laundry soap in (I just used my Tide), and set your machine on the longest setting with a Hot Wash/Cold Rinse. Once it's finished, you just take it out, and lay it on a flat surface to dry. You may even try hanging it on a plastic coat hanger, and hanging it for a day on your shower rod.

Cut your ribbon into three equal pieces. Weave one of the pieces through the eyelets of the bag and tie it in a bow. Take a second piece of ribbon and tie it around the post of one of the eyelets, with the tail leading downward, and tie the other end to the opposite end of the same side of the bag. Repeat this step with the third piece of ribbon. If you like, you can just weave the first ribbon through the eyelets and sew the tails to the inside of the bag and attach a pretty pin to the outside. Line your bag, if you desire, and you can even add a zipper (this will be easier to do if you line your bag at the same time!). Voila! Enjoy your new toy!

My Latest Creation!!

I started this last night at bible study (I can't just sit still...My hands have to be doing something, and I was praying with every stitch!). I plan to give it as a Christmas gift. It's my first felted project, and I will have the pattern typed up soon. I really like this bag so much, that I'm going to have to make one for myself when I get the time!! (I really have too many WIPs to work on at the moment!!

I used 100% wool yarn that I bought at a thrift store, working with two shades of green at the same time with a P hook. After I finished it, I felted it and let it dry flat (there really wasn't any other way to do it). I wove the fuchsia gross-grain ribbon through some beading at the top, and also used the same type of ribbon for handles. When I make my own, I might use a different color of ribbon, if I can find some in the color I'm imagining (I'm thinking a chocolate brown grossgrain, in a 1" width).

Wow! Two Posts In One Week!!

I haven't done this since my first couple weeks of writing this blog!! I must laugh at myself, though, because even though I am a SAHM, I would have thought I'd have more time to blog...*smacks forehead* What was I thinking?!?! I'm running after my 11-month-old, cleaning, cooking, crocheting, etc.

I started on the tunic for the bishop christening gown...Not sure yet what to call it, though...The sketch I drew looks quite pretty (although I'm no sketch-artist) and the squares are coming along quite nicely. I found two compatible pineapple squares at Celt's Vintage Crochet, which, when worked in #10 thread, come out to 3" and 6", respectively. They line up fairly well, too. Needless to say, I was rather excited about the match. Once the tunic is finished, I'm going to have to ask my mom to show me how to make a decent pattern with an existing garment. As I said before in a previous post, I found a couple vintage bishop-style dresses at a yard sale. The dresses are short (probably come to the knees or just above on a 1-yr-old), so I need to make the pattern quite a bit longer. The dress has smocking on the top, so maybe I could design a simple crocheted bodice? I don't know...We'll have to see. Perhaps soon I can work up a simple pattern for testing, but I don't know how that works since they're someone else's squares I'm using. Maybe I can just make the garments myself and sell them that way, or give credit in a short bibliography either at the beginning or the end of the pattern. I hope my dh has a program here on our pc that will allow me to "draw" the schematics for the dress...that or do some fancy rigging and repeat the squares in order that someone could duplicate the pattern as well in case I need assistance in making more for sales.

I hope sales pick up soon...I had to remove my Garcelle dresses from Rue de Lily in Powell because Karyn needed more room in the shop for her Christmas items. I want to sell dresses and also sell the pattern, but I need to research some more in order to establish a lulu or an etsy account. I've had encouragement from Drew the Crochet Dude to work with lulu.com because the publishing is easy and they don't charge much...I also probably need to get a ProPay or PayPal account so I can collect fees for the patterns, but I'm not sure I want to do that...Right now, I think I'd rather just have people send me the money via snail-mail, so I may just stick with that for the time being.

My Journal

Alright...I made good on my idea to make a WIP journal...It's also my design journal...Although, up until today, I haven't put in any dates. *embarrassed grin* Lol. So far, I have my design of the Anona dress, plus, I found a bobbin lace tunic online...shouldn't be too hard to duplicate with crocheted motifs. I plan to miniaturize it to make a lace tunic for another Christening dress design I have in mind...perhaps make a bishop-style dress out of muslin, and work the tunic to put on top of it? We'll have to see. . . I found the perfect pineapple square for it, though! My dd and I went to a yard sale at a local church a couple weeks ago, and found some vintage little girls' bishop dresses, complete with smocking...I was thinking of using them as guides for the underdress pattern, making them with long sleeves instead of the short sleeves they have, while the tunic would have short sleeves with a couple pineapple motifs going around them. The pineapple squares would be the bodice, and hem of the skirt...Oooh! Wouldn't this also be pretty made with an organza or tulle skirt? Hmm...

I also have in it my Garcelle patterns, my outlines for the Stargate afghan pattern I'm also currently working on for a gal at Crochetville. It's amazing what one comes up with while watching television!! I also have in it schematics for other things, like the teapot pattern I've been working on for almost 2 1/2 years (still can't quite get it looking right), among other things.

This journal I hope to pass on to my children someday...all of them (once they're born and old enough) will learn to crochet, knit, and sew--even the boys (much to the chagrin of our more masculine friends). I also have probably about 1,000 or more patterns I've pulled off the web or J-hooks at stores, as well as many books that I have to pass on. My dd is our only child so far, and she seems to be interested in the yarn, thread, and hooks Momma 'plays' with all the time...in fact, she helps me out by pulling it out of the skein or off the ball...Sometimes, she even helps me FROG my work, even when it doesn't need it!! Lol.

Well, my friends, I must go... the thought of the bishop dress is intriguing, so I'm going to work on another square to see if I can put them together!!

Wow...

Many things have happened the last couple of weeks. I ran out of the Autumn Red yarn I needed to finish my FIL's afghan, so I'm trying to finish it in black...I'm hoping it turns out okay. Dh and I are Stargate fans, SG-1 and Atlantis. The other day, I was inspired, and I have started to design a Stargate Afghan...No, it's not the charted kind like someone else has made (I can't remember the lady who designed it--if you're reading this, please speak up!! :-) ), but it's going to be pieced together, much like a granny afghan. As soon as I can figure out some of the specs, I'll post the pattern here, that way I can share with other fans. (Hey, since the show's ending soon after 10 years, wouldn't it be neat to send each cast member a Gate-ghan? *wiggles eyebrows* I think it would be pretty darn cool, but I don't have the resources to do it myself. :-( )

I have completed the sweaters for my dd and niece, now I'm working on a sweater jacket for myself, which I hope to wear Sunday to church for my dd's dedication ceremony. It's the Baroque Lady's Jacket, available at Stitchdiva.com, and also at Annie's Attic. I didn't have the funds to buy the yarn they recommended, so I used Bernat's Super Saver in Medium Antique Rose. It's turning out quite nicely, and I can't wait to wear it!!

I finally designed a bonnet and bootie set to go with my christening gown, which I've named Garcelle (it's French for "blooming"). Here are some pics, in which the complete set is modeled by my new doll:




If you'd like a copy of my pattern, feel free to email me at trinketsbytracey at yahoo.com (spelled out to protect from spammers) for more information. This will not be a free pattern, and I will give you the info necessary--right now, I'm trying to see what kind of response I would receive for it.

I must go now; I need to continue cleaning up before dh comes home from work. I hope to hear from you, readers, very soon!!

I don't know what to do now!!

Okay, I've posted before about all my WIPs. I've finished a sweater I started last week for my dd or for my niece (they're both getting matching cardigans from "Simple Crochet for Cherished Babies"--it's the V-stitch hoodie that's toward the back of the book) to match the matching dresses I bought for each of them at Wally-World (even though both babies have opposite complexions [dd fair, dn darker], the colors in the dresses look good on both! Yay!! *happy dance*). I need to finish the sleeves, hood, and trim on the second sweater. I also started a CAL at Crochetville with the Skipping Stones Circular Afghan by Priscilla Hewitt. The plan is to make two of these--one for my FIL, the other for my dd. So far, the one for my FIL is coming along beautifully!! His is being made in Mainstays (a brand formerly carried by Wally-World [THUD]) Autumn Red. The one I want to make for my dd is going to be in purples, greens, and blues from an old UFO I started four years ago that I've decided to frog. I also have another WIP that is a ripple afghan for a friend. He picked a bright neon green Rainbow Boucle from JoAnn's, Etc., and even though the coloring is 'interesting', to say the least, the afghan is turning out quite well--better than I expected, actually. Then, there's also the Anona Christening Dress I'm designing. *sigh* I'm taking a break from it for the moment, because I need to finish dd's dedication dress I started months ago, took a break from, and is only half-way finished! *puts hands up to head, shakes head* I have so many things going on, I don't know what to finish first! I do have to admit, though, that the circular afghan being worked with two strands has been a nice change for me. Going from size 10 thread to double worsted has been fun. It's not as much of a strain on the eyes, know what I mean? Well, readers, I must go for now. Hopefully, soon, I am able to update with pics...I'll admit that I've been quite lazy about that lately. Time to get some breakfast!!

More Ideas!!

Yesterday, I took my daughter to a local mall to play in their play space. Well, after lunch, she crashed in the stroller, so I decided to walk around a bit and let her sleep. I found a store called "Strasburg Children", which is a really expensive special occasion store for children up to size 14 in girls. The lady working in there offered me a catalogue to take home and share with my dh (haha), and I accepted it. I brought it home, and boy, did I find all kinds of neat ideas to include in my own designs! Readers, if you aren't familiar with Strasburg Children, all their clothes, for the most part, are hand-made or hand-decorated with lots and lots of smocking, tasteful embroidery, and using high-quality materials. Each item has French seaming, piping, etc. Absolutely gorgeous! Of course, I didn't tell her that I design baby clothes (well, Christening dresses), but I did get a lot of ideas with various pieces of styling they use. (If you want to see a sampling of their items, check out www.strasburgchildren.com) After I sat down and thought about it, I was able to figure out how to 'copy' some of the ideas and I was mentally able to 'see' the stitches required to do this.

I began writing down my ideas on some paper, and realized that if someone else were to try to follow my directions, they may need to actually see an example of what I'm talking about. So, I've decided to put together a designer's notebook. I've seen all kinds of knitters' notebooks, quilters' notebooks, and seamstress notebooks, but never have I seen a crochet designer notebook. So, I've decided to make one. Hmm...what should I put in it?

Let's see...

• basic stitches
• pattern stitches
• sizing directions
• sewing directions translated into crochet patterns (which is what the premise behind this thing would be)
• graphs
• decoration implementation (i.e., bobbles, beads, faux-smocking, etc.)

I'll have to think about it some more...As I work on it, perhaps I'll publish it here online to share with everyone...I'll have to see what kind of response I get.

Tata for now!!

WIPs and Chains and other things...

The work on the Anona dress is going quite slowly...then again, I keep going back and forth between working on it and working on a doggie bag. The bottom row of pineapples is almost finished, and I've decided I don't like my #10 hook. I think I prefer my #9, which is just a hair bigger, and, as it is an older Boye, much smoother. The 10 is a little too pointy.

The doggy bag I'm making is going to be used by my daughter when she goes trick-or-treating this year for the very first time. She's going to be Dorothy from the Wizard of Oz, and the dog I'm making is Toto. "Toto" will be her treat sack, if all goes well. If not, I'll use the extra gingham I bought yesterday to make her a matching sack to go with her dress. I can't wait to see how it comes out. I'd offer up a link to the JCPenney's catalogue to show you a picture of the bag I'm talking about, but there is not yet a picture available--at least, not until the 11th of October. They are very, very cute bags, and I hope my variation on them does just as well.

Today, i went to Toys R Us to look for a model for my dresses. (I'd have used my daughter, but she was too big for them already.) I found one for $21.99, and I think it was on sale. It looks a lot like my daughter, as well, so I just had to buy it. The first thing my daughter did when I took it out of the box was crawl on my lap and take the doll's bottle. She wouldn't get near the doll, nor would she let it touch her! Lol. I believe she felt threatened by it, not understanding that it was just a doll and not a real baby--probably because it was only a little smaller than she is! Don't worry, readers, I didn't tease her with it...I'm not cruel like that. I just held it up to her to see if she'd talk to it, like she used to 'talk' to other babies or dolls she plays with. I guess it just freaked her out. *shakes head*

Well, dear readers, I must bid you adieu, for now. I have to attend to my laundry and reorganize my projects so they don't drive me nuts.

WIPs and Chains and other things...

The work on the Anona dress is going quite slowly...then again, I keep going back and forth between working on it and working on a doggie bag. The bottom row of pineapples is almost finished, and I've decided I don't like my #10 hook. I think I prefer my #9, which is just a hair bigger, and, as it is an older Boye, much smoother. The 10 is a little too pointy.

The doggy bag I'm making is going to be used by my daughter when she goes trick-or-treating this year for the very first time. She's going to be Dorothy from the Wizard of Oz, and the dog I'm making is Toto. "Toto" will be her treat sack, if all goes well. If not, I'll use the extra gingham I bought yesterday to make her a matching sack to go with her dress. I can't wait to see how it comes out. I'd offer up a link to the JCPenney's catalogue to show you a picture of the bag I'm talking about, but there is not yet a picture available--at least, not until the 11th of October. They are very, very cute bags, and I hope my variation on them does just as well.

Today, i went to Toys R Us to look for a model for my dresses. (I'd have used my daughter, but she was too big for them already.) I found one for $21.99, and I think it was on sale. It looks a lot like my daughter, as well, so I just had to buy it. The first thing my daughter did when I took it out of the box was crawl on my lap and take the doll's bottle. She wouldn't get near the doll, nor would she let it touch her! Lol. I believe she felt threatened by it, not understanding that it was just a doll and not a real baby--probably because it was only a little smaller than she is! Don't worry, readers, I didn't tease her with it...I'm not cruel like that. I just held it up to her to see if she'd talk to it, like she used to 'talk' to other babies or dolls she plays with. I guess it just freaked her out. *shakes head*

Well, dear readers, I must bid you adieu, for now. I have to attend to my laundry and reorganize my projects so they don't drive me nuts.

New Inspirations...

Over the weekend, aside from the flea market, I also had a few inspirations for spring craft shows. I was going through my baby name books, trying to find a name for my first christening dress, when I ran across the name, Anona, which means 'pineapple' in Irish. Hmm...which got me thinking. The last time I went to Rue de Lily, Karen asked me to make a dress which had elastic in the bottom, kind of like a sleeper-sack. Hmm...combine the two together...Hmm...Great idea! So, my new WIP is a pineapple christening dress that is a sack and it will be named Anona. I have the skirt figured out, but as I'm writing down the pattern as I work, it may be a while. I have no idea how I am going to work the bodice yet, but it will come in time. I do have an idea for the bonnet. Get this: there is a pattern for a pineapple potholder somewhere here online. I will work several of these pineapples in thread, work them together like Irish lace motifs, and make a cap remeniscent of Anne Geddes-style hats. If I do this, the dress is going to be kind of frilly...I hope it won't look ridiculous, because I can't stand a lot of frou-frou. I prefer simpler, classy things, which appeal to wider audiences.
I also have two other goals which I hope to have completed before March.
Goal 1: Design and work a boys' christening outfit. Perhaps with knickers and a vest? There is a sad shortage of crochet patterns for this genre, and I realize the difficult task of making a crocheted item not look too girly. I feel I'm up to the challenge!
Goal 2: Design and work a doggie bag, inspired by this year's JCPenney Christmas catalogue and a chihuahua pattern I found online. I got a great deal on fun fur yarn at a local store, and thought, "hey, I can really try this!" Hobby Lobby also has purse straps which could pass for leads/leashes, and to disguise the opening, I would work in a sweater for the closure, using a standard magnetic snap. It sounds kind of corny, but it isn't, really. I saw so many people carrying their little dogs in purses, and actually pushing them in baby strollers!! *raises eyebrow* You never know...the idea could take off...

Let me know what you think! I'd love to hear from you!

New Inspirations...

Over the weekend, aside from the flea market, I also had a few inspirations for spring craft shows. I was going through my baby name books, trying to find a name for my first christening dress, when I ran across the name, Anona, which means 'pineapple' in Irish. Hmm...which got me thinking. The last time I went to Rue de Lily, Karen asked me to make a dress which had elastic in the bottom, kind of like a sleeper-sack. Hmm...combine the two together...Hmm...Great idea! So, my new WIP is a pineapple christening dress that is a sack and it will be named Anona. I have the skirt figured out, but as I'm writing down the pattern as I work, it may be a while. I have no idea how I am going to work the bodice yet, but it will come in time. I do have an idea for the bonnet. Get this: there is a pattern for a pineapple potholder somewhere here online. I will work several of these pineapples in thread, work them together like Irish lace motifs, and make a cap remeniscent of Anne Geddes-style hats. If I do this, the dress is going to be kind of frilly...I hope it won't look ridiculous, because I can't stand a lot of frou-frou. I prefer simpler, classy things, which appeal to wider audiences.
I also have two other goals which I hope to have completed before March.
Goal 1: Design and work a boys' christening outfit. Perhaps with knickers and a vest? There is a sad shortage of crochet patterns for this genre, and I realize the difficult task of making a crocheted item not look too girly. I feel I'm up to the challenge!
Goal 2: Design and work a doggie bag, inspired by this year's JCPenney Christmas catalogue and a chihuahua pattern I found online. I got a great deal on fun fur yarn at a local store, and thought, "hey, I can really try this!" Hobby Lobby also has purse straps which could pass for leads/leashes, and to disguise the opening, I would work in a sweater for the closure, using a standard magnetic snap. It sounds kind of corny, but it isn't, really. I saw so many people carrying their little dogs in purses, and actually pushing them in baby strollers!! *raises eyebrow* You never know...the idea could take off...

Let me know what you think! I'd love to hear from you!

Taking Back the Art!!

Okay, okay...It's time to start a new movement! To all the crocheters out there, I'm speaking to you!! We need to take back the art of crochet! Why do knitters get to make more money on their items (if they sell them) when we use even more yarn, take just as much time (especially if we work with thread) making the items, yet make barely more than the cost of the materials on our work?! THIS IS NONSENSE!! Okay, I'm venting. but there is a very good reason for my vent. I was a vendor at a flea market yesterday, and there were a few other vendors who had either crocheted items, or knit items available. The knit items cost more, and people were willing to pay those prices, yet I had heirloom-quality christening dresses available (made of thread, using 16 hours of work, and lined with hand-stitched linen with French seams, no less!), and I had people gasping at my prices, saying they weren't going to pay $25 for a hand-crocheted dress (mind you, readers, this was my least-expensive dress, no less!) that was lined with 100% linen, hand-stitched! Granted, I know my venue was a poor choice for showing off my wares--although I was able to generate some interest from a select few who understood the amount of work I put into my Tiny Trinkets Garments--but still, HOW RIDICULOUS! (I was selling off my entire Coca-Cola collection, as well, and was very successful at it) I was so steamed at the comments I heard! (One old lady said, "who does she think she is, charging that much? I ain't payin' that! That's made of sewin' thread! Why should I pay $25 for something I can buy for $2?" !?! Does she not realize that time is also valuable?) I do know of a few craft shows I'd like to enter in the spring, and I'll probably have better luck there.
I just had a thought...perhaps people at flea markets don't realize how long things take to hook together? But then again, I even tried to show the lady my portfolio (which had approximate time-tables next to each garment) when she asked what else I make, but she wasn't interested. Oh well, win some, lose some. Not only this, but also crocheting is a common liesure art. It is so common, in fact, that when you tell a non-fiber person (one who doesn't work with yarn, string, thread, etc) that you crochet, that person--more often than not--immediately thinks, toilet tissue covers, tissue box covers, towel toppers, etc. Stuff that takes less than an hour to make and thereby costs less than $5. It's so bad in my area, and in the town where I grew up, that anything crocheted is devalued unless it's a garment from a department store. I have to go to higher-income areas where most people don't do hand-work (especially with thread) and sell to a boutique, and even then it's iffy.
For those of you who knit, as well, please don't misunderstand me...I knit, also. I'm not great at it, but I do appreciate the beauty of the hand-knit item. However, crocheted items can be just as beautiful, and just as valuable. I don't know of 1 fiber artist who does not take pride in his or her work.
What are your experiences with this, readers? I'd like to hear from you!

Yay!!

I took in my second of Christening dresses to Rue de Lily in Powell, and Karyn LOVED it!! Woohoo!! It looks a lot like the original one I designed, only I added a few more inches to the skirt, added long sleeves, and made it with white mercerized cotton thread. I hand-sewed the skirt lining, using French seams on linen fabric. It's gorgeous!! I also made an adaptation of the Baby Ankle Ties listed in Book 2 of Priscilla's Irish Crochet, making them a little more modern-looking, yet antique. Now, all I have to do is make white booties, line them with linen, and take them back up to the shop once they're done. Also, while we (my dd and I) were there, another lady who works occasionally for the shop owner suggested offering my wares to a little shop in Dublin, Ohio called Create, or something like that. Hmmm...I'll have to see...Perhaps I'll try after the Gahanna Flea Market next month. I really need to focus on products for that event first, then see how things go.

I made 8 more pairs of knitting needles yesterday for the Flea Market. The fobs range anywhere from roses, to circles, to berries, and such. I have a limited color supply of polymer clay, or I'd also try to make animals or even animal prints if I had only thought of buying oranges, browns, and yellows. Oh well. Out of that size of skewers, I only have 9 pairs left to make. Then, I'll start on the size 3 skewers, sorting them, sanding them, dying the bamboo, then I'll make the fobs to go with them, as well. The size 6 ones are turning out to be very cute, and I can't wait to see how well they do at the flea market. I can't decide if I'll display them in a milkglass vase, or in a basket--perhaps I'll do both? Hmmm...maybe I'll ask my CP friends to see what they suggest...

Tata for now...Next time, I'll try to write a tutorial on how to pick just the right doily patterns to make a doilyghan...It's very simple, but I have had people ask me how I know which ones are the right ones, or how to adapt a doily pattern to not have quite so much openwork.

Make Your Own Knitting Needles

I figured out a way to make bamboo knitting needles without a lot of expense!! Woohoo! Unfortunately, it can take some time. Want to know how I did it? Great!! Here we go!!

Materials:
Bamboo skewers (these can be found in your local department/kitchen store. Sometimes grocery stores have them with the kitchen utensils)
Really fine sandpaper
Your choice of polymer clay
Foil
Baking sheet
Oven

Optional: Kool-Aid, water, distilled white vinegar, old cup


Directions:
1. Make sure you find two skewers that match in diameter--they're usually pretty close in the package, but watch out for warping, as well, although it doesn't affect the knitted piece.
2. Using the fine-grain sandpaper, carefully smooth out any roughness, paying close attention to the tips of the skewers--you don't want your needles to be too sharp!
3. (Optional) In the old cup, pour about 3/4 -1 cup of water, 1/4 cup of vinegar, and a package of Kool-aid in the color of your choice. Stir until Kool-Aid is dissolved. Place your chosen skewers into the cup of Kool-Aid mixture for several hours. The bamboo will soak up the coloring. If desired, flip your skewers so the bamboo can soak up coloring on the other end, as well, leaving kind of a tie-die effect in the center of the skewer. Once the color is as you desire, set out to dry in a color-safe area. Once dry, follow with the proceeding steps.
4. Line the baking sheet with foil. Depending on how many pairs of knitting needles you're making, take more foil and make an accordion pattern with it. Place this on the foil-lined baking sheet.
5. Set your oven to the appropriate temperature on the package of the polymer clay.
6. (WARNING: DO NOT USE AROUND FOOD PRODUCTS OR WHERE FOOD IS TO BE CONSUMED OR PREPARED.)Using the clay of choice, make whatever type of fob (piece that fits on the end of the needle, opposite of the point) you like, making sure there are no bubbles in the clay. Tip: I take a tiny bit of clay, roll it into a worm, flatten it, then adhere it to the end. Then I add whatever design element I like. If you desire, add glass beads to your clay design.
7. Place your knitting needles into the slats of the accordioned foil on the baking sheet. Repeat step 6 as often as desired or until baking sheet is full.
8. Bake, following directions on the polymer clay package CAREFULLY. While baking, wash your hands to remove any residue. Do not allow children around the oven while baking, because the clay gives off harmful fumes.
9. Once baking is finished, allow your needles to cool--usually about 10 minutes or so. Now, you're ready to start knitting!!

I need to start...

a WIM journal...I got the inspiration from a book I'm reading about how to invent things, and how things were invented over the years. It talks about fantasy inventions...perhaps I could do Fantasy WIMs? Like, for instance, I've been playing with the idea of making crocheted versions of wedding cakes, using a combination of a hat pattern, and sewing/crocheting Irish crochet motifs to it. Afterwards, perhaps adhering each piece to a papier mache box and voila!! Instant gift!! Sure, it would take more time than what I imagine anyone would ever pay for it, but if done correctly, what a fantastic piece de resistance!! Hmmm...I wonder what else I could put in my journal? *stares off wistfully into space*

Gaaaa! I Can't Believe It's Been 2 Months!

I am so sorry, folks, for not updating a lot sooner!! My daughter is teething, and a lot has been going on lately!!

Let's see what's been going on in my world...

I finished the dress and took it in to Karen at Rue de Lily...she LOVED it!! Now, I'm working on a white version with long sleeves, and I'm making the skirt longer before taking this one in to her.

I'm also working on items to sell at the Gahanna Flea Market on Sept. 17th. It runs from 9-4:30 in Gahanna, Ohio. I'll be selling a bunch of little cupcake bags, homemade knitting needles (made with bamboo skewers, polymer clay, and Kool-Aid), my Coca-Cola collection, and a bunch of other items I've made. My crochet-along items have been put on hold, just until after the flea market, because I'm going to give them away for Christmas gifts.

A friend of my husband is getting married on New Year's Eve. I'm making her a Star of India doilyghan (pattern can be found under the topic, "Doilies" at Celt's Vintage Crochet), which will be made in a bright red and trimmed in gold metallic thread or yarn--haven't decided which, because it will depend upon what I can find that isn't too expensive.

I'm also making my daughter's dedication dress...I can't remember where I found the pattern, but it uses a double-knot stitch...I don't like that stitch, so I'm using an open-shell, which is a lot easier. It looks really cute, too.

I'm also learning about Irish crochet motifs, and putting them together. I adapted a pattern I found in a Priscilla book that has baby booties (I think they're called "Baby's Ankle Ties") and made them look a little more modern. I think they'll be really cute with the christening dress I designed. I have one finished, and as soon as I finish the other, I'll upload the pics. I might even design a bonnet or a hat to match...hmm...another WIM, just what I need. Lol.

A few weeks ago, I went to a thrift store and lo, and behold, they had a huge bag of wool for less than $4!!!! I couldn't believe it!! Of course, I bought it. :-D There were 4 balls of lavender wool yarn that was made in England, 2 full cones of dark green Peruvian wool yarn (luscious to work with!), and an unlabeled skein of lime green (feels like wool, not acryllic), and one skein of this creamy-greyish-tan, also wool. One of the cones of green I'm making into a pineapple shawl, based on the infamous graduated pineapple table-topper. It's turning out to be quite lovely. The lavender I am making a knitted lace stole or shawl, haven't decided which, yet. Or, I might combine the other green cone, the lime, the tan, and the lavender, and make a Seraphina shawl, or some other butterly-wing shawl--perhaps the Halcyon? I dunno...haven't decided.

I'm still waiting to hear from other yarn addicts...I'd like to make an entry on "You Know You're a Yarn Addict If..." You can either finish the statement, or you can share a story about why you think you are a yarn addict...We already have a couple responses, but I'd like to hear more!!! Keep them coming, folks!

Eureka! It's Finished!!

Haha!! I've finished my first real design!! (well, actually, the first of real substance, at any rate!!) *Happy dances* The christening dress is finished, and I am very happy with it!! Now I just have to reinforce some stitches, block it, and then take it in to Rue de Lily. After that, I can start on my daughter's dress. There's nothing more satisfying than when something you worked so hard on finally gets finished, especially when it's your own creation. Here are front and back pics of the dress. Now, I'm off to desperately clean my sadly neglected house!!

Pics and Updates

Yay! I finally have some pics! Here is one of the white Nosegay Doilyghan. I haven't worked very far on it--only halfway through round 5 (I got a lot further on the Limon Sherbet one, though!). Kind of looks like a squid or an octopus if you hold it up by the center! For those of you who have expressed interest in crocheting along, on round 4, I only chained 23, and skipped the dc in between the picots--I slip-stitched there instead. This was to decrease the size of the openwork so that if a baby were laying on it or playing with the blanket, he or she would not shove an arm or leg through it (like mine would! *wink*). If you are crocheting along, you may send me pictures of your progress and I'll post them here for everyone to see. I'd love to see the different variations, as I'm sure others would, too!

Also, I have been working like a mad woman designing a christening gown to take to Rue de Lily. I hope to have it finished by the end of the week. I plan to line the dress with linen, and weave ribbons through the bodice for smocking, as well as for a tie in the back. So far, here are pics of the bodice before I started the skirt last night.














It took me forever, but I decided on an openwork lace skirt with flowers and trellis. I only have part of two rows completed, but I'm going to continue it until it's about 18" long. Then comes the daunting task of deciding whether or not I will work up a simple trim for a hem, and then figuring out how I want to do the sleeves. Since this dress is working up fairly quickly, I might make one for my dd if there is time before her dedication next month.


Right now, the dress is being worked in 100% mercerized cotton, natural color. I forget which brand it is, because I bought the thread a year or so ago to make a different christening dress for a friend's daughter, and unfortunately the label was thrown out. I had not yet discovered it is best to save labels and place them in a notebook with my patterns so that I know what it was and how to launder it! *sheepish grin* Oh well. My next task today is to go to JoAnn's, Etc. to find suitable buttons and about a yard of natural unbleached linen to make a liner for the skirt of the dress. If it turns out the way I expect it to, I might make the pattern available for sale--but I haven't decided on this yet. I need to pray about it, and if there's enough interest in the pattern--well, we'll just have to wait and see!

Well, readers, I must go. I need to type up the pattern so I can read it a little better as I'm working...I like to scratch things out a lot when I rectify my mistakes, and it makes things a little illegible as I try to read it again. Hopefully soon, I will return to update. My goal is to update at least once per week (I originally wanted to update every day, but with a teething 6-month-old, that's a little unrealistic! *grin*), so if I update in a couple days, we'll be set! Good-bye for now!

Oooh! The Agony!

It's been a few days since my last posting, and for that I apologize. I've been trying to update since Wednesday, but the blogger site was down. However, I do have exciting things to share!

If any of you ever visit Powell, Ohio, go to Trends @ 21 on West Olentangy St. They have lots of delicious, yummy yarns, and they're phasing them out! They're getting rid of all of it, and right now, it's 50% off! They carry Tahki, Great Adirondak (very difficult to get around here!) and a few Italian lines I cannot remember! There's even a beautiful Cashmere, but since it's $82 for a skein (or $41 on sale), there's no way I can afford it right now. I wanted to spend hours just rolling in the stuff! Most of the fibers are hand-painted, and there are some synthetics there, too. *sigh* Hence, the agony of it all!

Also, in a couple weeks I will be returning to an adorable little shop on the same street called Rue de Lily. Karyn (the owner) is interested in seeing some of my work, so I'm working on a couple christening gowns (one of my own design) and doilyghans to see how they do in her store. I hope she likes them! Unless my best friends read this, I'm going to surprise them if Karyn does accept what I'm offering. A few days before we have a girls' day out, I will deliver my packages to Karyn, and then take my friends in there that weekend and just "happen" upon the items! I can't wait! I'm praying with all my might that my work sells, because dh and I could really use the money. When I get the bodice done of my dress, I will try to upload pics...

The Nosegay doilyghan is coming along nicely...I've started one in white (the yellow and green one is on hold) so I can take it to Rue de Lily and try to sell it with the dresses. I've had to make a few changes, so for those of you who are crocheting it with me, I'll update in a bit how I altered it to make the openwork just a tad smaller to make the blanket safe for little ones.

Well, dear readers, I must bid you adieu for now...I need to take dd to the grocery store so we have something for lunch! Wish me luck!

YAA (Yarn Addicts Anonymous)

For those who are reading this, I'm compiling a list of "You know you are a yarn addict when..." and will publish the entire list here on my blog. If you would like to add to the list, just comment and I'll put them together.

As far as my challenge is going, I have two takers. Anyone else?

My update on the challenge: I am almost done with round four. After this, I'm changing from pale yellow to lime green for a couple rounds. I can't wait to see what it will look like when it's finished!

I am also working on a hard copy crochet portfolio to take to the craft show/flea market in September. I didn't realize how many photos I still have to take! Yikes! I was reading the October Archive of CP yesterday, and found many wonderful ideas on how to display items for things such as that. When I get paid for my second baby doilyghan, I will invest in some baby hangers (green and white), as well as some adult-sized plastic hangers (again, white) so I can crochet around them for display pieces, as well as parts of the packages when folks take them home. Anyone else have ideas?

Challenge...

Okay, so this is the most I've ever blogged in one day...I know y'all will forgive me, right? *wink* Anyhooo, I have a challenge for those who are up to it. If you've read my previous posts, you'll already know that I take certain doily patterns and make them into blankets by using yarn instead of thread, and a large hook. As I read someone's post in the October 2005 Archive at CrochetPartners, I was inspired by a certain French Crochetalong. It seems that a doily pattern was given out to members of a forum, and each member was to make something wearable with it--it didn't look like it mattered what the garment ended up being. What the results came to be were fantastic, such as gorgeous shawls, ponchos, skirts, collars, wraps, etc. Therefore, I am issuing a similar challenge, only it doesn't have to be something wearable. I am currently working on a Nosegay Doily doilyghan, making it into a baby blanket using shades of greens and yellows. What can you, dear readers, make out of this particular pattern? Please respond to let me know if you are taking me up on your challenge, and I will send you an email addy to which you can send pics, or you can respond with a link to your online photo album. Happy Hooking!

I must be a moth...

The last couple days have been interesting...bees (either the honey variety or the hornet type) have invaded our home and are nesting in between the 1st and 2nd floors of the condo. We had an exterminator out yesterday, but before that, Dh had dd and I stay with his parents overnight. While waiting for the okay to go home yesterday, dd and I went to the local thrift store and I found two knitted silk shirts...WOO-HOO! And these are the kind I can frog, too! One is 100% silk in lime green, and the other is a grey/tan tweed in 70/30 silk/cotton. Both are out-dated in style, but the feel of the fabrics are heavenly! Perhaps after I frog them both, I'll add them to my angora-flavored ramen and make a luxurious shawl with them all...Let's see...soft baby pink, bright lime green, and grey/tan? Hmmm...sounds odd, but you never know. I hope I find a fantastic pattern for all that yumminess!

First Post

I hope I am better able to keep up with this blog than the last two I have started. The first one, I was not permitted to post photos unless I paid for the feature, which I did not have the money to do so. The second was a members only site. Neither of these is good for my budding career. You see, I am trying to become a crochet designer, and without photos and public access to back me up, it makes things difficult. I have patterns on another page but I cannot post pics of the finished product without funding, and if I post on the other site, not everyone would have access to it. Hence, my dilemma.

I have been crocheting for 20 years, now. My mother taught me the basics when I was just a kid, and I taught myself how to read patterns while I was in college and needed a stress relief. I recently began writing down some of the things I created myself, and, while time-consuming, it has been very rewarding.

This year, I am attempting to start a craft business. I am going to offer classes in crocheting once I am certified through the CYAA (hopefully, this fall!), and I will also be selling finished items at various craft shows in my area. I also plan to do special orders, which has been my main business so far.

I am a member of CrochetPartners (howdy, y'all!), and a few weeks ago, I had this inspiration to make doilyghans for baby blankets. I shared this idea on the board, and the idea just took off! A doilyghan is basically a large, blanket-sized doily made of yarn (that, or a doily is a doilyghan that has shrunk in the wash). I look for patterns that do not generally have a lot of large pieces of openwork, although netting and filet are quite nice for the projects. Celt's Vintage Crochet has a lot of nice, free-to-the-public vintage doily patterns which many of them are just perfect for blankets. My first two doilyghans were made from the Plate Doily pattern. The first, I made for my 6-month-old dd, and the second I made for a gal I know who ordered it for her new grandbaby who is due to arrive any moment now. Above is a pic of the finished doilyghan I made for my dd. The next doilyghan I am working on is called Nosegay Doily. I'm making each section a different shade of yellow and green...perhaps I'll call it Limon Nosegay? Anyhow, this one I started Wednesday night, and it seems to be rather time-consuming, so I may have to charge a bit more for the finished products as I sell them.

In September, I plan to take part in a local annual one-day flea market, trying to sell my wares. I will feverishly work on various pieces and expand my portfolio so that if folks want to special order something, they will be able to.

First Post

I hope I am better able to keep up with this blog than the last two I have started. The first one, I was not permitted to post photos unless I paid for the feature, which I did not have the money to do so. The second was a members only site. Neither of these is good for my budding career. You see, I am trying to become a crochet designer, and without photos and public access to back me up, it makes things difficult. I have patterns on another page but I cannot post pics of the finished product without funding, and if I post on the other site, not everyone would have access to it. Hence, my dilemma.

I have been crocheting for 20 years, now. My mother taught me the basics when I was just a kid, and I taught myself how to read patterns while I was in college and needed a stress relief. I recently began writing down some of the things I created myself, and, while time-consuming, it has been very rewarding.

This year, I am attempting to start a craft business. I am going to offer classes in crocheting once I am certified through the CYAA (hopefully, this fall!), and I will also be selling finished items at various craft shows in my area. I also plan to do special orders, which has been my main business so far.

I am a member of CrochetPartners (howdy, y'all!), and a few weeks ago, I had this inspiration to make doilyghans for baby blankets. I shared this idea on the board, and the idea just took off! A doilyghan is basically a large, blanket-sized doily made of yarn (that, or a doily is a doilyghan that has shrunk in the wash). I look for patterns that do not generally have a lot of large pieces of openwork, although netting and filet are quite nice for the projects. Celt's Vintage Crochet has a lot of nice, free-to-the-public vintage doily patterns which many of them are just perfect for blankets. My first two doilyghans were made from the Plate Doily pattern. The first, I made for my 6-month-old dd, and the second I made for a gal I know who ordered it for her new grandbaby who is due to arrive any moment now. Above is a pic of the finished doilyghan I made for my dd. The next doilyghan I am working on is called Nosegay Doily. I'm making each section a different shade of yellow and green...perhaps I'll call it Limon Nosegay? Anyhow, this one I started Wednesday night, and it seems to be rather time-consuming, so I may have to charge a bit more for the finished products as I sell them.

In September, I plan to take part in a local annual one-day flea market, trying to sell my wares. I will feverishly work on various pieces and expand my portfolio so that if folks want to special order something, they will be able to.