Weeks 27, 28, 29, 30 Challenge

I've been really bad about blogging. This is my favorite time of year. I promise, after Christmas I'll get back to more consistent blogging.

For November we have from "63 Easy-To-Crochet Pattern Stitches Combine To Make An Heirloom Afghan", Leisure Arts:

#34 V-Stitch

#40 Fan Stitch

#35 Twin Stitch

#6 Trinity Stitch

Thanksgiving Breakfast

Turkey Placement from Lily Sugar 'n Cream and Knit Turkey designed by Kirsten Hipsky; made from Sugar 'n Cream Terra Firma, Warm Brown, and Country Yellow.

Since my daughters are grown and have families of their own, we have been celebrating Thanksgiving with breakfast. This makes it easier for them have Thanksgiving dinner with their other families. This year I made a pancake buffet. It was great and pleased even the picky eater. I don't mind because then my husband and I spend the remainder of Thanksgiving with my in-laws. I think I have finally made sweet potato eaters out of my husband and mother-in-law. I don't use the "heavy on the sweet and marshmallows" recipe. Instead I whip sweet potatoes with cream cheese, brown sugar, and cinnamon; followed by a layer of cranberries and apples; topped with an oatmeal crunch.

Book and Craft

Duck Pon designed by Agnes Russell; made from South Maid 100% Mercerized Cotton Ecru.

This month I read "The Catcher in the Rye" by J.D. Salinger. This was a little depressing and I had a hard time feeling any sympathy for the main character, Holden, except that his brother died and that obviously had an adverse effect on him--something his parents probably should have caught. The last line of the book really gets to me: "Don't ever tell anybody anything. If you do, you start missing everybody". That's a terrible way to feel.

Why the ducks? Several times through Holden's monologue, he mentions the ducks in Central Park and wonders where they go during the winter when the lake is frozen.

Next is "The Grapes of Wrath" and socks.

Have wonderful and safe holidays.

Weeks 22, 23, 24, 25 & 26 Challenge

From 63 Easy-To-Crochet Pattern Stitches Combine To Make An Heirloom Afghan,

Leisure Arts

Starting at the top, right to left:

#48 Raised Ripple - pretty

#11 Horizontal Relief - the wrong side is nicer

#24 Clusters - simple and pretty

#18 Woven Relief - would make an interesting scarf

#39 Popcorn Diamond - who doesn't like diamonds and popcorn?

Between sinus infections, allergies, work, and life in general, the days just seem to fly. I can't believe it's the end of October.

Even though life seems busy, I've still had time to get a lot of crocheting and knitting done. This is Pearl's Cardigan, designed by Kristen Omhahl, made with Lion Brand Microspun Sterling. I love this cardigan. It worked up quickly and it is so very soft. The belt is made from a wide satin ribbon and a buckle. For the colder months I plan to wear a deep red shirt under and the warmer months I can wear a tank top. That's what I like-an all season cardigan.

The book and project for the month was The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald and Provence Cloche, designed by Cecily Glowik MacDonald, made with Paton Grace Blue. I love this hat. It's made in three parts-the cable band, the brim, and the crown. The brim and crown are worked in the round. The button made with a plastic ring. If I decide to make this again, I will probably not use the Paton Grace. It was slippery and the drape isn't exactly what I had expected; but, I still love it.

The Great Gatsby* is also a quick novel to read. I've read various essays about this novel; but my take is that it is a novel about the decadence before the Great Depression and a very strange love story. The genius is in Fitzgerald writing: "The track curved and now it was going away from the sun which, as it sank lower, seemed to spread itself in benediction over the vanishing city where she had drawn her breath. He stretch out his hand desperately as if to snatch only a wisp of air, to save a fragment of the spot that she had made lovely for him. But it was all going by too fast now for his blurred eyes and he knew that he had lost that part of it, the freshest and the best, forever" (160). What a beautiful way to say the Gatsby realized that he had lost his love.

The sock blanket is progressing nicely. I have had many people interested in its progress and a couple people laying claim to it.

*Fitzgerald, F. Scott. The Great Gatsby The Authorized Text. Simon & Schuster, Inc, New York. 1925.

Week 21 Challenge

#60 Doubles

63 Easy-To-Crochet Pattern Stitches Combine To Make An Heirloom Afghan

Leisure Arts

I haven't quite finished Ulysses, but since this is the last post for the month, I'll give you my thoughts.

Yes, I do "get it". What I don't know is why this book was written. It's all over the place. We have Stephen, my favorite character, who is the philosopher. Then there is Bloom who, to me, is just a dirty old man. I am now reading the part where they have both met and are drinking coffee. Well, Bloom wants Stephen to drink the coffee.

The writing is pure genius--words and phrases really make the reader think. My favorite from this past week is from Stephen:

In this country people sell much more than she ever had and do a roaring trade. Fear not them that sell the body but have not the power to buy the soul. She is a bad merchant. She buys dear and sell cheap. (542)

Stephen and Bloom have spotted a prostitute looking in the window of the coffee shop. It's obvious that Stephen is referring to the prostitute, but is he also referring to Ireland? The book does get a little political at this point.

I have struggled with this book, but I don't regret reading it.

Joyce, James. Ulysses. Wordsworth Classics.

Vortex, designed by Chrissy Gardiner

Toe-Up! Pattern and Worksheets to Whip Your Sock Knitting Into Shape

Sydwillow Press

I love these socks! I love this book! I tried toe-up socks before and I just couldn't get it to work and they didn't fit. I was so upset that the socks ended up in the trash. This book takes you through the whole process with step by step instructions with pictures. Gardiner gives several options for starting the toe, how to knit the heel, and casting off so the cuff stretches. The patterns in the book are great and there are worksheets in the back to plan your own socks.

Next month is The Great Gatsby, by F. Scott Fitzgerald, and a knitted cloche.

Have a good week!

Week 20 Challenge

#19 Circle in a Square

63 Easy-To-Crochet Pattern Stitches Combine to Make An Heirloom Afghan

Leisure Arts

This is going to be a quick post--today is my birthday! I've been spending time with my family and had a wonderful day.

This crochet block was fun and, believe it or not, I've never thought to put a square around a circle. How fun!

Ulysses is coming along. I'm finding that I have to read every word - no skimming allowed. You just never know what Joyce is going to put in there and if you skim, you might miss it.

The cable socks are almost done.

The sock blankie just keeps going and I have a lot of yarn left.

Have a good week!

Week 19 Challenge

#16 Granny Square from

63 Easy-to-Crochet Pattern Stitches Combine to Make An Heirloom Afghan,

Leisure Arts

Who doesn't like granny squares!? I didn't even need to look at the pattern to crochet this one.

I took my own advice and started a personal read along/knit along, using books and projects of my choice. For September I am reading Ulysses by James Joyce (I see the eyes rolling) and knitting a pair of socks with a cable pattern going up the front.

Ulysses has been a reading project I've tried a couple of times, but couldn't get past the first twenty pages. I am not quite halfway through and I get it and it's good! I actually find myself giggling in a few places. Maybe I just needed a few more years of life to understand what Joyce is trying to do with this novel.

The sock blankie has turned into a project to do at work because it does not require a pattern, chart, row counter, markers, etc. It is getting a little big, but with colder weather not too far off, the blanket can keep me warm while I work on it.

Have a good week!

Week 18 Challenge

#46 Palm Leaves

from 63 Easy-To-Crochet Pattern Stitches Combine to Make An Heirloom Afghan,

Leisure Arts.

This is a nice stitch. Two rows of the afghan are completed; eighteen block done, 45 block to go. At this rate, I'll be finished by next summer.

The sock blankie is still coming along nicely--slow, but nicely. It's hard to get bored when each block is knit with a different yarn, I'm just having difficulty finding the time.

As promised, here is the finish of the KAL/RAL. First the RAL.

The book we read for the "-along" was The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson. There has been a lot of publicity about Larsson's books. I have even read an article comparing this series with the Twilight series of books. I don't see it... This book is well written, contemporary, and a good read. However, it is not my type of book. When I read for pleasure, I like to escape to another world, another place, another time. Maybe that's why I like to read Jane Austen and science fiction (what a combination). I really don't like to have today's headlines--computer hackers, domestic violence, and serial sex crimes--thrown back at me after hearing and watching that stuff on radio and television. It makes it difficult to sleep at night. If you like contemporary crime solving books, then The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo is perfect. As for me, I'll stick with Sherlock Holmes.

The knit-along was a sock pattern, Karira designed by Shannon Okey and Margaret Ruble. My socks were knitted with Knit Picks Stroll in Granny Smith. To me, this sock's lace pattern resembles little dragon flies in the front with dragon scales down the back. One thing I did find out is that knitting an intricate lace pattern while watching Paul Newman movies is not a good idea. There is more than one error in this pair of socks.

The group is going to continue the KAL/RAL with Larsson's other books. Will I join? Probably not. Maybe I can have my own KAL/RAL with books I enjoy!

Happy Labor Day/End of Summer!

Week 17 Challenge

#61 Rib Stitch from 63 Easy-to-Crochet Pattern Stitches

Combine to Make an Heirloom Afghan, Leisure Arts

I like to use this stitch for the exact reason it is named. The stitch has some stretch and works just like ribbing in knitting. The difference is that you must first crochet a piece of ribbing for the length needed and then crochet into the ends to make the crochet piece--sweater body or sleeves. It's a bit time consuming, but the results are worth it.

The knitting part of the KAL/RAL is completed, I just need to finish the RAL. A full report will be here next week.

My sock blankie is coming along nicely. I am very pleased with the way it all comes together.

This August is about to go into the record books as the driest August ever. We had a taste of autumn last week for a few days, but now we are back to summer.

That's about it for this week. We had a busy weekend--it's my baby's birthday. OK, so my baby is 26 years old, but she's still my baby.

Have a good week!

Week 16 Challenge

#51 Star Stitch

from 63 Easy-To-Crochet Pattern Stitches Combine to Make an Heirloom Afghan,

Leisure Arts.

I don't particularly like this stitch; or maybe it's the 100% acrylic yarn; or maybe it's the color. There isn't much stitch definition, and the block itself is so stiff. I probably will not use this for anything else.

The sock blankie is started. The pattern can be found on the Heathen Housewife's blog. I've completed about two and a half rows and have yet to use the same yarn twice. Where did all that sock yarn come from?

For the KAL/RAL, the sock is almost finished and I am a little over half way through the book. Stay tuned for more...

The temperature outside has cooled down a little, but still not much rain. I am still having to go out every other day to water my hydrangeas and spirea--the petunias are on their own but seem to be hanging in there.

Have a good week!

Week 15 Challenge

#24 Climbing Shells

63 Easy-To-Crochet Pattern Stitches Combine To Make An Heirloom Afghan, Leisure Arts

There isn't a whole lot to report this week.

The coaster project is completed and I've started a sock yarn blanket. I'll have more information on that later.

The RAL/KAL continues and so does this miserably hot weather. We don't have central air conditioning, but have two window air conditioners. One is in our bedroom and the other is in the living room. The one in the living room was blowing out hot air for the first couple days of last week. We got that replaced and it is a little cooler in the house. When the it gets this hot outside for this long, one window air conditioner has a hard time keeping the house cool. I'm told relief is on the way tonight.

I finished a dish cloth--House Shaped Cloth, designed by Alli Barrett. These dish cloths are so much fun to make and so easy! It's a good project for when nothing else is going right and it's too hot to work on anything else.

Have a good week and pray that the weather cools.

Week 14 Challenge

#22 Cross Stitch from 63 Easy-To-Crochet Pattern Stitches Combine To Make An Heirloom Afghan, Leisure Arts

With the weather, allergies and migraines, I've basically been out of focus the past week. It has been a little cooler this weekend. I actually felt like a bike ride this morning. We went to the grocery store and the exercise was felt great.

I've got several projects on my hooks and needles. The first, of course, is the challenge. This block was fun and is one of my favorite stitches. It would make a great inset on the tunic in last week's blog.

The RAL/KAL is coming along nicely. I am about half way through the first sock and the book is pretty good. I am a little disappointed with the group. There are threads for book discussion, but no one is discussing. The moderators should post some questions for discussion instead of "discuss Chapters ___ through ___ here". Maybe I should start a thread when I get a little further through the book.

I've started another dishcloth KAL, and there is the on-going crochet coaster project.

Have a good week!

Week 13 Challenge

#1 Single Crochet from 63 Easy-To-Crochet Pattern Stitches Combine to Make An Heirloom Afghan, Leisure Arts

What should I blog about this week?

This week's challenge is pretty basic and boring. I tried to spice it up by using a print yarn, but I still found myself falling asleep while working row after row of single crochet. At least it was for only seven inches.

This tunic, Puck Tunic designed by Maureen Basher Interweave Crochet Summer 2010, was very easy and I love the stitch detail. It is made with a fingering yarn someone was going to throw away. I am almost certain it is 100% acrylic. That's OK--I'll be wearing a shirt underneath. I did find an error in the front neck shaping. An email was sent to Interweave and I am still waiting for a response. Maybe the error is with me?

I haven't made much else--finished a crochet swap project, crocheted more coasters, and I am now part of a RAL/KAL (read along/knit along). We are reading The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larrson and knitting socks. I've heard some interesting reviews on the book--both good and bad. I'll let you know.

There is a new feature on this blog. For awhile I've had the feedjit, which shows where my visitors are from. Now I have added a spot for followers. Please add yourself to this list. I would love to add links to your blogs (as soon as I figure out how to do that).

Schools start here tomorrow. Be watchful for the little ones, be safe, and have a good week.

Week 12 Challenge

#25 Aligned Shells from 63 Easy-To-Crochet Pattern Stitches Combine to Make An Heirloom Afghan.

As promised, here is the step-by-step of the join-as-you-go method I am using for this project. There is an excellent tutorial at Annie's Attic on how to actually make the join.

1. With the right side up and crochet hook, 3 sc in middle sc of lower right corner; 27 sc up right side of block.

2. 3 sc is corner sc; 27 sc up top of block; 3 sc in corner sc.

3. 27 sc down left side; 2 sc in corner sc.

4. Using tunisian hook, right side together matching stitches with the right side of the adjoining block, pick up sts.

5. YO, pull through 1st loop, yo pull through 2 loops. Continue across to last 3 loops. YO pull through 3 loops.

6. With crochet hook, turn work right side out; sc in corner sc (so you have 3 sc in corner); 27 sc across bottom of block, do not join.

7. With tunisian hook, right sides together matching stitches to top of adjoining block, beginning with the corner stitches (yes, a little awkward, but it works), pick up stitches.

8. Repeat Step 5. Fasten off.

Completed join

Right side view

That's it! An easy process--it just takes a little practice and hold your tongue just right.

Have a good week!'

Week 11 Challenge

#56 Snapdragon Stitch from 63 Easy-To-Crochet Pattern Stitches Combine To Make An Heirloom Afghan, Leisure Arts.

I seem to have lost a week. Does anyone know where I put it? I could have sworn I blogged last week.

I like to walk, work, and craft while listening to podcasts and audio books. Those darn ear phone lines kept getting in my way, sometimes unplugging the earphones causing my iPod to drop to the ground. Thus came the iPod lanyard. I can wrap up the excess lines around the iPod and shove it all in the lanyard case.

The iPod lanyard is very easy to make. Make a chain slightly smaller than the width of the iPod. Do not join, but continue to work in the stitch of choice until the length desired. I added a flap by working half of the last row and turning. Decrease on each side of the flap until you have the width and length of flap desired. Slip stitch down the side of the flap. Work a foundation double crochet chain until you have the length desired. Fasten off, leaving yarn long enough to attach a lobster claw. It's done!

I have several podcasts I like to hear on a regular basis. Right now (and I mean this very minute) I am listening to the Classic Tales Podcast. B.J. Harrison reads short stories and novels, releasing a free podcast every Friday. Currently he is reading The Scarlet Pimpernel by Baroness Orczy. Even though I have read this novel before, I find myself deeply engrossed in the reading. A couple of weeks ago, the episode left off at a point where I almost got upset. "NO! Don't leave me here for a week! I need to know what happens! Wait. I've read this before. I know what happens."

Have a good week!

Week 10 Challenge

This week's block from 63 Easy-To-Crochet Pattern Stitches Combine To Make An Heirloom Afghan is #33 Silt Stitch. I am not overly fond of this stitch. There just isn't much texture definition. After I added this block to the afghan, I realized that it was wrong side up. Further inspection showed that that purple block next to it was sideways. This is what is so great about joining-as-you-go. I only had to frog the joining round on the offending blocks and re-join. Awesome!

This is what I made for my fiber pal (Hi Jo Ann!) for the month of June. The pattern is on Lion Brand's website. This is a great place to find free patterns. There website is very user friendly. The pattern downloads into MY LYB just waiting for me to make. Each pattern even has a row counter and a place to add notes that automatically saves--ready and waiting for the next time.

Last week's Dishcloth KAL using designs by Alli Barrett, is Ladybug Daze Cloth. These are so quick to make and her designs are wonderful. I'm not sure how often we'll start a new KAL, but I want to make them all.

Other than that, I have been working on Christmas presents. And now my daughter and mother-in-law want crocheted iPod covers just like one I made for myself. More details on that later. Looks like I'll be busy for awhile.

Have a safe and happy 4th of July!

Week 9 Challenge and a Pretty Flower

The block for Week 9 from 63 Easy-To-Crochet Pattern Stitches is #26 Simple Shell Stitch. This completes one row. Only 54 more blocks to go! WooHoo!!! My goal is to post a video on how to do the Tunisian join. Hopefully I'll have that soon.

I haven't done much else except the crochet coaster. There are two reasons for this:

First, I interviewed for a promotion that would have been a considerable increase in pay, which would have meant a little extra to buy the yarn on my wish list. That promotion didn't happen. So now I'm back to working with what is in my stash and saving for yarn to make myself some knit and crochet tops I've had my eye on for a long time.

Second, we usually spend this time of year getting our yard ready for the summer. We like to get everything done now so we all that needs to be done is spend a little time on those

hot evenings mowing, weeding and watering. Mother Nature hasn't cooperated with us this year. We have had either torrential downpours or scalding heat. This week we had both. It's hard to believe that after over three inches of rain at the beginning of the week, all the flower beds were completely dry by the weekend. That's life in the Midwest.

I still have five more Christmas presents to make and six months to finish them--plenty of time!

Have a good week!

Week 8 Challenge

I have been on vacation this week. The first part of the week, it rained. The remainder of the week was just to stickin' hot to do much of anything except stay inside for a lot of knitting and crocheting.

The block for this week's 63 Easy-To-Crochet Pattern Stitches challenge is #7 Alternate Puff Stitch. This was a fun stitch and would be good made with cotton for a dish cloth or something really soft for a face cloth.

Indianapolis is hosting the 2012 Super Bowl. Someone came up with the great idea to supply all the volunteers with hand crafted scarves. We'll need to have 8000 done by the Super Bowl. This is my third one. I haven't set a goal for this; just make scarves until they either don't need any more or time is up.

This was a fun project made with plarn (yarn made from plastic grocery bags). It's called The Ultimate Grocery Bag designed by Cindy aka RecycleCindy. Her website is MyRecycledBags.com. This is a great way to use up all those plastic grocery bags.

This week I joined a Knit Along on Ravely--KAL with knitwitsalli. We will be making dishcloths designed my Alli Barrett. Our first one was for Father's Day. My father passed away 23 years ago - right before Father's Day. I am considering making another one and give them to my brothers.

Finally, I worked on making more CD coasters. There is an arts fair in August. I am hoping to have enough of my own designs to sell.

That is all for this week.

Happy Father's Day!