Week 5 Challenge

This week's block from 63 Easy-To-Crochet Pattern Stitches to Make An Heirloom Afghan is #41 Fan and Popcorn. These blocks are so easy and they take less than an hour to crochet. I probably could sit down and make the whole afghan in about two weeks; but there is this challenge. I have figured out how to attach the first row with the Tunisian join. When it's time to join more than one side that I will have to refigure.

Meanwhile, the vest is finished. The pattern is Ivy League Vest designed by Eunny Jang and the yarn is Knit Pick's Palette yarn in lots of colors. I am very happy with they way this turned out. The fit is great, especially since I went up a size on the needles. My recommendation is: the pattern calls for a lot more yarn that is needed. I thought when I was ordering two balls of each color that it seemed like a lot of yarn for a colorwork vest and I was right. Sometimes I should listen to myself.

We have been spending some time working outside. This weekend we planted a Spirea bush that has tiny pink flowers. It's been very hot, so I don't spend a lot of time outside - just short bursts of work, but we did get everything accomplished that we planned for this weekend. Now we can enjoy the holiday.

Today is a day set aside to remember those who have fought for our country. God Bless You All!

Week 4 Challenge

This week's block from 63 East-To-Crochet Pattern Stitches Combine to Make An Heirloom Afghan is #55, Parallel Post Stitch. Post stitches are one of my favorites. It is an easy way for a little texture in crochet.

THE CHALLENGE IS ON! I have 59 more blocks to make and I am already bored with the whole project. Will I continue or shove it in a drawer to be forgotten?

Meanwhile, the fair isle vest is coming along nicely. The armhole shaping is done and the only thing I need to be concerned about is the neck shaping. It can be difficult to keep track of all the shaping while keeping the garment in pattern. My chart has helped a lot. I used different colors to mark for the different shaping; green for the waist, pink for the neck, and blue for the armhole.

Once this vest is finished, I'll need to concentrate again on Christmas presents. I don't want to stay up all night through the month of December trying to get projects completed on time.

We have had twelve straight days of measurable rain. The last two days have been sunny and dry. The weeds are taking over!!!

Week 3 Challenge

This week's block from 63 East-To-Crochet Pattern Stitches Combine To Make An Heirloom Afghan is #44 Cluster Braid. I really like this stitch--it would be good for a scarf. I can also see it for a very sturdy tote bag.

The fair isle vest is coming along a lot better and I am happy with it now. This time I have charted the whole front; marking all the shaping. The chart is quite large, but with the magic of a copier, my working copy is about the size of a sheet of paper. I thought the symbols would come out too small, but it is surprisingly easy to read.

This week I also made my fiber pal something to do with food. The May challenge for this swap is difficult, but I came up with something. It is a bit of a stretch, but I like it--I may have to make one for myself. I don't want to say what it is because it's supposed to be a surprise, but I can say it is made from Lion Brand Recycled Cotton. The yarn is a little difficult to work with because it splits--a lot. However, the color and drape is wonderful.

With Spring finally here, I am spending more time outdoors; at least as much time as my allergies will allow. This weekend we cleaned out the rings under Scarlett and Rhett (our maple trees we planted shortly after we were married). I then planted purple, pink, and white petunias. Next weekend I am hoping to clean out the flower beds at the side of the house. Maybe I should take pictures.

Week 2 Challenge

The second block from 63 Easy-To-Crochet Pattern Stitches Combine to Make An Heirloom Afghan is #10 Offset Cluster. I've decided to try a tunisian join for these join-as-you-go blocks. If it works, I'll give the directions with pictures.

We just got back from a week in the Smoky Mountains. It was awesome! Not only did we see mountains, rivers and streams, and a lot a trees; but we saw bears, wild turkeys, deer, and snakes. We are ready to go back. Too bad we have this thing called jobs.

The only thing I got done this week, along with the block, was to frog the fair isle vest. Something just wasn't going right. If I'm not happy with it now, I know I'll never wear it. Since vacation used up my money, I don't really have anything else to work on. Guess I'll be casting on soon. This time I am going to use larger needles (turns out my knitting in the round is a little tight), make it a size larger, and follow the directions. Maybe I'm just not ready to make modifications on fair isle knitting.

Happy Mother's Day!

Week 1 Challenge

The first block from 63 Easy-To-Crochet Pattern Stitches Combine to Make An Heirloom Afghan is #49 Lacy Wave Stitch. The layout for the afghan doesn't go in order, neither do I.

For the joining row I added one row of single crochet in the back of the loops.

That's about all I can say about that. It took less than an hour to crochet. One down; 62 more to go.

Since the block didn't take long to crochet, I was able to make some progress on the fair isle vest. The steek for the front opening is set up, but I'm not sure when to start the armholes. I like my tops a little longer than most patterns, so I added about an inch and a half before setting up the front steek. Also, I never like a garment after I put in waist shaping--it just doesn't fit me right, so I left off the shaping. Therefore, since I am not following the shaping by row numbers, I not sure when to set up the steeks for the armholes. I'll just have to make a guess.

That's the beauty of knitting and crocheting--it will work out somehow.