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.