Weeks 42 & 43 Challenge

This week challenges from 63 Easy to Crochet Pattern Stitches Combine to Make an Heirloom Afghan, Leisure Arts:

#47 Ripple Stitch

#32 Aligned Cobble Stitch

I really like the ripple stitch. There hasn't been much time lately, but I would like to develop a crochet hooded scarf set. When that happens, the ripple stitch is on the list.

Speaking of hooded scarf sets, or as my daughter calls them, "scoodtens", I have finally managed to snap a picture of one before it went out door. This one is made in a basic garter stitch for the scarf and stockinette stitch for the mitts. Everyone so far seems really happy with them and I am about to finish all orders for now. I imagine the orders will pick up again in the fall.

Other than the scoodtens, I have only had time to work on the challenge and crochet chemo caps.

Have a good week!

Week 41 Challenge

#63 Parallel Cables from 63 Easy-To-Crochet Pattern Stitches Combine to Make An Heirloom Afghan, Leisure Arts.

I may not have chosen a good yarn for this as you can't see the cables very well.

Warmer weather is here! OK. So it hasn't even gotten to 40 degrees yet, but it's better than what we have had. Yesterday we took a walk on the trail. There is still a lot of snow and ice out there, so the walk was a challenge, but it was nice to get out. Spring will be here soon. The groundhog said so!

I haven't gotten much else done this week, except to get orders for more scoods and mittens and work on items to put on etsy. My Etsy shop is up and running. I am sure there is a way to put a link somewhere on the page, but for now you can get to it from here. Please stop by and check it out. Let me know what you think. I'll be adding more items over the next several weeks.

Have a good week!

Weeks 31-40 Challenge

It has been a busy time since my last post.

We lost our dog Amos to cancer on Christmas Eve. The cancer was quick and he didn't suffer too much. It was about a week from the time we noticed Amos just wasn't quite right, until we had to make the decision to put him to sleep. He was a good dog and my protector. I still miss him. Sadie is still here, but it's awfully quiet with only one dog in the house.

I made my daughters hooded scarves (now nicknamed "scoods") for Christmas. It seems their friends really like the idea and I have been making them ever since. One no sooner comes off the needles, and it's gone. I'm glad people like my designs. Fingerless mittens are also included with the scoods and those have been just as popular for this texting generation.

Which brings me to my designs. Very shortly, my etsy store will be open (another reason I've been so busy). I'll post information in this blog as soon as I'm ready for visitors. Please stop by and leave comments.

Back to The Challenge. I'm not going to post pictures of all 10 blocks, so below is the most recent block; #27 Block & Offset Shell Stitch, from 63 Easy to Crochet Pattern Stitches Combine to Make An Heirloom Afghan, Leisure Arts.

There has been a little time to make something for myself. Below is a hooded lace sweater I made for myself while dreaming of warmer days. The sweater is Apres Surf Hoodie, designed by Connie Chan Chinchio, Interweave Knits, Summer 2008.

I have decided that even if there is two feet of snow on the ground covered by two inches of ice, I am going to wear this the first day of Spring. Winter weather has been tough this year for everyone and I am sure we are all ready for Spring.

Take care! Stay warm and stay safe!