Sunday, March 30, 2014

Is It Wrong?

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My Improvised Square
Is it wrong to crave colour?  Bright, springy, summery shades that evoke warmth and flowers and sun-shiny happiness? I had barely finished the baby sock (And it was close, but yay to storm days!) when inspiration hit.   Over on the Crochet Crowd Fan page on Facebook, a crocheter (Sandy Crochets) posted her finished creation (You can also find a wonderful photo on Instagram).  Isn't it purty?!  I just loved it!
My Rainbow Stash
And I had to make it!  I looked through my Red Heart Super Saver and Bernat Super Value stash and found enough suitable colours--although I may be missing the odd skein. 
Colour Plan
With graph paper and colouring pencils, I worked a workable colour chart for my bedspread.  This will look cheerful and summery in the bedroom.  I'm so excited!!
Reference Patterns
Since there was no pattern link to be found, I scrounged the internet and found a couple of similar granny square patterns.  A regular large granny would work and so would a granny sunburst pattern.  The one I used was from here (also called a sunburst granny but the centre is worked differently than others I've seen).  You could also use this sunburst granny square pdf from Priscilla's Crochet.  Both are free patterns (And You-Tube probably has lots of how-to videos as well--if you need the visual aid.  I know I often need it).  I modified the first pattern by adding a few extra rounds before working the last 2 single crochet edgings.  

I'll keep you posted! ;)

Monday, March 17, 2014

Happy St. Patty's Day

St Patrick's Hat and Coin (courtesy of Stockphotos.com)
Hope you had a good weekend.  Hope you have a good day.  I'm at work dressed in green "celebrating" with my toddlers where we'll be eating lotta green food.  ;)
Shamrocks (courtesy of PixelPerfect.com)
Wishing that everyone's days will soon be filled with green and sunshine and warmth.

Cheers!

Saturday, March 15, 2014

About the Baby Stuff . . .

Almost done.  The hat was already completed when I'd started on the booties(the link will take you to the pattern links).  The booties were actually quite easy to work and to stitch up.  
Bernat Baby Booties
With those items finished, I decided to add some baby socks (they're just so darn cute!).
Baby Sock
The sock pattern comes from a discontinued booklet from Bernat (Rav link).  I'd actually made the socks a few years ago (old Bernat blog's archive at Yarnspirations.com) using the now discontinued yarn Bernat Baby Stretch.  I'd hoped my non-stretchy Red Heart Smoothie would work with the pattern.  And it does!
Almost done . . . 
 This is gonna be a cute set when its completed.  Just need to start the second sock . . .  ;)

Thursday, March 13, 2014

A Winter's Tam . . .

It's still winter in my part of the world (honestly, I cannot begin to tell you how sick I am of winter.  If I see another snowflake, I swear I'm gonna scream!!).  The only good part about the chilly weather is the necessity for winter gear.  That's right!  I've got a lovely tam--a colourful tam!
Finished Tam
I just love the colours!  It's cheery and looks great with my coat (I still can't believe how well the hat colours match up with the coat).  My only complaint is that the hat is a wee bit loose--that may be the fault of the corrugated ribbing.   If I make another version (and I may very well try another), I may have to substitute with real ribbing that's more stretchy or subtract a few repeats for a snugger fit.
Wearing the Tam
I must confess that my fondness for the pattern has inspired me to use the chart for a matching cowl.  I cast on but have yet to start the colour portion.  
Beginning of Matching Cowl
Maybe winter is waiting for me to finish and then spring will start in earnest?  Ha!  Maybe not . . . 

Sunday, March 2, 2014

Two Stitches

Tam Progress
That's the number I was off by in my stitch count.  Two measly stitches.  So even though I love my hat, there's a section that's a tad messy.
Notice the "messy seam"?
Where the rounds change, there's a bit a mess.  How does it look?  I asked my hubby and the boys and none of them could see it.  Most people won't see it.  
Close-up of "the mess"
Only other knitters will see my mistake--and I don't know too many knitters in my neck of the woods.  I think I'll be safe . . . Besides, a few duplicate stitches and a good wash should tidy things up a bit--I hope.
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