A Plethora of Scarves

I had lots of fun with this quick crochet scarf in a scarf.

By adding an extra row I made this look like a spider pattern.

Since I love Halloween  this one was a particularly great version. 

This scarf was a terrific match to the yarn I used in the flower on this purse.

And I had leftover yarn from the purse itself so a great combination.

This was actually the first one I made.  

If you look closely the scarf has dragonflies on it.

Changing the yarn color makes it so versatile.

This is really addictive.

I wish I could share the pattern source 

however I ran across it online while I was out of town

and had no access to a printer so had to copy it 

by hand and failed to note the source.

Stick Weaving

While I have been waiting for the etimo crochet hook to arrive I pulled out

a kit I bought some time ago for stick weaving.

This is even easier than it looks!  

First time the weaving was uneven as I learned how taut to pull the yarn,

(then went back and read the directions).

Second try was spot on so I got out some fun yarn

 and dug a button out of the button jar and here is the result...

The bracelet idea was from this book by Sherri Haab 

although I already had the stick kit

and of course I modified the pattern somewhat.

Still a fun and fast new hobby!

Try it.  You'll like it.

Cowl

Cowl.

The Forevermore Cowl.

Finished.

At last.

One of those frustrating projects that just should not have been.

Frustrating, that is.

Because once my head was functioning properly

it really went smooth and rather quickly

and was an easy repeat pattern.

If I did not have such a long history with said cowl,

I would be tempted to make another in a finer yarn.

Maybe someday.

But not too soon.

I have already been working on scarves.

One completed,

another begun,

and yarn set out/purchased 

for two more.

Autumn Afghan

Finished a last.  The autumn afghan for myself. 

I love the bright colors and it is snuggly warm but seems like it took forever to finish.

I used the chain free method which is not that difficult to learn.  I just had lots of interruptions since this was worked on before Christmas.  The added bonus is that I broke down and bought myself new recliners and the dark chocolate color is a perfect match!

Scarves

The scarves are finished.  In plenty of time to mail!

Same pattern different yarns.  First I used Red Heart's Boutique Midnight in Misty.

Then I used Bernat's Alpaca in Indigo.

I may just send them both.  I still have some time to decide.  

The pattern is Chic Crochet Cloche & Scarf.

Wow, this was surprising.  This pattern is designed by Katherine Eng and is from the Coats and Clark's website (see the above link).  But when you bring up the pdf pattern it has the Red Heart website listed at the top.  However, on the Red Heart website the pattern by this same name and same author is completely different!  How strange is that?

Finished Blocking

Here is what the sweater looked like when I removed the towel.  Good job.  I let it finish drying.

You can see the pattern much better on the dress form.  The back:

And the front.  I added about 4 rows to the length.  Even though I am short I tend to like things longer and I think the design really called for it.

The cold front arrived last night so I should be able to wear it this week!!!

Blocking

I recently finished a sweater for myself but it needed blocking.  The pattern had directions for blocking that I had not seen before but since this was a kit with a mercerized cotton yarn that I do not generally use I felt I should give it a try.

"Lay it out as desired and place a damp towel on top.  Press down firmly and leave until towel is dry.  Then remove towel and leave until the sweater is dry."

Sounded easy enough.  And it was...  after I spent the entire afternoon cleaning the garage so I could set up the card table to lay this out.

But the weather was perfect for doing this much needed project and I feel so much better having  it finished.  Well, almost finished.  I have a few things for a top shelf that are waiting for my tall grandson to help me with.

It sure feels good to have things sorted and organized again.  And I just might have this new sweater finished in time for cooler weather!  

Getting in the Halloween Spirit

Working on a little surprise for the new granddaughter.

While Delilah, the other granddaughter's Chihuahua watches as my daughter works on the skirt.

I was glueing on eyes.

Check back later to see how this works out.

Christmas Sweaters Finished

I finally finished the Christmas sweaters for the three little girls.  

This is for the littlest.

And this is for the middle girl.  I love this color and don't see it often.

This is for the oldest girl.  The silver strand doesn't show up well in these photos but I am told the girls will love the sparkle.  I just hope they fit.  Time will tell as they are for Christmas.

Distracted

I just saw a plaque for sale in a catalog (Potpourri) that says:

"I can't clean because....

I get distracted by all the Cool stuff I find."

Oh that sooooo describes me!  

Not to mention the condition of my house!

Every time I start to put something away or organize or sort

I start finding stashes  

of all kinds of things

And patterns or instructions for wonderful projects

that I plan to try  -  someday.

And instantly I forget all about what I came in with or for

and want to begin work on:

a flamingo quilt

or a new blouse

a knotted bracelet

or a crocheted sweater

a card for mom

or some tatting for a challenge (how long ago?)

Sprang that I still don't have the hang of

or Broomstick Lace that looks so neat

Christmas ornaments

or grapevine wreaths

weaving a shallow basket for picking blueberries

or maybe knitting a cap for my grandson

A new recipe to try

or that painting of the squirrel I photographed on the fence.

I could go on and on and on and on.

How about you?

What distracts you from cleaning?