:Crochet:

Oye … I Made Somefin’ Else …

Nicky10 Comments

*grins*

I guess being on vacation and feeling relaxed could do that to a person (despite the fact that I’ve been contacted EVERY day I’ve been home 🙄 )   But I’m not going to talk about that … I’m going to talk about the fact that the break has given me time to do two things I’ve been slacking on — reading and crocheting!

But enough of the rambling, on to the finished object  — F.O. to you non-yarnites 😛

I love it!!  The only thing I’d do differently the next time around is add 40 – 50 more chains if I use bulky yarn and 70 if I use worsted weight.  I like my cowls a little more drapey rather than having a tighter fit.  Other than those changes this little puppy is getting a big ole WIN!!!!  It’s definitely better than the first one I made — both with the stitching and the yarn choice.  I got a chance to jump back into the crochet saddle, practice my half double crochet and get a feeling of accomplishment.

Project Details

  • Name: Effortless Cowl
  • Pattern Designer: Liz Trantham
  • Pattern Modifications: None
  • Techniques learned: Crocheting through the back loops only and crocheting in a round.
  • Yarn: LionBrand Hometown USA in colour New Orleans French Berry
  • Yardage Used: 162 yds (2 skeins)
  • Number of “There’s only room for one of us in this house, yield or be broken!!!!” episodes: 0  :D

Now let me get off of here and go tackle the granny square!  😀

And errr … knitting … not to worry, I’m not cheating indefinitely!  I’ll be back.  😛

ETA: After not participating for a while, I’m joining Tami’s F.O Friday meme with this project.

Merry Christmas Baby

Nicky22 Comments

image credit

No, you didn’t read wrong — the post title does say “Merry Christmas Baby” and I mean it.   No … I’m not going crazy, I’m just trying to prepare.  With everything going on with me and anticipation of some major events by the end of the year, my goal is to be as thrifty as I can be with regards to gift giving for Christmas this year.   Thrifty but beautiful.  What that means is  that I’m going  to have to do a “Handmade Christmas”.

I’m temporarily postponing my YOP in favour of Christmas production, but I’ll try to make as many items from that list in between my “Santa’s workshop”.

Since I love lists, of course I’ve made a preliminary list of what I’m going to make.  Since no-one in my family’s crafty or even know this blog exists, I’m okay with posting my initial list and updates to the projects.  On my list are:

Adults

Children

  • Om           Windschief
  • Marley     TBD
  • Iza            TBD
  • Jewel       TBD
  • Liv            Bag: Fit To Be Tied
  • Dari          TBD
  • Mal           Boyce Bruin
  • Nick          TBD
  • Nev           TBD
  • Munchkin TBD
  • Maya          Rainbow Scarf for Maia
  • T                TBD

Co-workers

  • Nikki       Gaptastic Cowl
  • V             Spa Package (3 Washcloths and soap made by me)
  • Ruth       Coasters
  • Raya       TBD
  • Ann         TBD

Right now, I’ve listed ideas of what kinds of gifts I want to make.  Some of the adults might end up getting food related gifts like home-made granola, fruit spice cooking oils in pretty bottles, chocolate covered strawberries or chocolate bark, macaroons … stuff like that.   I’ve also been messing around with rope knotting and have found some great inspiration for jewelry making with that craft. 

I’m starting May 1st because I’m a slow knitter and frankly, there’s stuff I’m still learning about knitting.  Crochet goes much faster for me so I might trade out some of the knit projects for some crochet ones.  I’ll see how it goes.

The question most  I got from some of the people I shared this rest of the year long project with is ” what if the recipients don’t appreciate your hard and time consuming work?”  Honestly, I don’t know how to answer that, but I think for the most part, everyone will appreciate what they get.  My family knows that I knit, but they don’t know how much or how far I want to go with this.  I think they’ll be speechless that I actually made the items I intend to gift.

I’m already sourcing the net and local flea markets for creative packaging.  I have more than enough yarn in my stash to do these projects.  Even if I have to purchase yarn, I’m positive that it wouldn’t be that much so I’ll still stay under my $100 budget for everything.

What about you?  Anyone started or plans to start their Christmas gift production anytime soon?