tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-234827492024-03-13T12:20:03.711-07:00Hooked on HookingA crochet blogCrochet Gypsyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09494918204416720299noreply@blogger.comBlogger39125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23482749.post-91677988475329125142007-10-15T19:21:00.000-07:002007-10-15T19:30:51.176-07:00Drops of Rose NecklaceWell, it';s been awhile since I posted, mostly because the projects I've made over the last few months have been gifts, and I don't want to post the pictures until the people they were made for get them.<br /><br />Today, though, I am posting because I have been playing with crocheting jewelry using wire again, and I made something I am so proud of, that I actually wrote a pattern for it. So what I am looking for is 2 or 3 people to test my pattern. This offer is only open to members of the Crochet Talk group on Yahoo, as I don't want to post my email address on my blog, and I certainly don't expect anyone else to post theirs.<br /><br /><center><a href="http://photobucket.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v56/dnmartyn/crochet/necklace2-1.jpg" alt="Photo Sharing and Video Hosting at Photobucket" border="0" /></a></center><br /><br /><center><a href="http://photobucket.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v56/dnmartyn/crochet/necklace1-1.jpg" alt="Photo Sharing and Video Hosting at Photobucket" border="0" /></a></center><br />So, this is the necklace. Let me know your thoughts, and if you are a member of the group, contact me to let me know if you want to be a tester.Crochet Gypsyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09494918204416720299noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23482749.post-9635141687533992982007-05-02T19:25:00.000-07:002007-05-02T19:37:00.665-07:00Spiderweb CardiganI must start this post off by saying how much I love <a href="http://www.interweavecrochet.com/">Interweave Crochet</a> magazine. The designs are contemporary and beautiful, and I love how they write the pattern instructions. I'm not a "normal" sized person, and because of how well the patterns are written, I have a much easier time adjusting things to fit me.<br /><br />On to the post at hand. When I saw the Spiderweb Cardigan pattern designed by Marty Miller in the Spring 2007 issue if Interweave Crochet, I just had to make one for myself. I love how it turned out.<br /><br /><a href="http://photobucket.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v56/dnmartyn/cardigan3.jpg" border="0" alt="Photo Sharing and Video Hosting at Photobucket" /></a><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://photobucket.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v56/dnmartyn/cardigan2.jpg" border="0" alt="Photo Sharing and Video Hosting at Photobucket" /></a> <br /><br /><br /><a href="http://photobucket.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v56/dnmartyn/cardigan1.jpg" border="0" alt="Photo Sharing and Video Hosting at Photobucket" /></a><br /><br /><br />The pattern had a great flow to it, and I found it worked up quite quickly. I also loved that it started off using a technique they termed "foundation double crochet" rather than a starting chain, a technique I plan to adapt into other patterns wherever I can. It makes the foundation row look exactly like any other dc row, and whereas with a foundation chain, I usually have to use a larger hook than in the rest of my work to prevent warping, With this technique, I didn't need to worry about it.<br /><br />Overall, I would highly recommend this pattern. It looks great, and was fun to make.Crochet Gypsyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09494918204416720299noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23482749.post-38974167553315039172007-03-25T19:55:00.000-07:002007-03-25T19:58:41.329-07:00Lazy SundayWell, I was being lazy today, so I actually ended up crocheting a couple more jewelry pieces. It's rather addicting to make them.<br /><br />First, another bracelet, done in amethyst tones.<br /><br /><a href="http://photobucket.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v56/dnmartyn/bracelet3-1.jpg" border="0" alt="Photo Sharing and Video Hosting at Photobucket" /></a><br /><br />Secondly, another pendant. I'm not as happy with the pendants so far as I am the bracelets and necklaces, but I am hoping with time and experience I can come up with some great designs.<br /><br /><a href="http://photobucket.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v56/dnmartyn/pendant2.jpg" border="0" alt="Photo Sharing and Video Hosting at Photobucket" /></a>Crochet Gypsyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09494918204416720299noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23482749.post-35402983911127524952007-03-25T13:09:00.000-07:002007-03-25T13:24:21.579-07:00Crochet with Wire: The adventure continuesI've only got 4 more finished pieces to show you.<br /><br />The next is a single strand necklace I made in amethyst shades, which I quite like. Also, I have started to get the hang of wrapping the ends, and I am hoping to get that really nailed down soon.<br /><br /><a href="http://photobucket.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v56/dnmartyn/crochet/necklace2.jpg" border="0" alt="Photo Sharing and Video Hosting at Photobucket" /></a><br /><br />Here is what I originally intended to be a bracelet, but it ended up a <span style="font-style: italic;">wee</span> bit bigger than what I planned, so I have declared it an anklet. I really like the colours on this one too.<br /><br /><a href="http://photobucket.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v56/dnmartyn/crochet/bracelet2.jpg" border="0" alt="Photo Sharing and Video Hosting at Photobucket" /></a><br /><br />I decided I wanted a necklace that was colour neutral and that could be worn with anything. This is the one I like best out of all my attempts so far.<br /><br /><a href="http://photobucket.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v56/dnmartyn/crochet/necklace3.jpg" border="0" alt="Photo Sharing and Video Hosting at Photobucket" /></a><br /><br />Lastly, I thought I would try to use a stitch other than the chain or single crochet. I decided to make a pendant using dc's in the round. I think it turned out quite cute.<br /><br /><a href="http://photobucket.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v56/dnmartyn/crochet/pendant.jpg" border="0" alt="Photo Sharing and Video Hosting at Photobucket" /></a><br /><br />That's it for my crocheted wire pieces so far. I find making the jewlery very enjoyable. Also, so far, I've spent an average of a little over an hour on each piece, which when most of my other projects take me some time to finish is nice to have something that works up quickly. I may try my hand at selling these, I am not sure yet. Might be a nice way to earn a few extra dollars to support my pre-existing yarn habit, and my newly acquired bead and wire habit.Crochet Gypsyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09494918204416720299noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23482749.post-51091839561578953102007-03-25T12:50:00.000-07:002007-03-25T13:07:54.340-07:00Crochet with WireI decided I wanted to try something different, so I bought myself Nancie M. Wiseman's book, <a href="http://www.amazon.ca/Crochet-Wire-Nancie-M-Wiseman/dp/1931499772/ref=sr_1_2/701-9789007-7558711?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1174852409&sr=8-2"><span style="font-style: italic;">Crochet with Wire</span></a>.<br />My older sister quite thoughtfully bought me Annie Modesitt's book, <a href="http://www.amazon.ca/Twist-Loop-Jewelry-Designs-Crochet/dp/0307340198/ref=sr_1_2/701-9789007-7558711?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1174852508&sr=1-2"><span style="font-style: italic;">Twist and Loop</span></a>, wanting to get me a unique Christmas present on the subject that I love.<br /><br />So I spent a while studying both books, trying to get a feel of the general techniques and strategies, such as how to attatch the closures. When I felt I had a grasp of the concept, I headed on down to Michaels, where I got a few things to get me started.<br /><br />The first item I made was a necklace.<br /><br /><a href="http://photobucket.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v56/dnmartyn/crochet/necklace1.jpg" border="0" alt="Photo Sharing and Video Hosting at Photobucket" /></a><br /><br />It turned out a little long for where the neckline of most of my shirts fall, but other than that, I am pleased with it as a first effort.<br /><br />Emboldened by my success, I decided to try my hand at a bracelet. I will say here I attempted to use 24 gauge wire, which to me felt extremely stiff and difficult to work with. I may try that gauge again with more experience under my belt as the finished piece is still flexible enough to be wearable, but has a solidity to it that I think would be a huge advantage with certain designs.<br /><br /><a href="http://photobucket.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v56/dnmartyn/crochet/bracelet1.jpg" border="0" alt="Photo Sharing and Video Hosting at Photobucket" /></a><br /><br />As I liked the look of that bracelet for the most part, I decided to use the same beads and change the design slightly. I quite liked the way the second one turned out. In fact, I was proud enough of it to include it as part of my younger sisters birthday present.<br /><br /><a href="http://photobucket.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v56/dnmartyn/crochet/charsbracelet.jpg" border="0" alt="Photo Sharing and Video Hosting at Photobucket" /></a><br /><br /><br />And the wire crochet adventure will continue in the next post.Crochet Gypsyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09494918204416720299noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23482749.post-83815306929171011642007-03-25T12:40:00.000-07:002007-03-25T12:49:54.989-07:00LapghanI know I'm not the only one out there. I hate sewing squares together. I have tried to buckle down and do it, and given up, and donated the squares to a loving home to be assembled and actually used. But, I really like the look of some afghans and other items made from motifs.<br /><br />So, I grit my teeth in determination, and happily began crochet 8 inch squares made in the <a href="http://www.texasdg.net/daynascrochet/pattern.asp?id=53">"Arches" pattern</a>.<br /><br /><a href="http://photobucket.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v56/dnmartyn/crochet/squareghan2.jpg" border="0" alt="Photo Sharing and Video Hosting at Photobucket" /></a><br /><br /><br />Then, I decided to give the <a href="http://members.aol.com/_ht_a/lffunt/flatbraid.htm">flat-braid joining</a> method a try. I figured it had to be more enjoyable than sewing.<br /><br />And indeed it was more enjoyable. I actually finished a small lapghan put together with squares.<br /><br /><a href="http://photobucket.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v56/dnmartyn/crochet/squareghan1.jpg" border="0" alt="Photo Sharing and Video Hosting at Photobucket" /></a><br /><br />So now that I know I can do it, I am putting a full queen-size throw on my "works I would like to make someday" list. Which has approximately eleventy bajillion projects on it. But then, what crocheter doesn't have a wish list that long?Crochet Gypsyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09494918204416720299noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23482749.post-67148008636720291842007-03-25T12:28:00.000-07:002007-03-25T12:37:36.543-07:00Lisette Sweater ShawlI actually completed this well before Christmas, but never got around to taking pictures of it. This is made from a pattern I purchased from <a href="http://www.gourmetcrochet.com/index_files/Page5707.htm">this site</a>. The pineapple rounds took awhile, but I really love it.<br /><br /><a href="http://photobucket.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v56/dnmartyn/crochet/lisette2.jpg" border="0" alt="Photo Sharing and Video Hosting at Photobucket" /></a><br /><a href="http://photobucket.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v56/dnmartyn/crochet/lisette1.jpg" border="0" alt="Photo Sharing and Video Hosting at Photobucket" /></a><br /><br />I made it with a slightly heavier yarn, as my office can get cold, and I wanted a shawl-type thing to wear that wasn't constantly falling off my shoulders. I am very pleased with the versatility of this pattern, and would not hesitate to recommend purchasing the pattern.Crochet Gypsyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09494918204416720299noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23482749.post-20661096210222044632007-02-24T12:29:00.000-08:002007-02-24T12:37:14.250-08:00More Baby Fun!I finished the afghan in the previous post, and had a fair amount of leftover yarn. I thought to myself "what am I to do with this yarn?"<br /><br />And then I stumbled upon the February 2007 issue of <a href="http://www.crochet-world.com/">Crochet World</a> (who <span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">does</span></span> have a website. I'm looking at you, editors of Family Circle Easy Crochet)<br /><br /><a href="http://photobucket.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v56/dnmartyn/crochet/bunnyhat.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting" /></a><br /><br />I mean, look at it. It's a baby hat. With bunny ears. And a flower. How could I not make it?Crochet Gypsyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09494918204416720299noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23482749.post-60855410909964666332007-02-24T12:13:00.000-08:002007-02-24T12:29:07.548-08:00Babies!Is there anything more fun than crocheting for babies? I have no idea why, but I get so excited when I hear someone I care about is having a baby, not only because I am happy for them, but because my mind starts racing about all the cute baby patterns I have seen.<br /><br /><a href="http://photobucket.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v56/dnmartyn/crochet/babyafghan2.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting" /></a><br /><a href="http://photobucket.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v56/dnmartyn/crochet/babyafghan1.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br />This is a baby afghan I made from a pattern I found in the Fall 2006 issue of FamilyCircle EasyCrochet (who do not seem to have a website. What self-respecting magazine these days has no website?) I used a white and yellow variegated yarn for the main body of it, and plain white for the border. I think it looked great with the open, lacy design of the stitch.Crochet Gypsyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09494918204416720299noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23482749.post-24469638999152506922007-02-24T12:03:00.000-08:002007-02-24T12:12:59.375-08:00Simple AfghanThis is an afghan I made for my sister and brother and law. It's just dc's with a scalloped edge, but the boucle yarn makes it rather beautiful. I chose a very neutral off-white to go with their decor, and I think with the simplicity of the design and colour, it's not something that is going to fall out of style.<br /><a href="http://photobucket.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v56/dnmartyn/crochet/dawnafghan2.jpg" alt="Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://photobucket.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v56/dnmartyn/crochet/dawnafghan1.jpg" alt="Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting" border="0" /></a>Crochet Gypsyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09494918204416720299noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23482749.post-91411365030036882992007-02-24T11:33:00.000-08:002007-02-24T11:53:00.366-08:00Let it Snow, Let it Snow, Let it Snow!One of my Christmas projects this past season was to crochet snowflakes as ornaments. I got some of the patterns from magazines, some from free pattern sites such as <a href="http://www.crochetpatterncentral.com/directory.php">Crochet Pattern Central</a> . There are a lot of possibilities out there. My mom liked them enough that she asked me to make pink snowflakes for a Breast Cancer fund raiser her office is doing next year. It was my first real experience working in thread, and I have to say, I didn't find it tedious, as I thought I would. I almost feel brave enough to face trying a thread table runner or tablecloth.<br /><a href="http://photobucket.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v56/dnmartyn/crochet/snowflake8.jpg" alt="Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting" border="0" /></a><a href="http://photobucket.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v56/dnmartyn/crochet/snowflake7.jpg" alt="Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting" border="0" /></a><a href="http://photobucket.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v56/dnmartyn/crochet/snowflake6.jpg" alt="Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting" border="0" /></a><a href="http://photobucket.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v56/dnmartyn/crochet/snowflake5.jpg" alt="Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting" border="0" /></a><a href="http://photobucket.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v56/dnmartyn/crochet/snowflake4.jpg" alt="Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting" border="0" /></a><a href="http://photobucket.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v56/dnmartyn/crochet/snowflake3.jpg" alt="Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting" border="0" /></a><a href="http://photobucket.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v56/dnmartyn/crochet/snowflake2.jpg" alt="Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting" border="0" /></a><a href="http://photobucket.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v56/dnmartyn/crochet/snowflake1.jpg" alt="Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting" border="0" /></a>Crochet Gypsyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09494918204416720299noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23482749.post-64694735815042520612007-02-24T11:19:00.000-08:002007-02-24T11:33:49.734-08:00Cute Little CapI haven't updated this blog in quite some time; as you can imagine, I have several finished projects from that time I will be adding now.<br /><br />So, let's get started! First up, we have a little cap I crocheted for myself after picking up a skein of recycled cotton yarn. I was curious to see what it would be like to work with and what the result would feel and drape like. I wish I knew where I put the label, because I quite liked it, and would recommend it to anyone wanting to give it a try. Next time I am out yarn shopping, I will purchase some more for a project I think it would be perfect for, and I will update this post with the name.<br /><br /><a href="http://photobucket.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v56/dnmartyn/crochet/cap2.jpg" alt="Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://photobucket.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v56/dnmartyn/crochet/cap1.jpg" alt="Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting" border="0" /></a><br /><br />I didn't really use a pattern for this. It's done in sc, I started by chaining 4 and joining. I then crocheted in the round, increasing until it was just less wide than the diameter of my head. I then worked sc in each sc around until it was almost the length I wanted, and then decreased for about two rows to give it a bit of holding on to my head power. I made a border using dcs and that's all. I did join each round, which I doubt I would do in future, as I have a small line going down the back of my cap. Not hugely noticeable unless you are staring, but I think I would have gotten a lovely effect by keeping track of the "end" of the row with a stitch marker and not joining.Crochet Gypsyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09494918204416720299noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23482749.post-82757373967074767202006-09-02T08:50:00.000-07:002006-09-02T09:23:33.363-07:00Blogger BetaSo, I saw that Blogger Beta had the option to have post labels, so that your archives can be sorted by category. Which caused me to switch. Overall I like it, but there are some glitches with things such as comments. Apparently, anyone with a Blogger account that isn't a Beta account can't post comments. This does not happen to people who do not have blogger accounts at all, or people who have Beta accounts. That really makes me sad, as I adore recieving comments. Who doesn't? Hopefully they will fix the bug soon, as I can't switch back to a non- Beta account. (A fact that they made me well aware of, it's my own fault for not reading the message boards in the help forums to see all the bugs people were experiencing first.)<br /><br />I'd say that if you had any questions about my experiences with blogger beta, to submit a comment, but as that may not work, I have started a thread on the crochetville message boards <a href="http://www.crochetville.org/forum/showthread.php?p=456516#post456516">here</a>. Feel free to post to it.Crochet Gypsyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09494918204416720299noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23482749.post-1155689179781250682006-08-15T17:40:00.000-07:002006-09-02T04:02:29.390-07:00Hairpin Lace Afghan<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/8099/2411/1600/HLAfghan2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/8099/2411/320/HLAfghan2.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/8099/2411/1600/HLAfghan3.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/8099/2411/320/HLAfghan3.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/8099/2411/1600/HLAfghan1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/8099/2411/320/HLAfghan1.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>After finally learning to make hairpin lace, I decided to make a simple afghan to practice the strips. Overall, I like how it turned out, it makes a nice, light, throw. If I use it in an afghan again, though, I think that I will likely alternate it with strips of either sc's or dc's to make a more dense fabric. This ghan is going to end up donated to that fundraiser at work in place of the ripple one in an earlier post, since my mom has laid claim to the ripple.Crochet Gypsyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09494918204416720299noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23482749.post-1154478534707642052006-08-01T17:16:00.000-07:002006-08-01T17:28:54.733-07:00Doin' the victory dance!For a very very very very very long time, I have wanted to make hairpin lace. I'm not sure why, it's just something that has always caught imagination.<br /><br />So, quite some time ago, I dutifully bought a hairpin lace room at my local craft store, and prepared for the joy of making strips of neat looking loops.<br /><br />Only, it didn't quite work out that way. No matter which instruction site I read, I just couldn't grasp the concept. In vain would I try to make sense of the instructions, making and utter mess on my little loom, before giving up in dispair.<br /><br /><br />And then, today, I found <a href="http://www.crochetcabana.com/specialty/hairpin_lace.htm">this site</a>.<br /><br />And for some reason, it actually got through my thick skull!<br /><br /><br />Not too bad for a first attempt, eh?<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/8099/2411/1600/hairpin2.0.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/8099/2411/320/hairpin2.0.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/8099/2411/1600/hairpin1.0.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/8099/2411/320/hairpin1.0.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>Crochet Gypsyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09494918204416720299noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23482749.post-1154282109134907172006-07-30T10:50:00.000-07:002006-07-30T17:32:23.220-07:00Ripple Afghan<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/8099/2411/1600/afghan1.0.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/8099/2411/320/afghan1.0.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/8099/2411/1600/afghan2.0.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/8099/2411/320/afghan2.0.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br />I made this afghan from a pattern I found on a label of Bernat yarn. I liked it, because of the lacy look of the MC. You can get the pattern on the Bernat website <a href="http://www.bernat.com/pattern.php?PID=1039">here</a> , but it does require that you be a member in order to view the pattern. This afghan was originally meant to be donated to a fund-raising silent auction at work for breast cancer, but I haven't heard whether it is still happening since I agreed to make the afghan for it. I will check when go in this week. If not, my mom saw it while it was in progress, and was kind of salivating over it, so I may have a Christmas present done early for her.Crochet Gypsyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09494918204416720299noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23482749.post-1154281781248355672006-07-30T10:29:00.000-07:002006-07-31T11:24:55.446-07:00Hobo-style bag<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/8099/2411/1600/hobo1.0.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/8099/2411/320/hobo1.0.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/8099/2411/1600/hobo2.0.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/8099/2411/320/hobo2.0.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br />This bag is the result of my attempt to design my own "hobo-style" tote bag. I think it turned out pretty well, and overall, I am pleased with the results. I crocheted it using two strands of worsted weight yarn held together and a size 6.5 mm hook.<br /><br />I did not count my exact number of stitches, but here is the basic design concept that I used:<br /><br />Starting with the bottom of the bag, I made a starting chain of approx. 12. I made 2 sc in the 2nd ch from the hook, then 1 sc in next 9, 2 sc in last ch. Then, working in the bottom loops of starting chain, 2sc in next ch, 1 sc in each of next 9 ch, 2 sc in last chain, join to starting sc.<br /><br />I then crocheted several more rounds, increasing on the ends to make an oval base.<br /><br />When I had made a base the size I liked, I started the sides of the bag by:<br /><br />ch1, sc in same sp as where you joined last round of bottom, ch 3, sk next sc, *sc in next sc, ch3, sk 1 sc*. Repeat * to* to end. Join last ch3 to first sc<br /><br />body row: slip stitch into ch3 space, ch1, sc in same space, *ch 3, sc in next ch3 space* . Repeat *to* to end, ending by joining ch3 to 1st sc.<br /><br />Continue making body rows until bag is depth you desire. I then used stitch markers to mark the mid-point on both ends of the bag. To make the straps, I did one body row from one mid-point to another. I then decreased by : ch1, turn, sc into ch3 loop just completed of previous row, then following the body row instructions back across. When I had decreased to the point I had 1 loop left, I made the strap as follows:<br /><br />row 1: ch1, turn. 3 sc into loop.<br />row 2: ch3, turn, dc into each st across<br /><br />repeat row 2 until strap is half the length desired. Go back and make strap on other side of bag in same way. Join two strap ends together, and finish off and hide ends.<br /><br /><br />I understand these instructions may be a bit confusing, This is the first time I've tried to write out a pattern that I've made. When I make another, I will count all my stitches in order to post more specific instructions. In the meantime, if anyone tries to make this (it really works up quite easily!) and has any questions, please don't hesitate to contact me :)Crochet Gypsyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09494918204416720299noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23482749.post-1154279942189466832006-07-30T10:11:00.000-07:002006-07-30T17:35:16.283-07:00Throw Pillow<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/8099/2411/1600/pillow2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/8099/2411/320/pillow2.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/8099/2411/1600/pillow1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/8099/2411/320/pillow1.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br />I used a modified version of the <a href="http://www.steffosborne.com/knit/c-navajo.txt">Navajo Afghan pattern</a> to make this small throw pillow. It's a great pattern for using up scraps, particularly for something small like a throw pillow, as it only requires a small amount of each colour at a time. As well, the pattern <span style="font-style: italic;">calls</span> for 4 colours, but really, you could use as many as you like and think look good together. I have worked the basic pattern in 2, 3 and 4 colours myself, and there's no reason why you couldn't use more. Because I was sewing the rectangle up to make a pillow, I decided to leave the ends loose, and just make sure they were sewn into the inside of the pillow. Lazy I know, but this pattern does leave a lot of ends to weave in, and that can get tedious.Crochet Gypsyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09494918204416720299noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23482749.post-1153695306090443722006-07-23T15:51:00.000-07:002006-07-23T15:55:06.100-07:00Requiem for a friendGood-bye, my friend.<br /><br />I will miss you. The things we worked on together , the laughs and frustrations we shared. You were faithful and true, never balking no matter what task I put to you. Gliding through any yarn with ease. I could never have made many of the afghans, shawls, totes, or my first sweater project without you.<br /><br />Rest well old friend. your legend lives on with me.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/8099/2411/1600/broken.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/8099/2411/320/broken.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>Crochet Gypsyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09494918204416720299noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23482749.post-1150864084316359192006-06-20T21:23:00.000-07:002007-03-25T12:38:28.781-07:00Mom's Shawl<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/8099/2411/1600/mom%27s%201.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/8099/2411/320/mom%27s%201.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/8099/2411/1600/stitches.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/8099/2411/320/stitches.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/8099/2411/1600/mom%27s2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/8099/2411/320/mom%27s2.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />Well, this is my first update in awhile. Things got fairly hectic, and I haven't had as much time to crochet as I would like. I did recently finish a shawl for my mom, using the pattern for <a href="http://www.angelfire.com/journal2/donisfuff/croshawl.html">Seraphina's Shawl</a>. I think it turned out quite well. I decided not to fringe it as it is intended for evening wear, and thought that might make it look more casual than I wanted.<br /><br />I've included some pictures of both the entire shawl and a close up of the stitches. Let me know what you think!Crochet Gypsyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09494918204416720299noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23482749.post-1145283402731702682006-04-17T07:08:00.000-07:002007-03-25T12:39:06.816-07:00Wedding Shawl<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/8099/2411/1600/shawl1.5.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/8099/2411/320/shawl1.0.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/8099/2411/1600/shawl2.0.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/8099/2411/320/shawl2.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />My older sister is getting married in July, in an evening ceremony at the top of a mountain. So while it will be summer, it might get a little chilly, and she asked if I could make her some shawls for herself and the wedding party. She chose a pattern from <a href="http://www.fibertrends.com/">Fiber Trends</a> done in a lace weight mohair. I have just finished the first one, and think it turned out rather pretty. In the pictures here, I have one overall shot of the shawl and one close up, to show the stitches and edging better. Now, just 4 more to go.......Crochet Gypsyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09494918204416720299noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23482749.post-1144806075942661742006-04-11T18:38:00.000-07:002006-04-11T18:41:15.966-07:00What the heck?Ok, I am a fan of cats. And heck, I love the "Stuff On My Cat" site (Hence my link to it.)<br /><br />But after peeking at todays posting on "You Knit What?" my brain hurts.......<br /><br /><a href="http://youknitwhat.blogspot.com/2006/04/and-now-for-something-completely.html">view post here</a><br /><br /><br />I mean good gracious, who would think of putting that on their cat? And what self-respecting cat would let them?Crochet Gypsyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09494918204416720299noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23482749.post-1144698948204832392006-04-10T12:50:00.000-07:002006-04-10T12:55:49.920-07:00Kitty bed<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/8099/2411/1600/tryit.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/8099/2411/200/tryit.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/8099/2411/1600/catbedone.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/8099/2411/200/catbedone.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/8099/2411/1600/Iamking.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/8099/2411/200/Iamking.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/8099/2411/1600/comfy.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/8099/2411/200/comfy.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />Well, I made my first real project without a pattern. It didn't turn out quite the way I expected, but as it's basically a pillow for our cat CeeCee to sit on and destroy and whatnot, I don't think he much cares about the esthetics of it.<br /><br />It was a great learning experience for me, though, and next time I "design" something of my own, it'll go a bit smoother I hope. Anyway, here a few pics, both with and without CeeCee in them.Crochet Gypsyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09494918204416720299noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23482749.post-1144117612381066242006-04-03T19:20:00.000-07:002006-08-16T06:58:46.510-07:00Square Hugs<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/8099/2411/1600/square2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/8099/2411/320/square2.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/8099/2411/1600/square1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/8099/2411/320/square1.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />As I mentioned in a previous post, I have joined a group that makes hug afghans to send to people who are sick, or experiencing a rough time in their lives and need a pick me up. As such, each member donates 12" squares to be made into these afghans.<br /><br />I finished my first square for the cause with a pattern I got <a href="http://www.texasdg.net/daynascrochet/pattern.asp?id=53">here</a> and I am very pleased with the result. I still have to weave in the ends, but even so, it turned out very pretty.Crochet Gypsyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09494918204416720299noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23482749.post-1143918073669245962006-04-01T10:51:00.000-08:002006-04-01T11:01:13.996-08:00Finally Done!!!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/8099/2411/1600/second.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/8099/2411/320/second.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>Well, I am doing a little happy dance as my sweater is finally finished!<br /><br />It's a little shorter than what I would have originally liked, but overall, I am happy with how it turned out. I made it using the Modular crochet technique described in the Winter 2005 issue of <span style="font-style: italic;">Crochet Fantasy</span> magazine. It's done mostly with single crochet and "front facing single crochet".<br /><br />I will definitely be making another one sometime, but for now, it's time to turn to other projects, because too much single crochet all at once will eventually make you go a little loopy. I plan to use some of my scrap yarn to make a bed for our cat, and will probably use either strips or squares and join them together. I have also recently joined a group called "Hugs from the heart", which is an offshoot of an online Yahoo group I belong to, Crochet Talk. Hugs from the heart has members who donate a minimum of 10, 12" squares a year, which are assembled into an "afghan hug" to be sent to members experiencing illness or other difficulties and needing a bit of a pick me up. I'm pretty excited to be a part of something solely designed to brighten someone's day.<br /><br />That's about it for now. Have a great weekend :)Crochet Gypsyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09494918204416720299noreply@blogger.com2