Completed Project - Couch Throw!!

I am happy to report that I finished the afghan I began in March of this year!! Yes, I finished a project in the same year of beginning it for a change, especially an afghan.

I used the pattern Henry's Blanket by Little Monkey's Crochet aka Yarn & Chai. I added an extra section compared to the pattern. The center accent color, I ended up adding an extra section to make the blanket a throw. The colors are very fall inspired and this throw will be perfect for that time of year.

I can also add that this is a very non-thinking pattern. Once you have the stitches memorized you really do not need to go back and forth to the pattern. I love patterns that are very memorable. I could walk away from this project and go back to it easily without needing to refer back to the pattern. Another big plus in my book. The only portion of the pattern that I really needed to read back over was the last portion of ribbing. This part I had to read over because you are chaining 9 stitches and crocheting back to the last row and slip stitching back into the row to connect the ribbing portion. Other than that, it is a very easy pattern to follow and I am tempted to make a pillow to go with the throw.

Pinterest Inspiration - Crochet Tops

Last year I attempted to begin my first crochet sweater. It didn't turn out pretty. In fact, I gave up once the easiest portion was completed which was the bottom body portion. Once the pattern started going towards reducing and becoming more fitted I freaked and gave up. I still want to crochet a top. I have an easier one that I started which will end up being a tank top. It is hibernating right now, but the pattern is much easier.

While browsing Pinterest daily, yes daily, I have came across a lot of great looking crochet top patterns. Some are purchasable while others are free. I do find the purchasable patterns seem to have more elaborate techniques and look so professional. Then again it is by a person who really is professional and is good enough to sell their patterns.

Here are a few crochet top patterns that I really want to attempt:

 The Polar Star Poncho Sweater is so gorgeous!! This is a purchasable pattern but I feel will be well worth the money. The author of the pattern is Natalia Kononova and she has so many beautiful patterns on her site. I feel that if I start this project this spring I might can have it completed by next winter.

 A Kimono Crochet cardigan is definitely an item I would wear very often. This is actually a free pattern but it is a graphed pattern and I am not the best when it comes to graphs but I am willing to try it. You do this in four pieces and then connect them all. The pattern is posted by Noticias on Crochet Hooks and Yarn blog.

This poncho looks perfect for Fall weather!! It is a free pattern you can find on Yarnspiration. I just love the color of this yarn and think this will definitely be a project this Spring as well!!

So much inspiration on Pinterest!! I really think I will have to start the last poncho this Spring for sure. I hope these crochet tops have inspired you as well.

Cheers,
Winnie

In a Creative Funk

I always have an ebb and flow with my creativity. I am usually in a creative high around this time of year, but the political unrest in our country has really put me in a creative funk. I have actually unfollowed a few bloggers. It is nothing against their political views or thoughts it is my inability to keep my thoughts to myself. Maybe in a few months I will start following them again.

I am to the point where there is nowhere to go on the internet to have a numb the brain moment anymore. I used to love yahoo because of the entertainment articles, but I am now anti-celebrities. So no good there. So I am just going to Pinterest and browsing all the cool crochet patterns and crafty ideas, as well as Ravelry.

All of my WIP's are still in there project containers unfinished and collecting dust. I really want to get out of this funk, but I know it is my ex-military background and the fact my son and husband are still military members that keep me on this political journey of gathering information and becoming upset when the media gives half truths. I really am to the point where I do not watch the news anymore. I am also to the point of deactivating my Facebook account. When did Facebook become a political soapbox? I remember when it first came out and it was exciting getting back in touch with long lost friends and family. As well as sharing statuses of your personal life and pictures of your family and friends. Now it is all Memes and political crap. I am just sick of it!!

So to get off the political crap on my own blog I would like to share some great Pinterest ideas and inspiration.

Corn on The Monkey blogspot beanies: Came across this blogger on Pinterest and just loved the stitch pattern and texture of her beanies.

Petals to Picots never disappoints with their patterns and keeping it fresh and new. Love this Inside Out Cowl pattern. I think when I do this one I will make it more an infinity scarf instead of a cowl.

Sewrella Handmade Home blogger has a wonderful faux knit fair isle pattern. I love fair isle knits and one day want to learn how to do them, but I came across the blogger, Sewrella, that has a free pattern for the Faux Knit Fair Isle Crochet Beanie and Cowl!!

I could go on and on with so many talented crocheters and their generous nature. To come up with such technical crochet patterns and allow free access to them is just wonderful. So amidst all the turmoil happening in our country today, we can still enjoy talented, creative individuals and get lost in their beautiful creativity.

Cheers,

Winnie

FO Friday - Hair Tie Headband & Mug Rug/Cozy Projects

Happy Friday everyone!! I hope your week went great and your weekend is even better!!

This week I worked on a cute mug rug and cozy. I had found the pattern and idea on Pinterest. The tutorial is by Wink @ Tutsplus.com. It is a very simple pattern. The only thing I would recommend is that you have the mug nearby when you begin the cozy portion. By having the mug on hand you can adjust the cozy to match up with your mug as you crochet. I didn't do this and my cozy is a little wonky. I am still happy with it and how it turned out, but the next one I make I will keep the mug at arms length away to make sure it fits perfectly.

The cozy did a great job keeping my Chamomile Tea nice and warm!!

I also worked up a cute Hair Tie Headband! I have recently cut all my hair off and have an abundance of hair ties!! I thought about what I could do with them and came across a wonderful tutorial for a headband using hair ties! The tutorial is written by Kinga of My Hobby is Crochet. The tutorial and pattern is the Thread Headband. Kinga used crochet thread and so the look and texture is completely different than mine. I used Martha Stewart Cotton Hemp yarn which is much thicker. I was so glad that she included measurements for each section so I could adjust how many rows to fit the thicker yarn I was using.

I am still debating about adding a flower to the headband, but since I made it for my DD she gets to decide on the size and what kind. If she decides on a flower, I will make it with the ombre and teal colors shown in the left top corner. This headband is such a quick and easy pattern!! Kinga did a wonderful job with this tutorial and shared many pictures to help in each step. I am thinking the next one I make will be with a less dense yarn. There is no give in the cotton hemp which is why the hair tie is really necessary when making a headband out of this yarn. It gives that added stretch and give you need.

I am now thinking about another large project. I am considering another blanket and came across a beautiful project with a tutorial!! It is called the Primavera Flowers Granny. The tutorial is found on Dada's Place blog and written by Dragana Savkov-Bajic. The tutorial is very well written and includes terrific photos for each step. I love the color pallet she chose. I am in the process of searching for the best colors and yarn. I think that is my favorite step in deciding on a new project....the yarn search!!

Picture courtesy of Dada's Place Blog by Dragana Savkov-Bajic

Take a moment and hop over to Tami's Amis blog and check out better  other FOs!! Everyone have a great day and weekend!!