Two-Tone Shrug Pattern

  I found another free pattern to try out, the Two-Tone Shrug, designed by Erika and Monika Simmons.  This is a pretty quick shrug to whip up. I can see it over a summer dress or something like that. I used a multicolor yarn instead of two different colors like the pattern suggests. So I guess mine is a multi-toned shrug. I used Hobby Lobby's "I love this Yarn!" The color is called Blue Camo.

  I really need to check the gauge when I do projects. I don't know why it's such a problem for me. Maybe because I just want to jump right into the project. I must crochet a little tighter than the twins do because it's just a bit small. It didn't come out too much smaller, but I will definitely use a larger hook next time. I used the suggested size H crochet hook. This will probably look better on my daughter than on me.

  My big lesson from this project is learning how important gauge really is. Does anyone else skip checking your gauge, or is it just me?

Halter Top

  If you've been following my blog for a while you might remember my unfinished halter top. Here's a pic if you haven't seen it.

  I finally picked it up and decided to work on it again. I wanted to undo the bottom part because I thought it was a little too ruffly. I think I'll keep it as it is and make it into a dress instead of a shirt. Hopefully it will come out the way I imagine it in my head.
  So here's what I'm working with so far:

  Anyone have any suggestions? Is it too ruffly? Should I keep going? What do you think? Thanks for any input.

V-Topper Completed

  My V Topper is complete! The pattern was very easy to follow and well written. If you'd like to try it, you can find the free pattern here. I haven't blocked the sweater yet, so I think it will look better after I do that. The bottom kind of rolls up a bit, so blocking will eleminate that. The only thing I might do different next time is to make the sleeves a little longer and maybe not as wide. So here is the final product and a sneak peek at the 3d wall art in my new craft room. (The room is still not done yet.)

Stitch Markers Tutorial

  This pattern that I am working on called for some stitch markers. Usually I would just use a paperclip or another color of yarn or anything that will work. I had nothing on hand at the moment and decided that maybe it's time I had some real stitch markers. So I made some, and this is how I did it:

Start with some materials:

• findings
• beads
• tools

Thread some beads onto a headpin.

Bend the pin as close as possible to the last bead so the pin is at a 90 degree angle.

Cut off the access leaving about 1/4 of an inch. I just eyeballed it.

Using round nose pliers, bend the pin back towards itself to make a loop.

Now add the jump ring and the clasp.

Another variation would be to have the beads on separate headpins or eyepins so the piece will be more dangly. You can go as long or short as you'd like. There are so many possibilities.

Work in Progress - A Garment

  I think garment patterns intimidate me. I don't know if it's because I think they will take forever or because I think they will be too difficult, or because I might get bored and never finish. I've only made one garment. It was decent, but could definitely use some improvements. If you'd like to see my purple cable jacket, click here.

  I think I should do more garments this year. I would learn a lot more and it will surely make me a better crocheter. I was looking through some books that I have for something that I can see myself wearing. I started making a gypsy duster. That pattern was made by the Double Stitch Twins, Erika and Monika Simmons. I'm not sure if I was doing it right or what, but I'll have to come back to that one another time.

  I found this free pattern on Ravelry and decided to give it a try. It's called V Topper by Renee Barnes and can be found here on the Caron International Yarns website. So far so good. I haven't had any problems yet. Hopefully I won't, and it will be a smooth ride the whole way. I even learned something new, this pattern features a double slip stitch (dsst), which makes the textured stripes going across. This is the back side, so far. The pattern goes up the back then will continue around the shoulder area and down the front.

Happy Three Kings Day!

image from http://www.sundayeducation.com/

My Gift from the Gift Exchange

  I'm really late with this one, but I wanted to show you what I got for the gift exchange that I was a part of recently. I was partnered up with Holly. She was really nice and sweet. You can check out her blog here and she has a tutorial on how she made my gift. She made a wreath for my front door! It matches perfectly. The hubby made a face when I took it out of the box, but after I put it on the door he said it looks good. (That's a huge compliment coming from him.) I love it and think it looks great! I probably should have put it a little higher, but it still looks good.

Zeke wanted to get in the picture

  I wasn't sure what to make Holly. I decided to be safe and made her a headwarmer. Then I thought that wasn't enough, so I made a scarf to match.. and while I was at it, I threw in some earrings. Hopefully they get some good use. It's actually starting to feel like winter these past couple days. I'd rather have the heat, but at least my crocheted stuff will come in handy now.

2012, It's a New Year!

  I hope everyone had a happy new year celebration, vacation, and all that jazz! Now it's time to get back to our normal work schedules, fighting traffic, school, and other activities. Be glad if you don't have traffic to fight. Hopefully everyone is back with a new year attitude and being extra nice and considerate. As for me, I am trying to get over this horrible cold the just keeps morphing into something worse than it was before. Maybe the saying is true that it will get worse before it gets better? What a depressing statement.

  Anyway, this year I will have a new craft room which will hopefully inspire new projects and designs. The craft room has been in remodeling mode for a while which is why I haven't told you about any new projects lately. I was going to post a before picture, but I was too embarrassed of the mess I had. Maybe I will change my mind when I have an after picture to show. Well, here's to the new year, new attitudes, and new ideas!

image from http://www.youknowwhereyouare.com/