Puppet Scarves

After an extremely busy holiday season I suddenly have a ton of baby and children crochet projects to work on. Spring has sprung early and I don't even get a break! Again, I shouldn't complain. 

Red Heart's Puppet Scarf Pattern - Free!

I finished a couple of baby beanies, which inspired two more friends to want them for their friends' babies. On top of that I'm trying to get baby booties and a baby blanket done for a coworker who's having a baby in March. 

However, my favorite project right now is the puppet scarves I'm making for Drew's nieces and nephew. I'm altering a free pattern from Red Heart and I'm using Stitch Nation's Bamboo Ewe yarn. I'll post photos when I finish :)

Next I need to work on my scarves for the Special Olympics before I miss all the deadlines. AND the 2012 Waverly for Bernat Crochet-Along and Knit-Along is coming up on February 15! Whew! I need to get on it! 

Oh and February 23-26 is Stitches West 2012 in Santa Clara -- yarn galore! I can't wait :)

Cumulus Beanie Pattern Redux

"Cumulus" beanie in peach.

Finally figured out the pattern I made up for my Cumulus Beanie. I'm not sure I got it exactly right because increasing a cluster stitch can get a little complicated.

However, the beanie fits well and looks how I wanted it to, so as far as I'm concerned it's mission accomplished.

Now I get to try writing out the pattern. It will be the first pattern I've ever written and I'm not sure I can get it to the point where I could share it with other crafters and have them understand it, but I shall do my best.

I guess this is the learning process when it comes to designing your own pieces. Next time I'm going to write everything down as I go--even if it only makes sense to me ;)

Make and Donate Blankets for Project Linus

I'm determined to finish and donate a baby blanket for Project Linus this year. 

Marble Baby Throw from Lion Brand Yarn

Project Linus "provides love, a sense of security, warmth and comfort to children who are seriously ill, traumatized, or otherwise in need through the gifts of new, handmade blankets and afghans, lovingly created by volunteer 'blanketeers.'"

Since 1995, they have distributed over three million blankets to children in need. These blankets go to children in hospitals, foster homes, shelters, and even to private homes. 

I'm sad to have discovered that there isn't a San Francisco chapter of this organization. However, there's an East Bay chapter to which I will happily donate my work.

Anyway, I've already found the pattern I want to use:  Marble Baby Throw from Lion Brand Yarn. I think I'll go for more neutral colors though. (I'll post photos when I finish)

I might have to consider making a couple fleece blankets as well. :)

Recognizing a pattern

Finding stitches I like and working them into a circle for beanies can be a bit of a pain--at least for me. Especially if I'm working with a cluster stitch or some other stitch that is built out over several stitches. The crux is figuring out the increases. (If anyone has any tips or tricks I'll take them!)

Worse than that, however, is a month later trying to remember the pattern I successfully completed, but never wrote down. For example, the pattern I developed for my Cumulus beanie was formed mostly with a simple cluster stitch crocheted together over three single stitches, but I couldn't remember how I got the hat started!

I worked on trying to remember the sequence for a couple hours--and frogged a lot of tests--before I remembered I started the first three rows with half double stitches; which are easy to increase. Unfortunately, the a-ha moment hit at almost midnight, and I have a day job.

So, I wrote myself a couple notes and tonight I will endeavor to re-create the Cumulus in a different color.  Wish me luck!