Monday, July 29, 2013

New projects

     I know what you are thinking, my dear readers. "Gasp! Another post! Hell must be freezing over!" But no! You would be wrong in that. Well this is another post, its just I have time and things to show off. All the reasons for a blog right?

     So, on to the new projects. Well, I do not know if I would call them projects, more like learning tools. Practice if you will. I said some time ago that I had started to learn to crochet. For being a beginner, I believe I have gotten pretty good at it. So much so, that I am starting my very first baby afghan. I'm really happy about it. My apologies though. I will not be able to post the pattern. It is from a book. I will be able to tell you what book it is from. But I will save that for a later date when the blanket is finished. Its nothing more right now than a square. A fancy little square.

 
All four that I have done recently. 
    



 Crocheting


 
Green, with SC, DC, 1/2 DC, and X stitches.






Mainly green with orange and yellow. Same stitches. 
   

     Here you have it, dearest readers. Some of my firsts ever in crocheting! I know they don't look like much, but hey! I'm just learning. They are made with Sugar and Cream, 100% cotton. This is awesome. They are thick, durable, and best thing ever, machine washable!

     If you are looking to make these, chain 40 stitches and work around. No turning. Just remember where you started. The work should start to fold into itself becoming a pocket. When you have done a bunch that it becomes that pocket, lay it down in a diamond shape. The ends should come closer and closer together. By the time you are done, both sides should touch without being pulled, and the stitches on either side are facing opposite directions. Some of these have a chained loop at the end to hang it up on a hook. You don't have to do it, but you can. Maybe the next time, if there is interest, I will post a DIY video on these. Maybe. Comment below if you are interested.
Mainly orange with green and yellow. 



     On to my newest project. I am learning to sew! As in on a machine! Super excited about this one. I have been wanting to truly learn for ages now. I think to be a well rounded crafter, one has to have knowledge in many things. Ok, that really isn't true. But for me, it will be. Maybe I will be a Jack-of-All-Trades kind of crafter. Which, as the saying goes, will make me a Master-of-None. But I am alright with that. I love my beading. I don't make overly elaborate designs, they are simple. Classy. Some are kid like. But I digress. Back to the point of this...

     I have started quilting! Below is called a Grandmother's Fan! I am so excited to be doing this. It is an easy way to learn how to sew on the machine and by hand, or so I am told. I can not wait until this is finished. I will post more pictures as it continues to grow. This is the only piece so far. I am impressed with myself, even though this is not perfect. I made the up close picture larger so you, my dear readers, can get a closer look at the print. It is gorgeous!  


Quilting
      



























     So, I think from here, I will end for the night. I know I make promises to keep this up to date, and here is another. I did notice that I have not posted anything about my jewelry. Perhaps I will talk about that next time. We will see. But that will have to wait.

Goodnight, moon! Happy Crafting!



Sunday, July 28, 2013

Success! Aubree's Twisted Cable Car Seat Blanket.

Huzzahs all around! My crochet instructor has giving me permission to publish the pattern that she wrote for me! It turned out beautifully, and my friend loved it. The baby was born a few weeks ago and she is beautiful. I am hoping my friend posts some pictures of the baby with the blanket. Please note that this is not a full size blanket. I made it small. Something small that can go in the car seat or just to travel.
     This pattern is made for beginners! I know I know, my dear readers, I know! I've been knitting for several years now. Don't judge me! Cables were intimidating! I can't help it. But thanks to my instructor, I am no longer scared of cables!








Aubree's Twisted Cable Car Seat Blanket



Yarn: Lion Brand Jiffy Bulky
Knit: 14.5sts + 18 rows = 4"
Aubree's finished blanket
Needles: 10 - 10.5

Needs:
Place Markers Needed (I used two different shades to mark the cables and the twists)
Cable Needle

Now, I used 4 skeins of the above yarn mentioned, but you will need more if you want a bigger blanket. Obviously....See below for a larger image of the finished blanket.






Cast on 93sts

Row 1:  K1, Pl across (Place a stitch marker after the first and before the last stitch as a reminder to knit the last stitch and slip the first.)

Row 2: Sl 1, P1, K1 across ending in K1
*9
Row 3-21: Repeat Row 2

Row 22: Right Side: Sl 1, P1, K1 five times (11st Border) place marker K6, place marker, P2, K1, Inc1 (knit in front then in back of stitch), K1, Inc 1, P2, place marker,  K2B (knit in the second st on left needle then in the first st), P2 place marker, K9, place marker, P2, K1, inc 1, K1, inc 1, P2, K1, P2, K1, inc 1, K1, inc 1, P2, place marker, K6, place marker, K1, P1 5 times, K1 (101 sts.)

Row 23: Sl 1, P1, K1, 5 times, P6, K2, P6, K2, P2. K2, P9, K2, P6, K2, P1, K2, P6, K2, P9, K2, P2, K2, P6, K2, P6, K1 P1 5 times, K1

Row 24: Sl 1, P1 K1 5 times, K6, P2, CB6 (slip next 3 st onto cable needle, hold back of work and knit next 3 st, then knit 3 from cable needle), P2, K2B, P2, K9, P2, CB6, P2, K1, P2, CBF6, (slip next 3 st onto cable needle and hold in Front of work, knit next 3 st, then knit 3 from cable needle), P2, K9, P2, TB2 (same as K2B), P2, CBF6, P2, K6, K1 P1 5 times, K1

Row 25: Repeat Row 23 and all Odd rows.

Row 26, 28, 30, 32, 34: S1, P1, K1 5 times, K6, P2, K6, P2, KB2, P2, K9, P2, K6, P2, K1, P2, K6, P2, K9, P2, TB2, P2, K6, P2, K6, K1 P1 5 times, K1

Repeat rows 23 - 34 until desired length (less border) is achieved. Work last row EVEN before beginning bottom border as follows:

Sl 1, K1 Pl 5 times, K6. P2, K1, K2 tog, K1, K2tog, P2, KB2, P2, K9, P2, K1, K2tog, K1, K2tog, P2, K1, K2tog, P2, K1, P2. K1, K2tog, K1, K2tog, P2, K9, P2, KB2, P2, K1, K2tog, K1, K2tog, P2, K6, K1 P1 5 times, K1

Work Row 2 - 21 times

Bind off.


Up-close and huge! This way you can see the twists and cables easier.



So there you have it, my dearest readers. A very simple, beginner cabled and twisted blanket! I hope everyone enjoys it and if you do make one, I would love to see it here or posted on my page on Raverly. If I get enough, I would like to make a page showing off everyone's projects. Please note that this is free, and if you make money on it, that is awesome, but please, keep in mind those in need. Hospitals are always looking for donations of this type for children who have nothing. So please, do your part and give back in your community.

HAPPY KNITTING!!!