Limbs

These mitts were designed specifically for the Fingerless Gloves Fanatics Group on Ravelry.

Limbs



Materials
Steel 2.20 mm Hook
1/2 ball of Trekking XXL Sock Weight yarn in 321
or 50 grams of sock weight yarn

Gauge: 29 hdc & 24 rows = 4"

Pattern Notes: Glove is worked cuff up. Ribbing is made flat then stitched together.
I recommend using plenty of stitch markers. I used one at in the first and last stitch of each row (moving them up as I went along), as well as at the outermost post stitches, but I would recommend anyone unfamiliar with making crochet cables to put them in the loops of each post stitch so you know which loops to NOT work into.

All post stitches are worked into previous post stitches and all post stitches should be raised on the right side.

Resources:
Double Crochet Foundation Chain
Double Crochet Foundation Chain Video (I crochet through the top two loops, however, not top and spine, yes it does make a difference)
Seamless Rounds
Finishing in the round

Abbreviations:
bpdc: back post double crochet
ch: chain
dc: double crochet
fpdc: front post double crochet
sk: skip
sl-st: slip stitch
st: stitch

Terms in capitals refer to previous row's stitches. For example, "fpdc in BPDC" means to front post double crochet around the previous row's back post double crochet stitch (which will look like a fpdc from the working side of the fabric).



Sizing: This pattern fits forearm (4 1/2" below wrist) at 6 1/2" and around knuckles at 7 7/8".

To make a larger size, DC Foundation Chain to fit (ending with an even number). Adjust row 5 (center the tree roots on front side) and thumbhole placement as neccesary.

RIGHT MITT
Leaving a tail of several inches to sew up ribbing, dc foundation chain 47 sts, ch 2, turn.

1. In second DC from hook, fpdc, (bpdc, fpdc) to last st, hdc in last st, ch 2, turn.

2. bpdc in FPDC (of previous row) , (fpdc, bpdc) to last st, hdc in last st, ch 2, turn.

3. fpdc in BPDC, (bpdc, fpdc) to last st, hdc in last st. ch 2, turn.

4. bpdc in FPDC, (fpdc, bpdc) to last st, hdc in last st, sl-st to first st of row, ch 2, turn.

5. Being sure to skip the sl-st, hdc in first st, hdc 31, [sk 1, hdc, working in front of just-made hdc, fpdc in skipped st (BPDC of previous row) ] x2, fpdc, [sk 1, fpdc, working behind just-made fpdc, hdc in skipped st (FPDC of previous row)] x2, hdc to end, sl-st to first st of row, ch 2, turn.

6. hdc to FPDC, sk 1, hdc, (working behind) bpdc in skipped st, bpdc 3, skip 1, bpdc, (working in front) hdc in skipped st, hdc to end, sl st to first st of row, ch 2, turn.

7. hdc to BPDC, fpdc 5, hdc to end, sl st to first st of row, ch 2, turn.

8. hdc to FPDC, bpdc 5, hdc to end, sl st to first st of row, ch 2, turn.

9-24. Repeat rows 7 and 8.

25. hdc to st before first BPDC, sk 1, fpdc, working behind just-made fpdc, hdc in skipped st, fpdc 3, sk 1, hdc, working in front of just-made hdc, fpdc in skipped st, hdc to end, sl st to first st of row, ch 2, turn.

26. hdc to st before first FPDC, sk 1, bpdc, (working in front) hdc in skipped st, hdc, bpdc 3, hdc sk 1, hdc, (working behind) bpdc in skipped st, hdc to end, sl st to first st of row, ch 2, turn.

27. hdc to st before first BPDC, sk 1, fpdc, (working behind) hdc in skipped st, sk 1, fpdc, (working behind) hdc in skipped st, fpdc, sk 1, hdc, (working in front) fpdc in skipped st, hdc, sk 1, hdc, (working in front) fpdc in skipped st, hdc to end, sl st to first st of row, ch 2, turn.

28. hdc to st before first FPDC, sk 1, bpdc, (working in front) hdc in skipped st, hdc 2, sk 1, bpdc, (working in front) hdc in skipped st, hdc, bpdc, hdc, sk 1, hdc, (working behind) bpdc in skipped st, hdc 2, sk 1, hdc, (working behind) bpdc in skipped st, hdc to end, sl st to first st of row, ch 2, turn.

29. (Splitting Center Tree Trunk) hdc to st before first BPDC, sk 1, fpdc, (working behind) hdc in skipped st, hdc 2, sk 1, fpdc, (working behind) hdc in skipped st, hdc 2, [fpdc, hdc, fpdc] in same st, hdc 2, sk 1, hdc, (working in front) fpdc in skipped st, hdc 2, sk 1, hdc, (working in front) fpdc in skipped st, hdc 2, sk 1, (working in front) fpdc in skipped st, hdc to end, working 2 hdc in last st, sl st to first st of row, ch 2, turn.

30. 2hdc in first st, hdc to first FPDC, bpdc, hdc 2, sk 1, bpdc, (working in front) hdc in skipped st, hdc 2, sk 1, bpdc, (working in front) hdc in skipped st, hdc, sk 1, hdc, (working behind) bpdc in skipped st, hdc 2, sk 1, hdc, (working behind) bpdc in skipped st, hdc 2, bpdc, hdc to end, sl st to first st of row, ch 2, turn.

31. hdc to st before first BPDC, sk 1, fpdc, (working behind) hdc in skipped st, hdc, sk 1, fpdc, (working behind) hdc in skipped st, hdc 2, sk 1, fpdc, (working behind) hdc in skipped st,hdc 3, sk 1, hdc, (working in front) fpdc in skipped st, hdc 2, sk 1, hdc, (working in front) fpdc in skipped st, hdc, sk 1, hdc, (working in front) fpdc in skipped st, hdc to end, working 2 hdc in last st, sl st to first st of row, ch 2, turn.

32. (Splitting Center Tree Limbs Again) 2hdc in first st, hdc to st before first FPDC, sk 1, bpdc, (working in front) hdc in skipped st, hdc 2, bpdc, hdc 2, sk 1, bpdc, (working in front) hdc in skipped st, (working in loops of last FPDC worked) hdc, (working in FPDC just worked) bpdc, hdc 3, sk 1, bpdc, (working in front) hdc in skipped st, (working in loops of last FPDC worked) hdc, (working in FPDC just worked) bpdc, hdc 2, bpdc, hdc 2, sk 1, hdc, (working behind) bpdc in skipped st, hdc to end, sl st to first st of row, ch 2, turn.

33. hdc to st before first BPDC, sk 1, fpdc, (working behind) hdc in skipped st, hdc 2, sk 1, fpdc, (working behind) hdc in skipped st, hdc, sk 1, fpdc, (working behind) hdc in skipped st, hdc 2, sk 1, hdc, (working in front) fpdc in skipped st, hdc 2, sk 1, fpdc, (working behind) hdc in skipped st, hdc 2, sk 1, hdc, (working in front) fpdc in skipped st, hdc, sk 1, hdc, (working in front) fpdc in skipped st, hdc 2, sk 1, hdc, (working in front) fpdc in skipped st, hdc to end, working 2 hdc in last st, sl st to first st of row, ch 2, turn.

34. (Drop Outside Limbs) 2hdc in first st, hdc to st before SECOND FPDC, sk 1, bpdc, (working in front) hdc in skipped st, hdc, sk 1, bpdc, (working in front) hdc in skipped st, hdc 4, sk 1, hdc, (working behind) bpdc in skipped st, hdc, sk 1, hdc, (working behind) bpdc in skipped st, hdc to end, sl st to first st of row, ch 2, turn.

35. (Crossing Center Limbs) hdc to two sts before first BPDC, sk 2, fpdc, (working behind) hdc in each skipped st, hdc, sk 1, fpdc, (working behind) hdc in skipped st, hdc 6, sk [BDPC and HDC], (working in next BPDC) fpdc, (working in front) fpdc in skipped BPDC, hdc 6, sk 1, hdc, (working in front) fpdc in skipped st, hdc, sk 1, hdc 2, (working in front) fpdc in skipped st, hdc to end, working 2 hdc in last st, sl st to first st of row, ch 2, turn.

36. 2hdc in first st, hdc to st before first FPDC, [sk 1, bpdc, (working in front) hdc in skipped st, hdc 2, sk 1, bpdc, (working in front) hdc in skipped st, hdc 7,] x 2, sk 1, bpdc, (working in front) hdc in skipped st, sk 1, hdc, (working behind) bpdc in skipped st, hdc 6, sk 1, hdc, (working behind) bpdc in skipped st, hdc 2, sk 1, hdc, (working behind) bpdc in skipped st, hdc to end, sl st to first st of row, ch 2, turn.

37. hdc to two sts before first BPDC, sk 1, fpdc, (working behind) hdc in skipped st, hdc 2, sk 1, fpdc, (working behind) hdc in skipped st, hdc 6, sk 1, fpdc, (working behind) hdc in skipped st, hdc 2, sk 1, hdc, (working in front) fpdc in skipped BPDC, hdc 7, sk 1, hdc, (working in front) fpdc in skipped st, hdc 2, sk 1, hdc, (working in front) fpdc in skipped st, hdc to end, working 2 hdc in last st, sl st to first st of row, ch 2, turn.

38. (Remove Limb at Pinky, add Branch) 2hdc in first st, hdc to st before first FPDC, sk 1, bpdc, (working in front) hdc in skipped st, hdc 2, sk 1, bpdc, hdc, (working behind) bpdc in last FPDC, hdc 6, sk 1, hdc, (working behind) bpdc in skipped st, hdc 5, sk 1, bpdc, (working in front) hdc in skipped st, hdc, (working in last FPDC) bpdc, hdc to end, sl st to first st of row, ch 2, turn.

39. hdc to st before first BPDC, sk 1, fpdc, (working behind) hdc in skipped st, hdc 3, sk 1, hdc, (working in front) fpdc in skipped st, hdc 3, sk 1, fpdc, (working behind) hdc in skipped st, hdc 6, sk 1, hdc, (working in front) fpdc in skipped st, hdc 4, sk 1, fpdc, (working behind) hdc in skipped st, hdc 3, sk 1, hdc, (working in front) fpdc in skipped st, hdc 2, sk 1, hdc, (working in front) fpdc in skipped st, hdc to end, working 2 hdc in last st, sl st to first st of row, ch 2, turn.

40. 2hdc in first st, hdc to st before first FPDC, sk 1, bpdc, (working in front) hdc in skipped st, hdc 2, sk 1, hdc, (working behind) bpdc in skipped st, hdc 2, sk 1, bpdc, (working in front) hdc in skipped st, hdc, sk 1, bpdc, (working in front) hdc in skipped st, hdc 5, sk 1, hdc (working behind), bpdc in skipped st, hdc to end, sl st to first st of row, ch 2, turn.

41. (Creating Thumbhole) hdc to 17 sts before last st, place st marker in next st (for thumbhole instructions), sk sts, sl st to last st, hdc in same st, sl st to first st of row, ch 1, turn. (If thumbhole is not big enough, create a chain before sl st to last st)

42. sc around, sl st to first st of row, fasten off.

THUMBHOLE

43. Attach yarn at st marker placed in row 41. hdc in st and around, working into the bottom of the 3 sts between thumb and index finger. sl st to first st, ch 1, turn.

44. sc around, sl st to first st, fasten off.



LEFT MITT

Leaving a tail of several inches to sew up ribbing, dc foundation chain 47 sts, ch 2, turn.

1. In second DC from hook, fpdc, (bpdc, fpdc) to last st, hdc in last st, ch 2, turn.

2. bpdc in FPDC (of previous row) , (fpdc, bpdc) to last st, hdc in last st, ch 2, turn.

3. fpdc in BPDC, (bpdc, fpdc) to last st, hdc in last st. ch 2, turn.

4. bpdc in FPDC, (fpdc, bpdc) to last st, hdc in last st, sl-st to first st of row, ch 2, turn.

5. Being sure to skip the sl-st, hdc in first st, hdc 7, [sk 1, hdc, working in front of just-made hdc, fpdc in skipped st (BPDC of previous row) ] x2, fpdc, [sk 1, fpdc, working behind just-made fpdc, hdc in skipped st (FPDC of previous row)] x2, hdc to end, sl-st to first st of row, ch 2, turn.

6. hdc to FPDC, sk 1, hdc, (working behind) bpdc in skipped st, bpdc 3, skip 1, bpdc, (working in front) hdc in skipped st, hdc to end, sl st to first st of row, ch 2, turn.

7. hdc to BPDC, fpdc 5, hdc to end, sl st to first st of row, ch 2, turn.

8. hdc to FPDC, bpdc 5, hdc to end, sl st to first st of row, ch 2, turn.

9-24. Repeat rows 7 and 8.

25. hdc to st before first BPDC, sk 1, fpdc, working behind just-made fpdc, hdc in skipped st, fpdc 3, sk 1, hdc, working in front of just-made hdc, fpdc in skipped st, hdc to end, sl st to first st of row, ch 2, turn.

26. hdc to st before first FPDC, sk 1, bpdc, (working in front) hdc in skipped st, hdc, bpdc 3, hdc sk 1, hdc, (working behind) bpdc in skipped st, hdc to end, sl st to first st of row, ch 2, turn.

27. hdc to st before first BPDC, sk 1, fpdc, (working behind) hdc in skipped st, sk 1, fpdc, (working behind) hdc in skipped st, fpdc, sk 1, hdc, (working in front) fpdc in skipped st, hdc, sk 1, hdc, (working in front) fpdc in skipped st, hdc to end, sl st to first st of row, ch 2, turn.

28. hdc to st before first FPDC, sk 1, bpdc, (working in front) hdc in skipped st, hdc 2, sk 1, bpdc, (working in front) hdc in skipped st, hdc, bpdc, hdc, sk 1, hdc, (working behind) bpdc in skipped st, hdc 2, sk 1, hdc, (working behind) bpdc in skipped st, hdc to end, sl st to first st of row, ch 2, turn.

29. (Splitting Center Tree Trunk) 2hdc in first st, hdc to st before first BPDC, sk 1, fpdc, (working behind) hdc in skipped st, hdc 2, sk 1, fpdc, (working behind) hdc in skipped st, hdc 2, [fpdc, hdc, fpdc] in same st, hdc 2, sk 1, hdc, (working in front) fpdc in skipped st, hdc 2, sk 1, hdc, (working in front) fpdc in skipped st, hdc 2, sk 1, (working in front) fpdc in skipped st, hdc to end, sl st to first st of row, ch 2, turn.

30. hdc to first FPDC, bpdc, hdc 2, sk 1, bpdc, (working in front) hdc in skipped st, hdc 2, sk 1, bpdc, (working in front) hdc in skipped st, hdc, sk 1, hdc, (working behind) bpdc in skipped st, hdc 2, sk 1, hdc, (working behind) bpdc in skipped st, hdc 2, bpdc, hdc to end, working 2 hdc in last st, sl st to first st of row, ch 2, turn.

31. 2hdc in first st, hdc to st before first BPDC, sk 1, fpdc, (working behind) hdc in skipped st, hdc, sk 1, fpdc, (working behind) hdc in skipped st, hdc 2, sk 1, fpdc, (working behind) hdc in skipped st,hdc 3, sk 1, hdc, (working in front) fpdc in skipped st, hdc 2, sk 1, hdc, (working in front) fpdc in skipped st, hdc, sk 1, hdc, (working in front) fpdc in skipped st, hdc to end, sl st to first st of row, ch 2, turn.

32. (Splitting Center Tree Limbs Again) hdc to st before first FPDC, sk 1, bpdc, (working in front) hdc in skipped st, hdc 2, bpdc, hdc 2, sk 1, bpdc, (working in front) hdc in skipped st, (working in loops of last FPDC worked) hdc, (working in FPDC just worked) bpdc, hdc 3, sk 1, bpdc, (working in front) hdc in skipped st, (working in loops of last FPDC worked) hdc, (working in FPDC just worked) bpdc, hdc 2, bpdc, hdc 2, sk 1, hdc, (working behind) bpdc in skipped st, hdc to end, working 2 hdc in last st, sl st to first st of row, ch 2, turn.

33. 2hdc in first st, hdc to st before first BPDC, sk 1, fpdc, (working behind) hdc in skipped st, hdc 2, sk 1, fpdc, (working behind) hdc in skipped st, hdc, sk 1, fpdc, (working behind) hdc in skipped st, hdc 2, sk 1, hdc, (working in front) fpdc in skipped st, hdc 2, sk 1, fpdc, (working behind) hdc in skipped st, hdc 2, sk 1, hdc, (working in front) fpdc in skipped st, hdc, sk 1, hdc, (working in front) fpdc in skipped st, hdc 2, sk 1, hdc, (working in front) fpdc in skipped st, hdc to end, sl st to first st of row, ch 2, turn.

34. (Drop Outside Limbs) hdc to st before SECOND FPDC, sk 1, bpdc, (working in front) hdc in skipped st, hdc, sk 1, bpdc, (working in front) hdc in skipped st, hdc 4, sk 1, hdc, (working behind) bpdc in skipped st, hdc, sk 1, hdc, (working behind) bpdc in skipped st, hdc to end, working 2 hdc in last st, sl st to first st of row, ch 2, turn.

35. (crossing center limbs) 2hdc in first st, hdc to two sts before first BPDC, sk 2, fpdc, (working behind) hdc in each skipped st, hdc, sk 1, fpdc, (working behind) hdc in skipped st, hdc 6, sk [BDPC and HDC], (working in next BPDC) fpdc, (working in front) fpdc in skipped BPDC, hdc 6, sk 1, hdc, (working in front) fpdc in skipped st, hdc, sk 1, hdc 2, (working in front) fpdc in skipped st, hdc to end, sl st to first st of row, ch 2, turn.

36. hdc to st before first FPDC, [sk 1, bpdc, (working in front) hdc in skipped st, hdc 2, sk 1, bpdc, (working in front) hdc in skipped st, hdc 7,] x 2, sk 1, bpdc, (working in front) hdc in skipped st, sk 1, hdc, (working behind) bpdc in skipped st, hdc 6, sk 1, hdc, (working behind) bpdc in skipped st, hdc 2, sk 1, hdc, (working behind) bpdc in skipped st, hdc to end, working 2 hdc in last st, sl st to first st of row, ch 2, turn.

37. 2hdc in first st, hdc to two sts before first BPDC, sk 1, fpdc, (working behind) hdc in skipped st, hdc 2, sk 1, fpdc, (working behind) hdc in skipped st, hdc 6, sk 1, fpdc, (working behind) hdc in skipped st, hdc 2, sk 1, hdc, (working in front) fpdc in skipped BPDC, hdc 7, sk 1, hdc, (working in front) fpdc in skipped st, hdc 2, sk 1, hdc, (working in front) fpdc in skipped st, hdc to end, sl st to first st of row, ch 2, turn.

38. (Remove Limb at Pinky, Add Branches) hdc to st before SECOND FPDC, sk 1, bpdc, hdc, (working behind) bpdc in last FPDC, hdc 6, sk 1, hdc, (working behind) bpdc in skipped st, hdc 5, sk 1, bpdc, (working in front) hdc in skipped st, hdc, (working in last FPDC) bpdc, hdc 2, sk 1, hdc, (working behind) bpdc in skipped st, hdc to end, working 2 hdc in last st, sl st to first st of row, ch 2, turn.

39. 2hdc in first st, hdc to st before first BPDC, sk 1, fpdc, (working behind) hdc in skipped st, hdc 3, sk 1, hdc, (working in front) fpdc in skipped st, hdc 3, sk 1, fpdc, (working behind) hdc in skipped st, hdc 6, sk 1, hdc, (working in front) fpdc in skipped st, hdc 4, sk 1, fpdc, (working behind) hdc in skipped st, hdc 3, sk 1, hdc, (working in front) fpdc in skipped st, hdc 2, sk 1, hdc, (working in front) fpdc in skipped st, hdc to end, sl st to first st of row, ch 2, turn.

40. hdc to st before first FPDC, sk 1, bpdc, (working in front) hdc in skipped st, hdc 2, sk 1, hdc, (working behind) bpdc in skipped st, hdc 2, sk 1, bpdc, (working in front) hdc in skipped st, hdc, sk 1, bpdc, (working in front) hdc in skipped st, hdc 5, sk 1, hdc (working behind), bpdc in skipped st, hdc to end, working 2 hdc in last st, sl st to first st of row, ch 2, turn.

41. (Creating Thumbhole) hdc 29 sts, place st marker in next st (for thumbhole instructions), skip 16 sts, sl st, hdc in same st, hdc to end, sl st to first st of row, ch 1, turn. (If thumbhole is not big enough, create a chain after skipping 17 sts)

42. sc around, sl st to first st of row, fasten off.

THUMBHOLE

43. Attach yarn at st marker placed in row 41. hdc in st and around, working into the bottom of the 3 sts between thumb and index finger. sl st to first st, ch 1, turn.

44. sc around, sl st to first st, fasten off.



OPTIONAL FINISHING
Embroider leaves in fall colors on branches.

Lover's Purse

I made this little purse for my niece's Christmas present. I stuffed it with little girly things - nail polish, bath fizzies, lip gloss, etc.




I love how it came out! I used the Solomon's knot / lover's knot for the lacy stitch pattern. I used futuregirl's Sew a Lining into a Crocheted Bag Tutorial to, well, sew the lining into the bag.
See how neatly it came out?:




The only thing I'd suggest would be to maybe add more stitches in cases where you're using bulky yarn. I noticed that where the the snaps were was facing a lot of pressure and separating from the bag, slightly. So I added some reinforcement stitching there.

I also used futuregirl's Tutorial on how to weave in the last end when working in rounds. Very seamless.

The ravelry project page is located

Are you Expecting?

So today I went to the bank to change my name on the account. Yes, I've been married for 2.5 years. Yes, I'm a chronic procrastinator, why do you ask?

Anyway, I whipped out my crochet while I was waiting, never missing a few minutes to add a few stitches. A banker comes up to me and tells me that she can help me. Great! I put my crochet away and follow her into her office. I'm in the process of taking off my coat when she said, "Are you expecting?" I looked down at my stomach, confused. I don't see how this woman would ask this question, even though I am dressed in a bulky jacket... "No...?"

She says, "Oh, when I see people do this," her hands wave in vaguely in front of her, "it usually means..."

I replied, "Oh, I was just wondering if I looked fat!" That certainly embarrassed her. "Oh no!" She murmurs slight apologies and I wave them away.

I'm not surprised to get the assumption that handiwork = pregnancy, but it took me off guard that it was after the hook went into the bag. I had stopped thinking about what I was working on (my shawl) as soon as she approached. It's funny that people still make that assumption, even though it's so much cheaper to buy baby clothes and less of a hassle. I wouldn't make everyday things for a baby to wear, and certainly not out of lace weight alpaca that cost me $40! But it's a common occurrence in the fiber world, just not one that had happened to me before!

Now I'm off to watch The Seven Year Itch with the husband. We love our old movies!

12 of 12 November

The 12th of every month, one of my friends posts 12 pictures of her day to share with everyone. I thought it would be fun to do, so here are 12 pictures out of the 89 I took today!

10:24a



After snoozing a few times and and snuggling with the husband for a few mintues, I roll out of bed. I know I have to hurry, like usual, but I stop to look in the mirror for this photo. I'm glad I don't generally look in the mirror when I first get up!

10:48a



I have to be at work in 12 minutes. I'm stopping to take a picture WHY?

11:02a



Rolling into work late, but I slow to take a picture of our sign!

11:05a



Only three minutes late by punch card time, which is a couple minutes slow for real time...

12:26p



I'm on hold... AGAIN. I called the safe company three times today (and was on hold for 25+ minutes) to figure out if I could and how to change the safe combo...

1:27p



One of the actor's bright pink shoes brightens my day. I answer many questions about this and that for them. That's my bag making a public appearance!

1:34p



At my work station, trying to get these complimentary (comp) ticket requests squared away while my email inbox continually gives me more to do.

4:28p



Donations for Broadway Care / Equity Fights AIDS. I have to sort and band eight buckets worth of cash every time I work this show.

6:31p



Had to step outside to see if there was coffee in the other building. The moon was so lovely.

7:25p



Whenever I go to the library, I have to stop by the craft books. I picked up three books on needle felting.

7:59p



A quick stop at CVS to get a perscription and some Dove deodorant. UNSCENTED as I have multiple chemical sensitivity and resperatory system can't handle fragrance etc.

9:33p



Watching last night's House and crocheting while Mycroft keeps my lap warm.

Hearts

This is the dessert I made tonight upon returning from knit night at Yarns in the Farms. I chopped up some red delicious apples and bosc pears (they were what I had on hand!), tossed in some vanilla, cinnamon, sugar, and ginger and put it on the stove until everything was soft.

I used a heart shaped cookie cutter to get the right shapes. On the right is just a sprinkling of cinnamon and on the left is the fresh baked apple walnut bread that Jill's daughter made. (Jill is one of the owners of Yarns in the Farms.)

A homemade candle topped it off. I turned down the lights and surprised the husband with a little treat.

This is the second knit night I've gone to at YitF. The first one was on a Wednesday night, which is run by Carolyn. Both groups of ladies were chatty and inviting and I had a very pleasant time. I again worked on my Lauria's Lovely Lacy Shawl. And again, I received many compliments on my work. No snobbery there!

I also asked the ladies what they thought I should do with my Couch Throw. I'm going to frog back the wonky short rows and do a border. My original intention was to do a border, and I want to do that.

I'll work on that at home and take my shawl out and about. It hasn't grown much since the last time I photographed it. Partially because I realized I had done a couple rows with the wrong hook size and I was concerned about ripping it out. The alpaca is very sticky. But it was suprisingly easy and I've moved a few rows beyond that point now. It takes about an hour and a half to do each row (the eyelit row is quicker!) and I know it's only going to get longer with five increases each row...

Book Review: Vogue Knitting on the Go: Crocheted Shawls

One thing I love to do whenever I become immersed in something is to read as much as I can about it. So it's no surprise that I love thumbing through crochet books. Whenever I go to the library, I look through the fiber arts section. Unfortunately, at my library it's jumbled together, so I always have a search on my hands for the crochet books, rather than the knitting books. Most of the books seem to be stuck in a time warp. But slowly and surely there are more modern books appearing. So I thought I'd give my thoughts on one.

I have been waiting for a while for Vogue Knitting on the Go: Crocheted Shawls to be available at the library. I've had a thing for shawls lately and I wanted to see what vogue knitting would have to say about it.

The introduction seems forward enough. It doesn't come off as a knitter writing about crochet, which seems to be the case much of the time. I'm not certain who wrote the introduction, there's no clear name there, but whoever it was, she obviously is a knitter as well as a crocheter. One thing I found interesting was that knitting written directions tend to be clearer because there are less abbreviations and more full words. I didn't know this, not knitting myself.

I found most of the patterns to be quite interesting. I found myself drawn to the rectangular patterns, rather than the triangular ones, but there was certainly a mix of different shawl types - something to satisfy anyone. I was disappointed with some yarn choices. Some shawls looked stiff and lacking drape. I think that could have been easily solved by a different yarn choice for the pattern.

I find myself most attracted to the simple patterns that allow the yarn to be the shining star of the show, rather than the complex patterned piece. Looking at what's been made at Raverly, I'm surprised that there aren't more shawls made from this book. I thought of taking pictures of the shawls, but then I thought that might be copyright infringement, so you'll just have to find the book to look at the pictures, yourself.

One shawl I was most unimpressed with was a shawl in a moss green color which used only the loop stitch. You've seen the stitch on amigurumi sheep to make the fleece... And it looked like a sheep fell into a vat of moss dye, was skinned and tossed over this woman's shoulder. Huh? What's that about? I really hate to be negative on someone's design because I know what kind of work goes into designing something, but... I can't imagine it being ANYONE's thing. I'm not surprised that it's not listed as anyone having made it on Raverly -- the designer didn't even admit to making one!

One beauty is Doris Chan's Winged Victory. As soon as I saw it, I instantly recognised it as being her work. It's another one of her blown up doily patterns. She explains her foundation single crochet technique, which I've found invaluable.

The cover shawl, Dots and Daisies is rather striking against the plain black background of the model's dress. The point of the triangle falls on the lower thigh and looks like a perfect accessory to an elegant, but unadorned evening gown.

The Shawl du soleil fascinates me, but I wonder how heavy it is! I think I'd prefer it as a blanket rather than a shawl.

There are 21 designs in total in the book and each one feels very different from the others. If you have a chance, I'd recommend giving it a look to see if something in it catches your eye. I'm certainly going to check out the other books in the series. I was pleasantly surprised with something labeled "knitting" having some impressive crochet patterns in it.

Christmas Crochet Booklet

This is a booklet that my mother gave me from her crocheting days. I adore the pillows! They're just too cute. I don't know if I'd make them, though, only because I'm against knick-knack things and I think that holiday decorations like this are knick-knacky. We don't have storage for these kinds of things. But, but... They're so cute! What's a girl to do?

Other photos of the booklet are on my flickr. Follow the picture above to see the rest. The cute little package decorations (shown on the other cover) are also very cute. I could totally see making a bunch of these for presents!

And here's a gratuitous picture of Mycroft, the cat:

Sports Themed Baby Blanket

So one of my next projects will be making a sports themed baby blanket for my unborn nephew. His (and his older brother's) room is sports themed. I've been kicking around some ideas in my head.

One is to make a ball-shaped blanket. Baseball, Basketball, Football, or Soccer ball. Most would be fairly simple to crochet in the round and then add surface crochet or embroidery for the details.

Or, I could make a rectangular blanket with ball shapes on it. Crochet a bunch of different balls, then connect them by crocheting around and around. I'm sure I'm thrilled on how this looks, however, so this idea is probably not going to happen.

What about a blanket that looks like a playing field? Football field would be fairly simple, and there's even one out there already. Football Fever (Rav link), for example. Same with soccer, and likely basketball. But for some reason, I'm pretty set on making a Fenway Park baseball diamond blanket. This is very silly. Fenway park is not a normal shape. I'm thinking that maybe there's a way to simplify the shape. Extend the right and left baseline sides so that they make a straight line? I'm also thinking that I'd like to try diagonal crochet for this. Something like this (LionBrand pattern link). And I'd definitely make the grass pattern of the red sox logo and the blocks of different green grass in the outfield.

I really like this idea, but I'm also worried it'll be too ambitious! I think it's either that, or crocheting a baseball with a red sox logo...

Any opinions or suggestions?

Yarn Exhibitionist Kit

Today I received my yarn exhibitionist kit from Emilybug. I won it for free on her blog! Awesome. I am excited to give this a try. I'll have to go to the fabric store and pick up a little something. Or wait, I might have something in a drawer I could use... Oh Oh I could use that sheet that I was planning on making into a bag... Hmmm... decisions, decisions!

Anyway, here's a photo of what comes in the kit:



When it's all put together, it makes a skein holder so that you can work on your crochet/knitting wherever you want without digging through your bag looking for your yarn or trying to juggle a yarn ball on the bus. I'll have to take photos when I make it!

Let me tell you, these magnets are STRONG. one is currently on top of my index finger and the other on the bottom and this magnet is holding on very well (while typing!) and even drawing my hand close to the computer... Maybe having this magnet this close to my beloved laptop is a bad idea...

New Yarn Bag

Yesterday I went to my neice's 9th birthday party. I can't believe how fast she's growing up. I remember when she was toddling around the house like her 21 month old brother is! (Who is also too cute, by the way!)

My mother had found a retro bag that she thinks her mother gave her. She doesn't recognise most of the yarn in it, except for the skein that she used to make a baby blanket for me (which she ended up finishing for my little sister, two years later). It's one of those fabric bags with wood dowels to give it some shape and brig, gaudy flowers on the side. I can't wait until I can wash it and photograph it and start carrying my projects in it! My mother was saying that I didn't have to carry it around, but at least I could use it at home. I laughed. I think it's perfectly tacky and can't wait to use it! :)

Photos tomorrow, hopefully. I think I caught a bug from one of the kids and then I had a very bad backache tonight, so I didn't get any crafting done and didn't get to wash the bag. But hopefully I won't be waiting in the polls line forever tomorrow and will have some time to hand wash and dry it!

Snuggle Blanket

Snuggle Blanket
Originally uploaded by lauriakincaid

Here's the blanket I was talking about last post. As you can see, I'm using a Q hook and two strands of yarn. It's not done in strips like those "Mile a Minute" afghans. It's done all at once. Eight balls of yarn at the same time! I wound two balls together to make things easier for each section, so really only four balls of yarn. I'm almost done!

NaBloPoMo

Okay, I'm not so good at the updating. So, I'm joining NaBloPoMo in hopes that it'll be the kickstart I need to keep posting. I'm at work right now, so I don't have photos to upload, but I've been working a lot on my checkered blanket for my sister and brother-in-law.

My sister is five years older than me and really took care of my growing up while my mom had to work. She made me and my little sister dinner and had to make sure we did homework and chores. Every Christmas eve we would get to open one present under the tree. I would select Sarah's gift. I always lamented that I didn't have money to get her a gift when she could give me one.

Last year she and her husband moved into a house that they built. She couldn't afford to give out presents for the family, but for the first time, I could. So I wanted to crochet her and her husband a warm blanket to snuggly up under while they watch TV with the kids. Well, it's almost a year later and I'm still working on the blanket! It's 3/4 of the way done and I just keep working on it. It has to be ready for Christmas this year!

Mail time!

I was lucky enough to win a beautiful handmade hook in the International Crochet Day giveaway hosted by The Cosmic Crocheter!

She also included a couple other gifts:

This hook is a joy to touch. It's so smooth and light, I can't stop playing with it. It's a G/4mm hook from Fancy Kitty. It's made of canarywood and has been smoothed and coated with something to make it shiney.

The yarn is Peace Fleece in Kamchatka Seamoss. I'm not certain if it's sport weight or worsted weight as they're both 2ply and nothing is listed on the label. My guess is that it's sport weight. If I can find my ruler, I'll check the WPI. (ETA: It's worsted weight, the Cosmic Crocheter told me so. OOoo that sounds so mystical! :-P )

Lastly, there's a cute crochet button included! The photo on the button is of crochet fabric in all different colors. I'm going to have to stick this on the bag I generally through my crochet in. I also use it as an everday purse, but that's because I'm always bringing my crochet somewhere!

I have no idea what I'm going to use this yarn for, but I'm sure that I'll think of something. I can't wait to play with my new hook and I hope that I can use the two as a pair.

Thanks so much, cosmiccrocheter81 (as she's known on Ravelry)!

Beach, Park, Crochet!

This weekend has been great. Friday night we went to Independence Park, which is five minutes away from our apartment. It's got a grassy park area, and then a beach. I was hoping that it would be warm enough to go swimming and when I got down to the shore, I was pleasantly surprised! I dove right in.


I'm that little dot waving at the camera.

My husband and I relaxed on a blanket while looking out at the water. I feel so luck to have witnessed this sunset.

I was enjoying looking out so much, that I neglected the crochet I brought along with me!

Today, we went to Gallows Hill Park in Salem, the alleged site of Salem "witch" hangings.

The lower level is a playground, skate park, and playing field, but the upper part seems to be the actual hill and is sorely neglected.

This is a broken water fountain filled with rain water from the storm we had last night.

You don't see metal slides like this one anymore!:

I also whipped up a crocheted drawstring pouch today. I still need to weave in some ends, but I think I left my tin with my yarn needles and stitch markers at work.

This little pouch is to hold my Diva Cup. I didn't like the fabric one that came with mine because it wasn't very subtle. It says "DIVA" right on it. And I also broke the drawstring on it. I could have easily fixed it, but I thought it would be fun to make one out of cotton. If you're interested in learning more about the Diva Cup, an alternative to pads and tampons, check out their website. I love mine.

While I was waiting for the clothes to go around in the washer and dryer, I started a bag for my camera case out of purple Lion Brand Homespun my sister gave me. I think it will protect my camera from any minor bumps or falls. It'll certainly be better than the plastic bag it's currently sitting in!

Hope everyone else had as lovely as weekend as I did!

Knit Night @ Yarns in the Farms

Last night I went to Yarns in the Farms for their Wednesday (and Tuesday) Knit Night! I met some very nice people and Wink remembered me from when I came in to buy the yarn (J. Knit's Lace-a-Licious) all the way back in May!

I brought along my Lauria's Lovely Lacy Shawl to work on while we chatted. Everyone really liked it and couldn't believe how simple the pattern is. I think that there's great beauty in simplicity. No one was in the least bit snotty about me crocheting, though everyone else had brought knitting and a couple of the women crochet, too.

We had interesting talks about many things from politics to glow in the dark yarn while people sipped red wine and "healthy" cookies. Of course I mentioned how much I love Ravelry and that it's worth the wait. It's hard to believe that there are any fiber artists that aren't on it!

I was definitely coveting the Misti Alpaca Hand Paint Chunky yarn. It is so beautiful and I think I'm going to have to get some once I have some yarn money (hopefully soon!). Next I need to decide on a project.

I didn't think to take pictures last night (maybe I'll remember next week when I hope to return), but here's a photo of the shawl I worked on:

Approproated Retro Shawl

Early in July, I was visiting my mom to celebrate my birthday. I went up to the attic and stumbled on a few crochet treasures. The first was a baby blanket that I remember. It's a waffle stitch blanket in a variegated blue, pink, white yarn. When I commented to my mother about it, she told me that she had made it. She started it for me, but finished it for my little sister Kayla whom was born 2.5 years later!

Then I also discovered two shawls in a bag. One was a stiff granny square blue shawl. I'm not big on granny squares, so I didn't pay much head, but underneath it was this lovely shawl:



My mother's best friend made it for her when my mom was 19. So this was back in 1974 or so. They're still best friends, although her mother passed away a year or two ago. I appropriated it, cleaned it and love it!
Here's some stitch detail:


I'm so glad that I found it and that it's in great condition. I feel really good about giving it a new home on my shoulders.

I wear it quite often to work. At work, I sometimes have to wear a respirator because of the chemicals used in the air - my body can't deal with chemicals very well. That makes me look like Darth Vader. So I'll often be found backstage, crocheting away on a project with my mask on and this shawl around my shoulders! People comment on how I look like Darth Grandmother! :-P

Ravelympics 2008

I participated in the Ravelmpics 08!

The Goodbye Scarf


Fingerless Forest
Stripey Fingerless Mitts


Ideate Hat