tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-91462217607742655922024-03-13T03:47:53.442-04:00Crocheting BlindCurrent & completed projects, tips & tricks, and useful tools from visually impaired crocheters.L^2http://www.blogger.com/profile/00116360024655645948noreply@blogger.comBlogger226125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9146221760774265592.post-5764824254009050232013-10-26T22:46:00.000-04:002014-01-07T15:47:58.189-05:00Crochet Project: Lots of Dots Blanket<div style="text-align: justify;">
My Lots of Dots project, started at the end of December 2012, is finally finished!!!</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/seemorephoto/10500791273/" title="IMG_2252_PS01-wm by L-SquaredPhotog, on Flickr"><img alt="crocheted blanket that has lots of colorful dots (small, medium and large) scattered randomly over a brown background." src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5548/10500791273_acf2208d8e.jpg" height="375" width="500" /></a></div>
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For this blanket, I used a size F crochet hook, <a href="http://www.lionbrand.com/patterns/70408AD.html">this Circles to Squares afghan pattern</a>, and lots of different kinds of sock yarn. I used Knit Picks Stroll in "Fedora" for the squares edging, and various shades of Knit Picks Chroma, Felici, and Imagination, as well as a few other brands of sock-weight yarn for the colorful dots.</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/seemorephoto/10500544435/" title="IMG_2263_PS01-wm by L-SquaredPhotog, on Flickr"><img alt="More dots." src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5550/10500544435_e1de921ae0.jpg" height="300" width="450" /></a></div>
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I originally tried a different circles-to-squares pattern for my project idea of making a light-weight blanket out of all my leftover bits of sock yarn, but I didn't like the results of that pattern. So, since I love <a href="http://l-squared.org/2011/07/05/crochet-project-circles-to-squares-wall-art/">the Wall Hanging</a> I made a couple of years ago from the afghan pattern linked above, I decided to use the basic idea of it again for this project. However, this time around I used an entirely different design layout; I made A LOT more squares - 126 in total (18 large, 36 medium and 72 Small). I used nearly all of my colorful sock yarn leftovers for the circle parts (color C rounds), and the dark brown yarn for turning the circles into squares (color B rounds) and connecting all the dot squares.</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/seemorephoto/10500712336/" title="IMG_2215_PS01c-wm by L-SquaredPhotog, on Flickr"><img alt="Completed blanket draped over a chair." src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7323/10500712336_5a47a0993c_m.jpg" height="240" width="180" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/seemorephoto/10500631336/" title="IMG_2241_PS01-wm by L-SquaredPhotog, on Flickr"><img alt="Close-up of some squares to show the stitch detail. " src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5513/10500631336_0a95f07968_n.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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When I was about a third of the way through crocheting squares, I decided to only work the color C and color B rounds for each square, not the outer-most color A rounds included in the pattern. Why? Well, I was running out of brown yarn (of which I couldn't afford to buy much more). So, I needed my dots have less brown “space” between them. This change resulted in a somewhat smaller blanket - approximately 42 inches by 56 inches after blocking - still plenty big for me.</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/seemorephoto/10500672794/" title="IMG_2239_PS01-wm by L-SquaredPhotog, on Flickr"><img alt="Close up of a medium-sized purple dot" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2861/10500672794_ec06ae0cdf_m.jpg" height="180" width="240" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/seemorephoto/10500617985/" title="IMG_2243_PS01-wm by L-SquaredPhotog, on Flickr"><img alt="close-up of a large teal dot." src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2877/10500617985_b874db1b94_m.jpg" height="180" width="240" /></a></div>
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As several people recommended, I worked an extra round of single crochet stitching (working in back loops only) in brown around each circle’s edge before going on to turn the circle into a square (between the last color C round and first color B round). This kept the circles looking nicely round (instead of slightly hexagonal), and it also helped prevent the corner stitching from stretching/leaving such big holes in the medium and large squares.</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/seemorephoto/10371810595/" title="IMG_2115_PS01-wm by L-SquaredPhotog, on Flickr"><img alt="Close-up of a large metal darning needle threaded with dark brown yarn, in the midst of stitching blanket squares together. " src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7432/10371810595_7d1292c8b7_n.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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I have spent the last month or so sewing the blanket squares together (using the <a href="http://blog.lionbrand.com/2012/04/19/how-to-invisibly-seam-granny-squares/">invisible seam technique</a>), during any spare moments. However, because sewing is not my favorite part and since I was so close to being done with the whole thing, I repeatedly talked myself out of making more Work in Progress posts for it. Here are all the WIP Wednesday photo-heavy posts I did make this year though, which may contain more helpful details on this project, in case anyone is interested: <a href="http://l-squared.org/2013/01/02/wip-wednesday-lots-of-dots-week-1/">Week 1</a>, <a href="http://l-squared.org/2013/01/09/wip-wednesday-lots-of-dots-week-2/">Week 2</a>, <a href="http://l-squared.org/2013/01/16/wip-wednesday-lots-of-dots-week-3/">Week 3</a>, <a href="http://l-squared.org/2013/01/23/wip-wednesday-lots-of-dots-week-4/">Week 4</a>, <a href="http://l-squared.org/2013/01/30/wip-wednesday-lots-of-dots-week-5/">Week 5</a>, <a href="http://l-squared.org/2013/02/06/wip-wednesday-lots-of-dots-week-6/">Week 6</a>, <a href="http://l-squared.org/2013/02/13/wip-wednesday-lots-of-dots-week-7/">Week 7</a>, <a href="http://l-squared.org/2013/02/20/wip-wednesday-lots-of-dots-week-8/">Week 8</a>, <a href="http://l-squared.org/2013/02/27/yarn-ball/">Week 9</a>, <a href="http://l-squared.org/2013/03/06/wip-wednesday-lots-of-dots-week-10/">Week 10</a>, <a href="http://l-squared.org/2013/03/13/wip-wednesday-lots-of-dots-week-11/">Week 11</a>, <a href="http://l-squared.org/2013/03/20/wip-wednesday-lots-of-dots-week-12/">Week 12</a>, <a href="http://l-squared.org/2013/03/27/wip-wednesday-lots-of-dots-week-13/">Week 13</a>, <a href="http://l-squared.org/2013/09/04/wip-wednesday-lots-of-dots-week-14/">Week 14</a>, <a href="http://l-squared.org/2013/09/11/wip-wednesday-lots-of-dots-week-15/">Week 15</a>.</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/seemorephoto/10500795775/" title="IMG_2187_PS01-wm by L-SquaredPhotog, on Flickr"><img alt="Working the finishing edge around the blanket - simple rounds of solid double crochet stitching." src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7320/10500795775_e3a06d61a9_m.jpg" height="240" width="180" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/seemorephoto/10500604696/" title="IMG_2247c_PS01-wm by L-SquaredPhotog, on Flickr"><img alt="Completed blanket laying out flat on a white sheet." src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7338/10500604696_a43e584c8e_n.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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After finishing all the sewing earlier this week, I also worked three rounds of solid double crochet stitch around the entire the blanket. It's a simple/plain edging, but I think it does give the project a more finished look.</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/seemorephoto/10500696315/" title="IMG_2218_PS01-wm by L-SquaredPhotog, on Flickr"><img alt="Close-up of the finished blanket draped over a wooden chair." src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7324/10500696315_c37ebc6d5b.jpg" height="375" width="500" /></a></div>
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Despite the five month break from crocheting squares in the middle (and another almost three week break during the sewing part), the entire project came together much more quickly than I originally expected it to. And I am very happy with how this colorful, snuggly-warm project has turned out. It has been a lot of fun! :D</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/seemorephoto/10500689774/" title="IMG_2231_PS01-wm by L-SquaredPhotog, on Flickr"><img alt="Blanket covering up my legs outstretched on a couch." src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5499/10500689774_48f508dc7c_n.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/seemorephoto/10500587734/" title="IMG_2258_PS01-wm by L-SquaredPhotog, on Flickr"><img alt="Close up of a large blue/purple dot with the rest of the dotted blanket out of focus in the background." src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5550/10500587734_beab47e2dc_n.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
L^2http://www.blogger.com/profile/00116360024655645948noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9146221760774265592.post-9497414446029899862013-09-09T18:01:00.003-04:002014-01-07T15:47:46.325-05:00Crochet Project: Flower Power Scarf<div style="text-align: justify;">
I finished crocheting a neat scarf today!</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/seemorephoto/9713530632/"><img alt="Scarf with a flower-like stitch design made of yarn that fades from red, to orange to blue to green to purple and then repeats all over again." src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5447/9713530632_68c577eee6.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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For this project I used a skein of Bernat Mosaic in the "Optimistic" colorway, a size H hook and this great <a href="http://www.carljohengen.com/files/Spiderweb.pdf">Spiderweb Squares scarf pattern (PDF file)</a>. This was a very fun, surprisingly quick and easy pattern, but with the colorful yarn I used, I think the design looks more like flowers than spider webs. ;-) I used the pattern supplied for the narrow scarf (but appreciated the inclusion of modifications for a medium or wide scarf), and I just continued to repeat the design until I ran out of yarn. So, I ended up with 16 "squares" for a scarf that measures approximately 4 inches wide by 84.5 inches long.</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/seemorephoto/9710385653/"><img alt="Close up of the neat flower square open-stitch design in the scarf" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7442/9710385653_7c836ae2a3.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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This fun scarf - available for <a href="http://l-squared.org/guide-dog-puppy-sponsorship/will-trade-for-donations/">a donation to my guide dog puppy sponsorship project</a> - would be a great accessory for cool autumn/spring days.</div>
L^2http://www.blogger.com/profile/00116360024655645948noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9146221760774265592.post-8740296749380202312013-08-23T09:45:00.000-04:002014-01-07T15:47:36.028-05:00Crochet Project: Meadow Socks<div style="text-align: justify;">
I've had two skeins of Knit Picks Stroll Multi yarn in the "meadow" colorway for quite awhile, that I had tried at least three other projects with before I found one I really liked... no, not another scarf. Socks!</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/seemorephoto/9571836945/"><img alt="socks modeled on feet - the socks are made of yarn that is dark chocolate brown with small sections of lime green and magenta." src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3698/9571836945_1c127a971d.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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For my Meadow Socks I used a size D hook and this <a href="http://www.quiltfixer.blogspot.com/2009/03/step-by-step-crocheted-socks-crochet.html">Step-by-step socks pattern</a>. As an experienced crocheter, I found this pattern writeup more than a little cluttered/bloated and somewhat more difficult to navigate than it should be for relatively simple socks, thanks to all the extra, and in my opinion unnecessary, details that are included. I suppose this pattern might be good for a beginner crocheter and/or anyone who has never made socks before (if you have some usable vision) because there are lots of pictures accompanying every single step of the project from how to make a foundation chain to how to finish off the completed sock. However, if you are so new to crochet that you don't know the basics (like how to make a slip knot, a chain stitch, a single crochet stitch, a double crochet stitch, etc.), I would definitely NOT recommend socks for your very first project ever. I've been crocheting for around 25 years and sometimes sock patterns still give me more trouble than they're worth. Nonetheless, for those who wish to give socks a try, this pattern - worked in my preferred method, from the toes up, so you can try them on as you go - can yield very nice results.</div>
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It's always fun to see how multi-colored yarn is going to work up, and these turned out with a very unique color pattern.</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/seemorephoto/9574661600/"><img alt="Close up of the wide zig-zag design the yarn makes on the foot section of the socks" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3791/9574661600_0093997f3b_n.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/seemorephoto/9574638558/"><img alt="Close-up of the skinny diagonal lines of the cuffs which alternate from pink and green to brown. " src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5324/9574638558_3d46be1818_n.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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I worked the toe sections of my socks to 52 stitches as written. Then, I worked foot sections approximately 23 rounds. I didn’t need any increases or decreases in this section, as described in the pattern, since the resulting fabric closely fit the contours of my foot well. I noticed there was <a href="http://www.quiltfixer.blogspot.com/2010/03/better-short-row-heel-for-crocheted.html">A Better Short Row Heel pattern</a> posted more recently on the same blog as the original sock pattern, so I ended up using that for the heel sections of my socks instead of the one included in the sock pattern, because this “better” pattern does make a nice, less holey heel. The only modification I made to this pattern is that I did work a couple of extra increases near the end of the heel turn to give a little more room for getting the fitted socks on/off over my heels/ankles (since this is always the problem area for me with crocheted socks as a result of them generally not being very stretchy like knitted socks are). Then, I continued on to the sock cuffs, working the "grit stitch" pattern until I ran out of yarn.</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/seemorephoto/9574668510/"><img alt="Completed socks laid out on a flat, white surface." src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3678/9574668510_611112f37e_m.jpg" height="180" width="240" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/seemorephoto/9571828765/"><img alt="Another shot of the socks on my feet, giving a better view of the heel section of the socks" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7381/9571828765_b1fdc0bdc7_m.jpg" height="180" width="240" /></a></div>
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This resulted in nice, warm, mid-calf length socks. My feet were protesting having to model them since it's the middle of summer here, but I'm sure the socks will be great in the winter.</div>
L^2http://www.blogger.com/profile/00116360024655645948noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9146221760774265592.post-85790462669560464592013-08-13T21:52:00.000-04:002014-01-07T15:47:22.638-05:00Crochet Project: Ocean Waves <div align="center">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/seemorephoto/9504444283/"><img alt="Scarf with a wavy stitch pattern in various hues of blues and teal greens." src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3787/9504444283_9a5c049928_n.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/seemorephoto/9504424103/"><img alt="Close-up of a teal section of the wavy stitch pattern. " src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2823/9504424103_007ee9581a_m.jpg" height="240" width="179" /></a></div>
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I crocheted this scarf with a skein of Bernat Mosaics yarn in the "Spectrum" colorway, a size H hook and an easy One Skein Chevron Scarf pattern (<a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/one-skein-chevron-scarf#">Ravelry Download</a>) that I have <a href="http://wp.me/p2A7w1-1Wk">used before</a> and really enjoy. I thought the ocean blue and teal hues of the yarn might nicely suit the wavy stitch pattern of this scarf. I worked the narrow scarf pattern, which resulted in a scarf measuring approximately 4.5 inches wide by 65 inches long. As usual, I would be happy to <a href="http://l-squared.org/guide-dog-puppy-sponsorship/will-trade-for-donations/">trade this pretty scarf</a> for a donation to <a href="http://l-squared.org/guide-dog-puppy-sponsorship/">my Guide Dog Puppy Sponsorship project</a>.</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/seemorephoto/9504455439/"><img alt="Close-up of one of the wavy ends of the scarf." src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5335/9504455439_dba84bdbe0_m.jpg" height="240" width="180" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/seemorephoto/9507230240/"><img alt="One more view of the wavy scarf laid out flat. " src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3704/9507230240_a126a85a3a_n.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
L^2http://www.blogger.com/profile/00116360024655645948noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9146221760774265592.post-73252464643596015402013-08-10T14:58:00.003-04:002014-01-07T15:47:08.297-05:00Crochet Project: Mossy Ninja<div style="text-align: justify;">
Yes, it's another scarf... I crocheted this project with a skein of Bernat Mosaics yarn in "Ninja", a size H hook and <a href="http://jacknlukemamasliff.blogspot.com/2009/06/margarets-moss-scarf.html">Margaret's Moss Scarf pattern</a>. It's a fun, easy pattern - just alternating sc and dc - which makes a neat texture. I did a base chain of 15, which resulted in a scarf that measures approximately 3.5 inches wide by 68 inches long. And as usual, this scarf is <a href="http://l-squared.org/guide-dog-puppy-sponsorship/will-trade-for-donations/">available for purchase in exchange for a donation to my guide dog puppy sponsorship project</a>.</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/seemorephoto/9481423896/"><img alt="Roughly textured scarf crocheted from yarn that fades from sections of black gray, lilac, plum, moss green, dark teal, and brown." src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2809/9481423896_77ef2111b6_n.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/seemorephoto/9478653433/"><img alt="Close-up of the neat textured stitching of a purple and dark teal/green section of the scarf" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5550/9478653433_3bce5984b6_m.jpg" height="240" width="180" /></a><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/seemorephoto/9481462496/"><img alt="Close-up of one of the straight ends of the scarf." src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3784/9481462496_d903e5ed2b_m.jpg" height="240" width="180" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/seemorephoto/9478691621/"><img alt="Another close-up of the mossy textured stitching of a moss green and gray section of the scarf." src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3677/9478691621_e60d392ae5_n.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
L^2http://www.blogger.com/profile/00116360024655645948noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9146221760774265592.post-45329352300598415252013-08-05T20:51:00.000-04:002014-01-07T15:46:58.318-05:00Crochet Project: Hydrangea Shawlette<div style="text-align: justify;">
Recently my sister surprised me with some really cool yarns including some ribbon/net yarn. I hunted around for patterns that would be fun to try with this unique yarn type, and finally settled on a spiraled shawl project:</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/seemorephoto/9448347184/"><img alt="Circular, spiraled mesh shawl in hues of yellow, green, teal, blue and purple." src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2825/9448347184_d84cf234cf.jpg" height="375" width="500" /></a></div>
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For this shawlette I used a size J crochet hook, a skein of Premier Yarns Starbella yarn in "Wild Hydrangeas" colorway and this <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/kelp-forest-shawlette#">Kelp Forest Shawlette pattern</a> (Ravelry download). (Obviously, I used the crochet hook method for this project rather than the single knitting needle method.)</div>
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I struggled with this project at first; even after watching the pattern designer’s <a href="http://youtu.be/_oSixjG16kU">tutorial video</a> several times, I kept getting a tube. The key to this project for me was working the wide edge stitches very close together (every hole) at the beginning, while the thin edge loops were worked much further apart (every 3rd hole). That extra bit at the thin edge allows it to flare out and into a flat spiral instead of just continuing to fold in half making a net tube. Once I got the spiral going, then I worked the thick edge about every 3rd hole and the thin edge every other hole.</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/seemorephoto/9445537847/"><img alt="Closer-up view of the shawl" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2824/9445537847_bd844737a5_m.jpg" height="180" width="240" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/seemorephoto/9445509285/"><img alt="Round shawl from another angle." src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3714/9445509285_4d0f15c861_m.jpg" height="180" width="240" /></a><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/seemorephoto/9448246852/"><img alt="Close-up of the mesh middle of the shawl" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5484/9448246852_a52485fe8e_m.jpg" height="180" width="240" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/seemorephoto/9445491407/"><img alt="Close-up of the ruffled edge of the shawl." src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2829/9445491407_1fc7f3c1e3_m.jpg" height="180" width="240" /></a></div>
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I only had one skein in this colorway, so the shawl is small (approximately 28 inches - it's stretchy), but the finished project does look really neat. I'm not sure I'd ever want to make another one of these, but it has definitely been an interesting adventure in using this mesh/tape yarn for the first time.</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/seemorephoto/9448230278/"><img alt="Circular project folded in half to make the ruffled mesh shawl" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7380/9448230278_eb3ab4dcb5_m.jpg" height="180" width="240" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/seemorephoto/9445432211/"><img alt="shawlette being modeled - front view over the shoulders" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3831/9445432211_4ebc4d9e9f_m.jpg" height="180" width="240" /></a><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/seemorephoto/9448185032/"><img alt="side view of the shawl being modeled - covers shoulders and all of upper back." src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7451/9448185032_e04f5fd74b_m.jpg" height="180" width="240" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/seemorephoto/9445415165/"><img alt="Back view of shawl being modeled - hangs down to mid-back." src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3707/9445415165_64b3f52021_m.jpg" height="180" width="240" /></a></div>
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I probably wouldn’t ever wear this shawl though - I just made it because the pattern technique intrigued me - so the shawlette is included on my <a href="http://l-squared.org/guide-dog-puppy-sponsorship/will-trade-for-donations/">Will Trade for Donations page</a>, in the hopes that someone can get some good use out of it.</div>
L^2http://www.blogger.com/profile/00116360024655645948noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9146221760774265592.post-11738462755216479102013-08-04T17:39:00.004-04:002014-01-07T15:46:46.098-05:00Crochet Project: Kaleidoscope Blanket<div style="text-align: justify;">
Most of my crochet time over the last week has been spent making a fun granny square blanket.</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/seemorephoto/9436751893/"><img alt="Granny square blanket draped over a wooden chair" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5463/9436751893_38cb17e4f9_n.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/seemorephoto/9436793937/"><img alt="Close-up of colorful granny squares." src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3732/9436793937_88ea7f018b_n.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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To make this colorful little blanket, I used size F, I, and K hooks with Elegant Yarns Kaleidoscope yarn in "Confetti" and "Sun Rise" colorways and some unlabeled off white colored yarn. I worked 30 basic (3 dc, 2ch) 3-round granny squares out of the colored yarns. Then, I crocheted the squares together, using <a href="http://carinascraftblog.wardi.dk/2009/06/granny-square-joining-tutorial.html">THIS neat granny square technique</a>. I am pretty obsessive about things lining up, which this joining method does NOT do (as warned in the tutorial), but nonetheless, I really like this method of joining - it almost makes the blanket look like one big granny square.</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/seemorephoto/9436863399/"><img alt="close up of more colorful squares in pink, maroon, yellow, gold, green, blue and purple." src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2842/9436863399_31b1b50795_n.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/seemorephoto/9439599258/"><img alt="Close-up of the granny-square style joining and edging of the blanket made in an off-white colored yarn." src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7367/9439599258_49608272bc_m.jpg" height="240" width="180" /></a><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/seemorephoto/9439553144/"><img alt="A few of one of the blanket corners, made with the granny square stitch pattern in off-white yarn." src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3813/9439553144_677fa5a2d0_m.jpg" height="240" width="180" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/seemorephoto/9436845485/"><img alt="completed blanket laid out flat." src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2862/9436845485_82b63d23bf_n.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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The result is a neat baby/toddler/pet sized blanket (32 inches by 39 inches) which, as usual, is <a href="http://l-squared.org/guide-dog-puppy-sponsorship/will-trade-for-donations/">available for trade</a>.</div>
L^2http://www.blogger.com/profile/00116360024655645948noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9146221760774265592.post-2352189621712224752013-07-28T18:19:00.000-04:002014-01-07T15:46:34.737-05:00Crochet Project: Party Hat<div style="text-align: justify;">
Earlier this week the silly idea that my guide dog, Jack, needed a party hat for his upcoming 5th birthday just randomly popped into my head. I was originally thinking I would buy him one of those cheap cardboard ones or maybe I would just make him one out of paper or something. But then I thought, "Why don't I crochet him a party hat?", and this project was born.</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/seemorephoto/9396749976/"><img alt="cone-shaped party hat crocheted with yellow, purple and blue yarn." src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2863/9396749976_b774200053_n.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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To make Jack's birthday hat I used a size G hook, some Elegant Yarns Kaleidoscope yarn in the "Sun Rise" colorway, and this easy to follow <a href="http://easymakesmehappy.blogspot.com/2011/04/normal-0-materials-purple-worsted.html">Party Hats pattern</a>. Of course, I modified things just slightly since I made it for a dog. I added a few extra rounds (31 rounds total) at the bottom to make the hat better proportioned for my chocolate boy's large Labbie head, before going on to add the ruffled bottom and pompom topper. I also worked a row of fdc in a loop for the chin strap (because I didn’t have any elastic handy at the time). And, instead of using card stock to give the hat better structure, I just stuffed the cone-shaped part of the hat with some light weight filler. Then, I crocheted a round bottom and sewed it inside to hold in the stuffing.</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/seemorephoto/9396739424/"><img alt="hat laying on its side to show the round bottom panel." src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7453/9396739424_ca15754a7d_n.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/seemorephoto/9393964687/"><img alt="Up close view of the pointy top of the hat with a big fluffy pom-pom of yarn on top." src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2828/9393964687_22e6bb8bdf_n.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a><br />
<<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/seemorephoto/9396719914/"><img alt="Close-up of the ruffle around the bottom edge of the hat and the foundation-double crochet chin strap." src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7378/9396719914_75868f23be_n.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/seemorephoto/9393928573/"><img alt="Completed party hat. " src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3786/9393928573_8caf3fbc70_m.jpg" height="240" width="180" /></a></div>
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The colorful party hat fits Jack perfectly; he tolerates it as well as he does <a href="http://i669.photobucket.com/albums/vv53/SeeMore_photo/IMG_0676-wm_zps2a1bfe56.jpg">his Santa hat</a>; and he looks adorable in it, of course. You'll have to wait until his actual birthday - when I'll try to take some nice birthday boy portraits - to see him model it though. :-)</div>
L^2http://www.blogger.com/profile/00116360024655645948noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9146221760774265592.post-56488593443783696482013-07-15T12:44:00.000-04:002014-01-07T15:45:08.377-05:00Crochet Project: Furry Scarf<div style="text-align: justify;">
Recently my Sister gave me two balls of unlabeled eyelash yarn in Halloween-ish colors, so I decided to combine them to make a furry striped scarf/boa for her.</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/seemorephoto/9276011995/"><img alt="Furry scarf in progress, just a few rows done." src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3796/9276011995_4c5fb9b5b0_m.jpg" height="240" width="240" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/seemorephoto/9288047634/"><img alt="Close-up of the orange and gray shaggy fur of the scarf." src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3682/9288047634_ab491d4683_m.jpg" height="240" width="180" /></a><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/seemorephoto/9288064114/"><img alt="Close up of the orange and gray stripes" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5477/9288064114_00a98a3bab_m.jpg" height="205" width="153" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/seemorephoto/9285254467/"><img alt="Completed scarf." src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7345/9285254467_a1700c0baa_n.jpg" height="205" width="272" /></a></div>
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I have a love-hate relationship with this type of yarn (it can be a pain to work with, but it can also yield neat finished projects), so I wanted to keep things fairly simple. I used a size K hook and worked an alternating stitch pattern of chains and half double crochets, worked in the chain spaces - with a base chain of 13. I alternated yarn colors every two rows, but there was more of the burnt orange color than the silver/black color, so the ends of the furry scarf are solid orange. The completed scarf measures 3.5 inches wide by 72 inches long.</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/seemorephoto/9285300001/"><img alt="Completed scarf laid out to show it in its entirety." src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5499/9285300001_c3b2b6be82.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
L^2http://www.blogger.com/profile/00116360024655645948noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9146221760774265592.post-78157492442978156622013-07-14T09:48:00.000-04:002014-01-07T15:44:52.422-05:00Crochet Projects: Scrap Scarves<div style="text-align: justify;">
Many of my crochet projects this year have been made with yarn left over from previous projects. This week I completed two more colorful scarves from scraps.</div>
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Shells Scrap Scarf:</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/seemorephoto/9241689020/"><img alt="Scarf in progress with rows of small balls of yarn sitting beside it." src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7380/9241689020_a994c699a3_m.jpg" height="180" width="180" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/seemorephoto/9252483304/" title="IMG_9663_PS01-wm by L-SquaredPhotog, on Flickr"><img alt="Scarf almost finished, just need to weave in ends" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7345/9252483304_eb2d54e30d_m.jpg" height="180" width="240" /></a><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/seemorephoto/9281608456/"><img alt="Close-up of the shell and v stitch pattern." src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3701/9281608456_cbd830122a_m.jpg" height="161" width="213" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/seemorephoto/9281576100/"><img alt="Finished very colorful scarf" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2874/9281576100_03fa1cb02c_m.jpg" height="161" width="213" /></a></div>
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For this one I used a size J hook, various worsted/aran weight yarns and this <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/stashbuster-crochet-scarf">Stash Buster Scarf pattern</a> that is comprised of alternating shells and V stitches. It's an easy pattern that works up quickly, but because I used so many different yarns there were quite a few ends that couldn't all be crocheted into the project. So, I had a lot of weaving to do at the end. This scarf measures 4.5 inches wide by 83 inches in length.</div>
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Striped Scrap Scarf:</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/seemorephoto/9279122593/"><img alt="Striped scarf in progress, not quite half way done." src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5467/9279122593_694bf6b5ab_m.jpg" height="240" width="240" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/seemorephoto/9281589696/"><img alt="Close up of colorful striped pattern" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2825/9281589696_153ee25362_m.jpg" height="240" width="180" /></a><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/seemorephoto/9281594064/"><img alt="Finished colorful striped scarf." src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7414/9281594064_eb9cb4a394_m.jpg" height="167" width="218" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/seemorephoto/9281581336/"><img alt="Striped scarf folded up to show all the colors on the edges." src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2806/9281581336_36358a5a3f_m.jpg" height="167" width="218" /></a></div>
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Again for this one I used a size J hook and various worsted/aran weight yarns. As for a pattern I just worked in single crochet stitches (with a base chain of 17) and I alternated the yarns every two rows to make stripes. This scarf measures 4.5 inches wide by 70 inches in length.</div>
L^2http://www.blogger.com/profile/00116360024655645948noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9146221760774265592.post-12855149458592667612013-07-08T21:38:00.002-04:002014-01-07T15:44:42.325-05:00Crochet Project: Tunisian Starry Night Scarf/Cowl<div style="text-align: justify;">
It took me a while to find the perfect pattern for this awesome "Starry Night" fingering-weight superwash merino wool yarn. I wanted a simple stitch pattern to show off the very pretty hand-painted colors, but I also wanted something that would be fun to make.</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/seemorephoto/9067211375/"><img alt="Two hanks of hand-dyed yarn with sections in yellow, blues and purples." src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5337/9067211375_3514113373_m.jpg" height="240" width="240" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/seemorephoto/9145267521/"><img alt="Close up of stitching showing off the many colors created by the blending of the dyes in the Starry Night yarn" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3772/9145267521_4c473bbd22_n.jpg" height="240" width="240" /></a></div>
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Since I needed more practice with Tunisian crochet, this <a href="http://yarrhooked.blogspot.com/2012/01/free-pattern-tunisian-scarfcowl.html">Tunisian Scarf/Cowl pattern</a> ended up being a great choice for this yarn, paired with a size G hook. However, since I used thinner yarn than the pattern called for, I had to work more stitches (30). Luckily, the work was still narrow enough for me to get by with my standard crochet hook, since I still haven't gotten around to purchasing any Tunisian crochet hooks yet.</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/seemorephoto/9145265797/"><img alt="Close-up of the scarf in progress - showing one corner being worked off a blue metal crochet hook." src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5337/9145265797_1fe06758fc_m.jpg" height="240" width="240" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/seemorephoto/9147492658/"><img alt="Another in progress shot - showing lots of loops of the current scarf row on the hook." src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7381/9147492658_7b7a540ef1_m.jpg" height="240" width="240" /></a></div>
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The completed scarf measures about 5 inches wide by 66 inches long. I completed the crocheting at the end of June, but it took me a bit to find some buttons that are the right size and coordinating color for this very colorful accessory.</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/seemorephoto/9242130107/"><img alt="Scarf folded with a row of three buttons along the bottom" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3819/9242130107_9780c34f2c_m.jpg" height="180" width="240" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/seemorephoto/9242119925/"><img alt="Close-up of the plain blue buttons that match the blue in the many-colored scarf" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2873/9242119925_0156b783a7_m.jpg" height="180" width="240" /></a><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/seemorephoto/9244853196/"><img alt="Another angle showing the scarf, ends buttoned up" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7311/9244853196_99a0bc4b20_m.jpg" height="180" width="240" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/seemorephoto/9244868412/"><img alt="Close-up of scarf showing both the back (with tiny knit-like stitches) and front (with long verticle stitches)." src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7289/9244868412_f3cc07a218_m.jpg" height="180" width="240" /></a></div>
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At first I considered just leaving off the buttons, but I really do like that it can be worn as either a scarf (with it tied/wrapped around the neck and the ends left hanging down over the shoulders) or as a cowl (with the ends buttoned together and the whole thing looped around the neck).</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/seemorephoto/9242104395/"><img alt="Finished scarf with the ends buttoned up and looped around to form a cowl." src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7369/9242104395_b070a90ed0.jpg" height="376" width="500" /></a></div>
L^2http://www.blogger.com/profile/00116360024655645948noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9146221760774265592.post-59467415432640259852013-07-05T10:01:00.000-04:002014-01-07T15:44:32.902-05:00Crochet Project: Slouchy Hat<div style="text-align: justify;">
I have fallen a little behind on blogging about my finished crochet projects, but one of the items I have recently completed is a slouchy hat. I have actually wanted to make one of these hats (which go by several different names) for quite awhile now, so I was originally planning to make this project with a different yarn. But then, I won a prize in <a href="http://bookwyrmknits.wordpress.com/">Book-wyrn Knits'</a> birthday/wedding celebration blog contest which included some super soft, pretty purple yarn (Thanks again, Nicole!). And well, I just had to use it for this project. :-)</div>
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(my apologies for any gross medicine-caked eyes/eyelashes that may be visible)</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/seemorephoto/9196328132/"><img alt="Close up of the band of my hat, on my head." src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3746/9196328132_206b9dbd3f_n.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/seemorephoto/9196317278/"><img alt="Back view of the hat with my hair tucked up into it so the sides are scrunched up." src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3732/9196317278_6408bd007c_m.jpg" height="240" width="180" /></a><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/seemorephoto/9196310014/"><img alt="View of the hat from above - from this angle it basically just looks like a regular stocking cap." src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2861/9196310014_153f670461_m.jpg" height="240" width="180" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/seemorephoto/9196279542/"><img alt="Another view of the hat from the back with my hair tucked in - this time the underside of the hat is scrunched up, so it forms a sort of 'bag' at the back of my head holding my hair inside." src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3738/9196279542_04c6926e55_n.jpg" height="241" width="320" /></a></div>
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So, for my slouchy hat I used size E, F, and G hooks, with Knit Picks Comfy (fingering-weight) yarn in "Lilac" and this <a href="http://crazysockscrochet.blogspot.com/2011/10/crochet-pattern-super-slouch-hat.html">Super Slouch Hat pattern</a>. Of course, since the yarn I used is much thinner than the worsted yarn this pattern calls for, I had to modify things a bit. I basically just doubled the number of rows on everything and increased to 88 stitches. I probably could have increased a little more, and definitely would if I was making this for anyone else, but mine is plenty stretchy for my little head. I really like how the hat turned out; it is perfect for containing my always wild hair.</div>
L^2http://www.blogger.com/profile/00116360024655645948noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9146221760774265592.post-61561364403863903892013-06-25T19:47:00.000-04:002014-01-07T15:44:20.749-05:00Crochet Project: TARDIS<div style="text-align: justify;">
Since I am a big <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Doctor_Who"><i>Doctor Who</i></a> fan, I have been inclined to save almost every <i>Who</i>-ish crochet pattern I have come across over the last few years. But I had never actually gotten around to crocheting any of them, until a month or two ago when <a href="http://arabellabalances.tumblr.com/">Arabella</a>'s Mom asked if I could make her a <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/TARDIS">TARDIS</a>.</div>
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Well... as it turns out, I CAN build time machines! :-)</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/seemorephoto/9139822492/"><img alt="Two medium blue crocheted British Police Public Call Boxes, aka TARDISes." src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7282/9139822492_09e3226ee1_n.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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I actually decided to make one for myself first, to help me figure out all the details and get a little practice in on them before I made a second nicer looking one for Arabella's Mom. For these awesome little Police Boxes I used this <a href="http://armyofowls.blogspot.com/2010/05/its-much-bigger-on-inside.html">TARDIS Amigurimi pattern</a>, a size G hook, Red Heart SuperSaver yarns in Blue Suede, Royal, White, and Holiday white/silver. This fun project also required fiberfill, cardboard, iron-on transfer printer paper, white fabric, and fabric glue.</div>
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The pattern is a great basic TARDIS, but I did make a few modifications:</div>
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On the four side panels, for rows 18-22, I worked stitches 2-7 and 9-14 in white for the windows, to help cut down on the amount of embroidery needed later.</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/seemorephoto/8942329262/" title="IMG_8862-pc1-wm by L-SquaredPhotog, on Flickr"><img alt="TARDIS parts - 4 walls, roof and bottom for each." src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3745/8942329262_913613b645_m.jpg" height="240" width="240" /></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/seemorephoto/9001505376/"><img alt="Embroidering the details and sewing the walls together" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2821/9001505376_e9ab825131_m.jpg" height="240" width="240" /></a></div>
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I used <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/jaegerthewolf/tardis-amigurumi">Jaegerthewolf’s pattern for the roof</a>, and I crocheted the light on top using the silver/white sparkly yarn.</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/seemorephoto/9000316233/"><img alt="First TARDIS with darker blue embroidered details, almost done - just needs signs" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3793/9000316233_d519f8c22c_m.jpg" height="240" width="240" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/seemorephoto/9000317575/"><img alt="Second TARDIS almost done - all stuffed and sewed together, just needs signs." src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8116/9000317575_5fcaf8893b_m.jpg" height="240" width="240" /></a></div>
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I also decided to use slightly darker (Royal) blue yarn for the bottom panel and to embroider the details (doors, squares/panels, window panes, light frame etc.) on my TARDIS to give it a bit more definition. But then for Arabella's TARDIS, I just worked all the parts and embroidery in the same Blue Suede yarn instead of switching to the Royal, and I think they are still easy to see.</div>
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Unfortunately, my embroidery skills leave A LOT to be desired, so I decided print the "Police Public Call Box" signs onto iron-on transfer paper, apply them to some white t-shirt fabric and then glue the resulting patches to each TARDIS instead of trying to embroider them on. <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/73719520@N00/5592836157/">THIS</a> is the excellent image I borrowed for the signs.</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/seemorephoto/9137608845/"><img alt="close ups of the black and white police public call box sign patches laying on a wooden surface. " src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3833/9137608845_0ef12d5d50_m.jpg" height="240" width="240" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/seemorephoto/9139826018/"><img alt="close up sowing the embroidery and signage detail on a TARDIS." src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7312/9139826018_d7ebac6a94_m.jpg" height="240" width="240" /></a></div>
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Even with the extra crocheted embellishments I worked, the crocheted part of these projects was quick and easy to complete. However, embroidering/adding all the details… not so much. Adding in printer issues, ongoing eye surgery-related issues and traveling for post-op exams, and it ultimately took me at least two weeks longer to put all the finishing touches on these TARDISs than I expected.</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/seemorephoto/9137600493/"><img alt="My TARDIS all finished." src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2888/9137600493_14657ae8f4_m.jpg" height="240" width="240" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/seemorephoto/9137603525/"><img alt="Arabella's Mom's completed TARDIS" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5503/9137603525_7fd3225d33_m.jpg" height="240" width="240" /></a></div>
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Now that they are finally done though, I LOVE THEM!!! (And I hope Arabella's Mom will love hers too.) Each TARDIS measures approximately 9 inches tall by 4 inches wide by 4 inches long.</div>
L^2http://www.blogger.com/profile/00116360024655645948noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9146221760774265592.post-53667216591267220012013-06-22T16:20:00.000-04:002014-01-07T15:44:09.539-05:00Feeling Stitches<div style="text-align: justify;">
In my many crochet project posts, I do make an effort to point out patterns that I find to be especially nicely tactile for my fellow blind/visually impaired crocheter friends who might be reading the blog. However, today I received <a href="http://l-squared.org/2013/06/21/solstice-checkup/#comment-14185">a comment</a> (thanks Terry!) at <a href="http://l-squared.org/">my personal website</a>, which essentially pointed out to me that I haven’t blogged in any detail about how to actually go about identifying stitches by touch, for those who are new to crochet.</div>
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How easily you will be able to distinguish crocheted stitches by feeling them is highly dependent on your yarn weight and your hook size. Smaller stitches (like single crochet and slip stitches), especially those made with thinner weight yarns (sport, sock/fingering, thread, etc), special-textured yarns (like fun fur or fleece) and/or smaller hooks (F or less) will be more challenging, even for the experienced crocheter, to pick out individually than the larger/taller stitches. So, assuming you already know how to make each of the basic stitches in crochet (chain, slip stitch, single crochet, half double crochet, double crochet, and possibly even triple/treble crochet - I'm using U.S. terms here), then I would recommend you practice identifying the stitch structures by working each of these most common stitches in a swatch with a relatively thick yarn using a large crochet hook. A block of double crochets made with worsted or bulky yarn on a J, K or bigger sized hook, should be good to begin with since that's a larger/taller and thus more tactile stitch. After you become more comfortable identifying the various stitch types and their structures made with larger hooks and thicker yarns, then gradually start practicing identifying stitches worked with the smaller hooks and/or thinner yarns you may eventually want to work with for a project.</div>
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As you are feeling for stitches, if you have any remaining vision or if you previously had vision when you learned to crochet, try to match up what you think/know the stitches should look like visually with what you are feeling under your fingertips. As I am working, I typically feel each stitch in my project simultaneously with my thumb (on the front side) and my index finger (on the back side). It is typically the light touch of my index finger pressing the stitch against my stable thumb that makes quick identification possible for me. Other crocheters may accomplish this task differently, for example: by laying their work out on a flat surface and running an index finger or multiple fingers over it, similar to the manner in which Braille is read. Do whatever works best for you.</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/seemorephoto/8451025197/"><img alt="Close up of my hands as I work with brown yarn and an orange metal crochet hook; I'm in the midst of adding an edging of double crochet stitches around a blue crocheted disk." src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8529/8451025197_b50a76eab1_n.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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If you don't have any idea what crocheted stitches look like, then start with the basics - the top of pretty much every stitch is made up of two loops, the front loop and the back loop, which together form a hole in which you typically work the next row/round of stitches. Below this, most stitches (like double crochet) have a notable "post" structure which will be a different size/shape depending on the stitch. Each type of crochet stitch does feel distinctly different (ex. to me, single crochet basically just feels like small holes in the middle of yarn boxes, the post of half-double crochet feels fat/thick, the double crochet post is tall and skinnier than hdc, triple crochet's post is very tall). It just takes a little practice to learn what each one feels like.</div>
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The key to feeling stitches in crochet really is practice - how and when you do that (i.e. with swatches before you begin a project or with a project itself, as you are creating it) is up to you. I learned how to crochet at a young age, so now, 20-some years later, it seems natural to me to pick out the various stitch structure details by touch as I work. However, it is a skill I mastered thanks to practice with many different types of crochet projects.</div>
L^2http://www.blogger.com/profile/00116360024655645948noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9146221760774265592.post-28558136696443921212013-06-19T18:09:00.000-04:002014-01-07T15:43:59.633-05:00Crochet Project: Striped Swaddler<div style="text-align: justify;">
One of the half-dozen or so crochet projects I have been working on over the last few days is another baby/pet blanket.</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/seemorephoto/9086718515/"><img alt="Blanket made of diagonal beige and white stripes with a green, beige and white edging." src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3673/9086718515_13eecf6d65_m.jpg" height="180" width="240" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/seemorephoto/9086735861/"><img alt="Close-up of the blanket's shell stitch pattern, showing the brown, green and blue colored flecks in the white yarn." src="http://l2.yimg.com/sj/2890/9086735861_42ffc93344_m.jpg" height="180" width="240" /></a></div>
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I used Red Heart Super Saver in "Fleck", and "Light Sage", as well as some Caron Simply Soft in "Bone" that I had left over from a couple of long ago crochet projects, a size K hook and a Swaddle Me Blanket pattern by Crochet Kitten (<a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/swaddle-me-blankie#">Ravelry pattern download</a>).</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/seemorephoto/9067208799/"><img alt="blanket in progress, about half of the striped rows are complete." src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7289/9067208799_faef2fec12_m.jpg" height="240" width="240" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/seemorephoto/9067199729/"><img alt="Another in-progress shot to show the shell-like stitch pattern." src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2847/9067199729_c0775c0e64_m.jpg" height="240" width="240" /></a></div>
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I decided to give this pattern a try mainly because I was intrigued by the shell-like stitch pattern that is worked diagonally from corner to corner instead of side to side like most blankets. However, in the end, I just used the above linked pattern for the middle of this blanket. I had to use a bigger hook because I crochet tightly and it just wasn't laying well with a smaller hook size; I didn’t do the hood part of the pattern; I only worked 30 increase rows (instead of 41) because I was just using up some leftover yarn and wasn’t sure how much I had and/or how far it would get me; and I didn’t do the shell/scallop edging. My stripe sizes were also just random (well my pattern went: bone-5, fleck-3, b-6, f-4, b-3, f-5, b-4 / f-5, b-3, f-6, b-4, f-3, b-5, f-2). And for the edging, I just did a bunch of rows of dc in sage and bone, and then 1 final hdc row with the last of the fleck yarn.</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/seemorephoto/9086755219/"><img alt="Close-up of the green, beige and white blanket edging." src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2813/9086755219_16569b7a0a_m.jpg" height="180" width="240" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/seemorephoto/9088913500/"><img alt="Finished blanket folded into fourths." src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3706/9088913500_eedb21ba2f_m.jpg" height="180" width="240" /></a><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/seemorephoto/9088990604/"><img alt="Finished blanket laid out flat." src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2830/9088990604_bda469371f_m.jpg" height="180" width="240" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/seemorephoto/9086672467/"><img alt="One more close up of the blanket edge to better show the neat colored flecks in the white yarn." src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3784/9086672467_a632d775e7_m.jpg" height="180" width="240" /></a></div>
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I ended up with a cute (32 by 32 inch) blanket that worked up very quickly, but despite the change in hook size to hopefully get it to lay better, it is still in need of some MAJOR blocking. I’ll probably wait to do that though until right before I give it away. Speaking of which, if any one would like to have this little blanket, it is included on my <a href="http://l-squared.org/guide-dog-puppy-sponsorship/will-trade-for-donations/">Will Trade for Donations</a> page.</div>
L^2http://www.blogger.com/profile/00116360024655645948noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9146221760774265592.post-24177838113073060142013-06-08T18:02:00.000-04:002014-01-07T15:43:49.297-05:00Crochet Project: Ladder Scarf<div style="text-align: justify;">
The second crocheted scarf project I completed this week is one for which I made up my own simple pattern design, just to use up some more leftover yarn from a project I made last year. I used a size N/M (9.0mm) hook, a bit less than one skein of Lion Brand Homespun in "Fiesta" and an alternating stitch pattern of 2 double crochets and 2 chains (with a base chain of 18 stitches).</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/seemorephoto/8991127104/"><img alt="scarf with a square stitch design made with a fuzzy yarn in muted tones of gold, maroon and teal blue." src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7356/8991127104_ea6ba8d916_n.jpg" height="320" width="239" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/seemorephoto/8989350701/"><img alt="Close-up of scarf stitching to show off the mixed colors of the yarn." src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7371/8989350701_f44eaff961_n.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/seemorephoto/8991102262/"><img alt="close-up of scarf from above, looking down at it draped over the back of a wooden chair." src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8257/8991102262_ba01089f99_n.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/seemorephoto/8989372347/"><img alt="Scarf held up to a bright window so the light shines through the openwork to show of the square ladder stitch design better." src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3687/8989372347_2b7e6b1d56_n.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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This was another quick, easy project that resulted in a soft warm scarf with a ladder-like stitch design. The scarf of muted primary colors measures about 5 inches wide by 60 inches long.</div>
L^2http://www.blogger.com/profile/00116360024655645948noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9146221760774265592.post-38172091113736285722013-06-07T13:17:00.000-04:002014-01-07T15:43:39.274-05:00Crochet Project: Asymmetry Scarf<div style="text-align: justify;">
This week's crochet project for the looooonnnnnngggg trip to visit my eye surgeon was yet another scarf.</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/seemorephoto/8980148368/"><img alt="shell stitch scarf" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3692/8980148368_30f04e8afe_n.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/seemorephoto/8980012414/"><img alt="Completed scarf draped over the back of a wooden chair" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2819/8980012414_49b0af1b67_n.jpg" height="320" width="239" /></a><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/seemorephoto/8978936601/"><img alt="close-up of the thick, fuzzy purple yarn which is actually made up of a dark maroon-purple strand, a medium violet-gray strand and a light purple-pink strand all twisted together." src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3817/8978936601_9811bb0b2e_n.jpg" height="231" width="309" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/seemorephoto/8978781433/"><img alt="Scarf held up to a window with the light filtering through the stitch work to better show the asymmetrical shell stitch design." src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2879/8978781433_56a8366bf2_m.jpg" height="230" width="173" /></a></div>
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Last weekend my Mom found a skein of Lion Brand Homespun yarn in the "Baroque" colorway for something like ten cents at a yard sale, and since it was purple-ish, she bought it for me. :-)</div>
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Honestly this is not my favorite type of yarn to work with, but I love the color, so I found a great pattern for it: an Asymmetry Scarf (<a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/asymmetry-scarf#">Ravelry free pattern download</a>) by Lisa Gonzalez which has an asymmetrical shell stitch pattern. It's a quick, easy, nicely tactile pattern, perfect for one random skein of Homespun yarn paired with a size K hook. Crocheting stitches into a chain 2 space rather than having to try to find stitch tops made this yarn so much easier for me to work with.</div>
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The only slight challenge was row 1, but I just put stitch makers into the base chains I needed to find for it. (i.e. ch 3, mark ch 4; ch 6, mark next ch, ch 6, mark next ch, ch 3, mark last ch). Then it was no problem! I did decide to start with a base chain of 22 though (instead of 29), for a slightly narrower scarf, because I didn't think I had quite a full skein of yarn.</div>
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This soft, warm scarf ended up measuring approximately 6 inches wide by 60 inches long after washing and blocking. And, like most of my recent "just for fun" crochet projects, it is included on my <a href="http://l-squared.org/guide-dog-puppy-sponsorship/will-trade-for-donations/">Will Trade for Donations page</a>.</div>
L^2http://www.blogger.com/profile/00116360024655645948noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9146221760774265592.post-73369472336400926862013-06-04T20:27:00.000-04:002014-01-07T15:43:28.215-05:00Crochet Project: Shopping Bag<div style="text-align: justify;">
On Sunday my Sister surprised me with a really neat skein of Bernat Handicrafter Cotton Candy Collection yarn in the "Squishy" colorway that I just <i>had</i> to find a fun crochet project for immediately!</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/seemorephoto/8941583805/"><img alt="close up of yarn skein showing the twisted strand of white, lime green, cyan blue and grape purple" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7365/8941583805_fbe756a2d0_m.jpg" height="240" width="240" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/seemorephoto/8942436799/"><img alt="Project in progress: just 4 rounds worked on the bag." src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7437/8942436799_6a347e57c6_m.jpg" height="240" width="180" /></a></div>
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After a quick perusal of my pattern queue on Ravelry, I selected a simple <a href="http://www.lionbrand.com/patterns/L20065.html">4 Ball Market Bag pattern</a> to make with this yarn and a size I hook. I worked the bag part of the pattern as written, and it proved to be nicely tactile since each stitch is worked in the space between the stitches instead of in the tops of the stitches. I did add eight extra rows to the handle (after row 40) to make it a little longer though. Then, instead of fastening off after row 40 (and re-connecting my yarn on the other side of the bag to make the other half of the handle), I just continued to re-work rows 40 - 25 (backwards/opposite, i.e. increasing instead of decreasing), and then slip stitched the end to the other side of the bag.</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/seemorephoto/8953462507/"><img alt="Completed shopping bag hanging from a door knob" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2883/8953462507_0627f281a2_m.jpg" height="240" width="180" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/seemorephoto/8953452375/"><img alt="Close-up of the bag stitching." src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5342/8953452375_bf5f8d6f5d_n.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/seemorephoto/8953403171/"><img alt="Looking down into the open bag at the rounds of stitching" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3713/8953403171_47c16a48a1_n.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/seemorephoto/8953424351/"><img alt="Completed bag hanging on a door handle, from a slightly different angle." src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7380/8953424351_3dfa5a5778_m.jpg" height="240" width="179" /></a></div>
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My gauge was smaller (partly because I crochet very tightly), but I didn’t want to increase the hook size and end up with any bigger stitch holes. So, my bag is a bit smaller than the size stated in the pattern (mine is about 20 inches from bottom of bag to top of handle and roughly 12 inches wide), but I like it! And I have plenty of this neat yarn left over to use for another project!</div>
L^2http://www.blogger.com/profile/00116360024655645948noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9146221760774265592.post-50401452518857755472013-05-30T09:58:00.000-04:002014-01-07T15:43:18.250-05:00Crochet Project: Caribbean Scarf<div style="text-align: justify;">
This week's eye doctor trip crochet project was yet another scarf:</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/seemorephoto/8884914157/"><img alt="Scarf striped in shades of purple, blue, teal and green." src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5446/8884914157_df57cbe0a4.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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I used two skeins of Lion Brand Tweed Stripes in "Caribbean", a size G hook and <a href="http://www.womansday.com/home/craft-ideas/bohemian-scarf-1129">this Bohemian Scarf pattern</a>. I chose this easy (and nicely tactile) scarf pattern solely because I liked that it is worked the long way instead of the narrow way for a change. However, instead of using 4 different colors of yarn as called for in the pattern, I used only one color-changing yarn. Thus, I did not fasten off at the end of each row, and did not include fringe as the pattern encourages. I also worked an extra row or two of the alternating sc, ch 1 stitch pattern around the entire outside of the scarf just to use up the remainder of my yarn.</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/seemorephoto/8884839711/"><img alt="Close-up of the various colors of stripes in the scarf" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2852/8884839711_5c2b9dc6be_m.jpg" height="180" width="240" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/seemorephoto/8884745531/"><img alt="Close-up of open-work stitch pattern." src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3677/8884745531_1d8474af66_m.jpg" height="180" width="240" /></a><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/seemorephoto/8884826602/"><img alt="More of the different colors of two-tone striped stitching" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8280/8884826602_1939c7bba9_m.jpg" height="180" width="240" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/seemorephoto/8884150213/"><img alt="Completed scarf laid out to show all the different colors." src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5464/8884150213_892bfe4955_m.jpg" height="180" width="240" /></a></div>
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This was another quick, fun project that was perfect for working on while traveling. I very much like how it turned out and so does my Mom; she has already called dibs on this super soft scarf, because it has "her colors". :-)</div>
L^2http://www.blogger.com/profile/00116360024655645948noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9146221760774265592.post-81509429693315064132013-05-26T13:45:00.000-04:002014-01-07T15:43:09.476-05:00Crochet Project: Beach Baby Blanket<div style="text-align: justify;">
Recently when I was reorganizing my yarn stash, I discovered that I still had roughly four skeins of an unlabeled acrylic yarn that is variegated white, green, pink, and blue. Honestly I'm not a big fan of this particular yarn for several reasons, so I had avoided working with the remainder of it for quite awhile now. However, I finally decided it might make a nice baby/pet blanket.</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/seemorephoto/8843629053/"><img alt="A smiling purple-haired troll doll wrapped up in a crocheted blanket made of variegated blue, green, pink and white yarn" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7365/8843629053_ac7f09a0fe_m.jpg" height="240" width="180" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/seemorephoto/8844295422/"><img alt="Close up of the sort of basket-weave stitching of the blanket" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8131/8844295422_495a881b2a_n.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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I chose this <a href="http://peapod-soup.blogspot.co.uk/2011/09/cornish-coast-baby-blanket-free-crochet.html">Cornish Coast Baby Blanket pattern by Clare Collier</a> for this project. It proved to be an easy to remember, excellent tactile pattern for keeping me occupied while recovering from my eye surgery over the last month. I needed a much smaller hook - K instead of Q - though. Also, I made my blanket 120 stitches wide by 112 rows long and worked three rounds of single crochet edging. This yielded an approximately 30 by 32 inch blanket after blocking - a good receiving baby blanket size (or perfect for a puppy, smaller dog or cat).</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/seemorephoto/8683807583/"><img alt="Blanket in progress - just a few rows complete" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8262/8683807583_f45b4b1bbe_m.jpg" height="180" width="240" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/seemorephoto/8844274088/"><img alt="Close-up of the blanket corner to show the edge stitching" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8398/8844274088_da6284bfcc_m.jpg" height="180" width="240" /></a><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/seemorephoto/8844263078/"><img alt="Close-up of the woven-like stitching." src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3812/8844263078_a54b28e285_m.jpg" height="180" width="240" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/seemorephoto/8844309510/"><img alt="Completed blanket laid out flat." src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5346/8844309510_b0cda172e8_m.jpg" height="181" width="240" /></a></div>
L^2http://www.blogger.com/profile/00116360024655645948noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9146221760774265592.post-90786546382071180602013-05-20T20:41:00.000-04:002014-01-07T15:42:57.116-05:00Crochet Project: Harness Handle Cover<div style="text-align: justify;">
Last week I had been contemplating making a cover for the handle of my guide dog's harness, just for the fun of it. So, yesterday, I finally decided to go ahead and try this quick little project.</div>
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The idea for a harness handle cover was originally inspired by the <a href="http://torontoknitcafe.wordpress.com/2011/06/22/i-heart-my-bike/">I Heart My Bike Lock Cozy pattern</a> I stumbled across recently. I used the same basic idea as that pattern with a size G hook and my last little bit of Red Heart Super Saver yarn in "Heartfelt".</div>
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To make my guide dog harness handle cover, I started off by measuring the circumference of the widest part of the harness - the part I hold in my hand. It was approximately 2.75 inches around, which worked out to roughly 12 stitches with my gauge. So, I chained 12 and made a ring. Then, I just worked rounds of single crochet stitching until it was long enough (i.e. until I ran out of yarn).</div>
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The handle cover ended up measuring about 10 inches in length - plenty long to cover the handle, with enough to go around the corners a bit to help keep it in place too.</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/seemorephoto/8755595874/"><img alt="Colorful crocheted tube over the hand grip part of a guide dog harness laying against a white wall." src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2854/8755595874_2a789d9c51_n.jpg" height="320" width="239" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/seemorephoto/8755591994/"><img alt="Closer-up view of the handle cover made in yarn that is variegated blue, teal, green, purple and red." src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8259/8755591994_6eb100649a_n.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/seemorephoto/8755585928/"><img alt="View looking down at chocolate Lab Guide dog Jack's back as he's dressed in his leather harness and my left hand is holding on to the harness handle covered in the crocheted cozy." src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7431/8755585928_bef415eb78.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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I'm not sure I will leave it on all the time, but I do really like how it turned out. It gives the black and white harness a nice touch of color and it would look great paired with <a href="http://l-squared.org/2011/04/02/guide-harness-signs/">our purple harness pouch</a>. :-)</div>
L^2http://www.blogger.com/profile/00116360024655645948noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9146221760774265592.post-72860123316653042542013-05-11T11:00:00.000-04:002014-01-07T15:42:44.089-05:00Crochet Project: Chevron Scarf<div style="text-align: justify;">
This week's eye doctor trip crochet project was a very pretty chevron scarf:</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/seemorephoto/8727683192/"><img alt="Chevron Scarf - a scarf worked in a zig-zag pattern with yarn that gradually fades from dusty rose, light blue, violet, magenta and moss green." src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7371/8727683192_2dd41a3155_n.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/seemorephoto/8726572565/"><img alt="Scarf being modeled around a neck" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7330/8726572565_83b421a554_m.jpg" height="240" width="180" /></a></div>
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For this project, I used a size H hook and a skein of Bernet Mosaic yarn in "Fantasy" with the One-Skein Chevron Scarf pattern by Dena Stelly (<a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/one-skein-chevron-scarf#">Ravelry download</a>). I used the pattern for the narrow scarf, but I appreciated that adjustments for a medium and wide width scarf were also included in the writeup. I just repeated the ripple pattern until I had used up all my yarn, so after blocking the scarf measures approximately 4.5 inches wide by 64.5 inches long. This was another fun, quick to make scarf that was great for working on in the car, and I am very happy with how it turned out.</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/seemorephoto/8721996214/"><img alt="Scarf in progress, just a few rows done." src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7457/8721996214_7cb87f9fd4_n.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/seemorephoto/8726537203/"><img alt="Scarf in progress, nearly completed" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7391/8726537203_2365c71d0d_m.jpg" height="240" width="180" /></a><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/seemorephoto/8727675174/"><img alt="Close-up of the zig zag stitching." src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7343/8727675174_4eaf2a5b50_m.jpg" width="250" /> </a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/seemorephoto/8726581301/"><img alt="Completed scarf laying out flat on a table top" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7320/8726581301_1f1a76d4a9_m.jpg" width="250" /></a></div>
L^2http://www.blogger.com/profile/00116360024655645948noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9146221760774265592.post-54126285123723772682013-05-05T22:58:00.000-04:002014-01-07T15:42:32.701-05:00Crochet Project: Tunisian Mesh Scarf<div style="text-align: justify;">
Today I present to you my very first completed Tunisian crochet project, a colorful mesh scarf!</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/seemorephoto/8712299673/"><img alt="Colorful mesh scarf laying on a white surface" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8558/8712299673_79e0d549b0_n.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/seemorephoto/8713968523/"><img alt="Colorful mesh scarf being modeled around a neck." src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7287/8713968523_dddd9e3881_m.jpg" height="240" width="180" /></a></div>
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What's the big deal? Well, I have been intrigued by Tunisian crochet for a long time, because I love the look of it, but I had never tried it before last week. For those who aren't familiar with this crochet technique, it's a sort of cross between knitting and crochet. It gives you more of the intricate stitch options of knitting (since the loops of each stitch remain on the needle), but with the ease of only using one hook, like crochet.</div>
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While looking through the long list of favorite patterns I have saved to my Ravelry queue for another smaller project that would travel well with me on the long trip for my eye surgery last week, I decided to finally give Tunisian crochet a try with a seemingly simple Tunisian Mesh Scarf pattern (<a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/tunisian-mesh-scarf#">Ravelry download</a>) and the skein of Caron Dazzleaire (vintage) in Earthglow Ombre, I had left over from <a href="http://crochetingblind.blogspot.com/2013/04/crochet-project-striped-shells-blanket.html">my striped shells blanket</a>.</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/seemorephoto/8684919970/"><img alt="Tunisian mesh scarf - made with rainbow colored yarn - in progress, just a few inches complete." src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8118/8684919970_21e8ca7acd_m.jpg" height="180" width="240" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/seemorephoto/8684914438/"><img alt="Close-up of the mesh stitching of the scarf, showing the multiple loops of Tunisian Crochet on a green metal crochet hook." src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8118/8684914438_f82d55e1cc_m.jpg" height="180" width="240" /></a></div>
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I don’t have Tunisian crochet hooks yet, so I made the scarf just slightly narrower (25 chains for 12 posts), so I could keep all the loops on a standard (size I) crochet hook a little more easily. I struggled a little bit at first (and ended up restarting the project after realizing I hadn't followed the directions correctly, but it soon proved to be quite easy.</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/seemorephoto/8712321579/"><img alt="close up of the end/edge stitching of the scarf" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8409/8712321579_7c37d0afe0_m.jpg" height="180" width="240" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/seemorephoto/8713438904/"><img alt="Close up of the long post stitches that make up the mesh rows." src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8280/8713438904_6ba9a6eee4_m.jpg" height="180" width="240" /></a><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/seemorephoto/8712306039/"><img alt="Another close-up of the stitching to show off the colorful fuzzy yarn " src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8133/8712306039_ff9820781e_n.jpg" height="232" width="310" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/seemorephoto/8712293155/"><img alt="Finished scarf from another angle - looking down it's long length." src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8557/8712293155_31cf90f9fc_m.jpg" height="232" width="175" /></a></div>
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Although the resulting fabric wants to bias (as the pattern warned) and curl (as Tunisian crochet tends to do), I still think it yielded a fun, light weight scarf. I just continued to repeat the pattern until I ran out of yarn, so the scarf measures about 5 inches wide by 66 inches long after blocking.</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/seemorephoto/8713400912/"><img alt="A section of scarf is being held up to show the light coming through the mesh stitching" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8121/8713400912_3dcaa6c841_m.jpg" height="240" width="179" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/seemorephoto/8712284817/"><img alt="One more of the finished project that is a very colorful mix of red, orange, yellow, green, blue and purple. " src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8403/8712284817_e6a73e68b6_n.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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NOTE: If you accidentally work this pattern using Tunisian Simple Stitch (as I did in my first attempt - shown in <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/seemorephoto/8680284017">THIS photo</a> and <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/seemorephoto/8681386910">THIS photo</a>) instead of Tunisian Knit Stitch, you will end up with fabric that looks like woven plaid instead of open mesh. This makes a neat looking scarf too (I was almost tempted to just continue with it after realizing my mistake). :)</div>
L^2http://www.blogger.com/profile/00116360024655645948noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9146221760774265592.post-43593315972192063392013-05-04T18:59:00.000-04:002014-01-07T15:42:22.405-05:00Crochet Project: Purple Eye Shield<div align="center">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/seemorephoto/8703841874/"><img alt="A clear plastic eye shield with a crocheted strap and edging made with bright purple yarn." src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8538/8703841874_ed662c7d4a.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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Well, this may not be the best crochet project I've ever made, but it is purple. ;-) Thursday night I improvised a strap in single crochet stitching for a clear plastic eye shield. I used a size E hook and a bit of leftover Caron Simply Soft yarn in "Grape". The project was inspired partly out of boredom and the want of a purple eye shield to wear as I recover from <a href="http://l-squared.org/2013/05/01/post-op/">my eye surgery</a>. However, its creation also came about from a need for an alternative to using medical tape to adhere my protective eye shields to my increasingly raw/adhesive-irritated face. I don't think it is quite sturdy enough to use while napping/sleeping, but it does serve well for all those moments when I just need to quickly cover my very tender eye (to protect it from wind/weather, dog tongues, etc.) for a brief period of time.</div>
L^2http://www.blogger.com/profile/00116360024655645948noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9146221760774265592.post-32568906458497163642013-04-24T22:11:00.000-04:002014-01-07T15:42:12.039-05:00Crochet Project: Striped Shells Blanket<div class="notes markdown">
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Late last spring my Mom surprised me with a big bunch of yarn she found at a yard sale for $1 - 10 skeins of rainbow colored "Earthglow Ombre" Caron Dazzleaire vintage yarn. I decided it would be great for this <a href="http://www.handcraftingwithlove.net/yarn/pat-avshell2.html">Alternating V Shell Afghan pattern</a>, so I began work on it last June. However, after much frustration I almost gave up on this project entirely.</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/seemorephoto/8679104549/"><img alt="Completed blanket draped over a chair - it is made of stitches that look like tiny shells and the variegated, self-striping yarn is dark red, bright orange, school-bus yellow, bright green, turuoise and violet." src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8534/8679104549_d2bf56ffba.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
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It is a nice, easy pattern, that works up quickly, and makes a very pretty blanket. The problem I had with this blanket was the yarn I used. My first skein of yarn unexpectedly made a fun striped color pattern as I worked, which I really liked. This stripey pattern naturally continued with the next skein and the next. but then I started noticing little differences in each new skein of yarn I added to the project. Unfortunately, even though all of the skeins of this yarn were labeled as being from the same dye lot there were quite noticeable color/pattern variations in some skeins (some had no orange, others had no green, some had almost no orange AND no green, and some had a lot longer color changes than others too) which made the striped pattern look messy from skein to skein since the colors weren't always the same.</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/seemorephoto/8680205914/"><img alt="A section of stripes where the colors are noticeably different (lacking green and brighter yellow) for six or eight rows in the middle. " src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8395/8680205914_efda3948c4.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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After frogging and reworking the entire blanket once because it looked bad; making some adjustments to my yarn (leaving out some skeins that were missing colors); reworking the whole thing again and still eventually running into basically the same problem of the colors not matching well from skein to skein, the project hibernated for about 8 months while I worked on other, usually less frustrating things.</div>
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Then today, while I was sorting through my yarn looking for something suitable for a couple of new patterns I want to try to crochet, I came across this shell afghan project again. After examining it, I finally decided to just rip out the last section of stitches made with the worst of the ill-matched skeins and live with the rest of the yarn imperfections so I could finally finish off this project.</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/seemorephoto/8679088475/"><img alt="Close-up of the shell stitching on the colorful, striped blanket." src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8385/8679088475_550922c084.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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The finished blanket measures 42 inches by 50 inches, so it's a good lap/chair sized afghan. I'm still not very happy with it though. The blanket itself is very soft and warm.... Maybe I’m just too picky about the yarn not all being the same colors.</div>
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L^2http://www.blogger.com/profile/00116360024655645948noreply@blogger.com0