Taking a Break

Except for new orders, I'm taking a break from crochet. And from FaceBook, for that matter. I kind of go in cycles; I'll crochet constantly for a few years, then I'll get a bit burnt out and switch to my other obsession, cross stitch.

That's what I"ve been working on the last 10 weeks or so. I'll post it here because I've mailed it off to its new home, and it should have already arrived (well, maybe tomorrow). I've sent it to a dear friend for Christmas. It's a pattern I bought nearly 20 years ago to make for my mom, but I was starting to burn out on cross stitching by that time, so it never got more than started. I picked it up a few times over the years, but never got much done. In nearly 20 years, I had gotten about 1/4 of it done. By staying away from FaceBook, I finished the other 3/4 in just over 2 months! Unfortunately, I'm almost 17 years too late to give it to my mom.

I've now started on a new pattern...a dragon! I'm ot generally into scifi/fantasy, but when it comes to cross stitch, I tend to gravitate toward it. I think it's because of the bold colors and the variety of colors. It keeps it from getting boring.

Maybe that's why it too so long for me to finish this one. It has a lot of colors, but they're all rather muted.

The new pattern has metallic thread and beads, so...nothing muted about it! The beads go in all those empty squares (not the big empty blotches, those are just areas I haven't stitched in yet).

Granny Square Poncho Pattern

I just finished another granny square poncho and have had several requests for the pattern, so I thought I'd finally get it written up and in my Etsy shop. It's easy but a bit time consuming.

You can buy the pattern here: Granny Square Poncho Pattern.

Alternatively, if you would rather buy the poncho than make it, it's available, custom made, here: Afghansoffthehook, Granny Square Poncho

Basket Weave Infant Cocoon and Hat Set

I have just written a pattern for an infant cocoon and hat set that I would like to share with you.  I haven't had a lot of time lately to post anything, but I'm hoping that changes soon. I now have a shop on Etsy.com and this set is for sale there, along with several other items.
Basket Weave Cocoon and Hat Set

 

Basket Weave Infant Cocoon and Hat Set

By Rachel Simister

8 oz. worsted weight yarn in main color.

3 oz. worsted weight yarn in secondary color.

Size I hook

Yarn needle 

Gauge isn’t very important here. After crocheting the 5^th round, piece should measure approximately 6” across. If you’re way off, go up (if it’s too small) or down (if it’s too big) a hook size.

I don’t like the magic circle, so I don’t use it. If you like it, feel free to use it.

The stripes were added randomly, so you can change from the main color to the secondary color whenever you like. Work the last stitch in the round, hook through the top of the first dc, yo with new color and pull through in a slip stitch to change color. The number of rows done in the secondary color were also random.

Chain 2 does not count as a stitch.

Round 1. ch 4, join with a slip stitch in first chain to form a loop, ch 2, 12 dc in loop, join to 1st dc. (12dc)
Round 2. ch 2, 2 dc in same st and in each st around. Join to top of 1st dc. (24 dc)
Round 3. ch 2, 2 dc in same st, 1 dc in next st. *2 dc in next st, 1 dc in next st* rep * around, join to 1st dc. (36 dc)
Round 4. ch 2, 2 dc in same st, 1 dc in next 2 sts. *2 dc in next st, 1 dc in next 2 sts* rep * around, join to 1st dc. (48 dc)
Round 5. ch2, 2 dc in same st, 1 dc in next 3 sts. *2 dc in next st, 1 dc in next 3 sts* rep * around, join to 1st dc. (60 dc)

Round 6. ch 2, *FPDC in next 3 sts, BPDC in next 3 sts* rep * around, join to first dc.
Round 7. ch 2, *BPDC in next 3 sts, FPDC in next 3 sts* rep * around, join to first dc.

Round 8 on. Rep rounds 6 and 7 until cocoon measures approximately 19”, ending with main color. Do not fasten off, join secondary color.

Cuff

Round 1. Ch 2. Dc in each fpdc and bpdc around. Join with slip stitch to top of first dc.

Round 2-4. Ch 2. Fpdc in first dc. *Bpdc in next dc, fpdc in next dc* around. Join to top of first fpdc. Finish off.

 

Hat

Chain 2 does not count as a stitch.

Round 1. ch 4, join with a slip stitch in first chain to form a loop, ch 2, 12 dc in loop, join to 1st dc. (12dc)
Round 2. ch 2, 2 dc in same st and in each st around. Join to top of 1st dc. (24 dc)
Round 3. ch 2, 2 dc in same st, 1 dc in next st. *2 dc in next st, 1 dc in next st* rep * around, join to 1st dc. (36 dc)
Round 4. ch 2, *FPDC in next 3 sts, BPDC in next 3 sts* rep * around, join to first dc.
Round 5. ch 2, *BPDC in next 3 sts, FPDC in next 3 sts* rep * around, join to first dc.

Round 6 on. Rep rounds 4 and 5 until hat measures approximately 4”, ending with main color. Do not fasten off, join secondary color.

Round 1. Ch 2. Sc in each fpdc and bpdc around. Join with slip stitch to top of first dc.

Fasten off.

 

Weave in all ends in cocoon and hat.

Figuring This Out

Please bear with me as I try to figure this all out. 

My name is Rachel and I'm brand new to this.  As if you couldn't tell.  I wanted to try this out because, well, why not.  I actually hate the word 'blog'...sort of the sound one of my dogs makes when she yarks.  Charming way to start out, huh? 

So, I live in Iowa with my husband of almost 23 years, our youngest son, three cats and two dogs.  I love to crochet and cook.  And read.  I hate housework.  Hate.  My life is anything but exciting, but I am a pretty good cook and I make some very nice afghans and I really like to share.  If it hadn't been for the sharing of information by others, I would never have gotten good at either cooking or crocheting, so I guess I would like to return the favor.

I know it's barely March, but here in Iowa, land of the endless snow, it's too nasty to do anything outside, so I thought I may as well be productive while I'm stuck inside.  I have decided to make afghans for Christmas presents this year.  My sister got one last year for her birthday, so that leaves hubby's family.  That's five sibs (his mom got one year before last for Christmas).

This is the one I made my sister,  Unfortunately, I didn't get a picture of the one I sent my mother-in-law, but it's the same design, just different colors.  So far, I have one finished and one almost finished.  Yes, I need to get pictures of those, I know. 

I just got an order for another one that I will start on as soon as it's paid for.  *I learned to never start a project until it's fully paid for.  Otherwise I would be drowning in afghans and baby blankets.*  This is why I started working on the presents so early.  New orders always come in when I have something else I want to do LOL, but the things I 'want' to do don't put money in the bank.  *sigh*

The pattern is available for sale in my Etsy shop Ridged Chevron afghan pattern

If you would like to buy a custom made afghan, handcrafted by me, you can do that here: Ridged Zig Zag Afghan at Etsy.

Crocheted Zig Zag Afghan
Approximate Size: 49" x 71"