Grad afghan progress day 8

The original graph

8 days progress. almost done!

Only another day or 2 to finish this graduation present!   It's going a bit faster now that the color blocks are larger and I don't have to change color every few stitches as I did in a couple areas.  I'm almost done with the picture on the design, then to finish off the purple area of the background and add a border.  I'm playing with the idea of making the border designed as well instead of just a plain stripe.  What do you think? 

Grad afghan progress Day 6

Well, 6 days in and I'm about 2/3 done. Right on schedule!  But look at that tangled mess of yarn on the right!  Ugh!  It's going to take a while to fix that. I have about 8 strands attached at this point. A few more rows and the 1 will be completed and I can cut the white and have an easier time untangling that knot on the right. I'm wondering whether I have enough white left to complete this project, I may have to start another skein.  I'm using Red heart yarn. 2 purple (I think the actual name is "amethyst") "pounder" skeins, 1 white "pounder" and 2 black 7 oz skeins that still have plenty more yarn on them. It's looking pretty good,I think. minus the messy yarn on the right, of course.

grad afghan progress, Day 1

the graph from which I'll make the afghan

the finished product

Here is my graduate afghan graph.  I made one afghan in these colors already, (as you can see  - sorry about the blurry camera phone photo, I promise I'll do better next time!)
and have started another one (except this second one will have a white cap) and the first day's progress is shown below. 

the first ten rows, day one

I'll work on it again tonight and show day to day progress as this one grows. I've had questions about how I make my afghans from graphs and I think this will help clarify things.

I'm working this graph from the side so I will come to the tassel first (the black bit near the middle) and work through the 2, then the 0, etc. It's a lot easier than doing all the numbers at the same time from top to bottom or bottom to top because of all the color changes needed.  I know some people think the stitches in an afghan need to be vertical when looking at the design and if that's important to you, just make sure to keep your yarn untangled with each turn of your work.  Otherwise on something like this you'll end up wanting to cut out the knots that form and making more ends to weave in, thus weakening the integrity of the blanket.






I will post my progress from today tomorrow morning at least that's my plan!).  I worked about 2 hours total on this much of it, so I can calculate my time to finish from this much.  There are 100 rows across so that means 10 days of 10 rows (if I keep up the same rate) and 2 hours a day x 10 days is 20 hours to complete this afghan.  Let's see if I'm right!

summer crochet

Here in Michigan, winter is coming to a close and spring is starting to show through. I don't despair for my crocheting, though, because there are plenty of warm weather crochet projects out there!

Using a lighter yarn works well for warmer weather wearables. Switching to a cotton or sock yarn to do a project is a simple way to transfer a winter wearable into a spring/summer item (but always check your gauge! Lighter yarns don't work up the same way heavier yarns do). Try making a lacy sun hat instead of a bulky, warm hat, or make a beach cover up instead of a sweater.

Another warm weather project is embellishments. Creating appliques for summer or winter wearables is always fun. Adding a flower to a hat makes a personal statement and changes the look at the same time. Crocheting a lacy edging around the collar of a favorite tee or blouse adds a feminine touch. Creating your own jewelry with crochet is stylish and whimsical. All these projects can be put into a purse or bag and brought with you on vacation as well.

You may want to try different projects altogether. Sitting under a pile of yarn can often become too warm and uncomfortable if the air conditioning isn't strong enough, or if you like to sit outside and crochet, like me. So why not try napkin rings, placemats, or dishcloths to name a few? They work up quickly and don't cover your lap with heavy, hot fabric. Another idea is stuffed animals or dolls. I've become quite enraptured by these, myself. I've made stuffed sheep, cartoon characters, people, and other toys.

So don't put down those crochet hooks for summer! Try something new and small, or practice your stitches on a favorite take-along project. But don't stop crocheting!