the start of my crochet journey

I've been putting graphs and a few written patterns on here for years but I want to get away from that and just create. This blog is going in a new direction and I think I'm going to put my story on here to start it off. 

When I was 19 my paternal grandma died. We weren't close, but she taught me how to crochet, or at least she started to. I made a square that was more trapezoidal in shape and called it good. Fast forward a few years and I married my long-time boyfriend (we started dating a couple months after "Grandma E" died). A few months after that one of my best friends called me crying about her rotten so and so of a husband and I sped the 10 miles or so to her home, told her to pack up some clothes for her and their kid and come spend the night  with me. I won't get into the drama that caused,  but she and their son stayed with us for a few months and since she and I worked 1st shift and my husband worked 2nd, I spent my evenings with her building on what my grandma taught me about crochet. Did I mention that my friend crocheted? No, I didn't...but she did! She showed me her crochet project and I figured I'd join in.  My first finished project was a granny square blanket in all different colors randomly placed. I don't have it  anymore, but I remember the first square was probably twice the size of all the others! When my friend moved out I had something to occupy my time so I learned to read crochet patterns and made Christmas gifts.

Now I like making things, any things, all things! I love crafting. Before my friend moved in with us I was bead weaving and stringing beads for necklaces and bracelets.  But all of my projects are for a limited time until I move on to something else. Until I learned to crochet!! I've been crocheting most every day for almost 23 years now. I found my real passion. I think that we need to find what we really love to do and then do that. My husband told me he was afraid that if I started crocheting for money I wouldn't like to do it anymore. Well, there are times when I feel overwhelmed that I have a backlog of paid projects to complete and no time to try this or that thing I saw and wanted to make but other than that, no, it hasn't happened. I've slowed down a bit in the last few years, but nothing has stopped me. I may need to take a break to rest my muscles or joints, but I still love it and I still want to do it.

Go find your passion. Then do it. 

Jack and Sally free graphs

It's Halloween today! In honor of the love story between Jack Skellington and Sally of Halloweentown, I present you with these matching Jack and Sally graphs. They can be found at kendrascrochetedcreations.com where you can save or print them. Use 2 dc per graph square with an H hook to get a twin size throw. General instructions are found on the website, but if you need help getting started or have any questions as you go please contact me!

Jack is enthusiastic and tends to throw himself whole-heartedly into everything he does. He's impulsive and a dreamer and quite the romantic!

Sally is sweet, forgiving, compassionate, caring, and strong-willed. She's sensible, but supports Jack no matter what (even when she knows he's wrong!).

These are reasons they're so loved as a couple! They balance each other out perfectly.

Chicago White Sox

Chicago White Sox

 The Chicago White Sox logo has undergone many changes over the years from simple to complex, but I think this is my favorite. 

To make a twin size afghan, use 2 dc per graph square with an H hook.  To get your starting chain, double the number of graph squares along the edge where you'll begin and add one more for turning (either 90 x 2 +1 = 181 or 120 x 2 + 1 = 241) and start your first dc in the 3rd chain from the hook.  Dc in each chain to the end and that is your first row of graph squares!

If you'd like to make your own, you can download or print the graph from kendrascrochetedcreations.com.  If you have any questions, put those in the body of your email, keeping in mind I just made the graph and haven't made the blanket.  If you like, I can make the blanket for you, email me for pricing and invoice. 

Unicorn graph for sale

 I know, I usually post graphs that are free, but this one took a lot of work and time! (You may need to turn your phones sideways to see the graph!)

Unicorns are said to possess magical abilities and healing powers.  They are associated with purity, chastity, and power.

I don't think kids (and lately most adults) care about that though.  They just think they're cool!  And sparkly rainbow unicorns are the coolest.  I gotta admit, I agree.

This graph can be used to create a throw blanket about 4 x 5 ft.  Email me for the graph, general instructions (no written pattern), and pricing information at kendrascrochet@gmail.com with "unicorn graph" in the subject line.  The graph is $5. After receiving payment I'll email you the pdf of the graph.

Free Tweety graph

 Tweety bird is one of the cutest cartoon characters every created, in my opinion.  He's adorable, saucy, and maybe a bit malicious (just ask Sylvester the cat!) But it's hard to take his viciousness seriously when he does it with such a sweet expression on his face!

This graph is made to create a 5 x 6 foot throw when using a J hook and 1 sc per graph square.  If you'd like this free graph, you can go to kendrascrochetedcreations.com and save or print it right from your browser!  If you have any questions, put them in the body of the email.

I can personalize for a small fee if you'd like.

If you'd like me to make one for you I can do that too!  Just email me for pricing.

Army logo graph

 

I've been having issues with my computer for a while now.  I think that my wonderful tech support has fixed it as well as it can be fixed.  That said, a lot of my graphs have disappeared since the crash. This U.S. Army logo graph is one of them.  I just redid this one and I'm telling myself it's better than the old one.  I'm too smart for that though so please let me know what you think!

This graph is meant to be worked with an H hook using 2 dc per graph square in a Worsted Weight yarn like Red Heart.  This is a free graph. Just go to kendrascrochetedcreations.com and clickon the picture todownload or print.  There is no written pattern.

Pennywise (It) graph

It

 I had a friend ask me about making a horror themed afghan for a son who enjoys horror movies. The style I do doesn't take well to a lot of detail so realistic looking faces are not an option for me.  They end up looking cartoonish. But here we have Pennywise the clown, well, sort of...This is the DVD cover for the newest version of the movie.

 

I made this graph to be a twin sized afghan when using 2 dc per graph square with an H hook.  I'll post a photo when I'm done working it up.

If you'd like to try it yourself, you can go to kendrascrochetedcreations.com and save or print right from your browser.

My first C2C graph! (Christmas themed)

Christmas boots

I've had several requests for my c2c graph of *whatever picture is being looked at* and I've had to correct the impression that all graphs are meant to be c2c. I had someone go ahead and make my Green Bay graph into a c2c style and it ended up being 9 feet wide by 13 feet long.  I'm not sure what she's using it for, but it 's good to have that information!

 
 I've never started out to create a c2c graph, though I like working them up myself.  I'm never sure how big to make the graph!  It took some trial and error (and tears of frustration) on my part to decide on a graph size for my twin afghans and I really didn't look forward to going through that again.  So for this one, I looked back to a graph that I worked up and had to modify to get the size I wanted and did a little math to find *voila* that a 40 x 60 graph in c2c would serve me well for a lapghan if I used an I hook to work it up.  

*Backstory on the process:

Basically, I liked the width of the blanket, but the graph I was using was square and it wasn't long enough.  I (yuck) did a few straight rows of dc across the top when I was done to make it a more acceptable length to me, hated it, donated it, and started again.  But this time I knew I wanted it to include those rows worked into the c2c. I added half those rows to the bottom of the graph and half to the top of the graph. When I finished, the graph was an acceptable size to work and it turned out great.

If you'd like to work this Christmas themed graph into a lapghan for  yourself, email me at kendrascrochetedcreations@gmail.com for the pdf of the graph.  "Christmas Boots" should be in the subject line and any questions you have should be in the body of the email.  I do not have instructions to work the c2c method, but if you need them, look here for them. That page also includes a link for a video tutorial as well as written instructions with pictures.

If you work it up, please send me a picture of the finished product!  I love to see my graphs turned into real world items.  I'd love to see this worked up with custom colors on the boots for maybe a favorite sports team.  Maize and Blue boots on a Christmas green background would be perfect for my family!   What colors will you use?

Lighthouse silhouette graph

Lighthouse

I beg you to please read till the end.  Lots of information!

On February 17 this year, I lost a beloved friend.  She had been battling cancer, which she kept mostly to herself because she didn't like people to worry about her.  So when I got the message from her cousin (who was my best friend from the time we were 6 years old!) it was great shock to me. My friend, Stacy, had insisted that she was getting better.  She told me of recurring kidney infections, but not that her cancer had come back.  She was an amazing woman.  She had a great capacity to love.  She sewed purses and wallets and had a business doing so out of her home. Several months ago she had to put her business on hold and move back in with her parents.

Stacy's Star

Her birthday is coming up soon and her family wants to do a benefit for her to help her husband with the cost of her headstone and probably medical expenses and such.  I was asked to design a blanket in her honor that will be raffled off at the birthday fundraiser.

Stacy loved  lighthouses and had a collection of them so I decided to include her favorite item in the design.  And I think there is something poetic about sunsets, which Stacy also loved, so I included a background of a sunset.  I love the colors in the first one which is just titled "Lighthouse," but I was asked to make it with more of a yellow/orange theme.  When I did so, it seemed very bare so I added 3 birds flying off together.  I chose 3 because Stacy had 2 sisters.

At Stacy's funeral, there was a very moving story about an aunt who thought of her when she saw a bright shining star in the sky (which I can tell you is very appropriate. She really was the bright shining star in the family).  When I realized I hadn't made the graph the correct proportions for a 5 x 6 throw I added rows at the top and there was a lot of blank space so I added one single bright shining star in her honor.

All of that to say this: Until her birthday on April 17, 2020, I would like to ask for a donation of $1 for either graph if you'd like to make a lighthouse afghan of your own (the star and birds are easily skipped if you don't want them in there). Please PayPal me the donation with the title of the graph in the notes section of the transfer and I'll email you the pdf of the graph.  After April 17, email kendrascrochet@gmail.com with either "lighthouse" or "Stacy's Star" in the subject line and I'll email you the pdf free of charge.

If you'd like me to make you one, I would love to as I plan on donating the profits to the family for her headstone, or whatever they need it for, at the time of the benefit.  Temporarily, I'm asking $50 for the throw, if you pre-order by April 17. After then, the price goes back to normal. Email me to order.

I'm working on a finished product right now to be raffled off. If you'd like to order a raffle ticket, please let me know and I'll put you in contact with the one in charge of the raffle.  Tickets are $1 each or 6 for $5. Finished photo to be posted as soon as I"m done with it!

Time to slow down!

I'm starting to overwhelm myself a bit. I have at least 4 projects that I'm actively working on (a stuffed duck; a pattern for Sonic the Hedgehog's friend, Tails; and 2 bathing suit cover-ups that could also be  summer sweaters) and the same day I buried a dear friend, my mother was diagnosed with congestive heart failure. I described myself as "emotionally exhausted" when I looked at my fast food receipt and saw that my order was wrong and did nothing to fix it. I usually have no problem correcting this type of mistake but I nearly burst into tears instead. Tears, because I was charged for 2 cheeseburgers I didn't order and was given Sprite instead of diet Coke!

Well, I certainly didn't mean to go off on that tangent! Let me show you what I've been doing instead.

There are a couple baby dresses in my Etsy shop ( www.etsy.com/shop/KendrasCrochet ) and I added this baby cardigan also. I wish I had a baby model!

Baby cardigan

The owl scarf is for my cousin to match the owl gloves and owl hat she already has.

Messy photo
of Owl scarf

A friend of mine lost her mother a few years ago. Her mother would split skeins of yarn into 2 ply balls for her baby blankets. I inherited her yarn collection. I'm using them here for a couple bathing suit covers. The blue one is a pattern I found in a crochet magazine.  Who's ready for summer? I am!

Crochet! Magazine 

The second cover up is from an unlabeled ball from that collection. If anyone recognizes this color please let me know because I am in love! Pattern from a pinterest post called Whirl Mandala Cardigan

Mandala
Cover-up

Then there's Sonic. After I watched the movie with my son and my dad, I had to make this!! It has a lot of fiddly parts and I had to redo the nose once and was tempted to do it over again, but my darling little prince ran off with him! I guess if it's good enough for him, I'm happy!

Sonic!

Sonic the Hedgehog free graph

Sonic the Hedgehog

Sonic the Hedgehog is a video game character originated by Sega, but is very soon going to be in his own movie!  My son and I are beyond excited to see it.  My son is a gamer boy in the extreme!  He loves Nintendo's Mario best of all (graph can be found here) but I think Sonic is maybe his second favorite and with the movie coming out I figured I'd just have to make a graph...and possibly a blanket! 😉

I worked harder on this one than on any graph I've done before.  I usually try to use the least number of colors possible so there are fewer ends to tuck in and fewer places for something to go wrong. I decided to give Sonic a little depth though, and shaded/shadowed him a bit.  I'm sure if you want to cut down on the colors used, that you could omit the dark blue and use only one color blue throughout.

I created this graph to make a 5 x 6 ft throw when using 1 sc per graph square with a J hook.  If you'd like the pdf of this graph, you can go to kendrascrochetedcreations.com and save or print right from your browser.  If you'd like me to make you one I can do that too.  Email me at kendra@kendrascrochetedcreations.com for pricing. 

If you make this afghan, please send me a photo!  I love to see your work.  If you post it to social media, please credit me with the design and tag me.  I'm KendrasCrochet on Instagram and Twitter, and KendrasCrochetedCreations on Facebook.  If you have any questions about this graph, please let me know. 

Buffalo Bills

The Buffalo Bills have an amazing logo in my opinion!  I mean, it's a little obvious, they're in Buffalo and their logo is a buffalo...

But look at it! The strength of the leaping buffalo, the perception of motion, and of course the red white and blue colors are always attractive!

This graph was made to create a twin size afghan when using 2 dc per graph square and an H hook.  I'd suggest working it from the short side to avoid too many color changes.  I like to use a method called intarsia where I leave the unused color hanging and pick up the new.  You can see photos of this method in this blog post.  If you'd like the pdf of the graph you can go to kendrascrochetedcreations.com and save orprintright from your browser.  If you'd like me to make you one, I can do that too. Email me at kendra@kendrascrochetedcreations.com for pricing.

If you make this please send  me a photo!  I'd love to see it.  When you share to social media please credit me with the design and tag  @KendrasCrochetedCreations on Facebook and @KendrasCrochet on Twitter and Instagram.  If you like it, let me know in the comments!

Pittsburgh Pirates graph

Do you know how the Pirates got their name?  They were originally the Alleghenys , but when they signed on a much sought after 2nd baseman, they were accused of making a "piratical" move and they embraced the term as their own and wore it proudly. 

The logo has changed over the years, as logos often do, but it has most often been a single "P" in some form. The most recent is this pointy letter P whose name for the font I can't find!  I believe they made it up just for the logo, but I could be wrong.

This graph was created to make a twin sized afghan when using 2 dc per graph square with an H hook.  If you would like to make one yourself, you can go to kendrascrochetedcreations.com and save orvprint right from your browser.   If you'd like me to make one for you I can do that. Email me at kendra@kendrascrochetedcreations.com for pricing. 

If you make one, please send me a photo!  I love to see your finished products.  If you share, tag me in social media. I'm @KendrasCrochet on Twitter and Instagram and KendrasCrochetedCreations on Facebook.

Let me know what you think!

Vikings football graph

ask for Vikings ball

I've attracted a lot of attention over the years with my Green Bay packer afghan (found here).  Eventually a Green Bay fan asked me if I could make this one,  with the football as the main focus.  Fast forward to last week and I was asked if I could use that one to make a Vikings version!  This is what I came up with.  I'm wondering if I should try again with a larger font to take up more space in the football (if you looked at the Packers one, it takes up most of the ball!) or if it's better this way where it looks like a printed logo.  What do you think?   Let me know!

Also, I'm not 100% happy with the V.  I tried and tried to make it looks better but this is honestly the best I could do (without remaking the whole thing bigger - which, as I said, is definitely an option).

Another thing that sort of bothers me is the background color.   I couldn't find a purple that I thought looked suitable for the Vikings so I came as close as I could thinking that if anyone made it they'd have to decide what color yarn to pick up anyway so it would be ok.  Unfortunately, I'm not sure my computer is color calibrated anymore (or maybe my tablet and phone aren't) because sometimes when I look at it, it's red! 

Back to the point: if you want the pdf of this free graph, go to kendrascrochetedcreations.com and you can save or print right from your browser.  I'd use an H hook and 2 dc per graph square to make a twin sized afghan, or you can add 40  graph squares on each end (to make it 200 across) and 30 to the top and bottom (to make it 150) and use a J hook and 1 sc per graph square to get a 5 x 6 ft throw instead. 

If you make one, please share a photo with me!  If you post it to social media, please credit me with the design.  If you'd like me to make you one, I can do that too! Just email me at kendra@kendrascrochetedcreations.com for pricing.

The Little Mermaid Free Graph

I remember going to see The Little Mermaid while I was in middle school. I'm not a huge fan of Disney princesses or anything but my friend was so excited to go see it and wanted to see it with me, so I went.  I loved it!  Mermaid Ariel falls in love with human Prince Eric and wishes to become human (add conflict, resolution, and happy ending) and you get a wonderful film!  I'm undecided as to whether to see the live action version, though the others I've seen (Lady and the Tramp, Aladdin, The Lion King) have not disappointed me.  I don't know, I just really like remembering Ariel in her original cartoon form.  I'll probably watch the new one eventually and I'll probably like it, but for now, nostalgia reigns.

This graph was created to use 1 sc per graph square with a J hook to get a 5 x 6 ft throw.  Personalization is available upon request (name goes in the wide blue area on the left), but I left that area blank to cut down on color changes.  If I made this myself I might choose a variegated blue for the water but that's a personal preference. If you'd like to make this afghan yourself, go to kendrascrochetedcreations.com and save or printright from your browser.   If you post on social media, please credit me for the design.  Tag #KendrasCrochetedCreations and @KendrasCrochet on Instagram and Twitter and @KendrasCrochetedCreations on Facebook.  If you have a finished photo I'd love to see it!  Post it to my Facebook page or email it to me at kendra@kendrascrochetedcreations.com. If you'd like me to make you one, I can do that too. Email me for pricing.

Paw print heart free graph

I have a good friend who had the unfortunate experience to let her pet go with the help of a vet today.  I started thinking about how this pet had left her paw print on my friend's heart in the short time they were together.  I decided to design this graph for all our beloved fur babies.  This graph is easily customizable with a name (and dates) if desired.  The colors are up to you, but the graph was made to create a 5 x 6 throw when using 1 sc per graph square with a J hook.  If you'd like to make one yourself, please goto kendrascrochetedcreations.com and save or print right from your browser.  If you'd like me to make one for you I can do that too.  Email me at kendra@kendrascrochetedcreations.com for pricing.  If you make one and post a picture, please tag @KendrasCrochet on Twitter and Instagram. If you like the design, please share it with the buttons below.  If you have feedback, please leave a comment.

Smoother lines on graphghan designs

clunky stair step lines

Don't you hate that stair step look when you work on a graph and change colors?  You know the thing I'm talking about, the outline of  a design worked out on graph paper that doesn't have a smooth line when it angles to the side. Drives me crazy!  I figured out a way to smooth out those clunky stair step lines and I like my designs better now!

There's a simple fix.  It involves increases and decreases.   That's it. Very simple fix for a very frustrating problem.  My Olaf afghan has a lot of angles and this method worked great on smoothing the outlines out. I made a few of them for a Frozen 2 party where I'll be selling them.

Anyway, when you come to a color change that doesn't line up with the row before, that's when you increase and decrease the colors.  For example, the buttons on Olaf.  They're sort of circular so they involve color changes that aren't lined up.

Increase the number of black

At this particular point in the Olaf Afghan, the button on Olaf's front is getting wider as we work it, so when we come to the edge of the button we increase the number of black stitches. Of course, the first side we come to isn't shown (oops!), but I first decreased on the 2 stitches before the button then increased the first of the black stitches. The most important thing to do is to keep count!  Make absolute sure that you have the same number of stitches in each row and make sure that you have the correct number of each color in each row.

If you do this you will end up with smoother lines in your afghans. Of course, not every line will allow this.  That's ok.  Do it when you can and the overall appearance will be much less clunky and more professional.

Decrease the white

One tip on the Olaf afghan: There are lines to show where the legs attach to the body and where the head attaches as well.  They are lines of single stitches.  When they angle off to one side or another, put an increase/decrease before the line, put the (in this case, gray) outline stitch in the outline stitch from the row before, then increase/decrease after it.

If you have any questions about this please email me and I'll do what I can to help you.

Smooth lines!

Olaf graph

My mother took my son and me to see Frozen 2 this weekend at our local theater and once again (we saw the first one together, too) we were all enamored with Olaf the Snowman.  He's just so cute I can't stand it!  I love his childlike philosophy on life, love, and happiness. His upbeat, optimistic attitude is fun and endearing.  Plus, his being a snowman brought to life with magic just makes him incredibly cool.

I created this graph to make a 5 x 6 ft throw when using a J hook and and 1 sc per graph square.  If you'd like a pdf of the graph please email me at kendrascrochet@gmail.com with "Olaf" in the subject line.  Any questions should be in the body of the email.  If you'd like me to make one for you I can do that too.  Email me for pricing and payment information.  If you make one yourself, I'd love to see a picture!  If you post it anywhere please credit me with the design and tag #KendrasCrochetedCreations.  If you like it, let me know in the comments below and share with the buttons.

*The snowflakes are not necessary, but all that empty blue bothered me.  you can leave them out completely, crochet them in as you go, or x-stitch them on afterward!

Finished Olaf! About 4 x 6 ft.

Princess Bride themed graph

My favorite movie of all time is The Princess Bride.  I remember watching it with my mom when I was a kid.  At first I thought "oh boy, another stupid romance."  I mean, what kid wants that?  But I watched.  And I became intrigued.  And by the end of the movie I was fake sword fighting all over the living room furniture, rhyming my replies to every conversation, and quoting Mandy Patinkin's famous line "Hello, my name is Inigo Montoya.  You killed my father. Prepare to die," in a bad Spanish accent to anyone that would listen.

I've watched it several times since then.  I shared my love for the movie with my son (who didn't want to watch a stupid romance movie, either), I've read the book, and I've read Cary Elwes' book about working on the movie.  For our anniversary this year, my husband bought me a digital copy on Vudu.  I've watched it twice more.  Maybe three times.  Maybe more.  Anyway, I just finished it again and thought I'd memorialize this wonderful romance/comedy/drama/adventure with a throw.  First step is to design the graph which I've done and now share with you. 

I created the graph to be a 5 x 6 throw when using a J hook and 1 sc per graph square.  To cut down on color changes I'd start on the long side and work my way across.  If you'd like a copy yourself, please email me at kendrascrochet@gmail.com and I'll send you the pdf. Use any colors you like.  If you make one, I'd love to see a picture!  Email it to me and you can possibly be shown here or on my Facebook page.  If you post it to social media yourself, please tag #KendrasCrochetedCreations and credit me with the design.  If you have any thoughts you'd like to share please comment below.  you're welcome to share this post using the links below.

Marilyn Monroe graph

My adult niece and I were chatting one day and I mentioned my respect for Marilyn Monroe as an actress.  Overcoming a rough childhood, changing from factory girl to pinup/actress/singer, bombshell...Wow!  You go, Norma Jeane!
"I LOVE Marilyn Monroe!" she exclaimed.
Since Christmas was coming up, what else could I do?  I made up this graph and crocheted her a blanket.  I used a flesh colored yarn for the skin tone.  Unfortunately, I can't find any of the photos I took of the finished product.  If I find any later I'll add them to this post!

I used 2 dc per graph square with an H hook to get a large throw (about 4 x 6).  If you'd like to make one of your own please email kendrascrochet@gmail.com with "Marilynblue" in the subject line.  Any questions should be put n the body of the email.  If you'd like to see your finished photo featured here or on my Facebook page,  please email it to me when you're done.  You're also welcome to post it to my Facebook page yourself. If you post to other social media, please tag #KendrasCrochetedCreations and credit me for the design.

Let me know if you like it in the comments section below!