Grad afghan day 7

I only got a few rows done this time (I started washing dishes and scrubbed my whole kitchen! What is it about springtime that makes us do these things?) You can still see progress though. I may be a little behind schedule, but that's not a big deal on this project.  I have one more number to go to complete the 2015 and just to narrow the cap to a point. 

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 5

Halfway done!

I've reached the peak of the cap now! I have 7 strands attached at this point. You can see how it's coming together from the side. Only a few more days and it'll be done and ready for the washing machine!

Grad afghan progress, Day 4

the original graph

This is the original graph I'm working from.  I'm using 2 dc per graph square to make a throw.  My hook is a size H.

finished product

This is the first version of the afghan. The next version has a white cap. 

my progress so far

This is 4 day's worth of crochet.  I work around 2 hours a day on it (with several breaks to do laundry, wash dishes, and other domestic chores). I am now 40 rows in and you can really tell what's going on here now!  I have a new length of yarn for each color break, unless I only have a few stitches to carry the color under.

This photo also shows what I mean when I tell my inquirers that I work the afghan from the side.  Imagine working all those color changes in the numbers in the same rows!  Yikes!

Grad afghan progress, Day 3

this one is going to have a white cap instead of a black one.

Day 3 did not go nearly as well as days 1 and 2.  In fact, I had to unravel the last row of day 2 because the black border around the numbers was supposed to have been started and I didn't notice it. Then I worked about 4 more rows before I remembered the cap was supposed to be white in this one!  So I had to unravel all my day's work and start over.  There was a pile of unraveled yarn on the floor and it's gotten a bit tangled.  I can only hope I can keep it straight well enough not to know it up.  At a later point I realized I had worked over one of my strands that I wasn't supposed to cover so had to unravel another row to uncover it and make it usable again.  So today's progress isn't nearly as noticeable as it should be.

See all those strands at the top of the photo?  They're attached to skeins of yarn.  I count 12 different strands hanging from the work.  I do carry over, tapestry style, if there are only a few stitches and if the colors don't contrast sharply (for example, I try not to carry black or white over each other because it is very visible and not pleasing to they eye).  The first time I made this afghan I started at the bottom and had so very many strands hanging (just look at every time I had to change colors in the numbers when I worked it horizontally!) it was impossible not to get tangled up and I had to cut the yarn to unknot it. it was horrible!

I hope this visual helps with anyone trying to do colorwork.  I enjoy it but it can be a pain if I'm not careful.

Grad afghan day 2

the finished blanket

Progresss Day 2

Today you can see more of the tassel forming (and also my feet! oops!) I added a second skein of black yarn so I wouldn't have to carry the color too far through the purple. I'm only using one purple though, because I only have to carry it under a few black at a time.You can see the picture taking form!

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!

WIP progress...or not...

I have been productively working on my WIPs...until now! I had a rather large order that I had to start working on (though the deadline isn't until Christmas) so my death star throw pillow has gone unembellished and my knit shawl is wadded up in a bunch at the bottom of my projects tote. I've filled the part of the order that has been paid for and started a "pay it forward" gift. Throughout the year I will be mailing hand made gifts to people with the direction that they pay it forward and give something to somebody else. I've made one Green Bay hat and started an autism awareness scarf. The scarf is done in sc (you can see it  here)so is taking longer than any other scarf I've made. All those color changes slow things down, too. I'm playing with the idea of making individual puzzle pieces and sewing then together, but I don't like that kind of work as well.

So, now that the interruptions are out of the way, or will be as soon as I finish that scarf, I can get back to my WIP pile. But will I?

Free Snoopy graph

Anyone need a hug?  Make this throw and you'll always have one handy!  Using a J hook and 1 sc per square, you'll get approximately a 5 x 6 throw.  Enjoy!

thank you for the photo of your completed afghan, Antje! It looks wonderful!

Here is the information she sent me regarding yarn amounts:

 For the Snoopy blanket I used a hook 5 and a yarn that was made of 75% acrylic and 25% wool. I put a link in which gives you all the detail. Each ball of yarn was 50g and 105 m long. It was a DREAM to work, very easy on the hook. The result is a strong, warm blanket. 

I didn't know how much material I would need, so I ordered some balls of blue yarn (as I had decided to make the background of the picture blue). I started work and found out that one ball of yarn is enough to get me through 10 rows. 10 rows = 15 squares of 10 x 10 stiches. 

Once I had figured that out, I sat down and counted how many fields each colour covered. In total I used the following number of balls: 

blue: 12 (=600gr, 1260m)
yellow: 1 (=50gr, 105m)
white: 7 (=350gr, 735m)
black: 2 (=100gr, 210m)

Wow, this adds up to 1.1 kg and 2.3 km. This was a generous amount and I've got a little left of everything. It wasn't a cheap blanket either.... But I think it's going to last. 

If you'd like to make your own, the graph can now be found at kendrascrochetedcreations.com where you can download or print right from your browser!

Autism awareness

Autism Awareness scarf. Puzzle pieces are tres chic!

I have been sitting at my sewing machine for the past week or so instead of finishing the scarf from last week I've made a few other things!  Rest assured, the pattern is complete and listed in my Ravelry store.

From this piece (my favorite dress in the 90s but is now a bit young for me)

I tore off the sleeves to make this headband

Very comfy!

and this tank top

or should I say "crop top"? Rats! Too short for me.

Bonjour!

I cut a big circle out of the skirt portion that was hacked off and made this hat for myself! Very soft, very confy, and hopefully warm enough for Michigan winter!

Oh yeah, and I made this for my cousin to give to her husband for their anniversary!  She said he loved it! Email me if you'd like the graph I used for it.  I'd be happy to share it.

Scarf

I'm looking forward to coming to a repeat in this pattern. Counting stitches and typing the pattern up line by line is very time consuming! when completed the pattern will be listed in ravelry.

Hat ideas

 I'm working on an order of hats and scarves that isn't due till Christmas so I get to play around with them a bit, embellishing them as I wish.  This child size hat sports a pink rose (pattern for the rose found at Planet June (I use it all the time!) and "surface crochet" for the vine.  I am thinking of sewing a small bunch of ribbon roses I purchased at Walmart near it.  Perhaps also a lady bug button on it too?

Steelers throw

I was this far on my Steelers throw when my part of Michigan came under a travel ban due to snow accumulations so I was happy to put off my other obligations (taking my son to school, getting groceries, etc.) and finish it today!







I was happy to watch my newly recorded (on the dvr) Pride and Prejudice (my favorite story of all time, possibly). I hadn't seen the Kiera Knightley version yet so curling up with it and a project to finish sounded like a perfect day to me!

214 × 317 - imdb.com

I think it turned out really well.  I hope my cousin, who commissioned this for her husband for their upcoming anniversary, likes this as much as I do.  What do you think?









If you'd like to try it yourself, email me at kendrascrochet@gmail.com and ask for the Steelers graph.  It took me (57 double crochet stitches more than ) 2 black, about 1 and a half white, about 1 grey(I used 2 at once; 1 on each side of the circle) and a small amount of gold, blue, and red. I used a G hook and 2 dc per graph square. Final product has yet to be measured because my measuring tape walked off again, but it looks to my eyeballs about 4 ft x 4.5 ft.

hooded scarf

I'm sorry I don't have a photo of the finished product, but the fabric would look a lot like the photo here.  This is a photo of a mobius scarf made with the same stitch pattern.

Hood:

ch 34.
1.  sc in 2nd ch from hook. (ch 1, skip 1, sc in next) to end, ch 1, turn.
2. sc in ch 1 sp. (ch 1, sk sc, sc in ch sp) to end. End with sc in turning ch.
repeat row 2 to desired length. Fasten off.( I crocheted 60 rows before fastening off; when folded in half this should form a square)

Fold in half and sew up one edge.

Scarf:

ch 20 (or desired width for scarf, using multiples of 2) make scarf same way as hood, repeating row 2 to desired length.

fold scarf in half and line up crease with midpoint on hood. Sew together.

swirl hat free pattern.

Skills needed: chain, double crochet, front post triple crochet, sl st join, magic circle

With WW yarn and H hook
magic ring, ch 3 (counts as 1st dc) 11 more dc in ring, join. pull tight (12 dc)
2. ch 3, fptr in dc before join(see note at bottom), dc in next dc, fptr in beg ch 3, (dc in next dc, fptr in dc in st before) rep around, join to beg ch 3 (12 dc and 12 fptr)
*note: to cover the tail, dc over it when making your dc stitches, but not when making the fptr.

3. ch 3, dc in same st, fptr around fptr from prev row's join. sk next fptr, (2 dc in next dc, fptr around prev fptr) rep around join (24 dc and 12 fptr)
4. ch 3 dc in same st, fptr around fptr dc in next dc. (sk next fptr, 2 dc in next dc, fptr around skipped fptr, dc in next dc) rep around, join (36 dc, 12 fptr)
5. ch 3, dc in next dc, (sk fptr, 2 dc in next dc, fptr around skipped fptr, dc in next 2 dc) rep around to lat 2 st.  sk fptr, 2 dc in next dc, fptr in skipped fptr, join. (48 dc, 12 fptr)
6.  ch 3, dc in same st. fptr around fptr in join from prev row. dc in next 3 dc. (sk fptr, 2 dc in next dc, fptr in skipped fptr, dc in next 3 dc) join (60 dc, 12 fptr)
7. ch 3, dc in next dc. (sk fptr, dc in next 2 dc. fptr around fptr just skipped. dc in next 3 dc) rep to last 4 stitches. sk fptr, dc in next 2 dc, fptr around skipped fptr, dc in next dc, join. (60 dc, 12 fptr)
8. ch 3, fptr around fptr to the right of join. (dc in next 3 dc, sk fptr, dc in next 2 dc. fptr around skipped fptr) rep to end, dc in last 4 st. join
9. ch 3, (sk fptr, dc in next 2 dc, fptr around fptr just skipped, dc in next 3) to last 5 stitches. sk fptr, dc in next 2 dc, fptr around fptr just skipped, dc in next 2 dc. join
10. ch 3, dc in next 2 dc. (sk fptr, dc in next 2 fptr around fptr just skipped. dc in next 3 dc) to last 3 st. skip fptr, dc in next 2 dc, fptr in skipped fptr, join
11. ch 3, dc in next. fptr around fptr from join. (dc in next 3, sk fptr, dc in next 2 dc, fptr around skipped fptr) to last 3 stitches. dc in last 3 st, join.
12.-15.  rep 7-10
16.-17 ch 1, sc in next 71, join.
18. ch 1, sc in next 19,  sl in next 2, turn
19. do not ch! (sc in next 5, 2 sc) 4 times, sc in next, sl in next 2, turn
20. (sc in next 5, 2 sc) 5 times, sc in next, sl in next 2, turn
21. (sc in next 5, 2 sc) 6 times, sc in next 2, sl in next 2
22. (sc in nex 4, 2 sc) 9 times, sc in next sl in next 2 turn
23. sc in next 56, sl in next 2, turn
24. sc in next 58, sl in next 2 fasten off

*note: putting the fptr before the dc just made is what causes the swirl pattern to appear.  You will always need to cross over dcs just made to make your fptr throughout the pattern

Graduate afghan graph for sale

Time to start planning for your graduates this year! I made this  2013 graduation afghan from the graph shown before it was modified for 2015. If you'd like a copy, email your request for the graph to kendrascrochet@gmail.com and I'll email you the invoice for $5. If you'd like me to make it for you, I can do that too!

Patriots graph

I haven't made this pattern, the graph was a request. I do not have yarn amounts but it is designed to make a twin sized bedspread when using an H hook and 2 dc per square.  I'd suggest working it from the side to avoid so many color changes happening at once. If this doesn't print out properly, I can send you a pdf if you send your request for it to kendrascrochet@gmail.com

Good luck and enjoy!

Dr. Who Tardis Hat pattern

 Materials:Less than 1 skein Red Heart Royal Blue
Less than one skein white and small amount of black
Size H crochet hook.
 yarn needle

You will need to know single crochet, back stitching (for the lettering) reverse single crochet (optional), slip stitch (to join rows), Magic circle (see link below)




*Start with magic circle (go to www.allfreecrochet.com/Tutorials/How-to-Crochet-the-Magic-Circle)
*starting ch 1 counts as first sc throughout.
Instructions are given for size small. Size medium changes are in parentheses.
*Change colors by pulling new color through 2 loops that make the previous stitch (pull up a loop, yarn over with new color and pull through both loops on hook)

1. 6 sc in magic circle, join.
2. Ch 1, turn. Sc in same sc. 2 sc in each stitch around) (12 sc). Join.
3. Ch 1, turn. 2 sc in next sc (sc in next, 2 sc in next) 5 times (18 sc) Join.
4. Ch 1, turn. Sc in next, 2 sc in next (sc in next 2, 2 sc in next) 5 times(24 sc) Join.
5. Ch 1, turn. Sc in next 2, 2 sc in next (sc in next 3, 2 sc in next) 5 times (30 sc) Join.
6. Ch 1, turn. Sc in next 3, 2 sc in next (sc in next 4, 2 sc  in next) 5 times (36 sc) Join.
7. Ch 1, turn. Sc in next 4, 2 sc in next (sc in next 5, 2 sc in next) 5 times (42 sc) Join.
8. Ch 1, turn. Sc in next 5, 2 sc in next (sc in next 6, 2 sc in next ) 5 times (48 sc) Join.
9. Ch 1, turn. Sc in next 6, 2 sc in next (sc in next 7, 2 sc in next) 5 times (54 sc) Join.
10. Ch 1, turn. Sc in next 7, 2 sc in next (sc in next 8, 2 sc in next) 5 times (60) sc Join.
11. Ch 1, turn. Sc in next 8, 2 sc in next (sc in next 9, 2 sc in next ) 5 times (66 sc) Join.
12. (size medium only)Ch 1,turn. Sc in next 9, 2 sc in next (sc in next 10, 2 sc in next) 5 times (72 sc) Join.
13. Ch 1, turn. Sc in each sc around 66 (72) sc with black, join with sl st.
14. ch 1, turn. Sc in each sc around. 66 (72) sc join.
15-18. repeat row 14
19. (start windows)ch 1, sc in next changing to white (see notes at top){(sc in next 4, change to blue, sc in next, change to white) 2 times, sc in next 4, change to blue,} sc in next 3 (4), change to white, repeat {} sc in next 2 (4), change to white, repeat {}, sc in next 3 (4), change to white , repeat {} sc in next 1 (3)   Join.
20.  Ch 1, turn, (size small only) sc in next 2, (both sizes) changing to white {(sc in next 4, change to blue, sc, change to white) 2 times, sc in next 4, change to blue,} 2 sc (4), change to white, repeat {}, 3 sc (4) repeat {} again, 2 sc (4), repeat {}, (both sizes) 2 sc, join
21. Repeat row 19
22. repeat row 20
23. ch 1, sc in each sc around, join.
24. Repeat row 20
25. repeat row 19
26. repeat row 23
27. repeat row 23
28. do not turn, reverse sc around, join. Fasten off.
29. Back stitch lettering onto black band as shown.

If you  have any questions, email me at kendrascrochet@gmail.com and I will do my best to help!

Thank you  Beth, for testing this pattern for me! I appreciate it!

small hat diagram

medium hat diagram

Penn State Nittany Lion graph

Using an H hook and 2 dc per square should give you a throw that's nearly twin sized. If you'd like a twin sized afghan,  put a border around it! Enjoy!

Harley graph

Opinions please?

knit pattern tester

I'm working on a knit hat for my aunt and I like how it's coming out so I am attempting to write up a pattern for it. Since I have very limited experience knitting, let alone writing up patterns, I need help!  I have it written up the way I think it should be written, but the pattern needs to be tested. Any takers?

Super Bulky throw

Materials: 4 skeins Lion Brand Hometown USA, Raspberry, Super Bulky
Size N Crochet hook

1.  Ch 98, sc in 2nd ch from hook.(ch 1 skip next ch. Sc in next ch) rep to end, ending with a sc in last st. ch 1, turn (to make a wider throw, increase starting chain to desired length, keeping it an even number of stitches)
2.  (Sc in ch 1 sp, ch1, skip sc) repeat to end, end with Sc in turning CH.

repeat row 2 until desired length. do not fasten off

*putting the sc over the ch instead of through a single loop of the chain uses more yarn, and gives you a thicker, denser fabric that is a bit stiffer, but warm enough to keep you cozy in a blizzard ;-)

For border:
ch 1,  sc in same corner space, ch 1, turn corner. sc first row end, (sc in next row end, ch 1) repeat down entire side. For corner; sc, ch 1, sc in same corner space and continue in like fashion around to beginning of border row.  sc, ch 1 in corner sp, join.

repeat border row as many times as you like, remembering to ch 1 and turn each time. Put a sc, ch 1, sc in each corner and sc in previous row's ch 1 and ch 1 over previous row's sc. 

My finished product with about 3 or 4 border rows, was around a 3 ft x 5 ft throw.  After washing it was so incredibly super soft, my 8 year old son won't give it back when he's watching cartoons! It's very cozy and warm and luxuriously soft!

Ruffled bottom diaper cover

Mossy oak

My big brother has been wheedling, cajoling, and downright nagging me to make him a blanket for years now. It's not that I didn't want to or didn't see it as important, but it did get pushed to the back burner several times. I designed this mossy oak blanket for him and he expressed approval. It still didn't get made, though.  When he informed me he was selling his Dukes of Hazzard dvd collection -the entire series! -I almost had a tantrum. The dvds I'd been borrowing  from him for years. How could he do this to me? "We-ell," he says. "How much will it cost you to make me a blanket?" I knew at that moment I was at his mercy.

If you'd like the graph from which I made this, contact me at kendrascrochet@gmail.com and I'll send you the paypal address or mailing address where you can send $4.

Snoopy graph for sale

Using a J hook and 1 sc for each square, this graph will yield approximately a 4.5 ft throw.  send an email to kendrascrochet@gmail.com to inquire about ordering this graph for $3.25 and I will send you the PayPal email to send payment to, or an address to send cash or check to.