Blood, Sweat & Tears Afghan

(Pattern not yet tested.)
Finished size: approx. 57" x 85".
I am making a weight loss scrapghan of teardrop shaped pieces. Each teardrop represents the blood, sweat and tears that went into losing each lb. I'll make 5 teardrops for each lb. lost. 25 per row and 20 rows. I am using bright and dark colors, but no black, grays, browns/tans, or beige. No white ones either because I am putting them together in white.

I will post the pattern as I go. Here is my progress so far:


Teardrops: worsted weight, scraps of different colors - approx. 7-8 ft. needed for each teardrop
Edging: white, worst weight
Hook: H8 (5.00 mm)

Teardrop - Make 500
Ch. 5, sl to 1st ch. to join.
Rnd 1 - Ch. 2 (1st dc), 15 dcs in ring. Sl in top of 2nd ch to join. Do not fasten off. (16 dcs)
To make tip - Sl in next st. (hdc, dc) in next st. Ch 3, working now into back bumps of those chains, sk 1st ch, sl in next two. Picot made.
Hdc in same st as the (hdc, dc) made previously. Sl next two sts. Fasten off.



"Making Tip of Teardrop." With audio.
Sorry, I'm left-handed and I'm using my camera phone.
Joining the 1st 25 Teardrops Into a Row
The rounded end of the teardrop is the bottom and the pointed tip is the top.
Rnd 1 - Holding a teardrop tip down, join with white to the bottom most sc of teardrop. Ch 1, sc in same st.
Sc in each st around** to its widest point, join with sc to the widest point of 2nd teardrop (tip up). Now continue sc up to the top of the 2nd teardrop.
Place 3 scs into picot, continue edging down other side of 2nd teardrop to its widest point and join 3rd teardrop (tip down).
Keep adding teardrops, alternating tip up/tip down and joining at their wides points until you have joined all 25. Now you have one side of the row edged.
Continue edging the other side of the row in the same manner.
As you reach the joins already made, be sure to join these same sts again with a sc or there will be a noticeable gap in the edging.

Click photo to enlarge.

Rnd 2 - Ch 1, 2 sc's in 2nd sc worked into picot (the very tip of the teardrop).
*Sc next 2 sts, sk 1 st, dc dec in next st and in the st directly across from that one in the 2nd teardrop (these 2 sts are directly above the sts in which the teardrops were connected in the 1st rnd of edging. You will now work around the bottom of the 2nd teardrop:
Sk 1 st, 2 sc's next st. Sc next 2 sts, 2 sc's next st (very bottom of teardrop).
Sc next 2 sts, 2 sc's next st. Sc next st, sk 1 st, dc dec as previously to join next teardrop.
You will now work towards the tip of the 3rd teardrop:
Sk 1 st, sc next st. 2sc into next st (very tip).
Repeat from * until one side of the row is completely edged.
In the following section, you will connect this 2nd row to the 1st as you edge the other side of this row.

**Important Notes: In the first rnd of edging, I placed 2 scs in one st at strategic points in the edging, specifically at the top and when going around the curves on each side so that the edging didn't pucker. Also when I decided exactly where I wanted to join the drops, I counted how many sts away from the tip that was, in my case 5, so that each drop was joined at the same spot. When doing the 2nd rnd of edging there is one sc in each st around, with the exceptions of placing two sc's in the very tip, in the very bottom, 2 sts away from either side of the very bottom (or wherever you need to place them around the curves to keep the edging from puckering), and finally, skipping 1 st before and after each dc dec.

This photo shows the edgings. The top row has 1 rnd and the bottom has two rnds.

Edging the 2nd row and joining it to the 1st row.
Rnd 1 - Work same as Rnd 1 on 1st row.
Rnd 2 - Work same as Rnd 2 on 1st row until one side is edged. Lay the 1st row flat on the table and the 2nd row beneath it. Line up the teardrops bottom to bottom and tip to tip. As you are edging the other side of the 2nd row you will connect it to the lower edge of the 1st row as such: Sl st together the 3 bottom-most sts of the 1st teardrop in row 2 with the 3 bottom-most sts in the 1st teardrop of row 1. Continue edging the 2nd row and when you reach the tip of the 2nd teardrop, sl st together the tips of the 2nd teardrops in each row: Now there are 3 scs worked into the picot of the lower tip and you'll be connecting it to the tip above it which has its 2nd Rnd of edging where there are 2 scs worked into the tip. So insert your hook into the 2nd sc in the picot below and sl st to the first sc in the tip above. Then insert your hook back into the 2nd sc in the picot below and sl st to the 2nd sc in the tip above. Continue edging the 2nd row, joining the bottoms and tips together until the rows are joined.

Join all subsequent rows in the same manner, the 3rd row to the bottom of the 2nd and so on.

Toes Up Socks Finished

They're not the greatest fit in the world. Hopefully my next pair will be better.

Toes Up Socks

I've started a pair of crocheted socks, using this pattern. I was having trouble with the heels and a very nice person on Crochetville recommended a site that gives more detailed heel instructions. (Sadly that site has been removed.)

So I will study that site and try the heels again. I'm using 1 (super fine) yarn and an E/3.5 mm hook. The yarn is from Knit Picks and is called Palette, the color is Autumn Heather, which is like a rust color.

Spiral Scrapghan Finished!

It is 5 ft. in diameter.

Lush Baby Afghan Pattern Available Now!

A BIG thank you to all who helped with testing on Crochetville!

Skill Level: Easy
Yarn: Worsted Weight
Hook: J
Size: approx. 34” in diameter

Color A: Red Heart Classic, 0513 Parakeet: 2 oz.
Color B: Red Heart Classic, 0730 Grenadine: 1 oz.
Color C: Red Heart Classic, 0584 Lavender: 1.75 oz.
Color D: Red Heart Classic, 0168 Starbrights: 4 oz.


LUSH CLUSTER: *YO twice, insert hook into indicated space. YO and pull up a loop, (YO and draw through 2 loops) twice.* Repeat between * 2 more times. YO and draw through all 4 loops on hook.


MODIFIED LUSH CLUSTER: Sc into indicated space, ch 3. *YO twice, insert hook in indicated space. YO and pull up a loop, (YO pull through 2 loops) twice.* Repeat between * 1 more time. YO and draw through all 3 loops on hook.

*Note: the Modified Lush cluster is worked when starting a rnd that begins with a cluster and there is no color change required: sl st to the middle of the ch loop, work modified cluster once only, continue rnd as instructed with Lush clusters.

Other Stitches: ch, sl st, sc, dc

Beginning Ring- With Color A, ch 10 loosely, join with sl st to first ch to form ring.
Rnd 1- Work modified cluster into ring, ch 7 (Work cluster, ch 7) four times. Sl st into top of first cluster to join. Fasten off. 5 clusters
Rnd 2- With Color B. (Work cluster into ch sp, ch 6) twice. *In next ch sp: (Work cluster, ch. 6) twice.* Repeat between * 3 more times. Sl st into first ch above first cluster to join. Fasten off. 10 clusters
Rnd 3- With Color C. (Work cluster into ch sp, ch 4) twice. *In next ch sp: (Work cluster, ch. 4) twice.* Repeat between * 8 more times. Sl st into top of first cluster to join. Fasten off. 20 clusters
Rnd 4- With Color D, sc into ch sp, ch 2 (counts as first dc). 3 more dc’s into same ch sp. Ch 1. *Into next ch sp, 4 dc’s. Ch 1.* Repeat between * to end of rnd. Sl st into ch 2 to join (top of first dc). 80 dc’s
Rnd 5- *Ch 7 loosely, sk 4 sts, sl st into ch st.* Repeat between * to end of rnd. Sl st beneath 1st ch to join. 20 chain loops
Rnd 6- Sl st in next 4 chs. Work modified cluster into ch sp. Ch 6. *Into next ch sp: Work cluster, ch 6.* Repeat between * to end of rnd. Sl st into top of first cluster to join. Fasten off. 20 clusters
Rnd 7- With Color A, (Work cluster into ch sp, ch 4) twice. *Into next ch sp: (Work cluster, ch 4) twice.* Repeat between * to end of rnd. Sl st into top of first cluster to join. Fasten off. 40 clusters
Rnd 8- With Color B, Work cluster into ch sp, ch 4. *Into next ch sp: Work cluster, ch 4.* Repeat between * to end of rnd. Sl st into top of first cluster to join. Fasten off. 40 clusters
Rnd 9- With Color D, repeat Rnd 4. 160 dc’s
Rnd 10- Repeat Rnd 5. 40 chain loops
Rnd 11- Repeat Rnd 6. Fasten off. 40 clusters
Rnd 12- With Color C, repeat Rnd 7. Fasten off. 80 clusters
Rnd 13- With Color A, repeat Rnd 8. Fasten off. 80 clusters
Rnd 14- With Color D, repeat Rnd 4. 320 dc's
Rnd 15- Repeat Rnd 5. Fasten off. 80 chain loops

Copyright 2008. All Rights Reserved. This pattern may not be sold or duplicated in whole or in part by any means or method. Feel free to sell any finished items made from this pattern, but please give credit to this web page.

Spiral Scrapghan

I found the basic instructions for a 3 color spiral here: http://blog.interweavecrochet.com/
It said to increase each rnd by 9 sts. I started by counting so many sts, increasing, counting, increasing...then I figured out that each increase is worked into the increase in the previous row and could stop counting. Now it is so easy. I just change colors when I run out of one.

It started looking like a circle, but quickly turned into a 9-sided afghan from those increases. But it still looks great. There are no instructions for ending this, so I'll need to taper off each color at the end. One color is worked in sc, one in hdc and one in dc. The dc I'll taper by doing a couple hdc's, then sc's and finally slip to end. And do a similar taper for the others.

The wip above is about 2 ft. in diameter. I'll probably work it to about 5 ft.

Large Scrapghan

Another scrapghan finished! I used hdc in back loop only for the main body and added a border for a nice finishing touch.

Here is a close-up of the border:

Lush Baby Afghan Finished!

I will place this pattern up for testing at Crochetville. It measures approx. 3 ft. in diameter. I can't find my postal scale to weigh the total ounces of yarn used, but my guess would be about 10-12 oz., about 3 oz. of which is the Red Heart Strata, Croquet. I ended up choosing not to use the light yellow in the pic below.

The next time I make this afghan, I'm going to use a separate color for rnd 1, so that the 'star' in the middle will stand out.

8 Rounds Completed

Boy, I had a time with rnds 6 and 7...got stuck on how to start a new rnd with a cluster. I had to come up with the Modified Lush Cluster for starting a new rnd with the same color. And if a color change is required, then fasten off and start with a new piece of yarn.

This one is definitely a challenge! But I'm having lots of fun.

Close Up of Lush Cluster

Here are the first two rounds of the Lush Baby Afghan completed. I was wrong....I was using the Honeycomb cluster on the original, not the Puff. But I am glad I created the Lush cluster and will continue using it for this afghan. I just wanted to show anybody concerned that it is similar to the original pattern. I will continue to post pictures as I go.

Notice that I used five clusters this time for round one (original has four). That makes a nice star design for the center. I think I'll do one more round in the white and then change colors.

Round Baby Afghan

NOTE: I ended up frogging this afghan and re-created it as the Lush Baby Afghan. Full pattern posted here.

I created this using the Puff stitch, and DC's just making it up as I go. Working in the round using pastel colors. I'm going to incorporate yellow and purple as well.

Afghans for Our Wounded Soldiers

Here are some 6 x 9" rectangles I made for HAP, Handmade Afghans to Thank Our Armed Forces Project. Since I am close enough, I'm going to go the PTE, put together event, in MD this Sunday and take these, and more with me. My friend from church is going too. I've done about 12 and hope to have at least 25 by Sun.

To find out more about HAP click here.

Crocheted Hat on Doris Day Show

I was watching one of the episodes on DVD tonight and she was wearing this cute hat!
I wish I could have taken a better picture...it was really adorable.

Pine Ridge

My mil gave me a HUGE tub of yarn the other day and I used several small balls and came up with this scarf:


I used HDC in the round, changing colors as one ball ran out. First I used the single crochet foundation stitch, where you chain and sc at the same time until it is as long as you need it. See here for instructions with pics. I LOVE that way of doing it...I won't go back, I won't!!

I did this scarf, and started another, for a charity for Pine Ridge. See here for information.

Pattern Arrived!

I finally received the Cathedral Rose Window Afghan pattern last night! I started on it right away...completely dropped the gloves I was working on too! I'm using thicker yarn than the pattern calls for, and also a bigger hook, so I'm trying to make each piece a little smaller so the afghan won't be too big. Hope I can get it all to work out.

You can find this pattern on www.anniesattic.com.

Finished!

It measures approx. 4 1/2 ft. wide by close to 6 ft. long. It took 12 skeins of chenille. This will look great in our log home!

Christmas Hats

A close up of some of the hats I crocheted for Christmas gifts. I used the same pattern as the blue striped one below. My favorite is the one on the lower right. All were made using two strands of yarn.

Sparklies!

A glass blown sea turtle that I covered in Swarovski crystals. You should see him sparkle in the light! It was fun to do, but time consuming and it takes a steady hand. I did several different small, glass animals...not all the pics came out. The only other good one was this hummingbird ornament:



My mom loved it so much, I gave it to her for Christmas.

Awwww!!

My two babies Shadow (left) and Sylvester. I got Shadow when he was a kitten and Sylvester from a family when he was 1 yr. old. They are actually brothers from different litters. I caught on camera one of the rare moments when they are being this affectionate...not that they fight a lot, they are both very sweet kitties.

Finally chose the colors...

Above are the colors I chose for the Cathedral Window CAL. All are Lion Brand Homespun: Cobalt (lt. var.), Corinthian (dk. var.), Grape (instead of black) and Golden (instead of white). I was notified today that the pattern is on its way!!!

I just finished this hat tonight...


I used two strands of Caron Simply Soft held together as one. The colors from left are, Grey Heather, Lt. Country Blue & Dk. Country Blue. The pattern is called Boyfriend's Hat from the book "Cozy Crochet" by Melissa Leapman, ISBN 0-8118-4079-4; www.chroniclebooks.com.

The Seesaw Stitch

This is the first crochet stitch that I designed. The picture doesn't really do it justice, you'll just have to try it for yourself to see how you like it. It is a very versatile stitch...check out the many variations you can do with this at the bottom of the instructions.

THE SEESAW STITCH

This is a very elastic stitch. Try a smaller hook or make tighter stitches for a little less elasticity. This stitch produces the same pattern on both sides.

Multiples of 4 chains +1

Row 1—SC in ea. ch across, total of sc's must be multiple of 4
Row 2—Ch. 3 turn (your 1st DC). DC in FLO of 2nd st. DC in BLO of next 2 sts. *DC in FLO next 2 sts. DC in BLO next 2 sts.* repeat from * across ending w/DC in BLO of last 2 sts.
Row 3—repeat Row 2

Variations
The instructions above use DC’s, alternating by two’s—two in FLO, two in BLO, etc. You can vary this in many ways by using SC by three’s, HDC by four’s, TR by two’s, etc. Here are some different multiples:

Alternating by two’s—multiples of 4 +1
Alternating by three’s—multiples of 6 +1
Alternating by four’s—multiples of 8 +1
Alternating by five’s—multiples of 10 +1, etc.

Always do a row of SC for your first row, hence the +1

Row 2 is your pattern row:
Ch. 1, turn for SC
Ch. 2, turn for HDC
Ch. 3, turn for DC
Ch. 4, turn for TR, etc.

See here for standard crochet abbreviations.

Chenille Afghan

Here is the Chenille Thick & Quick afghan/throw I'm working on. I'm not sure it'll be big enough to call it an afghan, but definitely big enough for a throw. I love working with Chenille, it's so soft and squishy. I here some people don't like it because it breaks on them??? But I crochet a might on the loose side so I don't have any problems with it at all.

The stitching is called the Slant stitch, which is all I can say about it because it is copyrighted pattern from a book called Crochet Collection, by Leisure Arts; ISBN 0-942237-55-2. I'm about half way through with this 'ghan and then I'm going to start on the Cathedral Window afghan...I should have the pattern by then. Can't wait!!!

Now that Christmas is over...

...I can crochet some things for myself! I made several gifts for the holidays:



And not everything made it into that picture!

Now I'm working on an afghan to keep using Lion Brand Chenille in off white (antique white), browns (desert print, khaki, chocolate) and black. I'll post a pic soon.

My next afghan will be the Cathedral Rose Window Afghan. I discovered this gorgeous afghan on a Crochetville CAL (crochet-a-along). I ordered the pattern and already purchased the yarn. Can't wait to get to work on it and see if I chose the right colors! After agonizing all day this past Saturday at three different craft stores, I finally decided on using Lion Brand Homespun in blues and purples - Cobalt, Grape and Corinthian. I also got a skein of Hepplewhite, but might change that to a light gold if I can find one.