Jenny's Meanderings and Crochet

Basketweave crochet car seat blanket

2009-03-14T21:01:00.003-05:00

So, a week ago I found out that there was a baby shower at my husband's work for one of the wives (very sweet lady), this coming Monday. I cannot make the shower since my work commute makes it impossible, but I thought that I should send something in with my husband.

Since the Happy Hooker's Seija set blanket is one of my favorite things to make for a gift, I thought I could whip one up rather quickly. The only problem is that I am bored with stripes and hate having weave in so many ends. So, I decided to try an experiment. I took the stitch pattern from Dot's Basket Weave Baby Blanket and combined it with the Happy Hooker's Seija set pattern (I love the ability to buckle a car seat belt through the blanket so it doesn't fall off).

I am actually really happy with the result, though it took a bit of playing to get it right. (Hint, you have to add a few more rows since the stitch patterns shrinks the height of the stitches somewhat).

Here are the pictures:

Pics are here!

2008-12-09T17:51:00.002-05:00

I finally finished the wraps for my SIL and nieces. My SIL's (blue and gold) follows the original pattern in the Sept. 2008 Crochet! magazine, and then I adapted the ones for the girls (blue and red instead of blue and gold).

Here are the pictures:

2 years to the day

2008-11-13T18:18:00.003-05:00

So, I just realized that it has been two years to the day since I updated this blog. Kind of scary that I have let that much time slip away. Things, of course, have been a bit hectic. Since I last posted, I have:

Held a job that I loved for a year and a half,
Left that job when my husband got transferred to North Carolina (where we used to live until 2004),
Packed up a house and moved 3 states north. (unfortunately, the house has not sold in FL)
Been looking for a full-time job since the transfer (thank goodness for temp work!)
Settled into a new apartment
Gotten back in touch with some wonderful friends that we met long ago
And of course, crocheted!

Current crochet projects:

Wraps for my sister-in-law and 3 nieces
Afghan for a friend
Jacket for me for wearing to Carolina Hurricanes games (project postponed until after Christmas)

Projects in near future:

Hanging towels for Christmas
Wrist Warmers
Purse
Scarves
Baby Blankets
And a partridge in a pear tree...

Check back soon for pictures! :)

It's been a while

2006-11-13T21:42:00.000-05:00

Ok, so it's been a while. But I do have a few good excuses:

1. I started a new job Oct. 1 and have been settling into it
I have been spending a lot of time watching the Joann's that just closed down in my neighboring town as it closed out all of its merchandise
I have been working on a couple projects!

Now, onto the updates. I have been working on a MAM afghan for my mom for Christmas, but it really has not been going a mile a minute....Now, I only have one more strip to finish and then I can swet them all together...YAAAY. I will post pics when I finish it.

I also just finished a poncho for my eldest niece for Christmas. It worked up pretty quickly, but I hated working with the boucle yarn that I bought from Joann's (their brand...no idea how this compares to any other brand)...it was very fragile. I will try to post pics in a day or two.

My next project is going to be a Santa's sack to use sort of like an advent calendar for my nieces.

Finally, my yarn haul from the Joann's that closed yesterday:

First, I found yarn at the following special: Buy 1-14 skeins, 60% off; 15-24 skeins, 70% off; 25+, 80% off. I ended up buying about 30 skeins, all at 80% off...Lots of nice yarn, including some very nice Lion Brand Suede (hoping I have enough for the Romantic Jacket in the last issue of Crochet!).

Pics: This haul is in the lefthand bag of the first pic and in both of the second and third pics.

My second haul from the same store came last Friday when I ran into their $0.50/skein sale for all of their yarns... It is the 2nd bag in the first pic above and in the pic below.

Well, that's all of my news! Take care!

FO Pics and good news

2006-09-21T10:47:00.000-05:00

This has been a great week for me. I got a call last night offering me a job! Woohoo!!!! I am very excited!!! :) I will start work on Oct. 1, so my crocheting time will take a bit of a dip. Until then, though, here are the pics that I have been trying to upload for a couple days (Sorry that the dragon is sideways!):

For my nephew:

Where I got the patterns from:

Bib - http://crochetcafepatterns.blogspot.com/2005/04/elephant-pacifier-bib.html
Socks: http://www.crochetandknitting.com/babysock.htm
Hat: http://www.bevscountrycottage.com/tonis-hats.html

For my cousin's son:

Pattern: http://home.inreach.com/marthac/dragon.html (He's called a dragon, but without wings, I think he looks more like a dinosaur)

More FOs

2006-09-19T12:38:00.000-05:00

Well, a lot has happened since my last post:

I had two job interviews (Still waiting to hear back from them, but cross your fingers!)
I got sick (very odd, basically fever, fatigue, and nausea)
I got better
I found out that I passed the bar exam! Woohoo! Now I will be licensed in 2 states as soon as they finish the background check...I wonder what all they do that it takes 6-8 months...
I finished up several projects.

Ok, time for pictures of my FOs:

Well, blogger doesn't seem to want to upload my pics, so I will try again later.

Baby Boom and life meanderings

2006-09-07T15:28:00.000-05:00

Well, I have been very baby-focused in my crocheting lately. Not for me, but for my nephew and new first cousin once removed (i.e. my first cousin had a baby).

One of the patterns that I made is a cute car seat blanket for my cousin and her new baby. The pattern came from "The Happy Hooker" by Debbie Stoller. The blanket is done, but I am still trying to decide what to weave through the top and bottom. The pattern calls for a bunch of yarn, which would leave 2 tassels on each end...maybe I'm wrong, but lots of loose yarn + a baby doesn't sound like a good match to me. I am thinking maybe some ribbon that is glued down with some washable fabric glue ... or maybe I should just leave the holes open and pretend the pattern called for that. Here's the pic:

The next items were actually a request by my SIL. First, she mentioned that she is having a hard time finding a pacifier holder because my nephew only likes the pug-style pacifiers, which do not have the convenient handles to hook into. She did find one, but it has a clip to hold it on, which doesn't work on all outfits. So, I went looking for patterns. I have completed one thus far, with only a little adaptation so it will work with the pug pacifiers. The pattern I chose is "The Elephant Pacifier Bib" by Jocelyn Sass. Here's the pic:

My SIL's next request was some baby socks that would actually stay on her son's feet. I found a great pattern here: http://www.crochetandknitting.com/babysock.htm. There's only one problem...they are coming out too big. I selected the 3-6 month size, but keep coming out with socks big enough to fit my 2 YO niece. I have already tried to reduce my hook by 2 sizes, but think I need to go at least one more. Here is the pic of the socks (one using a G hook, the other an E hook).

I will keep trying on the socks, but also have plans for a hat. Also soon to be on my hook is Betty Saxton's and Luana Nelson's Dragon.

Well, that's all of the crochet updates. My life has been a little odd lately, so not too much has gotten done crochet-wise.

This week I got the results of the MPRE (Ethics portion of my bar exam) and found out that I passed with flying colors. :) Now if I get the same results on the FL bar, I will be really happy.
My MIL went home Tuesday after spending 5 days with us
Yesterday we received 5.5 inches of rain in 2 hours (my entire screen porch flooded) (Oh, and it's raining again right now)
Saturday, I got a call for a job interview (YAY), but when I showed up today as scheduled, I was met with very odd looks and a "But someone was supposed to call you to reschedule" (very ackward). I then was given a 5 minute tour and sent on my way with promises of "We'll call you to set up another interview next week." I think I took it well and even joked about getting a "sneak peek," but it was definitely not something I want to repeat.
I have another interview at a different place early next week, so wish me luck! I really want this job because it's pretty much my dream job.
Finally, I am looking for an elusive yarn...Red Heart Super Sport yarn in Spruce. The only place I can find it is at Smiley's Yarn, but alas, my husband will not condone my spending $40 (min) + SH for yarn when I only need 2 skeins and have 4 boxes of other yarn in the closet. Maybe he'd feel differently if he knew it was for a gift for him for Christmas. Oh well, maybe once I find a new job I will be able to buy some more yarn.

Sorry for the length of the post, but lots is happening around here!

Finished birthday presents

2006-08-21T12:20:00.000-05:00

I have been working on some birthday presents for my 2 YO niece. I made her a dress first, although I am not that happy with it. The design was from an older book...I think McCall's Crochet Treasury. Here's a picture of it:

My niece also currently has a Minnie Mouse fascination, so I wanted to incorporate this into one of her presents. I looked at the available patterns and did not want to make her another blanket or a doll, so I decided to make her a shirt with a minnie on it of my own design. Unfortunately, I didn't know where to start, so I kept procrastinating. One night, though, I ran into an insomnia problem, so I sat up and got out my graph paper and my crochet supplies and went to work. This is what I came up with:

As you can see, I made it adjustable size-wise by using buttons in the back, which I think will hold up better on a toddler than ties, although I left ties around the neck. I will change them out for straps with buttons if my SIL prefers them. This is a versatile, top, though because any thing that fits in a 20 by 20 graph can be crocheted into the pattern.

I am debating whether or not its up to being submitted to a crochet mag as a design or whether I should just list it as a free design. Let me know what you think!

Jenny

Update

2006-08-11T18:58:00.000-05:00

Ok, it's been a while since I posted, but a lot has been happening:

I took the FL bar. As with NC, I have no idea how I did.
We took a vacation after the bar.
I have been job hunting. I have have had one interview, but they went with someone with more experience (isn't that always the case?). I do have another interview in the works, so cross your fingers for me!
Life has intervened...yard maintenance and resulting back pain, eye appointments (I am trying the new Night and Day contacts that you can sleep in...I love them!), much belated house cleaning, a few sewing projects, etc.

As for my crocheting:

I finished one of the dresses that I was planning on making my youngest niece fore her birthday. Unfortunately, things didn't quite work out as expected with the dress...we'll see if it actually fits her (I made it in the proper gauge, I swear!). I will post pictures soon.
I have also been working on the design for the shirt that I want to make her.
I found out that my cousin had a baby 6 weeks ago and nobody told me! You can tell I am out of the loop (for some reason, the family members with children talk to one another but tend to forget those of us without kids...I wonder if they are trying to hint that we need to start working on our own kids...). Anyway, I was first told that my cousin had a baby girl, but my dad was wrong, she had a baby boy, named Gage (sp?). So, I need to whip up a baby blanket. I have been searching for an easy and quick pattern and have decided to go with the car seat blanket from the "Happy Hooker" book only in 3 shades of blue.
Finally, I have started sketching out some of my own designs! I currently have one sketched out for an umbrella/purse buddy to connect the two in case of unexpected or sudden showers (It's easier than it sounds). I also have a couple other ideas rambling around my head that I want to try out for Christmas presents for my nieces...I will update you later.

Well, off to get dinner on the table!

It fits!

2006-07-14T11:32:00.000-05:00

Good news! The Bolero fits my grandmother! I was a bit worried because when I showed it to my mom she thought the sleeves might be too long. In fact she tried to roll them up as I was preparing it to ship...suffice to say the sleeves were not rolled before it shipped.

On a different note, I may not post for a few weeks. I am about to take the FL bar exam, and even though I have already taken and passed the NC exam, I am still nervous and am going into overdrive studying. Not sure if I will get much if any crocheting done between now and the test. I will be taking the test a week from Tuesday, so wish me luck!

The Finished Bolero

2006-07-06T09:06:00.000-05:00

It's finally done!! I finished the Patina Bolero from Melissa Leapman's Cool Crochet yesterday. I also popped in the mail since it was already a few days late. Here is a picture of the finished item:

I am quite happy with it. Don't ask to see a picture of it being worn, though because 1. It's too small for me (Made for my Gram) and 2. I already mailed it. Let me know what you think!

Ranting

2006-07-05T08:26:00.000-05:00

More and more, I wonder about my brother-in-law's sanity. Although, before I go on in this tangent, I should provide some background:

My husband's brother, Liam, is 4 years younger than Matt. Liam has the luck of the Irish. Last year, he won $100,000 CAD in a the Canadian Poker Championships. Liam even made it into the World Poker Championship in Las Vegas, although he did not make it past the 2nd round.

Liam has decided to use a good chunk of his winnings to travel the wolrd this year. So far, he as gone to Cuba, Latin America, South America and Europe. He is now on to Asia. For some reason, however, Liam seems to want to go to all of the areas that off the beaten track. He is definitely in party mode from the sounds of it, although we do not often hear from him as he disappears for weeks at a time.

During his latest escapade, it appears that he had all of his stuff (credit cards, cash, passport, etc.) stolen while he was off playing on a nude beach with a lot of naked girls. Thankfully his luck kicked in and he got his passport back. Meanwhile, his mother is worried (and will be even more worried once she reads his blog) and we are all waiting to hear what trouble he lands himself in next. I just hope he has enough sense to stay out of the middle east! I am also hoping that he will be back in North America by December because I know his mom really missed him last Christmas.

Anyone interested in reading about his escapades should check out his blog: http://thumbtackadventures.blogspot.com/

Now, back to your regularly scheduled life...

Update and my first pattern

2006-06-26T08:41:00.000-05:00

Update: I am getting closer to finishing my bolero. I have 7.5 rows to go before I finish the last sleeve. Then I need to sew it together and finish the edging. I have been debating whether or not I should block the pieces before sewing them together. My mom (who crocheted and knitted for years) said that synthetic yarns really do not need to be blocked. She also let slip that event hough she made dozens of garments in her lifetime (I still have several of the sweaters that she crocheted for me and the jacket she knitted for me when I was in grammar school), she never blocked a single item and they all came out fine...so, since I am working with acrylic yarn, I think I will probably skip the blocking this time. I will post pictures as soon as I can, but right now I am focusing more on getting the bolero done since I only have a few more days until my grandmother's 80th birthday and this is her birthday present!

Ok, on to the pattern part of this post. My sister-in-law finally located the bunny purse that I made for my youngest niece. She sent me a couple pictures, one of which I have posted below. I am also attaching the pattern that I wrote out. It is my first pattern ever, so please be patient with me. I tried to keep to the normal pattern writing method, but may have accidentally strayed.

Please note, this is my design and I hold the copyright and all associated rights to it. For further copyright details and usage restrictions, please see the statement at the bottom of this webpage.

Body + Ear 1:

Row 1: Ch 2, join in circle with sl st. Ch 1. Turn.
Row 2: sc 8 into round 1. Join with sl st. Ch 2. Turn
Row 3: dc into next stitch. 2 dc in ea. remaining sc of round 2. Join with sl. st. in top of last turning chain. Ch 2. Turn
Row 4: Repeat Row 3.
Row 5: dc in next 2 stitches. *2 dc in next st. 1 dc in next st.* Repeat through end of round. Join with sl st into top of last turning chain. Ch 1. Turn
Row 6 (1st ear): sc in first 3 dc. Ch 1. Turn
Row 7: sc across row. Ch1. Turn
Row 8: 2 sc in 1st st. sc in 2nd st. 2 sc in last st. Ch 1. Turn
Row 9 – 11: sc in ea. st. ch 1. Turn.
Row 12: dec. one stitch on ea. end. Ch 1. Turn.
Row 13: dec. first st. sc in last st. Ch 1. Turn
Row 14. dec. Tie off. (Choice: You can weave in your end now and use ribbon later for tieing ears together to form handle or you can double knot your ends and use to tie ears together in a bow.)

Ear two:
Row 1. Attach yarn to Row 5 approx. 11 stitches to the right from 1st ear. Sc 3 (there should now be approx. 8 stitches between ears). Ch 1. Turn.
Row 2-9: Repeat rows 7-14 of body.

Make 2 Bodies with 2 ears ea. Make sure ears are spaced identically on ea. body. Using a second color, and a yarn needle, stitch on face of your choice on ea. body. I chose to use the natural circle of the face with three stitches on the upper curve for the eyes, stitch around middle circle for nose. From bottom of nose, make a straight line down to next curve. Place 2 stitches curving up on each side of straight stitch from nose to form mouth.

Sew together bodies from the outside of one ear to the outside of the other ear, making sure bunny faces face outward. (Note, if you want a wider purse entrance, begin sewing together farther down body.

Join ears of one body to corresponding ear of other body at the very top. (Note, if you did not weave in yarn at end of ears, use yarn to knot ears together, then tie as a bow to hide knots. If you did weave in yarn, select ribbon or bow of desired color and use yarn need to thread through top of ears and tie together.)

Cool Crochet Bolero

2006-06-15T10:57:00.000-05:00

I have been working on the Bolero from Melissa Leapman's Cool Crochet as a gift. Unfortunately, I got stuck on an instruction that requested me to crochet under a chain. I finally was for help on the Crochet Partner's listserv. One of the members helped me out with the info. In the meantime, I had also gone searching to see if anyone else had made the pattern and written about their experiences. Luckily for me, I found Bron's Blog. One email to Bron and she was explaining the directions to me. I really appreciated both Bron's help and the CP member's help! I am now back to work on the Bolero and will post pictures soon. Thus far, I have the back and one side pretty much done. I am impressed with how quickly it is working up.

Ok, back to work for me!

Past projects

2006-06-10T19:54:00.000-05:00

I have worked on several past projects, including:

A chenille scarf (my design)
A double wedding circle afghan (Vanna's Favorite Gift Afghans)
A swimsuit coverup (Crochet Fantasy)
A toothfairy pillow for my oldest niece (mixture of someone else's design and my own)
A bunny purse (my own design)
A basket weave baby afghan (designed by Dot - http://bythehook.blogdrive.com/archive/207.html)
A patchwork blanket for my late grandfather (my design)
A belt (my design)

Unfortunately, I only have pictures of the wedding afghan and the tooth fairy pillow. (see below - sorry for the poor picture quality, my camera and I aren't quite on working terms yet).

Currently, I am working on:
A sleeveless shell for me (Melissa Leapman's Cool Crochet)
A bolero for my grandmother (ditto) - I am not using the recommended yarn for this (a mohair mix), but rather am trying a nice baby yarn. Thus far it's turning out lovely, and I hope it will continue to do so.

Future Projects:

A pillowghan for my male best friend - my own design (Christmas)
A pillowghan for my Mom - not sure what design will be yet (Christmas)
A shawl or sheet edgings for my MIL - not sure what patterns yet...maybe Seraphina Shawl (Christmas)
A halter top for my 2-year-old niece - my own design (Birthday)
An elephant bib for my new nephew (Internet design - I will post the cite when I start the bib) (Christmas)
Sweaters for my nieces (Christmas)

Boy am I going to be busy between now and Dec!!!!!!!

Intro

2006-06-09T18:57:00.000-05:00

Well, here goes. This is my official attempt to keep a blog. This blog will probably focus more on my current attempts to learn how to crochet and begin making my own designs. Thus far, my designing is still in the early stages, but I have successfully designed a toothfairy pillow and a bunny purse for my nieces.

I do reserve the right to go off on non-crochet tangents at times, however, so take this as your warning.

So, who am I? I am Jenny G. I live in Florida with my husband and my 8-year-old cat Xander (who believes he is the reincarnation of Alexander the Great). I crochet in order to relax, although my free time is getting smaller and smaller lately. Since I don't yet have kids of my own, I tend to focus on things for my three nieces (aged 2 - 6), and my nephew who is due at the end of this month.

Talk at you all later!