time 2 crochet-n-craft

2011-12-18T21:25:00.000-05:00

Baby Booties -- Finished (FO)

It is nice to finish a project in a very short time. I used crochet hook to bind off the ribbing since I don't know how to make a stretchy knitting bind off on ribbed stitches yet. I used (slip st on next st, ch1)rep to end method to make the top edge of the booties stretchy. It made the top edge flare which looks ok.

FO--Fan In Winter

2011-11-08T11:23:00.001-05:00

Here are photos of Fan In Winter shrug:

2011-11-04T19:52:00.001-04:00

Fan in Winter

I'm making a scarf that is quick to make for a friend. This is my second day of doing this and a 6 oz. skein of Caron's Simply soft is halfway gone. For the record: I'm using crochet hook "Boye" F/5-3.75mm. I used a bigger hook for the foundation chain "Boye" F/5-5.00mm to make the foundation chain very loose. These skeins of white yarn have been waiting for sometime and I hope that I can fulfill their full potential and provide warmth to someone this Fall/Winter season. I should write the pattern, I suppose, but then if I try, I lose the creative impulse to just work and finish the project. I wish I have someone who would jut down the detail as I work but this is wishful thinking. For now, my goal is to finish the project and that is all!!!

Just a side note for those who are learning to knit or crochet: http://knittersreview.com/forum/
is a good site with lots of friendly knitters/crocheters willing to answer your questions pertaining to these art/craft.

Knitting WIP Basket Weave Afghan

2011-07-19T09:31:00.001-04:00

Knitting WIP Afghan

I'm more than half way done on this and I've worked on it for 4 months now. Knitting is much slower than crochet. I loved that I'm finally comfortable with both knit and purl stitches. There are quite a few bobo's on this afghan, but it is my first big knitting project so I will not be too hard on myself. The main thing is that I'm now proficient in making both purl and knit stitches and I have something to show for my effort. I want to make another project of the same stitch pattern and when I do it, I want perfection. In the mean time I need to finish this one.

Baby's First Play Rug - Finished

2011-06-22T20:45:00.000-04:00

This is a reversible afghan. For instructions on how to make the squares, please see my older post with the same title. The individual squares are joined together using a yarn plastic needle and using a herring bone joining technique. All yarn ends are tucked (woven) underneath the crochet stitches and worked towards and within side A and B layers. The border is worked in 4 rounds of sc(s), starting with side A up first round, side B up, for second round; Side A up for third round and Side B up for 4th round. Since the border is not worked in a continues fashion, after connecting with sl st (slip stitch) at the end of the round,* I turn the afghan, then ch1, then sc all around and connect with sl st to the beginning ch1. to complete the round*. Then repeat * * the same for remaining rounds. The reason I used this technique is to prevent the crocheted fabric from curling up towards one side of the crocheted fabric (usually the right side, side B).

Side B

Side A

Rose Curtain Tie Back on a fleece drape

2011-06-14T21:57:00.000-04:00

Tada! How do you like it? I was going to remove my winter drapes that are made out of fleece to keep heat in and cold out during winter time, but I think I'm just going to keep them open with these tie backs instead of removing them and hanging them back again during Fall and Winter season.

Crocheted Rose Curtain Tie Back

2011-06-08T22:56:00.001-04:00

I want to make 3 or 4 pairs of these to use as Ties for my Curtains.

How To Do T-Shirt Make Over (From Plain T-Shirt To Fabulous Shrug)

2011-05-30T22:18:00.256-04:00

Sewing tools and equipments:

Sewing Machine

1 = French Curve
2 = Tailor's Chalk
3 = Safety pins
4 = Pins
5 = Tube Turner
6 = Scissors
7 = Bobbin
8 = Spool of thread
9 = Tailor's Square

Diagram on how the t-shirt is cut apart

The t-shirt is divided into 3 main parts upper part (Bodice), middle part (mid section), lower part (Bottom)
The lower part of the shirt becomes the band of the shrug and the middle part becomes the left and right ties.

Bodice:

Top diagram = Fig. 1; Bottom = fig.2

photo A

photo B

Instructions:

Choose a well fitting t-shirt. (Old one is recommended for practice).
Put it on and using a safety pin, pin at the front center where you want the sash to be tied. Put another pin toward the side seams below the bust.
Take the shirt off and fold as shown in fig.1. Lay it on the table with the safety pins facing you. See fig.1 above.
Pin side seams to get the front and back center. Match the shoulder seams also. Use pins to hold seams together. See fig.2 above.
Using tailor's chalk or washable crayons, mark the places where the safety pins entered the fabric. Remove the safety pins. See fig.3 above.
Use a French curve (photo.A) as a guide to mark the cutting line starting where you just marked (step 5) from the center towards the side and then use a tailoring square (photo.B) if you have one, if not, use a ruler or yard stick) to guide the marking straight across to the back of the shirt. See fig.4A
Add 1/4 seam allowance toward the bottom of the shirt from where you marked and this is the actual cutting line. If you cannot cut by sight maintaining the 1/4 seam allowance all through, mark this area first before cutting. Then cut on this line. See fig.4A and fig.4B above.
Cut through the front center, which is where the shirt is folded. Cut a 1/8 ( or less ) notch (A) at the center back of the bodice. See step 8 diagram above.
Remove the pins and unfold the upper part of the shirt. Zigzag or serge the raw edges of the front of the shirt, using the same color of thread as the shirt. Do for left and right front of the shirt. See step 9. above.
Fold zigzaged (serged) edges 1 and 1/4 inch toward the wrong side of the shirt and pin in places. See Step 10 and 11 diagram above.
Starting at the neckline, sew (using straight stitch) down to the bottom of the shirt. See Step 10 and 11 diagram above.

Band:

Make this middle part ( mid section)of the shirt straight by cutting away the slope (uneven) front center created when the top of the shirt was cut away. See (Band) step 1 diagram above.
Fold lower part of the shirt (hemmed part) towards the middle part, to within 1/2 inch of the raw edge. The 1/2 inch is a seam allowance. See (Band) step 2 and 3 diagram above.
Cut at the fold. See step 2 and 3 diagram above.
Make a 1/8 notch (B), ( or smaller) at the center fold of the bottom part of the shirt. Later, this notch is to be lined up with notch (A) of the back center of the bodice before seaming the two parts together. See step 4 and 5 diagram above.
Cut open the un-notched center fold. See Step 4 and 5diagram above.
With right sides together, match notch A (center back of the bodice) and notch B ( center ) of the lower part of the shirt. Stitch together leaving a 1/4" seam allowance, starting from the center (notched) part toward the front. See step 6 and 7 diagram above.
Finish with zigzag or serge the raw edges. See step 6 and 7 diagram above.
Cut the excess fabric ( if there is any) at the front ends of the band leaving a 1/4" seam allowance. This is where the front ties will be sewn.

Ties:

photo D

Ties (The midsection of the t-shirt becomes the front ties)

Cut the side seams of the mid section of the shirt. This makes the left and right front ties. See (Ties) step 1 diagram above.
With right sides together pin the ties to the band's end, positioning the mid sections so that there are 1/4 allowance on top and bottom edges. See (Ties) step 2 and 3 diagram and photo D above.
Sew together band's ends and ties, starting at the last stitch of the center front. See (Ties) step 2 and 3 diagram above.
Fold lengthwise toward the right side of the bodice (right sides together) and pin to stay in place. See (Ties) step 4 diagram above.
Seam along lengthwise starting at the front where the stitches intersect, turn at the corner and finish at the fold. Do the same for the other tie. Left and right tie tubes are sewn. See (Ties) step 4 diagram above.
Turn tie tube right side out using a tube turner (See Sewing tools and equipments: # 5). Dull pencil or size 5 or 6 crochet hook can be used.
Finish front tie by turning seam allowances in and do 3/8" wide top stitching to the tie and bands 1 and 1/2 inch from the front center. See (Ties) step 7 diagram above.
Clip thread ends and enjoy wearing the T-Shrug. See (Ties) step 8 diagram above.

If anyone wants to try this project, I recommend to practice on old t-shirt that is no longer worn.

Good Luck and enjoy the project!

From Plain Shirt To Fabulous Shrug

2011-05-21T22:18:00.000-04:00

It's nice to finish a project in less than 2 hours. It gives one a sense of accomplishment. So I took a break from crochet and knitting and made a shrug from a plain t-shirt that I bought on sale. The photos above show the result. Watch for my How To Instructions on my next blog.

Good Service at Knitting_Warehouse

2011-05-18T18:25:00.000-04:00

I'm very impressed with the service at Knitting Warehouse I ordered 6 more crochet thread of the colors that I need to finish the Summer Shawl. I ordered them last Thursday and the package arrived this Monday. I'm pleased. I'll definitely buy from them again.:)

Thread Crochet

2011-05-13T20:28:00.000-04:00

I was enticed by the color of this Red Heart crochet thread which sparked my interest to working with crochet thread again. This is size 3, so it is not too bad for my eyes and I can see the stitches well. I'm going to make a summer shrug or a shawl if I have enough Thread. I ordered some more from Knitting Warehouse since Walmart did not have enough. This is in WIP status along with the baby blanket that I'm knitting.

The stitches pattern is from http://mypicot.com and the thread as pictured above is by http://www.redheart.com/

Knitting FO

2011-04-10T10:52:00.000-04:00

I'm learning how to knit and this is one of the result of my knitting experiments-- A knitted washcloth with crochet edging. Now I'm wishing to knit a baby hat.

Baby's First Play Rug

2011-03-23T16:25:00.008-04:00

Photo above is side A.

It's time to get back to crochet. I'm making a Play rug for a baby so that he/she can lay on it on the floor. This is a reversible afghan and I'll call this Circle Within a Square Reversible afghan. Here is the instructions:

Materials:
Color A medium green;
Red Heart (super saver) or your favorite yarn. 7oz, 364 yds/333m, worsted medium 4.
Color B dark green (same type of yarn)
Color C light green (same type of yarn)
Crochet hook: Boye 6/6-4.25 mm
Plastic needle

Side A (color: medium green): Ch4, slip stitch (sl st) on first(f) ch.
R1 Ch3 *(3dc over ring, ch2).* Repeat(rep)*( )*4times(x). Sl st on top of first dc.
R2 Ch1, *[ sc nx(next) stitch(st) up to ch2 space(sp), ch3, sc on same sp]*. Rep *[ ]* until the first ch1.
Sl st on the first ch1.
R3 Ch1, *[sc nx st up to ch3 sp. Ch3, sc on same sp, skip (sk)1 st(chain), sc nx st up to ch3sp]*. Rep *[
]* until the first ch1 sl st on the first ch1.
R4 Ch1 Sc nx st up to ch3 sp*[ch3, sc on same sp, sc nxt ch and remaining chains up to ch3 sp]* .
Rep*[ ]* until the first ch1, sl st on the beginning (beg)ch1.
R5 Ch1, sc nx st up to last ch before the ch3 sp. ATTACH SIDE B AS FOLLOWS:
NOTE: See instructions on how to make side B.
R6 *[[With side A up and wrong sides of A and B facing together, insert hook on both A & B ch3 loops, yo and draw up loop and make a sc]*; ch3 and rep *[ ]* on same sp. ** [Sc nx 2 ch of side A. Catch side B(insert hook on nx side A ch and nx side B loop, yo and draw loop and make a sc)]** .Rep* *[ ]** until the ch before the ch3 sp.]]*. Then rep *[[ ]]* up to beg sc. Sl st. on beg sc
R7 TURN with side B up. Ch1, *[Sc nx st up to ch3 sp. Ch3, sc on same sp]*. Rep *[ ]* until beg sc. Sl st on beg sc.
R8 With side B up. Repeat R7. Fasten off.

How to make Side B:

Ch4 and connect to form a ring.
R1 Ch1 (this counts as 1 sc). *[sc on nx st ]*. Rep 11x. Sl st on top of beg ch1.
R2 Ch3 (this counts as 1dc; dc on same sp. *[2dc on nx ch]*. Rep *[ ]*until beg ch3. ATTACH COLOR A (OR YOUR FAVORITE BACKGROUND COLOR). Sl st on top of the first ch3 post.
R3 *[ Ch3, sk1 ch, sc on nx ch]*. Rep*[ ]* 12x. NOTE: 12 CH3 LOOPS MADE. THE 2 END TAILS ARE TUCKED UNDER AS YOU WORK THE CH3 LOOPS. Fasten off leaving 8" tail for finishing. Thread this tail through the plastic (yarn) needle. work the tail through the wrong side stitches making sure it does not show outside by hiding it under dc or sc v bases. Clip the end. NOTE: Side B must be finished (all yarn ends hidden) before it is attached to Side A.

For those who are trying to make this pattern please let me know if the pattern instructions are clear or if there are any errors. I'll be happy to clarify and rewrite to correct them. I'm learning to write pattern instructions
so any positive critique will be appreciated. Thank you. I hope you enjoy making the afghan.
Photo below is side B.

Remember The 1950's?

2010-06-25T20:05:00.000-04:00

Okey.... It is not about crochet but I said that this site is about crochet and other things that interest me. I got invited to a 1950's theme Birthday Party so I made this poodle skirt with matching crinoline to wear to the party. The poodle skirt was fun to wear. Of course back in the 1950's women did not wear their petticoat (I don't even remember how to spell ptcoat lol!) showing under their skirts. I'm sure it will be very inappropriate back then. So I sort of modernize it by making the crinoline longer than the skirt.

I was too little to wear a poodle skirt back then. I got the opportunity to wash and iron similar type skirts for my older sister, especially those pleated full skirts. You have to crease each pleat of the skirt one at a time. But first, you have to wash them and then starch them stiff. It was a chore for a little kid but I'm glad I did it for my sister and now I got to wear one too!

I Designed My Very First Shrug!

2010-05-20T23:41:00.002-04:00

Yayy! I designed my first Shrug and completed it. I liked it a lot. My daughter-in-law got me back into crocheting by giving me a bagful of yarn with different colors of yarn in it. The bag has my name nicely embroidered in it---Isn't she thoughtful? I love her. Now I know what I'm going to give the women in the family for Christmas---a shrug. and I should be starting now. I'm making a second one which is in peach color.

I'm getting my energy back and walking 2 miles everyday when I can. So things are looking up.

Have a good Summer everyone!

Cross Medallion And An Apology

2010-05-04T13:39:00.003-04:00

I'd like to express my appreciation to those who had been following/viewing this blog and at the same time, I'd like to express my apology for not being able to post often enough here. I have other interests that I'm pursuing so if you are curious, please click on my profile to see the other interests that occupy my time. Thanks again for stopping by.

This photo is of a Cross Medallion done in crochet. If there are enough interests, I would post the instructions on how to make it.

Have a good day everyone!

Zoe

Open Fan Shawl

2010-04-06T17:03:00.004-04:00

After I finished this shawl this winter, my creativity just went into hibernation and my energy level went down the drain. This past winter seems to be the longest one that I remember. But I'm so glad that Spring is finally here, well, hopefully, no more cold spells. No energy no crochet. I'm hoping to get back in the swing of things (crochet) but, then there are the seeds that need to be planted and I really want to spend more time in the sunshine. I missed it so much!

The Hounds Tooth Experiment

2010-02-15T18:15:00.007-05:00

I favor the #4 swatch. I think this is closer to the look of the woven design. I will continue to improve on the #4. I did not use tapestry crochet technique on this swatch. I crochet each color alternately on each row without breaking either yarn.

One of my niece asked me if I can crochet a hounds tooth using two colors. Since I can't find any available crochet pattern for this stitch design I decided to experiment on it myself and see what I can come up with. Above are photos of my design experiment of Hounds Tooth Crochet Pattern. I want to make a beret out of the #4 swatch.

Happy Crocheting and Designing!

Year 2010 Winter Walk

2010-01-05T15:33:00.005-05:00

Note photo taken today. 1/5/2010

My first walk this year. It is cold but I wrapped up with fake fur vest underneath my fleece jacket and a fleece lined crocheted scarf that I wrap around my neck and part of my face (covering up to the tip of my nose ) to prevent the winter wind from chaffing my lips. This is very effective for the air around my face is warmed by my breathing. I also wear my crocheted hat that I pull all the way down covering my ears and forehead. I leave just enough gap between the hat and the scarf to be able to see. I thought about crocheting or knitting a combination hat and cowl that will have opening for the tip of the nose and eyes and will be worn as I have described above. This is what I have to do in order to be able to spend time outdoor during winter time. Some of my fingers actually turns white from absence of blood flow when I get cold but this time I did not experience such.

The sun was shining bright but there was such a hush, no barking squirrels or twittering birds along the roadsides. The nest that I took photo of and posted on previous post "Sign of Spring 2010" is still there undisturbed. Part of the lake is frozen. I feel better that I tried to walk, if only I could do this everyday, I will still be able to keep in shape even in winter time. It is a 2-mile walk.

I'll try to work on that hat-cowl combination and if I succeed I will post it either here or on Crochet me, http://crochetme.com/

Sign of Spring 2010

2010-01-01T12:02:00.003-05:00

Note: This photo was taken fall of 2009

I took this picture during one of my walks. The nest was fastened onto a wild ox-eyed daisy. The bird used the top of the whole plant to hold the nest, fastening all the leaves or using them as foundation for the nest itself. I'm curious to know what kind of bird made this and I wonder if it would use the same nest this year. I hope no one disturbs this nest as I am checking on it everytime I walk. I'm going to mark the spot so I would know where the nest is, when Spring time comes. I hope I can take a picture of the mama bird on the nest. This is something to look forward to. May you all have a great New Year 2010!

The Highpoint of Designing

2009-12-19T17:53:00.007-05:00

The high point of designing and making a garment is to see it on a person. This was mostly my reward when I was designing and making clothes for other people, it is no different in crocheted garment. I love to see people wearing what I've made, especially when I know that they really appreciate the warmth that the garment provides.

In the photos, I've shown how the scarf may be worn depending on how cold it is. I hope whoever tries to make this pattern appreciates it as much as I do. I would appreciate a comment from those who wants to try making this pattern which I'm offering free for personal use and charitable purposes. And yes, you may sell items made from this pattern but not the pattern itself. Instructions for this scarf is found on my 3 posts before this one.

Scarf Edging 3rd And Final Round

2009-12-19T14:13:00.007-05:00

Photo #6(above) shows the end of final round (R3)

Photo#4 Scarf Edging(above) demonstrate Round 3. Click on photo to enlarge.

Photo#5 (above) Scarf edging. upper portion of photo shows part of scarf with only 2 rounds of edging. The bottom portion shows partly done 3 rounds of edging.

After comparing how the scarf looks with only 2 rounds of edging and the other end which shows 3 rounds of edging, I decided that I like the scarf better with 3 rounds of edging. The 3rd round (R3) is basically a repeat of R2, the only minor difference is in doing the corners; and instead of sc on midchain of chain5, you are doing sc on midchain of ch3. So here's the 3rd and final round
--yeahhh, almost done!!! I'm ready to get back on other UFO's that had been put aside, in favor of this one.

Scarf Edging Last Round (R3) Instructions:

R3 Sl to midch (of ch3 between 2 esc(s), ch5 *esc on same midch, ch1, esc on nx midch,ch3.* Repeat from *to * all around except on all corners of the scarf.

On corners do: esc-ch3-esc on 1st ch of ch3, ch1, skip midch, esc-ch3-esc on 3rd ch of ch3, ch1, esc nx midch. Resume *to*. End with sc on 2nd ch of R3 starting ch5. See photo #6. Hide the end of yarn by weaving in ends using a yarn needle.

The completed scarf will be shown on my next post.

Scarf Edging

2009-12-18T10:06:00.010-05:00

(please click on photo to enlarge) Photo#1 (above) shows Scarf edging R1

Photo #2 (Above) shows scarf edging R1 completed.

Photo #3 (above) Scarf Edging
Please click on photo to enlarge. Photo shows round 1(R1) and round 2 (R2) of scarf edging. Round2 (R2) is incomplete.

Scarf Edging Instructions:

Terms and Abbreviations:

midch=middle chain, e.g. midch of ch5 is the 3rd ch; midch of ch3 is the 2nd ch from hook, etc.

fblp (fbl)= front and back loop

After sc on fl of last row (of scarf main fabric), don't fasten off but continue to do the edging.

R1 Working on Vertical side (width) of scarf,[Ch5, sk2 esc posts, sc on nx ch1 sp (space between esc posts, See photo #1]. Repeat [ ] up to the corner of the scarf (this makes 8 ch5 loops on this side of the scarf). End this side with sc on the base of beginning turning ch3 of R1.

Working on the horizontal side (length) of scarf,[ ch5, sk1 side post, sc on nx sp (side post)], refer to photo for clarification. Repeat [ ] until last side post. Sc on the corner esc. Repeat the Vertical side instructions to continue. Repeat the Horizontal side instructions and end R1 with sc on the base of R1 starting ch5. See photo#2.

R2 Ch4, [esc on midch of nx ch5(catch fblp), ch3, esc on same midch, ch1]. Repeat [ ] around except at corners: Make [dc-ch3-dc on sc of previous round(R1)]. Repeat [ ] on 3 corners. Ending this round with dc-ch3-sc on the 3rd ch of starting ch4 (count the 3rd ch from the sc of previous row).

At this point I have not made up my mind whether to finish the edging at r2 or add more rounds with more complicated design. AAAAAAHHHH---- the agony of writing out the process. I admire the professional crochet designers more and more, now that I'm trying to write out what I do so easily with my hands. I will post photo of the final product.

It's Time To Get Back To Crochet -- (Posting, that is)

2009-12-17T16:42:00.009-05:00

Please Click on the picture to enlarge and see the text within the picture.

It's been a while since I posted anything regarding crochet, so to get back on blogging, I'm posting my current crochet WIP. I'm posting instructions on how to make this scarf. The main body of the scarf is simple to make but the lace edging will be more complicated. I will post instructions for a simplier edging for those who finds the lace edging so complicated. Above is a photo of starting row. You increase the length of the scarf by doing as many rows to accomplish the desired length. The lace edging is done after the main body of the scarf is completed.

I like the __Ch1__as in sc-ch1-sc or esc-ch1-esc combination because it is fast and makes crocheted fabric that is very flexible and drapeable, specially, when you use this combination stitch technique with soft yarns such as Caron Simply Soft. This stitch combination is appropriate for making garments, however, I would not recommend it for items that will be tugged on or pulled such as baby blankets or other items that needs to be firm or stable such as place mats etc. The stitches on the main body of the scarf are worked on fl(front loops) only and are loosely made.

Materials:

Yarn: Caron Simply Soft, worsted, wt=med.(4); 1 skein of 6oz/170g; 315 yds/288 meters
Crochet Hook: Boye G/6-4.25mm
Gauge: 5 stitches = 1 inch; 2 rows = 1 inch (unstretched)

Stitches Used: Ch, Sc, Esc(same as dsc), Dc

Crochet Terms and Abbreviations used:

ch = Chain

sc = single crochet

esc(dsc)= extended single crochet (dsc =double single crochet)

ch1fl =chain-one front loop, this is created by the ch1 between 2 esc(s). For short this would be referred in this pattern as simply fl.

Sk = skip

sp = space

lp = loop

Sl = slip stitch

nx = next

St = stitch

The Pattern

Foundation chain = Ch29 + 3 (turning chain)

R1 esc on 4th chain from hook. *ch1, sk1 ch, esc nx st (ch)*. Repeat from* to* until there are 16 esc posts. Ch3, turn.

R2 *esc on next front loop, ch1*. Repeat from * to * until there are 16 esc posts. Ch3, turn.
Note: Please refer to the photo above to identify the fl (front loop to which the hook is inserted for making the esc(s).

Repeat R2 as many times needed to complete desired length. I'm a petit woman so I made a total of 96 rows. The scarf will hang a little bit below my waistline.

This is all for now. The edging instructions will be posted on my next post.

A note on where I learned the dsc or esc stitch: Encyclopedia of Crochet by Donna Kooler. This is really a good book with beautiful photo of different stitches and instructions for doing crochet stitches for both lefth-handed and right handed crocheters.

I hope you try this wonderful stitch combination. This is mainly the technique I've used on all the shawls and scarves that I've made.

First Snow fall in 2009

2009-12-06T17:47:00.006-05:00

Please Disregard the date on the Photo (I forgot to adjust the date on my camera)
This and photos below were taken December 5, 2009. Our first and probably last snowfall this year.

Disregard the date on photo ( Everytime I change battery on my camera the date has to be reset and I keep forgetting to do this) . This and subsequent photos are taken Saturday, Dec. 5, 2009.
The snow accumulation is about 3 inches in some places but as you can see, there are bare spots not totally covered by the Snow. It was pretty waking up in the morning and all the trees and low growing bushes covered with this white stuff from heaven.

The last Blooms of My Garden 2009

2009-12-03T19:02:00.008-05:00

Pink Zinnias, Can you believe that these are still in bloom on 11/07/2009?
This is supposed to be bright red-orange Zinnias but somehow it did not come out in its bright original color. Must be the bright light of the sun clashing against the flash of my camera.
Oh Well, But I still love the colors. I would like to capture these beauties in crochet. We'll see what happens.

I have problem saying goodbye even to my annual flowers. I know they must go but I just don't have the heart to pull them out of the ground when they are still blooming prettily. So I thought I would just wait until mother nature claims them for herself. I took pictures of them, since I thought they were remarkable for toughing out the cold spells that started way back on the first week of October. The other Zinnias have long dried out, but these group which is planted
in a partially shaded area, sheltered from the wind by our cabin really looks healthy. Can you see the moth or is it butterfly? I have to look it up for I don't know right now.

Contemplating On God's Blessings

2009-11-24T09:48:00.004-05:00

God's blessings abound and yet in my busy and distracted life I failed many times to see them. In my ungratefulness, I oftentimes, see and dwell on the bad things that surround me. The darkness is an illusion of my darkened heart. Offer this darkened heart to God. Let His eternal sunrays penetrate every corner and subdue the dragons and the lions that made their dwelling place there.
Let the Light of Truth shine so that the lie recedes until it comes to nothing as I come closer and closer to the source of Truth and Life.

Our Orthodox Kids Crafts

2009-11-20T21:05:00.003-05:00

This will be the crafts that we are going to do this Sunday. The children (3-4 years old) will help us paint the background for the words by using stamping or imprinting techniques. I think they will enjoy painting activity. We selected Psalms 107:1 "Oh give thanks to the Lord for He is good! For His mercy endures forever."

Materials:

pressed, dried leaves from different trees.
yarn
yarn needle
small paper clips
scissors
different color water base acrylic (non-toxic) paint
foam brush with flat round end, 1/2 to 1" diameter
paint dish (I use bottom end of plastic water bottle, with the top cut away)
papers where each word of Psalms 107:1 is written.
Water to dilute the paint
loose T shirts (to wear over kids clothes so they will not soil their clothes)
Table cover to keep the classroom table free of paints.
push pins (to hang the crafts on the wall)

I pre-strung the leaves using a yarn needle. This string of leaves will then be hang on the classroom wall using push pins. The words will be hang on this string by means of paper clip and
yarn. See the photos. The brown leaves should show better against the classroom's sage colored wall.

Misty Morning

2009-11-20T19:59:00.003-05:00

It was cold and misty this morning. I tried to capture the morning sun as it peeks out on top of the ridge. Our gas stove was on to drive away the morning chill. I would have walked early but it was just too chilly for me, so I did my aerobics instead.

I actually walked later but brought a crochet project with me. Halfway through my walk, I sat on a bench, in a sunny location, and crochet a while. I need some vit. D from the sun, so I need to keep this as a regular routine--to crochet outdoor and enjoy nature and my favorite craft.
Crocheting in the sunshine is a good way to chase away the blues.

Red Hat & Red Shawl

2009-11-14T02:58:00.004-05:00

This is the red hat that I have been working on. I did not find a red fabric that I like to make as decorative band so I just made a crocheted one instead. The flower serves as a decoration as well as a closure. The band is removeable.

I have made the shawl a while back and had not worn it at all I think I'll wear it during Christmas Holidays.

I want my scarf to "rock" but not to "roll"

2009-11-12T14:50:00.006-05:00

(I don't mean to have everything here underlined but I can't seem to fix this problem, so I'm sorry, but I have to post what I have to post. It is obvious I have a lot to learn, so please bear with me). When crocheting scarf using stockinette or garter stich, the edge rolls. So to fix this problem, I turn the crocheted fabric (ws) wrong side up and crochet 1 to 2 rows/rounds of the edging, then crochet (rs)right side up next and (ws) up alternately. This makes the edge to lay flat and not roll towards the right side of the fabric.

The photo shows a portion of a crocheted scarf (wip) with the (wip) edging. A photo of a knitted scarf with crocheted edging is shown in "tips and tricks" section of Crochet Me.

Self Imposed Pressure

2009-11-11T20:49:00.004-05:00

Hello everyone!

I hope you have had a great day today. It's been raining here since yesterday so I just mainly stayed inside our little cabin and try to concentrate on crochet. I'm not very good at pressuring myself to keep my focus on what I need to do. I developed this habit early in life of functioning and focusing better to meet other people's expectation. Left to my own device, I just let my creative imagination run wild which interferes with my finishing my current project. So to focus and get back on track of the 15-20 hat self challenge I will post the hats that I have completed. I will not post the red hat because I cannot find the appropriate fabric to make the decorative band.

These hats have adjustable band that can be tightened or loosened and will fit adult sizes.
The depth of the brim is also adjustable and can be folded over for a narrower brim or pulled out to cover ears and forehead well during very cold days. The band is removeable so that different colored fabric or crocheted yarn band can be used to match the color of the clothes.

I'm currently self testing the pattern for these hats that I designed as I make them.
I intend to publish the pattern after Christmas.

Please leave a comment and let me know what you think. Your input will be greatly appreciated.

Happy Crocheting,

zoe

Time Out From Crochet

2009-11-07T21:56:00.005-05:00

I met my hat qouta for this week (2 hats made) and I'm starting another one. I plan on making at least 3 next week. so far so good. I will post the photo when I make the trim it will be a lot prettier. I'm looking to see these black hats trimmed with fabrics in different colors.

In the meantime, I want to take a time out from posting crochet photos, so here are some pictures that I took while walking yesterday and this afternoon. I am collecting some tokens (colorful leaves, twigs and wild flowers that are still in bloom at this time of year). I also took a picture of my shadow.

Fashion Hat For Cold Weather

2009-11-05T22:32:00.004-05:00

Ok, so I'm running a little bit late on my schedule. I'm finishing the last row of the hat I started yesterday. Its color is red. In the meantime, I decided to go ahead and post this hat that I made prior to my starting that self crochet challenge. The red hat will be made just like this, only the trim will be different. I either crochet a red band with crocheted flower on it or find a soft sheer red fabric to decorate the hat. The lady that I'm making the red hat for likes red color.

Crochet Challenge

2009-11-04T21:13:00.003-05:00

This is a crochet challenge to myself ( and anyone who care to join). The purpose is to make 15 to 20 hats by December 22, 2009. These hats will be given away for Christmas on Dec. 24th. This is the date when my family gathers up and open presents. This will be my surprise handmade gifts to everyone.

Starting Date: November 4, 2009
Ending Date: December 22, 2009

I started my first hat at 2pm today. I can't do it continuously, of course, because of other house chores but it is halfway done at this time and hopefully I will be able to finish and post the photo by tomorrow evening at about this time. I do better at anything when there is a challenge involve and that is why I'm doing this. So please join in if you want. Your project does not have to be a hat, it may be a scarf, a mitten or a pair of socks, dishcloths or other small home dec items.

I have to set aside other projects and concentrate only on making hats until the ending date.
So I better go to bed for now, I have a very challenging day tomorrow--that is to finish the hat that I started today!

Happy Crocheting,

Zoe

A Shawl Tie -- How to use (continued)

2009-11-03T18:40:00.004-05:00

As one can see in the photo, the buttons keep the shawl tie fasten to the shawl at all times (so it would not be lost) and one can put the shawl on or take it off without unfastening the buttons; still one has the choice to take out the tie and use some other closure on the neck area. This shawl is my favorite for now. I'm sure I'll come up with another different design which will end up being my next favorite.

A Shawl Tie -- How to use (continued)

2009-11-03T18:08:00.003-05:00

Tie it as one would tie a shoe lace.

A Shawl Tie -- How to use

2009-11-03T17:22:00.007-05:00

After threading shawl tie through the ch3-space( of the shawl), pull each end of the tie in even length and as tight or loose on the neck according to one's preference.

Please see the first step on:

http:crochetme.com/tips
and the following posts with the same title.

Fall Landscape

2009-10-31T02:45:00.004-04:00

October 29, 2009

A Beautiful Landscape Made by Unseen Hands

I'm walking in this beautiful picture. The glorious colors of foliage surrounding me everywhere......reds, yellows, greens and browns in varying shades met my eyes. I thought, I wish I have the ability to capture all these and express them in a canvas, somehow my camera does not capture the breath-taking beauty of what I'm seeing. But who can duplicate the beauty that God has created?

As I walk, a squirrel scampered away in the nearby woods, climbing up a small tree trunk and looked at me with, ooh, so innocent eyes. A bird that I used to know flew away from under the low bushes and made its warning calls. A Wood Wren also flew away and perched on a twig nearby turning this way and that way with its birdy manners.

Ah.... I love the aromatic smell of the decaying twigs and leaves; and of pines and deciduous tree saps fermenting on the ground. The earth is making its fragrant incense and censing the woodlands and anyone who strolls by. Who can comprehend the magnificence of the Creator? Much less explain Him using the loftiest human thoughts and knowledge? Ah, I am but a speck of dust, hardly visible, in His vast canvas of Creation. But here, I am happy not to be seen or known, except in the memory of Him who created me.

Decorative Non-Conventional Crochet

2009-10-30T04:27:00.006-04:00

This is my first attempt on making non conventional crochet. Should I call it freeform crochet (scrumbling)? The design was inspired by my Clematis garden. The flowers and leaves are separate motifs which are connected together by slip stitches using a yarn needle. The flower background and border is done in crochet. The whole design is tacked using a yarn needle onto a polyster upholstery fabric. I would like to do more of this type of crochet, using, especially the Fall foliage for inspiration.

Crocheted Clematis flower

2009-10-28T23:36:00.008-04:00

Inspired by my Nellie Moser clematis in bloom, I crocheted this pillow cover. My Nellie Moser plant is gone since I have moved to a different location but the memory of its gorgeous blooms remains with me. What do you think? Do you think it is worth taking my time to try to write a crochet pattern for this?

Discipline, Discipline, Discipline..........

2009-10-27T14:06:00.002-04:00

I can see that my blog will keep me very busy and will take time away from my crochet activities but I'm loving the blog and I'm afraid that I'm spending more time to blog than to crochet so some self discipline is needed here. I will limit my blogging time to only 1hr per use of computer and then before I turn on the computer to blog, I will do at least 1row of my current project, this way if I blog 3 to 5X a day I would have finished 3 to 5 rows at least and my crocheting is not sacrificed in favor of blogging.

Okey... time is up. It is time to quit for now and do a row of crochet!

Happy Crocheting and or Knitting!

zoe

Another FO (finished object)

2009-10-24T18:25:00.005-04:00

Another FO (Finished Object)

This Shawl is made from Lion Brand Yarn, medium wt (4), 100% acrylic, "Vanna's Choice". I used only the fl (front loop) on each row to make it more drapeable. The whole shawl is crochetd in one piece (no seams). I used a small plastic hair clasp for buttons. This shawl is very warm and fits well on the back and shoulders. Approximate size is sm. to med.

This is the front view.

My Fall Shawl

2009-10-22T22:04:00.000-04:00

This is my fall Shawl. I designed and crocheted it last year. Unluckily, I did not write the crochet instructions because I'm just now trying to learn to write them; so I cannot duplicate this shawl exactly if I wanted to.

This is the back view.

Fall

2009-10-22T09:12:00.000-04:00

Fall is definitely upon us. With it comes the thoughts of Thanksgiving and Christmas Holidays. If you are like me, who is always trying to make things to give away as gifts, time to crochet and craft things for Christmas gifts is really running short. The next best thing to do is to make small keepsakes instead of large items. Hmmm.....let me see if I can do this.

My First Blog

2009-10-21T22:47:00.000-04:00

Hello, Please do be patient since I'm new and this is my first blog. I hope to write and post something that will be useful and inspiring but for now I'm learning my way around here. Hope to post lots of interesting crochet projects and crafts as soon as I can.

Thank you for stopping by and hope you come and visit again.