Keeping Busy

Trying to keep my hands busy as sit and keep shop at Roadhouse Arts for the evening. At this pace I should be just about be done with this scarf before the evening is over.

Scarves

With fall just around the corner, I posted  a variety of scarves in my Etsy store this weekend. Wishful thinking for cooler weather. It can't come soon enough for me.

Cold Hands Warm Heart

 

What to do with with left over little bits of yarn? Here is one idea. It doesn't take much to make a little pair of mittens. These toddler size mittens where made with bits of two different yarns. I used this free crochet pattern from Lions brand yarn as a guide making just one or two minor adjustments for the materials I was using. I added the buttons and tassels for fun. I think they are cute as can be. Now my hands may are small but these are for tiny little toddler hands, so they have been packed up and sent off to a little girl in a cold place. I hope she enjoys them.

From Goldilocks to Dreadlocks

I have this habit of buying yarn I like with absolutely no plan at all just because I like it. Later I find myself trying to figure out what to do with a specific amount of something I will never be able to match again. Like the wool I bought from the Sudan Farm. Crazy I know... This time when I pulled out a collection of pink, yellow and blue wool which I had bought on one of those whims, I decided to do something just as fun and crazy with it as my idea to buy this yarn had been in the first place.  

I started by crocheting as many thin spirals (approximately 1 inch wide) in a variety of lengths as my supply allowed. This gave me a pile of Shirley Temple like ringlets. Cute as can be.

Only I wasn't exactly going for cute. So  now what? Being wool it seemed only natural to felt them. This stretched out those tight ringlets into a more wabi sabi organic forms giving me something more like dreadlocks then Goldilocks. Much better...
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But I still wasn't really sure what I thought of this idea.  So I wore it. No better test then the court of public opinion. I expected to get a comment or two but the consensus was overwhelming. It got complements at work and at the studio. That was expected. These were people who know I crochet and expect this kind of thing from me. It was the complete strangers who stopped me while about my everyday business which convinced me that I might be on to something here.

Having worn them I can say from a usability perspective that they are mostly just fashionably fun. They create a nice warmth across the back of your neck, after all they are wool, but I won't wear them with the specific goal for fighting the bitter cold. There are better scarves for that purpose. Also if I make something like this for anyone other then myself I'll need to attach them together somewhere in the back to help keep them together all the time. Won't want one to get lost now would we.

Since this is still relatively a new and developing idea, I'd love to know what you think too. Thumbs up... thumbs down... What do you think?

Get one while you have the chance...

After two full weeks of feeling pretty darn miserable, I finally acknowledged defeat and went back to the doctor. On the right meds to attack my allergies and in just two days I'm starting to feel like myself again. What does that have to do with scarves? Well my old self spent this evening coldworking glass and loading kilns not curled up on the coach crocheting scarves. So this recent little run on scarves is not likely going to last. You can grab one of these just in time for winter. Guaranteed no one else will have one exactly like it.

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Now if you'll excuse me, I'm going to try to load another kiln with dichroic glass jewelry before Uptown Art Stroll. So much to do and so little time.

Fall finally blows in...

Fall is finally blowing in and with it bringing all kinds of "goodies".  So for the past week, I have been suffering (woe is me) from a hefty case of allergies. I have dealt with this by spending a fair amount if time curled up on the coach with a cup of Zengranny's tea, watching way too much television and  crocheting. These crochet scarves are full of warm romantic ruffles in firework red and eggplant. If you are interested in laying claiming to one, you can visit my Etsy story.

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Fiber content includes 30% Mohair 55% Acrylic and 15% Polyamid.

First Day of Fall

Green and Ivory Stripped Crocheted Scarf

Today is officially the first day of fall. Seasons are determined by changes in sunlight not temperature  So despite the local weather with highs still in the mid-90's, I have added a few crocheted scarves to my Etsy shop in hopes it will lure cooler weather our way.

Remembering one Stich at a Time

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Felted Crochet Wool Scarf
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The other night I decided to organize the plethora of yarn collecting in a closet. As I pulled everything out one lone ball rolled across the room. It was a ball of crayon colored virgin wool I picked up back in 2009 while in Portland for the Bullseye Education Conference BECON on casting. Strolling one morning through a farmers market I found, a small ball of wool from one of SuDan Farm's coopworth sheep named Orkney. It was practically calling me then (buy me, buy me) and now (isn't it time you do something with me?). So I did, both times. With a J hook and just 3.5 oz I quickly crocheted this spiral scarf which I then felted. With each double crochet I was reminded of that trip and now I'll get to wear my memories to keep me warm. Well, maybe not now since it's like 103 degrees outside but soon I hope.
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Farmers Market - Portland, Oregon

Crocheted Scarves

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With fall in full force and the solstice less then a week away, I have begun to break out my winter wardrobe. As I head off to work I find myself reaching for a scarf or hat to stave off the chill of the morning air. Each year when this happens I instinctively react by reaching for a crochet hook and a skein of yarn, as if  I needed yet another ten foot scarf with tassels. This year is no different. So as I have an abundance of winter accessories, I decided to share this year's creations with others by posting a selection of my handmade crocheted scarves on Etsy. Each one is unique and a great addition to your winter attire. Pick one up for yourself or as a truly warm gift for someone you care about.

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You can see these and other crocheted scarves on my Etsy Store.

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Percipitation 90% Light Rain / Some Snow

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Today's weather calls for a chance of snow but anyone living tn South Texas knows not to hold their breath. The chance we will see snow is slim. More likely it will just be cold and wet. What might have been snow will be sleet or just plan rain. By tomorrow the sun will be out again. If I want snow I'm going to have to create it myself. So I did. My own little version using glass powers fired and then carved. 

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  9.5 x 12 cm kilnformed and cut glass

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The skills used to create this and other exciting pieces are one of a handful of techniques taught in my workshop Power of Powders at Wired Designs Studio. Students learn to create imagery, depth, and drama in your work by creating Powder Wafers for small and large projects, explore crackled powder techniques, and experience Intaglio and Cameo Carving of Powdered Layers. This specialty class shows the exciting power adding powder can add to your fused work. The next class begins Monday evening March 1st. If you miss this there is bound to be another one just around the corner. You can check the online calendar for class upcoming dates.
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Recent weather across the country seems to be telling us that winter and by extension the need for winter fashion are by no means over. So I'll keep throwing new crocheted scarves online, so you can bundle up in style when you head out  into the cold.
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 Left - Green and Ivory Stripped Crochet Scarf 

Right - Yellow Crochet Ruffle Scarlett

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Crochet Pocket Purse

Enough scarves... The pattern for these little pocket purses came from Cozy Crochet Kit: Simple Instructions and Tools for 25 Terrific Crochet Projects. I simply adjusted the size as I desired. I had received this kit as a gift several years ago. It includes;

• 25 instructions cards with projects ranked by skill levels 1-3
• A little instruction booklet that covers basic information and stitches
• A bit of yarn to complete a small level 1 project 
• 5 plastic hooks of various sizes

The kit's yarn was of surprising good quality. The plastic crochet hooks, not so much. Overall the kit is cute and makes a nice gift for someone who has expressed interest in trying out this hobby. For the cost of a newsstand magazine there is little to no risk. If one decides they want to continue to crochet beyond just one or two basic projects, I think they will quickly discard the cheap little plastic hooks that come with this kit for a better quality tool. I prefer those made by Susan Bates. I outfitted mine with cushioned grips to keep my fingers from slipping and to decrease the pressure on my finger tips. You should be able to acquire a set of good hooks and grips for under $10.
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No Cleo! NO!

Cleo!!!!! NO! Cleo stop!!! It has been a year since we brought precious little Cleopatra home and  we no longer have a single blanket that has not been impacted. Knowing I would be spending part of January convalescing at home, and hoping (foolishly) that Cleo at 15  months would begin to outgrow this bad habit, I broke down and purchased a new blanket. Poor thing (the blanket not Cleo). It wasn't in the house 24 hours before we noticed the first signs of damage. Isn't she the cutest little monster you have ever seen. Funny thing though. She has a blanket in the crate where she sleeps. She hasn't chewed that one up at all, go figure. Not that I'm bitter.

So in need of a blanket and with more then sufficient yarn and time on my hands, I set out to crochet a  small throw. Something easy to use and then store in a protected location, like a vault. Here is what I came up with.

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I used two strands of yarn, one Lions Brand Homespun Corinthian and the other Bernat Berrella "4" in Terra Cotta Mist worked together with a Q hook. The Berrella, a medium weight yarn, was for added thickness and warmth. The color blended into the blanket and what is seen is mostly the charater of the Homespun yarn. The Q hook made for large soft stitches and quick easy work. This item was simple to make. and a good project for any beginning crocheter. I chained the width of the thow and then began to single crochet (sc) across the entire width. At the end of each row I chained one and turned. I then worked the entire row in sc again making each stitch in the back loop only and repeating this process until I reached the desired length. Pretty simple.

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Now the really challenge. Protecting it from Cleo. I'm almost afraid to use it. Maybe I should start making our blankets out of Kevlar.

Idle Hands...

Still in search of things to do while watching Law & Order marathons with my foot propped up on on a small mountain of pillows, I came across a needlepoint kit  I purchased at a craft mega-store. The kit included:

• A little silk purse with the pattern printed on it
• Needles
  
• More then plenty of the two colors of thread 
• A package of small glass seed beads
• Instructions
  

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It took me one to two hours to complete. Considering I just about never do any needlepoint I wasn't too disappointed. Here is the completed item. I did switch out the little knot button with one I had in my household jar of old buttons.

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The item not included in the kit that you will need is something to cut the threads as you work. Yes, just about any pair of scissors will do and you can break glass with a hammer... But when possible you should use the right tool for the job. Since I have been doing all that crocheting I happen to have my Gingher Embroidery Scissors on hand. A finely crafted German tool that should be used strictly for cutting threads. This tool  is perfect for anyone who does needlepoint, embroidery, crochet or knitting. In the glass world a comparable tool would be your Toyo Cutter. I can't imagine working on glass with out it just as I expect my Gingher's to be in the pocket of my knitting bag when I reach for them.

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Chenille Scarves

 I told you there were more scarves...

These two scarves are made of Lion Brand Chenille Thick & Quick Periwinkle and Dusty Blue in long alternating strips. One was made in single crochet (sc) making it soft but firm. It holds is shape very well. The other was made with the same design but in double crochet (dc) which as a loser result that is easy to bend and twist. Both are soft and luxurious due to the Chenille. The thickness of the material had several benefits. It makes the scarf  particularly warm. It also made the stitches work up quickly.

To create these scarves I used a size P crochet hook. I simply chained 102. Then sc in second chain or dc in third chain all the way across. At the end of each row switch colors and chaining 1or 2 times depending on the stitch selected. Continue until you reach desired width. Add the fringe to each end and your done.
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Also available for purchase on Etsy

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Crochet Scarves

For the last three weeks I have been serving a term of confinement, which has left me not only stuck at home but off my feet and on my butt. In July of 2008 I had surgery on my left foot and it was only a matter of time till the right foot followed. I've never been one to sit still well. Since working on glass was presently out of the question, I had to find something to do with my hands while watching endless hours of daytime television. Crocheting came easily. It occupied my hands, warmed my heart and helped to count the passing hours stitch by stitch, row by row.

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I first flipped through a couple of books to get ideas, including Celebrity Scarves. This book, published in 2003, is People magazine meets the DIY network. Famous  actresses tell the stories of how the came by this craft, share a favorite pattern  and display superstar photographs of them with their scarves. Most of the book is knitters with a crocheter sprinkled in here and there. As knitting is by far the most popular of the two techniques this was no surprise, neither was it a disappointment. The stories and photos entertain and I walked away with a few good ideas. In the end I didn't follow any of the the patterns in the book. Instead I looked at the materials I had on hand (4 large bags of yarn I have been collecting for years), decided on a direction (thin and long, wide like a shawl, soft and lose, etc.) and started stitching.

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Using just 4 balls of TLC Wiggles, two yellow #158 and two red #322, I was able to make three scarves. The strong primary colors makes these casual and fun. All three were made using two strands of yarn in double crochet (dc).

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This extended scarf measures an 11 feet 9 inches long including the tassels but only 2 3/4 inches wide. Why so crazy long? So it could be wrapped around and around until it is as thin or as thick around the neck as  desired. It could be worn with long tails drifting behind them or dangling in front. The idea was to be fun and flexible. It was made with one strand each of red and yellow worked together.

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More typical this one measures 4 feet 8 inches from tip to tail. It's 4 inches wide in alternating strips of yellow and red.

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When in need of a little assistance I reach for an ageless resource, the Reader's digest Complete Guide to Needlework. My copy is from 1979 and although the pages have begun to turn a lovely ivory around the borders and the photos are obviously dated the content is none the less timeless and superb. This is the one book of it's kind I can not do without.

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Adding Lion Brand Fancy Fur to a plan ivory  made all the difference in this soft and decadent scarf. I used ecru and ebony Fancy Fur and a large Q hook to make this item light a fluffy. Without stretching it measures 7 feet 10 inches, including fringe.

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These are just the tip of the iceberg. During my first week home I completed 8 scarves, a hat and am working on a blanket. Please, spare my family and friends yet another birthday or holiday scarf. present. I am sure they love them but at this stage in my life I think they have all gotten their fair share and there are only so many  days (like 3) you can wear your winter gear here in South Texas. I'll be posting these items on Etsy.

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