Newborn Baby Booties

When I saw this tutorial on Annasimplecrochet, I knew I would be making them.  After I crocheted one, it looked a little floppy, and didn't hold it's shape.  I also didn't have enough yarn in my stash to make two.  So, I decided to adapt the tutorial to my liking.

This is what I did:  I used one ball of baby yarn from my stash to make the sole.  Using an E hook, I began with 11 chains.  Then, I made an sc in the second chain from the hook and an sc in each stitch across.  For rows 2-18, I made a single crochet in each stitch across.  I finished with a rectangle.

For the sides of the bootie,  I used another color of baby yarn and crocheted an sc in the end of each row of the rectangle, up one long side, two sc in the corner, in each stitch across the short side, two sc in the other corner, and back down the other side in the ends of the rows.  I turned and crocheted a row of sc for rows 2-10.  Then I fastened off, leaving a long tail for sewing.  I overlapped the sides and sewed across the short section where the toes would be.  The booties turned out better for me this way.  They held their shape better.

This is not meant to be a pattern, but a description of how I adapted the tutorial to suit me.  I will try to answer any questions if you try this .

I am linking this post to these parties.



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Progress on WIPs

I am almost half way through my Granny's Favorite prayer shawl.  I have crocheted 108 granny squares out of around 240.  I like how it is shaping up.  I know I have enough scrap yarn, but hope I have enough of the off-white yarn.

The rectangle for the Eleanor Shrug is almost finished.  After I crochet three more pattern repeats (six rows), I have to sew up the sides and add an edging around the outside.  I am looking forward to wearing it.

The book I am still reading is "Daughter of Twin Oaks."  So far, the daughter, Jesselyn, has dressed up like a boy to get the remaining thoroughbread horses away from their plantation in Kentucky, to keep them from being seized by soldiers in both armies during the Civil War.  The story is mainly about what happens to her and her freed slaves that accompany her on the journey.

I am sharing this post at the links on this page.


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Four Finished Projects

I am staying home a lot lately, except for doctor appointments, so I have had more time to finish things.  I guess it also helps that they are smaller projects. ☺

The Star Blanket is the first project completed this week.  I used this pattern from Yarnspirations, but used worsted weight yarn from my stash.  I edged it with one row of white dc, and one row of variegated slip stitch.  I tried to do sc first, but ran out of yarn!

The next project was supposed to be a baby sleeper, but turned into a "fleece" vest.  I was using yarn from my stash again, and didn't know how much there was.  So, I yet again ran out.  It looks warm a cuddly.

In honor of Valentine's Day, I made a Heart 

Valentine Candy Basket.  This is another Yarspirations pattern you can find here.  Instead of the yarn listed, I  used a ribbon yarn from my stash.  I originally made it for us, but my husband suggested that I gift it.  We'll see.

Last night I made this Triple Loop Skinny Scarf. I used a free pattern from Little Monkeys Crochet, that you can find here. Again, using stash yarn, I had to modify the pattern.  I used an L hook, worsted weight yarn for the main rows, and edged it with novelty yarn with single crochet.  I added an antique button from my button jar for the wrap piece.  This is my favorite project of the week, and definitely a keeper.

I am linking this post to the parties on this page.

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Baby Sweater and Car Seat Blanket

I received a gift card for Michaels from my DH for Christmas, and went to shop there a couple of days after Christmas.  Funny enough, I forgot the gift card!  I fell in love with this book from Leisure Arts, and bought it anyway.

My first project from this book was the Filet Rectangle Blanket.  I crocheted the smaller size, with a G hook and some yarn I got at Big Lots, called "Baby Soft," by Canan. It is a very light blue, although in my pictures, it almost looks gray.   I was a little disappointed by the wonkiness of the middle section, but it will still keep a baby warm. ;)

Then I decided to make a sweater to go with it, and adapted a pattern by Laura Tegg called Chunky Monkey Cardigan.  I modified the pattern to match the filet, and did a reverse crochet edging, like the blanket.

This pair will probably go to a church mission project.

I am linking to the sites on my Sharing Page.

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In the Loop

My newest creation was a difficult one.  I found Crochet! Magazine's Easy, No-Sew Crochet at a local store.  It had over 60 projects with no needle assembly required.  I couldn't wait to start my first pattern.  I finally decided to try the "In the Loop" pattern that is described as a halter-style vest that can also be worn as a buttoned cowl.  I used Red Heart's Super Soft in Burgundy and Gala Yarn for the scallop edging.

It took me three times with crocheting the entire pattern, including the time-consuming scallop edging, before I finally got it to fit right.  For some reason, in the second half of the pattern each row had to be crocheted in reverse order.  I  don't know if it is a left-handed thing, or what.  Anyway, I am pleased with the result.  I think it was worth the effort.

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Easter Basket Cake

The PTO is having a Fun Night for the students at our school.  The faculty is usually asked to make/donate cakes for the Cake Walk.  Some of the teachers, including me, like to get a little fancy.  I was trying to find something easy to do, and since Easter is on Sunday, I googled "Easter cake for kids."  I found a Kit Kat  Cake at Speckled Freckle.

I changed mine up a bit, using Strawberry Wafer cookies instead of Kit Kats, and used the pastel Peanut M&M's for the eggs on top.  I may decide to add a pipe cleaner handle to it, but I think it looks good even without it.  I hope the kids like it!

Update:  I added the pipe cleaner handle and a ribbon around the basket.  Parts of the wafer cookies kept coming off in transport, and the ribbon held it back together.

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