Tuesday, January 27, 2015

Crocheting

I've been crocheting a lot lately. I learned this craft a couple of years ago after deciding I spent too much time on the computer. I needed another creative outlet other than writing, and I'm loving it. I'm still a beginner, really, but the more scarves I do, the more comfortable I become. I'm slowly branching out and learning more stitches and techniques. This is the first hat I've ever done, and it's for my grandson (due Feb. 25th!). I think it came out pretty well for my first try. You know I'm going to make lots of them now (fair warning to my family!).



And here's the afghan I've been working on for a few weeks now. A row here, a row there. It's really heavy and took me 18 skeins, rather than the 8 the pattern called for. Oops. Still need to learn the ins and outs of gauge. It's big and warm and comfy and did I mention it's SO HEAVY. Perfect for a cold winter's day.



You can find the pattern for the blanket here: http://littlebirdiesecrets.blogspot.com/2009/01/quick-and-simple-crocheted-afghan.html

Okay, now back to writing...and working on the next blanket. :)


4 comments:

  1. Heather, the hat is so, so cute and all too soon your new little angel will be here to wear it. It didn't sneak past me that you are already able to check off something from your New Year's list - learn to crochet a hat for your grandson! Good job!!! And the blanket is gorgeous! Love the gray! Looks so thick, cozy, and warm.

    I attempted to learn to knit about 4-5 years ago at the helm of a very sweet and patient friend. I actually did feel like I was getting the hang of it ok (with her sitting next me), but I found it so hard to keep my concentration and confidence without her. I think attempting to learn with little ones running around and climbing up to look at my work before I really knew what I was doing was more than I could take and I haven't picked it up since. Perhaps I need to take a series of classes and try again. Maybe switch to crocheting? I wonder if the learning curve is about the same for both.

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    1. Thanks, Kristin! I learned how to knit years and years ago but had to give it up because it made the tendinitis in my forearms flare. But I loved working with yarn, so I switched to crochet. I actually think it's easier--and it doesn't hurt. :) I bought a how-to crochet book at Michaels and watched tons of videos on YouTube--that's mostly how I learned. I definitely recommend giving it a try. (And that blanket is made with one stitch--the single crochet, which is the easiest, most basic crochet stitch.)

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  2. What do you mean about the gauge and using more skeins? Is it the thickness of the yarn? I knitted and crocheted a little 40 years ago but don't remember much. I'm thinking !'ll try it again. Love your hat and blanket!

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    1. Hmm, I just checked this pattern and she doesn't actually list gauge, so just make sure you use Lion's Brand "Homespun". I didn't do that with this blanket and paid for it (literally!). I used Lion's Brand "woolspun." My skeins were smaller... And I made my blanket a little bigger than hers. If I make this again, I'll definitely use Homespun. For the hat, I used Bernat Softee in gray marl. I'm sure it'll all come back to you if you pick it up again. I love YouTube videos for refreshers.

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