Comfort Shawls, Gift of Life Michigan Charity Crochet

I came across this info on Ravelry, and thought I would pass it along here for crocheters and knitters in Michigan.

"In January 2011 the Michigan Donor Family Council, MDFC, organized a program to provide comfort shawls to new organ, tissue, and eye donor families. It is our hope that this small gift of compassion will bring these families comfort in their time of sorrow and transition."



Click the photo to enlarge, or I have also included a pdf file link below that you can download.

pdf



Additional Links:
Gift of Life Michigan

Michigan Donor Family Council (MFDC)


I have started a comfort shawl in a pale yellow color with a simple hdc stitch and a large hook. I also hope to complete a second one in ivory. I will post pictures when I have them completed.

Explorations in Color - Swatching it Square!

I am often amazed at the color combination's designers create. A friend and I were talking about this recently when I began to think that there must be a way to come up with unexpected color combination's. I have read about the basic principles of color theory, and I do have a color wheel that was a great help to me when I created a scrap afghan. But, I thought, there must be something on the web that I could use - and I was right!

http://swatchspot.com/

Using this site you can create 6 random color choices. You can also lock one or more of the color choices and choose shuffle colors to change the unlocked colors.


Swatch #1

My first try I kept it completely random and decided I would crochet up a traditional granny square of 5 colors, matching the colors to yarn as closely as possible. I chose to leave out the bright green color, and to use the colors as displayed in order starting from the left.

I was pleasantly surprised and I really like the color combination! They are definitely not colors I would have thought of myself.









Swatch #2

For this swatch I decided to leave out the last color. And I didn't want to use another light mint green like I had in the first swatch, so I used a light gray color instead. I can't say that I like the colors, but it was a fun experiment in what colors I probably wouldn't use together.







Swatch #3

For this swatch I left out the blue colors and instead opted for a dark green for the last round. Not a surprising combination, but I could have used more of a gold color for round 4 instead of the buttery off white, which also would have worked well.





Swatch #4

For this swatch I kept choosing shuffle colors and locking in some of the brighter colors. I left out the dark brown in my granny square and again crocheted them in order of the color swatch. This was fun to play with, and I really like the color combo's except for the center beige color. It would have been better with a light pink or bright pink center.




I certainly enjoyed myself doing this experiment. And I will definitely use swatchspot.com in the future to explore other color combination's. Check it out if you have a chance and I'd love to hear about your own unexpected or "different" color combination's.

What's In Your Crochet Kit?

Some time ago while browsing at a thrift store I was lucky enough to find a "Stitcher's Mate" storage box. While it is intended mainly for sewers, it works perfectly for my crochet gear! It measures about 9 inches by 3 inches and stands about 2 1/2 inches tall. It holds plenty of stuff and yet is not too bulky for me to carry around in my project bag.




It is divided into 2 sections, the top section is shallow and magnetized. I carry yarn threaders (I can't live without these!), yarn needles, safety pins, pins and sewing needles.

The bottom section is deep and holds my "Knit-Chek" gauge checker/hook size gauge, pens, pencils, sticky notes, hooks, eraser, row counter, scissors, yarn cutter, tape measure, calculator, and crochet stitch markers. Can't forget the nail file for those pesky nail tears that snag the yarn, and lip balm!



So what do you carry in your crochet kit that you can't do without?

A New Logo and Other New News

I previously had a small berry logo that I really liked, but it didn't quite capture what I was truly looking for. So, I created and designed my own (and I must say that I am thrilled that I was able to do so!). I love that it compliments my tagline (for the love of hook and yarn . . .) I am in the process of changing my website, eCrater store, Ravelry, Twitter, and updating my patterns with my new logo. Eventually I will also incorporate the logo into my Etsy store banner too.


And I am excited to say that I am teaching another Beginner Crochet class. I have 5 students, which is a small class for me, but I think maybe it's because it's a Saturday morning class where my others were weekday evenings. But, I am really looking forward to it! It's a great group and having less students will allow me to be much more hands-on.


And just for fun - a cute mug perfect for the crocheter in your life. (I wish I had a nickel for every time that I had to tell my husband "hang on, I'm counting!")


Thanks for stopping in :)

BeauFO - at least I think so!

I've been in the mood to work up some smaller projects for myself lately. Here's a few lovelies:


I crocheted this cute beanie (Mesh Cap) from a pattern I found in Vogue Knitting Crocheted Hats. I made it in black to match my coat. I needed something for those bad hair days of mine when all I really want to do is run out to the post office, or to the store, or wherever. This hat is perfect!








This pretty headband was made from a pattern by Drew Emborsky, the Crochet Dude. I made mine from Caron Simply Soft yarn. The pattern can be found in his book in all Caps! It works up very nicely and would be a great pattern for anyone interested in learning a basic cable pattern, and I like that it is reversible too!









I really love this project, made with Lion Brand Jiffy yarn, which is really soft and has the right amount of "give". It is the Scalloped Cowl pattern which can be downloaded for free from their website. You'll have to register first, but it's free to join and there are lots of great patterns to be discovered!


And in case you're wondering, BeauFO = beautiful finished object - I hope you'll agree!

Fabulous Friday Finds - WIP for the Holidays, Take Heart!

A special hello to all of you during this holiday season!

I came across this video and thought I would share. If you are like me, with several WIP (works in progress) take heart! It only took this woman 67 years to finish hers!






But wow, isn't it beautiful!

Thanks for stopping in and I wish you all a very Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!

Special Olympics Michigan Charity Scarf Project - my finished scarves

Awhile ago I posted about donating scarves to the Michigan Olympics winter games. I have four scarves completed and ready to send off. Here's a few pictures:





Here's a link to the pattern I used for the scarves I made (the crocheted version, of course):
http://www.redheart.com/free-patterns/2009-special-olympic-scarves

They were fast and fun to make, and I'm really excited for the participants! I hope they all have a great time and I'm really happy to be a part of it (albeit in a very small way).



More info:

Michigan Specific Project Guidelines:
http://www.scarvesforspecialolympics.org/states/view/22

Project Guidelines:
http://www.scarvesforspecialolympics.org/states


Thanks for stopping in, I'm off to work on my next project ;)

Crocheted Paperback Book Covers - a New Pattern from RedBerryCrochet

With this easy crochet pattern you have two choices - make your book cover with vinyl flaps, or use the included crocheted flaps pattern. It's 2 patterns for the price of one! Also included is a full size template and instructions to make your vinyl flaps. Why bother with vinyl flaps? Because they are less bulky, and I also like to stick notes inside that are easily readable - but it is your choice :)

I have been selling these book covers since 2006 on Etsy and have quite a few requests for this pattern, so I have finally obliged. These book covers are a fun, yet functional accessory. You’ll never lose your place with the attached bookmark, plus it keeps prying eyes from seeing what you’re reading ;) Makes a unique gift for yourself or any book lover!

Purchase through My Pattern Shop and receive an instant download link upon payment:
My Pattern Shop

or you can purchase through my Etsy Shop:
Crochet Patterns pdf

Thank you, enjoy your day!

Fabulous Friday Finds - Cool Crochet

I have a bookmark folder on my computer titled "Cool Crochet". I've been collecting odd, funny, and really cool crochet links, so I thought I would share a few with you on this fabulous Friday.


An awesome way to dress up your car



I smile every time I look at that picture :)




An amazing crochet artist



Enjoy, and have a great weekend!

Yarn Dyeing Sheep & Wool Festival

Last weekend was lots of fun despite the cool and windy weather. I went to the Sheep & Wool Festival at Mt. Bruce Station and had a great time! I was able to take a yarn dyeing class, which I thought was very informative. The instructor showed us how to dye yarn using the water immersion method using acid dyes. Here's a photo of the gorgeous yarn, dyed in three different autumn colors.



And here's a pic of my yarn swift - getting ready to wind:


The yarn is sock weight, wool, a bit of nylon, and something else that I can't remember (and didn't write down!). Now is the hard part:


What do I want to make? Socks maybe? I'd really like to find a good toe-up crochet sock pattern. Or maybe a pair of fingerless gloves? I wonder if there's enough yarn to make a neck cowl?
Hmm, I don't know yet, but suggestions are welcome :)