Master Crochet Samples in Progress

So here is picture of the samples for the Crochet Guild of America Master's Program.  I have been working on it the past few days now that I am getting crochet time during Sylvia's nap time.  The program consists of creating 48 samples, I am working on number 36 now.  As you can see I have not woven in any of the ends, a part that I do not like.  Maybe once I get all of the samples done I will get Season 4 of "Mad Men" and have a weaving marathon.  That would make the boredom and painfulness from the task a little easier to handle for me. 

As to the types of samples, some are very basic like how many options there is to work stitches into a foundation chain, while others are more advanced like the bobbles and baskets.  I have learned several things from doing this already, like that I am a tight crocheter as I blogged here, and some new stitch patterns that I had not used before in projects before.  I am excited about the last swatches I am working on since they are starting to get into more advanced and less used techniques.  I think once I am done the finished collection will be very useful in the future to remind myself there are more stitches and patterns than just the standard sc, hdc, and dc in a row.  Already well worth the money for the program in my opinion, which makes me very happy.

My Biggest Blessing, Sylvia

A month ago today we were blessed with our little Sylvia Rose.  She has been the cause for my new, most favorite hobby that I have been doing this past month, holding a sleeping baby.  Because of this new hobby I have been more absent around here, and in doing other crafts.  However, now we seem to be getting a routine going, and I'm starting to find little pockets of time to keep doing my crochet.  Or, I guess I should say that I am finding how to do other things with the little bundle sleeping on me.  The best of both worlds!  This summer should be the best yet with me being able to enjoy all the best things in life all at once!  Life is good.

Lion Brand Simple Crochet Shrug

I made this in the end of 2010.  It is such an easy pattern, and so comfortable.  It also is easy to dress up or down.  I am likely to also grab this in the summer to take into restaurants since I am usually freezing when they have the air conditioning blasting. 

Like I mentioned on Saturday, I have been looking at the recent fashion reports and have been seeing almost two distinct types of female fashion forms.  The form fitting structured garments and a more relaxed and flowing style that have a lot more wearing ease.  From seeing some of the designers' collections I am now wondering if I want to make something similar to this, but maybe with different proportions, texture, and color.  This Lion Brand pattern is a rectangle that is sewn on two sides except for the areas of the sleeves.  Any shaping I would add would greatly change it and be so easy to add.  I guess this is just another one of the designs to add to my list of things I want to create.

The Cat lady

A somewhat typical evening, me curled up in a rocking chair with quilts and two cats.  I just usually am working on some craft project at the same time.  The cats don't mind as long as I give them pets every now and then.  Luckily, I'm married to a wonderful man who finds it entertaining that I have a lifestyle of an 80 year old women at times.

Lion Brand Whiter Shade of Pale Car Coat

Here is the Lion Brand Car Coat that I discussed on Ravelry.  I made this about 2 years ago, and have been wearing it more this winter.  With the baby bump still growing it really makes the hip area small.  But, it is warm enough to be curled on the couch. 

I learned a lot from this pattern.  The most Ah-ha type was seeing that some crochet patterns are constructed like a sewing pattern where flat panels are sewed together to form the finished garment.  Recently, I have been looking at the fashion reports from the New York, London, and Milan fashion shows.  I keep seeing things that are inspiring me to crochet a version of it.  As I'm looking at them I am translating their construction and form from a traditional sewed fabric garment to something that I could crochet.  Now, my only problem is which one to make first!

Bird embroidery

Here is another block for the the baby's book!  She is coming in less than 2 months, and I have 3 done.  Another is on my embroidery loop, an elephant.  However, so far the birds are tied with the monkeys of being my favorite.

I'm a tight crocheter



I have started working on the Crochet Guild of America Master's samples.  The samples above are from swatch #10 where they have you making a gauge swatch.   As you know from previous posts I have learned that I need to do swatches more regularly, but haven't really done so yet.  With this exercise I have fully accepted that I HAVE to do swatches from now on, especially for garments.

For the swatch it has you use a worsted weight yarn, do 14DC in 6 rows that should measure 4" by 4".  The recommended hook from the yarn company is an I, which I used on both.  The top one is my first attempt.  It measures 3" by 2 5/8".  A bit off, don't you think.  It took me several attempts with changing hooks and the height of the first YO look of each stitch to finally get mine to measure 4" in both directions.  I lost count of the attempts.  I know I tried 4 different hooks, a K, then J, back to the I, and finally to a different I hook.  This doesn't even go into the number of attempts with each of the Is.  I felt like I was making my loops HUGE to get it right, but it got me there and now I can move to the next one.

Now, I just wonder how off my gauge was on the Luna Sweater.  Do I even want to know?