It's That Time of Year Again

When winter comes around, I tend to feel the need to crochet. This is similar to when summer comes around I feel the need to read more books. I don't know if this is a personal habit or social conditioning. I should try to condition myself to draw more during the spring and Autumn. Then I will have the majority of my hobbies that I feel I don't do enough because they compete with others covered.

I started making the hat above in the beginning of December. I started it a while ago but unraveled a bunch of it and started over to make it a puff stich hat.

I finished it a few weeks ago and started to make an Infinity scarf. 

I made the mistake of using thin yarn for a design the requires me to dip into the row below to make two rows into a set. The first 10 rows or so took up 2.5 skeins of yarn. I also made the mistake of making the scarf super long forgetting that since I am using organic yarn, it will stretch when I wash it. Just somethings I had to learn and remember for next time.

I will be too happy when this is done because it is starting to get boring. I keep thinking about starting another project but I know this will go unfinished for a while if I don't stick with it.

The day after my birthday I had a dentist appt and decided to head to the yarn store afterwards. The yarn store is about 50+ blocks away and I wanted to walk most of way there but it was too wet and rainy. I ended up only walking 22 blocks before I gave up and took the train the rest if the way.

I think I went a little over board. I only needed to get 4 more skeins to finish the scarf but decided to stock up on yarn and other crochet tools. I already had about 5 or 6 skeins of yarn (maybe more). I think I have enough yarn to last me the rest of the winter.

Next Stop: Toys

When I'm done with the current scarf projects I'm working on, I'm finally going to move on to crocheting toys. I bought two amigurumi books and I haven't used them. Actually it may be three books. I can't remember because the majority of my books are still in boxes from my move. I bought a bunch of yarn last week and the week before. I only meant to buy yarn two weeks ago but the craft Store Michael's gave me a coupon for 25% off my entire order. I couldn't let it waste so I used it. They gave me another coupon ... I need to go back (help).

If you don't know what amigurumi is, here are some examples:

It should be fun ... hopefully...

Blue Scarf for Friend #1

I promised my friend a scarf a long time ago. I never started on it because he told me he wasn't a scarf person. Now he tells me he is a scarf person. So I started on the scarf this week. I would have been further along but I started a pattern that didn't really work out so I unraveled part of it and started again.

I came to the Bronx today to visit my mom. So now I'm chilling on the couch waiting for the Giants game to start and crocheting. Hopefully the Giants play better this week. They've been playing horrible for the last two weeks.

-- Sent from my Samsung Epic™ 4G

Green Hat La Fin Assui

Technically that is the wrong way to say it in French, but hey whatever. I finished the green hat this afternoon while watching the NY Giants play horribly! The game is still going but I'm annoyed.
-- Sent from my Samsung Epic™ 4G

And It's Done: Purple Scarf

I finished it this morning and then treated myself to white chocolate chip filled pancakes. They were so freaking good! I have a tub full of chocolate left over from the ice cream party at work. I need to find ways to finish it.

Now that I finished that scarf, I'm trying to decide whether I start on a scarf for my friend, a hat for me or finaly make a crochet toy.

-- Sent from my Samsung Epic™ 4G

Update: Purple Scarf

I guess I should put an update on the scarf ... here you go.

Oh and I am never ever ever ever doing a scarf for an adult using only single crochet again. It takes forever!

Sent from my Samsung Epic™ 4G

Starting Over with The Purple Scarf

When I created the purple scarf months ago I used the wrong stitch. Actully, I started the scarf years ago and then finished it up months ago. I had planned on leaving it at my mom's apt so I had something to do while hanging out with my mom. I mean, I don't always have to go to her apt to fix something or celebrate an event.

When the scarf was done I was relieved but unsatisfied. It looked horrible. It was wider on one side than it was on the other. The begining stitch looked way different than the stitch I ended up using. I told myself I would unravel it and do it over when I finished the other projects. The green hat isn't done but I couldn't wait. I need specail black yarn to finish the green hat. I have more yarn but not sure what to make. Plus my crochet books are still in boxes.

So this is what I have so far and yes those are my toes.

-- Sent from my Palm Prē

A Visit to The Stockinette Knitting Cafe

I've been meaning to write this post since forever. So much has happened in the last couple of months. I haven't had the time or clear mind to do it. I haven't even crocheted anything in months. Such a shame. I think it is mostly because I am trying to finish the green hat but I need more yarn.

A friend of mine had an early Saturday morning baby shower in March. I complained about the time because I'm use to going to baby showers in the afternoon, NOT 10 am. It was a nice event. I was able to see people I use to work with that I haven't seen in a while. Afterward, I went to The Stockinette Knitting Cafe which is Jersey City's only knitting and crochet store. The store was only a few blocks away from the restaurant where the baby shower was held.

The Cafe is very cozy. When you first walk in there is a sitting area by the window with a couch where people knit or crochet. The day I walked in, the owner was giving a small class. As you walk further in, there are a couple of tables and chairs to eat or drink. Toward the back is the register and coffee shop part of the cafe. The yarn is located in shelves and bookcases along the sides of the cafe. The cafe was actually smaller than I thought it would be but had a small town cafe charm to it. I read they have comedy nights, which leads me to wonder where?!? The only thing I can think of is that they own the space next door, which was closed off, and that is where they have bigger classes and comedy nights.

I went in looking for more yarn to finish up my green hat. She didn't have it and apparently vendors do not sell products to shops that are with in a certain distances from each other outside of NYC. She told me the shop in Hoboken might have the yarn I need. I didn't leave the place empty handed. I ended up buying blue yarn to make one of my best friends a scarf or something else. The shop owner rang me up but had to get back to her (paying) class, so I was able to unravel and wind my yarn myself. It was kind of cool; she set up the yarn and I just wound it myself. I would go back, mostly for the charm and the nice people. I just hope they get a better selection of yarn.

Green Hat

I started on the green hat ... I think right after I finished the blue-green scarf. I should have been finished a while ago, I just haven't been in the mood or super tired when I get home. Hopefully things get better. I also need to make a yarn run. I'm thinking of going during lunch tomorrow.

This isn't even the photo I wanted to upload. I took a bunch of photos but when transferring them to my computer, that is when I noticed that after the upgrade on my Palm Pre my photo count went back to 0. So the file names of the photos were in the tens and over wrote some other photos I had.

Blue-Green Scarf is Done

Early morning photo shoot ... well not really that early. I finished the scarf Tuesday and took photos in the morning on Wednesday before I left for work. It was cloudy outside and raining so I wasn't getting good sunny morning light. I bumped up my ISO and used my sb-400 flash, but I normally dial down my flash so it isn't UFO bright. I swear my bear is becoming a really good model. Next I'll have to put him in some GQ poses or something. I might have to use sticks to prop him up and photoshop them out ... oh ... sound like it's getting complicated ... I'll see. I also decided to photograph him in my computer chair so I have a black background instead of in the living room under my counter to use the white background. Very soon I am going to invest in different color fabrics to have different color backgrounds.

Oh yeah the scarf. It's just a double crochet scarf. And as I typed that last sentence, I just remembered I didn't finish the scarf correctly. I mean you would never notice looking at it unless you truly examined the scarf. I was running out of yarn and patience and just finished it before the yarn was done, oh well. The scarf is about 4 feet 5 inches before blocking. I haven't washed it yet so I don't know how long it will get; probably about 5 feet.

Multicolor Purple Hat

So I accidentally finished the purple hat. I went out with Mellowbeing after work on Friday and when I got home, I wasn't tired so I worked on the hat. Then today I kind of finished it up. It came out better than the Blue-Green hat, but I think next time I'm going to try 9dc in the second row instead of 13dc. Hopefully the hat will be a little bit more snug. Either way, I like it :-). Also probably the first and last time I'll model an item. I'm not photogenic ...

So now that the purple hat is done. I will go back to the Blue-Green scarf and try to finish it up in a couple of days ... or should I start on the green hat? Hmmmm ...

Impatient

Guess who started working on the purple hat last night?
I know I should finish the blue-green scarf first but I want to wear the purple hat sooooo badly. I even used a hook that is two sizes too big. I'm curious to see how that effects the design. I already know I messed it up. I have to unravel it when I get home. I was so tired, I added 14 dc's instead of 13 in the second row.

Okay I'll just finish up the blue-green scarf and stop jumping around on projects ...

-- Sent from my Palm Prē

Frederickvan Scarf

I made my friend a scarf and decided to share the pattern. The colors are based on his branding logo which are red and black. It only makes sense to name the scarf and pattern after him. He’s a Photographer, Marketer, ... and a whole bunch of other stuff. If you want to learn more or see his work visit: frederickvan.com.

It took me about 5 days to finish it. I mostly worked on it when the CMS at work went down, on the bus ride to work, waiting for the train or late at night (I’m a night owl). He’s really tall so I was trying to make the scarf long. When I finished, it was about my height, but when I washed it and laid it out to dry (blocking), it stretched to be even taller than me; I think it is about his height. The pattern is loosely based on a bag I saw. I liked it so much I wanted to make it into a scarf.

I didn’t think to share the pattern until after I made the scarf. It’s a fairly easy pattern. I have in-progress photos, but not “how to” in progress photos, sorry. If you use this pattern link back to this post and let me know so I can show off your work :-).

Materials

2 skeins Cascade Yarns Soft Spun 100% Peruvian Highland wool in Black (2807)
1 skein Blue Sky Alpacas Worsted Hand Dyes 50% royal alpaca / 50% merino in Red (2000)
1 #8/H (5.00MM) hook

The Scarf

Key:
sl: slip stitch
ch = chain
sc = single crochet
dc = double crochet

Note:
I had to choose two different types of yarn because they didn’t have any black alpaca and I really liked the feel of alpaca and the red was the exact color I wanted. The gage for both yarns were the same, so it wasn’t much of a problem. When it comes time to change colors, it gets a little tricky because the alpaca is silky and the wool can pull apart. I was so worried about finishing the scarf and getting it shipped in time that I forgot to count how many black rows I crocheted. I have a good guesstimate because I know how many red rows I made and how long it measures. Either way, you can make the scarf to the length that is comfortable for you.

Start with red yarn
Row 1: ch 26
Row 2: 25sc starting from the second chain from the hook (ch# 25); ch3 (counts as a dc)
Row 3: 2dc in every other stitch. You should end up with 11dc pairs. In the last stitch 1dc; ch3
Row4 -14: repeat Row 3
Row 15: repeat Row 3, except do not ch3

You should now have 1ch row, 1sc row, and 13 red dc rows. You need to switch colors to the black yarn and then ch3

With black yarn
Row 16: 2dc in every other stitch. You should end up with 11dc pairs. In the last stitch 1dc; ch3
Row17 -105*: repeat row 16
Row 106: repeat row 16, except do not ch3

switch colors back to red yarn and then ch3
With red yarn
Row 107:  2dc in every other stitch. You should end up with 11dc pairs. In the last stitch 1dc; ch3
Row 108 - 119: repeat row 107
Row 120: 2dc in every other stitch. You should end up with 11dc pairs. In the last stitch 1dc; ch1
Row 121: sc in every stitch
Row 122: sc in every stitch. sl to end

* I forgot to count how many rows of black I used. I reversed engineered the amount by the length of the scarf, the measurement of the red section and rows used in red section (I <3 math). Make the scarf as long as you want.

When you are done, you can use this blocking technique from craftnectar.com that mellowbeing found and sent to me. I washed the scarf in Woolite but I’m sure you can use whatever detergent you currently have.

Enjoy :-)

Blue-Green Scarf

So after I finished the scarf for my friend, I started working on the scarf to match the Blue-Green hat. It's taking me longer than the previous scarf because I don't have a deadline like I did with the last scarf. Plus I am using a double crochet in every hole and a thinner yarn. I've only been working on it for about a week. Not to mention, I was at work late almost every day last week so I didn't touch it when I got home or during my commute home.

I really want to start on the purple hat. I bought a multicolor purple yarn a few weeks ago and I am dying to start the hat. I only have #8, #9 and #10 hooks. The yarn states I should use #6. So I will either use what I have, order a full set online or cave and head to Purl Soho, or the other two yarn stores close by my job.  We'll see ...

He Likes it!

OMG! The suspense was killing me. I think I'm going to tell people when I am doing something for them from now on. I can't take the waiting. The package was waiting at his job for almost a week because he was out of the office for a while. He finally got the package and opened it today. He likes it, so now I can post photos.

I'm only posting one photo for now. I will post the rest another time with the instructions on how to make it. I like giving back and helping out :-).

The Gift is Done

I finished the scarf .. I just noticed I said scarf before, so even if he does follow my blog (doubt it) he knows it is a scarf, that's what happens when you work 10 hrs days at work and get little sleep. I finished it on Sunday after my brother drove me home from hanging with family to watch the Super Bowl. I brought it with me to my mom's apt so I could work on in during my 2 hour trip home to The Bronx and before the game.

I bought Woolite and washed it tonight. I was so paranoid about it not being long enough, but now after I washed it, it stretched. I used the directions on this blog that Mellowbeing sent to me. I think it might be close to 6 feet. Now, I'm wondering if it is too long because I don't know how he wears his scarves. I hope it settles into itself while it dries. I also hope it is dry by the morning.

I took pictures yesterday morning. I'll try to take more in the morning since it is washed and done, but I won't be able to put up photos until he receives the gift. Maybe I can get him to pose with the gift:-D

I Got The Last One

So I went to the yarn store during lunch. I brought with me the label from the finished yarn and the project in case they didn't have the yarn I needed and wanted to sell me something similar. For a small shop, Purl Soho always has customers in there. No matter what time I stop or pass by. 
I gave one of the workers the label, he went searching and pulled out the last skein of yarn in that color. I was so happy. I didn't want to finish up the black section with a different material. Nor did I want to travel down to the wall street area to the other store I know about because at the time I thought I had to go to a baby shower the next day and needed the time after work to shop for a gift. Turns out the baby shower is in a month.


Hopefully I will finish this project tomorrow, take photos and then finish up the blue-green scarf to match the hat. I also might start on making baby booties and a hat since I have to go to a baby shower in a month ...

-- Sent from my Palm Prē

I Ran Out Of Yarn

I'm making a scarf for someone and I ran out of black yarn this morning. I was sure I bought enough because the scarf has more than one color. I kept debating on whether or not to just use what I have or go back to the store to get more and make the scarf longer. He is tall and I don't know how he wears scarves so I have to make it long enough for him to wear it how he pleases.

I am about 75% done and I started on Tuesday .... well actually Monday night. I bought the yarn Monday at lunch, started the scarf Monday night, but Tuesday night I unraveled the scarf about three times and started over. So I count it as if I started making the scarf Tuesday night. I really only get a chance to crochet at night when I get home from work (which has been around 10 pm last few days). I try to crochet on the bus in the morning depending on how many people are on the bus or which bus I take. I don't crochet on the train. Mostly because I am not a puppet show.

I can't put up photos yet because it is a surprise gift. I highly doubt he knows about or follows this blog, but just in case, I don't want to spoil the surprise. I will say I'm using 100% Peruvian Highland wool and 50% royal alpaca / 50% merino :-).

I'll make another yarn run during lunch today .. oh yeah and get lunch too ...

Purple Scarf Update

So I finished the purple scarf last week before I started on the hat. I messed up the scarf too, lol. The problem was, I started the scarf last summer and forgot what stitch I was using. Actually forgot to use the right stitch. I was using a slip stitch instead of a single crochet stitch. When I started it, I made the scarf very very wide. I forgot how to level up and as a result the scarf kept getting smaller. I finally finished it but I am going to unravel everything and start over. This time I will probably use a double crochet stitch or make up some design that won't take so long. Practice makes perfect.

Blue-Green Hat Update

So the hat is bascially done, but I messed up so many times. I am going to finish it, try it on then pull out about 10 rows to fix it. Some how I kept expanding the hat and then I tried to start decreasing which helped a lot but the hat was already still too wide. I want the hat to look better and be wearable instead of it living in a box and labeled as my "first hat". That is why I am going to unravel most of the rows, up to where I can see I started messing up and start over. It might take me longer because I have another project I have to start this week.

I am going to make a scarf for my friend. I was supposed to go to the yarn store this week but never got the time. I was going to go today but I was so tired and drained form this week, I never made it out the house. The yarn shops close anywhere from 5:30pm to 6pm on Saturdays. It takes me about an hour to get to Manhattan on the weekends because public transportation sucks on the weekends. Plus I don't want to go in there at the last minute because I am not sure what I want and I need to browse. I'll either try tomorrow and met up with my friend Pat for lunch or something, or go on Monday during lunch.