Teeny, Tiny Squares

Have you ever started a project and you don't know why?  That's pretty much the place I am in right now in making squares for the Penguin Cuddle Quilt.  Now don't get me wrong, I've had my eye on this pattern for awhile but logically it just doesn't make much sense to get started on this at the moment.  

First of all, I don't even have enough yarn to complete it.  And since our move date is still up in the air I can't even place a yarn order at Joanns because it usually takes a month to get here.  Although this whole mess with our moving orders has been an over 3 month process to get fixed, who knows I could probably order yarn and it would still get here before we leave.  And of course there is still the possibility of us having to live here for another year.  But without knowing anything for sure, it still means no yarn orders for now.

Second,  I don't even have anyone to give the afghan to when I finish it.  I would have to add some more rows and columns so it would be large enough to donate to Bridge and Beyond.  

So even with knowing I won't be able to complete this anytime soon and I still need to figure out what to do with it when it is completed, I'm still going to go ahead and make as many squares as I can.  The whole moving issue coupled with the stress my husband is under at work has really taken a toll.  Like I have said before sometimes I need to do a little mindless crochet to keep me sane. 

Candy Cane Bobble Square Pattern

CANDY CANE BOBBLE SQUARE


Pattern by: Katie B
Finished Size: 8x8 inches
Hook: Recommended an I hook or any hook that will give you a finished square instead of uneven sides
Yarn: Color A Caron One Pound in the Claret Color
         Color B Caron One Pound in the Off-White Color

 Special Notes:  This is my first attempt at writing a pattern so I apologize if there are any mistakes.  If you have any questions, let me know and I will do my best to answer them. Please do not sell this pattern or post the full pattern on the internet. You may however sell any items made with this pattern.  I just don't want anyone to pass off this pattern as their own work.  Please include a link to this pattern if you talk about on your blog.

Abbreviations: sc is single crochet

Special Stitch:

bobble

1. work 4dc in same st leaving 5 loops on the hook by omitting the last step in each dc (pulling yarn through last two loops)
2. yo and draw yarn through all 5 loops

Ch 28

Row 1    : Sc in 2nd ch from hook. Sc in each stitch across (27 sc), Turn

Row 2-8 : Ch 1. Sc in each stitch across (27 sc), Turn

Row 9    : Ch 1. Sc in each of the first 18 stitches, with Color B make a bobble in the 19th stitch, with Color A sc in each of the remaining stitches in row, Turn

Row 10  : Ch 1. Sc in each stitch across row (27 sc), Turn

Row 11  : Ch 1. Sc in each of the first 17 stitches, make a bobble in 18th stitch, sc in each of the remaining stitches in row, Turn

Row 12  : Ch 1. Sc in each stitch across row (27 sc), Turn

Row 13  : Ch 1. Sc in each of the first 16 stitches, with Color B make a bobble in the 17th stitch, with Color A sc in each of the remaining stitches in row, Turn

Row 14  : Ch 1. Sc in each stitch across row (27 sc), Turn

Row 15  : Ch 1. Sc in each of the first 15 stitches, make a bobble in 16th stitch, sc in each of the remaining stitches in row, Turn

Row 16  : Ch 1. Sc in each stitch across row (27 sc), Turn

Row 17  : Ch 1. Sc in each of the first 14 stitches, with Color B make a bobble in the 15th stitch, with Color A sc in each of the remaining stitches in row, Turn

Row 18  : Ch 1. Sc in each stitch across row (27 sc), Turn

Row 19  : Ch 1. Sc in each of the first 8 stitches, make a bobble in 9th stitch, sc in next 4 stitches, make a bobble (in 14th stitch), sc in each of the remaining stitches in row, Turn

Row 20  : Ch 1. Sc in each stitch across row (27 sc), Turn

Row 21  : Sc in each of the first 8 stitches, with Color B make a bobble in 9th stitch, with Color A sc in next 3 stitches, with Color B make a bobble in the next stitch (13th stitch), with Color A sc in each of the remaining stitches in row, Turn.

Row 22  : Ch 1. Sc in each stitch across row (27 sc), Turn

Row 23  : Ch 1. Sc in each of the first 10 stitches, make a bobble in 11th stitch, sc in each of the remaining stitches, Turn

Row 24  : Ch 1. Sc in each stitch (27 sc), Turn

Rows 25- 31 :  Repeat Row 24

Fasten off yarn and weave in all ends.

 

 Here's how I worked out the square on paper before I started crocheting.  Maybe seeing it on paper will make more sense than my written instructions. The red bobble in Row 23 should be in the 11th stitch instead of the 10th stitch that is shown in the photo.

Candy Cane Bobble Square

I mentioned in my previous post that crocheting bobbles inspired me to come up with some new ideas of my own.  Since I am surrounded by Christmas decorations all over the place, it is no surprise that I came up with a holiday related square.  I am pretty proud of my Candy Cane Bobble Square because I don't normally have enough creativity to come up with patterns.  I didn't have any graph paper so I had to improvise and plan it out on notebook paper before I started.  Of course I did not take into account that the bobbles end up facing the other side of the square so I had to redo my drawing once I started crocheting and realized my mistake.  I didn't think the candy cane would look as good if it was pointing to the right.

I would love to share my pattern but I'm slightly nervous that while my instructions make sense to me, they might be confusing to anyone else.  I'm going to give it a shot though and hopefully post the pattern within the next few days.

Full Heart Bobble Square

This weekend while it was snowing outside I completed the Full Heart Bobble Square.  Although mine turned out more like a rectangle than a square.  I will probably continue to play around with it until it is more square.  This is my first attempt at making bobbles and overall I'm pretty pleased with how it turned out.  Working on this square also inspired me to come up some ideas of my own.  I hope to show off what I came up with a little bit later in the week! Oh and in case anyone is wondering the yarn I used was Caron One Pound in Soft Sage.

Child's Play Square

Today I completed the Child's Play Square.  I thought the look of this square was interesting enough to make a square of my own even though I don't have a project in mind for it.  I love the way it turned out and it wasn't that complicated to complete.  The author of the pattern included written instructions and a pictorial tutorial.  Although you wouldn't know it by looking at the photo, the colors I used were Dark Orchid and Spring Green in Red Heart Super Saver.

I also want to share a photo of one of the German smokers that my husband and I have purchased since we have been living here in Germany.  Most people use incense in them but we  use the smokers for decoration only.  If you shop around at the different Christmas markets you can usually find ones that aren't super expensive.  I will definitely miss shopping at the Christmas markets here when we move to Hawaii.  I guess I will have to comfort myself next December by lounging around on the beach!

WIP Wednesday: Mermaid Tears Purse Almost Done

My Mermaid Tears purse is almost completed.  I just have to weave in a few ends and then put a lining inside.  I've only done a lining in one other purse before so I'm not really looking forward to this part.  With the Hello Kitty purse I sewed the lining to each side of the purse and then crocheted the purse together.  The lining for this purse however will be sewn into the already completed purse.  So it's a slight difference but I'm sure it will go fine once I get started.

I ended up making the flower for this purse which I did not in my previous attempt.  I can't decide if I like it better with or without the flower. 

Christmas Placemats

When my husband was deployed a few years ago I crocheted a few Christmas placemats. I used the same Bernat cotton yarn for this as I did for the Christmas Potholders I made recently.  Nothing to exciting about the pattern itself, it's just single crochet stitches.  But this simple pattern kept me busy for awhile while the hubby was away.

Speaking of my husband, I spent a wonderful day with him in Rothenburg ob der Tauber for Thanksgiving.  We got to do some shopping for Christmas nutcrackers and smokers.  Unfortunately, the store I wanted to go to for pottery was closed for the week.  November is considered the off season there and it was kinda crazy how few people there were walking around, especially in the famous Christmas store.  The 5 or 6 other times we have visited it has always been packed.  Next week when the Christmas markets start it will go back to being very busy.

As always, don't forget to check out the link parties at the bottom of the page!

WIP Wednesday: Another Mermaid Tears Purse

I was so happy with the outcome of my Mermaid Tears Purse that I decided I should make another one.  I'm using Red Heart Super Saver in Windsor Blue.  I haven't yet decided whether or not I will add a flower this time.  I might just go ahead and make one and then decide if I want to attach it at the end.  I really like how the purse is coming together so far.  It really is an easy pattern and like I mentioned before there is a video tutorial if you have a hard time following the written pattern.

I hope all my American blogger friends have a wonderful Thanksgiving tomorrow!  Since my husband and I aren't going to be here in Germany much longer we decided to pass on celebrating at home and will instead visit a nearby German town and do some shopping.  We want to stock up on some German kitchen items before we leave. 

Christmas Potholders

It's been awhile since I've made some potholders so I decided to break out the holiday cotton yarn I had stashed away and get in the Christmas spirit.  I still have a little bit of yarn left over so I might make a few more to give away to friends and family. And I might make a few coasters as well.  The yarn I am using is Sugar 'n Cream in the Christmas Mistletoe Ombre. 

FO Friday: Herringbone Afghan

 Today I get to show off my latest completed project, The Herringbone Afghan.  The main part of the afghan was finished a few weeks ago but I still needed to do the border and weave in the ends.  I finally got motivated to get this done last night.  Overall, I'm happy with the outcome.  As you might remember in my previous post, I got to learn a new stitch.  I also did not run out of yarn, although that is probably due to the fact I did not complete as many rows as the pattern suggested.  I am happy with the length and width so I didn't feel a need to add more rows.  I will probably end up donating this afghan to Bridge and Beyond although it probably won't end up there until next year when we are settled at our next duty station.

As always, don't forget to check out the wonderful link parties at the bottom of the page.  It's a great way to see what other crafty folks are up to.

Round Dishcloth

My husband and I were watching a tv show on the computer last night so that meant I couldn't look up a new pattern online.  So I decided to try and do something different and ended up making a round dishcloth.  Since I've spent so much time this year making hats, I basically followed my favorite hat pattern but did regular old double crochet stitches instead of the front post double crochet stitch.  The best part is I got to use up some of my scrap cotton yarn.

WIP Wednesday: Christmas Ripple

I have an interesting project to share today.  The reason I find it interesting is because I have no idea if this is a completed project with just the ends to weave in or it is a project that needs a few more rows added.  I know for a fact that I started this project right after Christmas using the Ripple Pattern from Attic24.  However, my memory escapes me on how it ended up in a container in our storage room.  Did I run out of yarn?  Was this the final product and I was too lazy to weave in the ends since Christmas was already over?  God only knows.

My main concern with this afghan is it is way too long. Maybe the reason it was put on hold was because I was undecided about whether or not I wanted to continue or just rip apart everything and start over.  I like the pattern, I'm just not happy with my overestimation on how big the starting chain should be.  Even though I feel guilty I think I will end up taking this apart and maybe start over or find a differnet pattern.  No sense in finishing something that you aren't entirely happy with.

As always, don't forget to check out the different link parties at the bottom of the page!  

Star Dishcloth

Slightly lost my crochet mojo these last couple of days but I did manage to finish a dishcloth.  Janelle's Star Dishcloth is a free pattern that was simple to follow and took hardly any time to finish. 

So it looks like our time in Germany will be coming to an end soon.  Finally after two months of waiting for the paperwork to be approved we got word that we will be out of here in the next few months.  Am I still a little bitter that all of this was caused due to a clerical error? Yes.  Am I even more ticked off that it took two months to correct a mistake?  Of course.  Am I surprised that nobody bothered to change our original leave date and just assumes its easy to make all the necessary appointments without official orders?  No, I am not surprised at this point the people that are in charge of our future did not think about the 2 week wait time for orders and the fact there are shortened work weeks in November due to Veteran's Day and Thanksgiving.  This makes it even more difficult to plan a move.  At least some people were looking out for us and are helping us get the necessary paperwork signed so we have a little extra time.  Yes, the extra time will mean we won't make it back to the States for Christmas but it also means we don't have to run around like chickens with our heads chopped off trying to get everything done at a rapid pace for a move literally halfway across the globe.  But on the bright side, even though our leave date is still up in the air at least now we know it is official that we will not have to spend another year here.  I wouldn't trade the experience of living in Germany for anything but these last 6 months have been so stressful that it really is time to move on. 

And once again to the readers of my blog, thank you for letting me vent.  Ranting about the military every once in awhile on my blog is helping to keep me sane.  I'm hoping when we get to Hawaii I will have more positive stories to share because these past 6 months it has all been negativity.

WIP Wednesday: Basketweave Purse

Lately it seems like I've either been making a purse or using the basketweave technique.  And in some projects, like this one, I have combined the two.  Yes, this is my attempt at the Basketweave Purse pattern.  This is a different pattern from the one I previously attempted.  I ended up using  about 9 oz of Red Heart Super Saver in Dark Orchid.

This purse is not worked in the round like the other pattern instead you work about 19 pattern rows make the gusset/strap and then attach to the purse.  Or at least I hope that was what I was supposed to do.  Now I need to buy a metal ring and a metal fastener.  That should be fun, trying to find that in Germany. I have absolutely no hope that these type of items are sold here on base.  Someone posted a photo on Ravelry where a large button was used instead.  I think I will keep that option in mind if I strike out on the metal parts.

Have a wonderful day everyone and don't forget to check out the different Link Parties at the bottom of the page!

Washcloths Again

I have two recently completed washcloths to share today.  The first one I just came up with on my own using the basketweave technique.  The yarn I used I had bought a few years ago and the label must have gotten thrown away.  I do know that it isn't the typical cotton yarn, I think it was mostly cotton mixed with some other type.  I'm curious so I think I will have to scour the Internet and see if I can figure it out.

I loosely followed a Dishcloth pattern but at some point I realized my count was off and one side had an extra stitch.  Oh well.  Also I have discovered that I prefer Front Post stitches rather than the Back Post.  It seems like most of my projects lately have utilized both of these stitches.

And on a personal note, we still do not know when we will be leaving Germany.  It's amazing how a simple clerical error led to all of this.  Apparently now it is in the hands of the final person that has to sign off on it.  I'm just praying we will find out soon and  they give us a reasonable amount of time to move. 

FO Friday: Tulip Washcloth

I don't have anything super exciting to share with you all this Friday other than a washcloth.  I followed the pattern for the Tulip Stitch Cloth.  Easy pattern to follow and did not take more than a few hours to complete.  I love projects that are easy enough to do while watching a tv show.

I am now debating what I should make for my next project.  I'm seriously considering doing another purse since I've had such good results lately.  At some point in time I will have to try making the Fat Owl Bag.  My husband and I started collecting owl related items since we moved here to Germany.  We've gotten items from quite a few different countries.  The only thing missing is an owl that I have crocheted.  So I think once I have the right yarn for the bag, I will have to tackle this project.  But for now I think I will search for a different handbag pattern.

Wishing everyone a fantastic Friday!  Also don't forget to check out the different link parties at the bottom of the page!

WIP Wednesday: Two Purses

I've mentioned before that I'm still new to crocheting and occasionally have a hard time reading and understanding patterns.  I found the pattern to the Over the Shoulder Mini Purse and decided to give it a try since I've never done anything using the basketweave technique.  I should probably stop trying out new patterns late at night because I got myself so confused.  Eventually, I just decided to have each row be the opposite of the row before it.  So if I did a Front Post Double Crochet in the previous row, the next row I would use a Back Post Double Crochet.  Once the body of the purse was done I just quickly crocheted a strap that I will eventually sew into the purse. Later on I will also be putting a lining inside the purse but that will have to wait.  Too many other things to do. So I guess if I had to name this purse I would call it "The Happy Accident Purse".  Not exactly what I set out to make but it still came out decent looking.

So the day after I made "The Happy Accident Purse" I decided to go back and read the original pattern.  Suddenly my brain started to work and it made much more sense to me.  Since I still had quite a bit of Bernat cotton yarn left I decided to give that purse another try.  Now I will say I still was not able to follow the pattern perfectly.  I somehow got off on how many stitches there should be in Row 2 so I did just kind of fudge a bit to get where I was supposed to be.  However, this attempt is definitely closer to the original pattern.  I still need to make a strap for it though.

So I guess the moral of the story is if you already have a tough time reading patterns you might not want to start a new project late at night when your brain is ready for bed.  On the other hand, if you do this you might come up with something cool on your own.

Hello Kitty Purse

About a month ago I blogged about my progress on the Kit Kat Purse.  This turned into one of those projects where I was nervous about doing something new (lining the purse) that I kept putting it off and instead worked on other projects.  I finally worked up enough nerve and was able to finish the purse last night.

The lining of the purse took longer to complete than the actual crocheting and it was definitely my least favorite part of the project.  The end result is far from perfect but the purse is going to a 3 year old girl who loves Hello Kitty so I don't think she will care or even notice the imperfections.  And to be perfectly honest I don't care either, I am actually really thrilled with how it turned out.

Linking up with Frontier Dreams.  Also don't forget to check out the other link parties at the bottom of the page.

3 Washcloths

I have a few finished washcloths to show off today.  The first one was made using the
Nubbie Scrubies  pattern.  This was new pattern to me and was very simple and easy to make.  If you know the treble and single crochet stitches you are good to go.

For the second washcloth I used the Trinity Stitch Washcloth  pattern.  I watched a youtube video showing how to do the trinity stitch and in less than a minute I was ready to get started on the washcloth.  I am so appreciative of the people that take the time to either make video or pictorial tutorials. It is a huge help for me to visually see what is going on in a pattern or stitch rather than having to figure it out myself with a written pattern. So thank you to all the wonderful people that take the time to help others learn crochet techniques and patterns.

And finally, I finished the Diamonds Washcloth. This is probably my favorite out of the recent washcloths I have made.  A little frustrating at first since I'm not the best pattern reader, but once I got through a couple of the repeats it was smooth sailing.

FO Friday: Mermaid Tears Purse

I am beyond happy to blog about my latest completed project, the Mermaid Tears Purse.  The pattern is free on the Bernat website and they also offer a video tutorial.  Since I was making the purse in one color instead of three like it suggests I decided to skip adding the flower piece.  Overall, I am happy with the finished product although I do notice a few imperfections.

When I saw a friend the other day the very first thing she said to me was "" I love your purse! Did you make that?".  Always nice to get a compliment and now she wants me to make her one.  Very excited that there are still people out there that appreciate handmade goods.


Besides joining in on the link parties listed below I'm also linking up with Tamis Amis

WIP Wednesday: Diamond Washcloth

 

I started working on the Diamonds Washcloth the other day and I now just need to finish the border and weave in the ends.  I've been trying lately to find new patterns and test my skills.  I will admit I'm not the best at reading patterns so getting started probably took longer than it would the average crocheter.  Luckily, the pattern basically just repeats so if you are able to get through the first 10 rows or so, the rest of the pattern should be smooth sailing. 

Corner to Corner Washcloth

This weekend involved some craziness with my husband's work schedule so last night I wanted to relax and just crochet something easy like a washcloth.  I decided to follow the same technique as my Corner to Corner Afghan .  Now, you would think a pattern that I completed not so long ago would still be fresh in my mind but it still took me a good 20 minutes to get started.  I'm going to blame the lack of sleep on that.  But once I got going it was easy as pie. I don't remember the exact name of the color since I threw away the label but it's obviously yellow and is from one of Bernat's 14 ounce cotton skeins.  Thank you Joann's for having a good sale on those awhile back because I sure stocked up.

FO Friday: Patriotic Baby Afghan

Way back in June, I started crocheting a Patriotic Baby Afghan.  I didn't have anybody in mind when making this so it got set aside when my family visited this summer.  I was looking through one of my storage containers when I came across the blanket and realized that all that was left to finish was a border.  So today I went ahead and crocheted a shell border and I can now put this in the finished pile. 


Be sure to check out FO Friday link parties at SusanD1408 Crochet Addict and Tamis Amis. 

WIP Wednesday

I've been working on a few projects lately.  First up is the Mermaid Tears Purse.  It's a free pattern offered on the Bernat website.  An extra bonus is besides the written pattern, they also offer a video tutorial.  I think I will continue using the Aran color in Red Heart Super Saver for the entire purse rather than using 3 colors as the pattern suggests. 

The other project I have been working on is the Herringbone Afghan.  I think just a few more rows are needed and then I can work on the border and weaving in all the ends.


Please check out SusanD1408 Crochet Addict 's blog and Tami's Amis and Other Creations  For some reason I could not figure out how to display their blogs like I did with the others.

Front Burner

First of all, welcome to all of the new followers of my blog!  I have a fun time reading everyone's blogs and am thrilled that you like to read mine as well.  

For some reason I have been on a roll lately with getting my behind in gear and finishing things I have started.  In my Back Burner post I mentioned how I had crocheted all of these squares and rectangles for a charity but the charity would no longer be accepting these items.  And since things have been kinda hectic lately I didn't know when I would have the time to make use of these items.  Luckily, over the course of two days I found the time to whip stitch the pieces together and make a small afghan. I then single crocheted around the outside and then did a reverse single crochet after that. I don't know why I had avoided learning how to do the reverse single crochet stitch, it is much easier than I thought.

Now the only things that can be considered on the back burner about this project are it needs to be blocked and eventually mailed to a charity.  But on the bright side, at least it is all in one piece now, and not arranged piece by piece on my spare bed.