WIPS: Works In Progress

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It's been a long time since my last WIPS post.  Life is starting to give me a routine where I can more easily work with yarn again.  I have a project list a mile long! 

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I've cast on a Hylan Sweater for my daughter.  The pattern is from The Velvet Acorn.  The yarn is Caron Century Collection in Robins Egg.  I've made a couple of mistakes already, to be expected as a self-taught, sometimes impatient, knitter.  I realized I was doing my left slant increases incorrectly.  I decided that this time it didn't bother me enough to frog it -- so I am forging ahead!

I'm trying to keep track of my progress using Ravelry's Project page. How do you like keeping track of works in progress?  Sometimes I don't think there's a need to catalog every project, but I do like being able to look back.  Also, it's especially helpful to have detailed notes if you have to put a project on hold for a day . . . or year.

I also have a small pile of so-very-close-to-being-finished projects.  These just need tails woven in or buttons.  Sometimes the last step of the project is the hardest.

How about you?  Are you currently able to fulfill your creative needs?

Check out some of my favorite knitting and crocheting items over at my Amazon Store!

Linking up with Small Things and Frontier Dreams. 

WIPS: Yarn and Books

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What's a WIP?  It's short for "Work in Progress".  It is frequently used in the knitting and crochet world to refer to an unfinished project.

I'm knitting a crescent shawl.  It's a delightfully mindless knit.  I mean this in a good way.  Sometimes I just want to create and yet have no little grey cells to dedicate to the project.  (Yep, that's a Poirot reference.)  I'll share the super simple pattern once I'm finished.

Of course, there are more than a few other works in progress languishing in my craft room.  My Dragon Blanket is getting so close to the end, but I put it away for a while to focus on some "quick and done" projects.  As for finished projects, I did crochet a backpack and knit a hat.



I got a little ambitious at the library this week.  We shall see how many of the 17 books that are checked out for me will be finished before they're due.  (The kids are set for the week too, I have 73 items checked out right now . . .)  The Baby is at that stage where he wants to eat my books and becomes singularly focused on that task, making reading slightly more difficult than normal.

I am currently reading The False Prince by Jennifer A. Nielsen.

I'm going to link up over at Marissa Writes, so here are the required questions and answers!

Why did you decide to pick up this book? 

Because it was recommended by Sarah of Read Aloud Revival.  I'm a sucker for good YA lit and I've enjoyed about 95% of the books that she has recommended in the past . . . I figured chances were good that I'd enjoy this book.

Who is your favorite character so far, and why?

Sage is the obvious choice.  He's scrappy, honest in his own way, and while completely imperfect you can't quite help but cheer for him.

Will you finish this one?

 Absolutely.

Finish the sentence: This book reminds me of . . . 

Well, at this point it reminds me of The Thief; however, I'm enjoying this book quite a bit more than that book.  (I struggled a little to really get immersed in The Thief.)

What type of read is this one?

If I didn't have responsibilities I think this is the type of book I would read cover to cover in a day.  Alas, I do have responsibilities (and I'm quite thankful for them!), so it's taking a little longer.  It is an enjoyable read.  At my library it's shelved with the juvenile fiction, but it doesn't feel childish.

Speaking of responsibilities, that's all for now, folks!  How about you, what are you reading or creating right now?

You can find where I link up here. 

Our Library Bag #4 and WIPS

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I'm combining posts today.  (Ginny's Yarn Along includes both knitting and reading, and she's awesome, so I might as well follow suite this week!)  Without further ado, here's what I'm knitting and reading right now:

After all of the Halloween costume crafting (Rey and BB8 from Star Wars) and coordinating shirt sewing, I am enjoying a very simple knitting project.  It's a straightforward, rolled-brim, no fuss, super basic beanie.  I'll share the pattern with you when I'm finished. 

I also finally published my free Peacock Hood Crochet Pattern!  I really love the way that this hood turned out.  I used the incredibly popular Caron Cakes, and I think the color changes really work for this project, but of course you could use any similar weight yarn.

Don't forget to link up your own yarn-y projects at the weekly Yarn Fanatic Party!  This week's can be found here. 

The library shelf in our personal library is bursting at the seams.  As of today I have 54 books checked out on my card.  I asked Catherine, age 6, to select three of her current favorites for me to highlight on the blog.  She brought me the following:

Gazpacho for Nacho: It's a cute little story about a boy who only likes to eat one food, you guessed it, gazpacho.  The story is filled with Spanish words, which is such a great way to introduce another language.  (The glossary in the back is fantastic for non-Spanish speaking parents like myself.)  Despite it's message that there are a plethora of awesome foods out there it hasn't encouraged my picky eater to branch out.  (Shout out to Sweeping Up Joy for this recommendation!)

A Place for Zero: Catherine loved Fractions in Disguise so much that I immediately checked the library to see how many of the Math Adventure books they had.  Sadly, there aren't many, but I put holds on all that I could, of course.  Personally, I'd say A Place for Zero is rather weak compared to the fractions book, but it was still a good book.

Cranberry Thanksgiving: Now that it's November I have a giant stack of Thanksgiving themed books.  There is just something about this sweet story of a Grandmother, a Granddaughter, a bad guy, a scruffy hero, and delicious cranberry bread that exudes "Thanksgiving" to me.  Catherine says that she just loves this story.   

Freight Train: There really is no question which book is Dominic's current favorite.  We've read this book roughly 9,999 times since it's been checked out.  I think the entire family has it memorized -- not that it's very hard to do.  Despite the fact that I might have had enough of this book it really is awesome.  The illustrations are stylized simplicity in bright bold colors.  The words  are carefully chosen.  This isn't a story book per se, since there's no actual story, but it's great for what it is.  It keeps my two year old engaged so I love it.  (Shout out to Rosie, she mentioned this book last month and I immediately added it to my library list.)  

I finished The Mysterious Benedict Society.  I'd say it was just shy of being a great book.  I am now reading Hearts in Atlantis.  (My first King!  It feels like a milestone.)  I also have been reading a few fluffy books not worth mentioning, because sometimes we all need a little fluff.  Ok, I'll mention one of them: First Love.  Spoiler alert.  It's basically another Walk to Remember, but with way more grand theft auto and way less character development.  I'd give it a D+ and yet it still brought me to tears.  

Linking up with Small Things, Frontier Dreams, and A Gentle Mother. 

WIPS

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As always, I have more Works In Progress than any sane craftist should have.  This week I've added two scarves to the pile -- one knit and one crochet -- and I picked up some yarn to try crochet color pooling.  Both are my own patterns -- hopefully coming soon to the blog! The crochet scarf (in the blue) I think would work better in a solid color.  I am loving the texture of the red scarf!

Feel free to link up any of your finished yarn projects at my weekly Yarn Fanatic Party.

I'm also super excited because my library hold for The Mysterious Benedict Society finally came in! Speaking of books, I've started a new post series called Our Library Bag.  

So much crafting and so many books . . . so little time!

Linking up with Small Things and Frontier Dreams.

WIPS: Birds & Crochet, Plus a New Hat

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What bird(s) do you think of when you see this color combination?  While the colorway is "gelato" I'm all about feathers this time. (Full disclosure, this cell phone photo is pretty terrible, it just doesn't capture the true vibrancy of this yarn.  You can see it on Amazon and Michael's but even there the lighter green is somewhat washed out -- in person it's almost a neon lime green.)

I have a lovely pattern that I am working on writing up to share with you all, but I am still debating the name.  Maybe one of you will will be able to give me some inspiration.  Birds that are on my mind are peacock, parrot, and canary.

Photo Source: Free Images

Photo Source: Free Images

Photo Source: Free Images

I have another project going using the Caron Cakes Yarn.  I am attempting to knit a hat sans pattern.  Always dangerous.  Especially since my knitting skills aren't nearly as honed as my crochet skills.  The brim is going to be a braided cable . . . at least, that's the current plan.  Cable charts terrify me.  I can read just about any crochet chart with no problem, and love when they're included for intricate patterns, but a knitting chart still looks completely foreign to me.  It's a fear that needs to be conquered though, because I adore the look of cables.  (And in my humble opinion, crochet cables just don't measure up.)

I'd like to invite everyone to link up their yarn-y projects at this week's Yarn Fanatic Party!  Also, don't forget about September's yarn giveaway!

As always, I'll be sharing this Works In Progress post at the Yarn Along and Kelp Calm Craft On. 

WIPS: Pattern Hacking

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Do you hack patterns?  By this I mean take a pattern and tweaking it, but tweaked beyond personal preference and individual fit type issues.  So maybe "tweak" is too mild of a word.  I do this a lot.

I sometimes wonder how designers feel about pattern hacking -- do they love that someone admires their handiwork that they want to incorporate it into something new and unique? Or do the designers think of it as a bastardization of their work?

Maybe I could call myself a designer, I'm not sure.  I just love to create and I sometimes remember to jot down notes during the process and then share them.  I personally would LOVE to know that something I created inspired someone else's creativity.  

(Just to be clear, I'm not talking about stealing someone's work/pattern and calling it your own.  Although, that does beg the question of how far removed from the original does something need to be before it's a new pattern.  That's a question for another day.)

Today's WIP (work in progress) is a pattern hack.  I'm taking a lovely crochet dress pattern, The Sunrise Sunday Dress & Top, and turning it into a skirt.  I absolutely love the dress,  you can read all about that in my review, but I think a stand alone skirt based upon the pattern could be something really pretty.  

Little Abbee is sponsoring a giveaway for the Sunrise Sunday Dress pattern, but it ends today!  (September 7, 2016)

In other yarn-y news, The Yarn Fanatic Party is back!  Please come link up your knit and crochet projects -- and anything else that uses yarn.  The party has returned to a weekly format.  I hope to see you there! 

Do tell me your thoughts about pattern hacking!  Do you do it?  Are you a designer?  Do you hate it?   

I'll be linking up with Small Things, Frontier Dreams, and some of these places. 

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WIPS: A Crochet First

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Here's a little project teaser.  This was my first foray into the crocodile stitch.  It won't be my last.  I love it!  I spent a lot of time looking through online tutorials, YouTube videos, and the like so once I started actually crocheting it was a breeze.  (Of course, after the fact I saw that there is a great class all about the Crocodile Stitch on Craftsy by Tamara Kelly, the crochet legend.)

I am hosting a crochet pattern giveaway, sponsored by Little Abbee, for this absolutely adorable dress pattern.  {Enter here.}  It ends September 7, 2016.

As always, I'll be sharing this with Frontier Dreams and Small Things.

WIPS: Too Many Tails!

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Who else has a bajillion Works In Progress at the moment?  I'm only sharing a few today, but believe me there are many more spread throughout my house!

I have some crochet pattern reviews coming up this week that I think you will enjoy.  (There will also be giveaways so make sure to check back soon!) On a few of these I just need to finish weaving in the ends.  Oh, tails!  How do I hate thee?  Let me count the ways!

I love color.  I do.  Sadly though, the more colors a project has the more tails there are at the end.

Have you tried audible yet?  You get two free audiobooks when you sign up for the free trial.  You can cancel anytime.  Click on my affiliate link below to get started!

I will be sharing with Small Things and Frontier Dreams.

WIPS: Dolls, Disney, and Check Out Facebook

As always, my Works In Progress are almost as numerous as the grains of sand at the beach.  That might be a slight exaggeration, but only slight.  I have two "big" blog events that I'm currently putting together for this month.  One is doll themed and the other is Disney themed.  The doll themed event  is going to start August 21st has been keeping me busy crocheting, knitting, and sewing.  Below is one of the crochet projects that is currently in progress.

The Disney event has been keeping me busy going through all of our Disney photos and writing up a storm.  I also just got an email from Zulily today with tons of Minnie and Mickey deals.  Sadly these deals will be gone before my Disney even begins on the 7th, so I thought that I'd mention it here today.  (You know, just in case you're as Disney obsessed as I am.)

Finally, I'd like to share with you an awesome crochet project that isn't mine.  It's over on my Facebook page.  You know how when you're pregnant there are all of those "Your baby is the size of (insert fruit or vegetable name here)" memes and such?  Well, one talented woman actually crocheted the appropriate plant throughout her pregnancy and shared it on Facebook with the Baby.  I just love it!

WIPS: Hearts and Dragons

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As always, I have an absurd amount of Works In Progress.  Today's highlights are a circle vest with a heart motif and a dragon.  I'm hoping to finish both this week!

Have you entered April's yarn giveaway?

If you're in the market for a Kindle, most of them are on sale right now.

 

Linking up with Small Things and Frontier Dreams.

WIPS: Spring Project Teaser

I am crocheting a whole slew of flowers for a really awesome project I have in mind.  Well, at least I hope it turns out really awesome!  Time will tell, right?  I'll be sharing all the patterns very soon.

Linking up with Small Things and Frontier Dreams.

Please stop by my March Yarn Fanatic Party and enter to win four skeins of yarn!

WIPS: Forge Ahead or Frog?

It's decision time.  I love this yarn.  I love this pattern.  I'm not loving the two together.  Part of me just wants to keep going and see if I like the finished product.  I guess it's possible I will, right?  Another part of me thinks I should not waste my time and frog it now.  I do only have so much time every day.  What would you do?  

The March Yarn Fanatic Party Giveaway is pretty awesome -- four gorgeous skeins of yarn are up for grabs!

If you're curious, the yarn for this hat is a gift from Expression Fiber Arts and the knitting pattern is the mont-royal.  Also, this project is part of my "I WILL work through my WIPS and blog post drafts" project.  This week's blog post that's been in my drafts folder for almost a year would be these Narwhals. 

I'll be linking up at Small Things and Frontier Dreams.

WIPS: Sick and Knitting

I've been feeling a bit under the weather these past couple of days.  The kids have been good though, they've been letting me sit on the couch and just be.  I've used some of this extra couch time to start another knitting project. (Of course!  What's one more?)  I've also been looking through the drafts folder of my blog.  I can't believe how many posts there are that only need a slight tweak and then will be ready to be published.  (A lot just need a picture or two.)  Reminds me a lot of my WIPS box . . . hmmm.  There's a lesson in there for me somewhere.

Don't forget to enter the giveaway for crochet hooks and a Happily Hooked subscription!  It ends at the end of January and entries are still pretty low.

How's your week going?


Sharing at Frontier Dreams and Small Things.

WIPS

Yikes!  It's been awhile since I've shared a Works in Progress post!

My Traveling Woman Shawl got put on the back burner during our move.  (Technically, it was in the TV console drawer.)  I finally got it back out a couple of days ago and have made quite a bit of progress.  It's my first knitted shawl project and I think I'm going to like it!

I cast off Catherine's In Threes Sweater, I just need to block it and add buttons.  I LOVE how it turned out.  I totally understand why this pattern came so highly recommended.  The String Theory Yarn is so soft and such a great color -- it just is perfect!

I also recently whipped up a Star Wars purse as a gift; unfortunately, I did neglect to take a picture.  I've got some other sewing projects on my table.  I'm hoping the kids will give me some peace this afternoon to cut out another Julia Cardigan.

So many crafts, so little time.

I'll be linking up at Small Things and Frontier Dreams.  

I'd also like to extend an invitation to you to join me at my Yarn Fanatic Party.

WIPS: An Explosion of Fabric and Yarn

My WIPS are taking over!  I have so many knitting, crochet, and sewing projects going right now that my craft room looks like it exploded.  The above picture is of the "clean" side.  The other half is much worse.  It's all organized chaos though.  I know where everything is (I think) and I'm ready to go on quite a few projects.  I have two In Threes Sweaters started, and both need to be finished ASAP as both are gifts.   Catherine's birthday is Friday(!).  I was planning on making three dresses for her, but that's not going to happen.  (I was going to say something goofy about it won't happen unless the planets align, but there was that whole thing with Venus and Jupiter just last night!)  I have one almost finished, the other two, well, the fabric is washed.  That's something, isn't it?

I'd love to see your yarn-y projects at this week's Yarn Fanatic Party! And don't forget to enter the Red Heart giveaway!

Just curious, do you find yourself rushing to finish handmade gifts at the last possible minute?  If not, what's your secret?  

(Back to the craft room for me . . . after I prep dinner and change the little guy's diaper and get Catherine a snack and switch the laundry and vacuum the bedroom . . .)

Linking up at Small Things and Frontier Dreams.

WIPS

I've made some more progress on my In Threes Sweater, with String Theory Hand Dyed Yarn, for Catherine.  I've also been doing a bit of sewing in my crafting time this week.  I made Dominic a Fox Hat for the swimming pool and I made Catherine another Monkey Bar skirt.  I have also been loving this Corset Cuff Crochet Pattern.  I've made a few (and need to blog about them!), but this one, with Sizzle by Red Heart, is Catherine's favorite.  Obviously, I still need to attend to the tails.  (Oh those pesky tails!)

I'd love to invite everyone link up their yarn-y projects at my Yarn Fanatic Party.  (There's also a great little crochet giveaway there!)

Linking up with Small Things and Frontier Dreams.

If you're going to be shopping on Amazon, I'd greatly appreciate you clicking through one of my links.  They are affiliate links.  I earn a few pennies for every dollar that you spend, but it doesn't cost you anything extra.  Thank you so much for your support!

WIPS

I have too many works in progress right now.  And so many projects that I'm itching to start!

I am loving my String Theory Yarn.  (The $60 giveaway ends soon -- hurry!)  My shawl is coming along nicely.  Like I mentioned last week I'm still pretty nervous about the decorative pattern.  I'm convinced I'm going to make a mistake and it's going to be all wonky.  I guess we learn from our mistakes, right?  A fear of missed perfection isn't a good reason to stop . . . but it would be awesome if it all worked out perfectly the first time.  (Pattern is Traveling Woman -- free version.)

I've just started a "In Threes Cardigan".  I'm planning on giving this to Catherine.  I've seen this darling little sweater pop up all over the place, so I thought it was time to give it a try.  I love the utter simplicity of the pattern thus far.  And oh the yarn!  It's Tinker Island Fingering and it works up divinely and the color is stunning!  (I might have had a difficult time deciding to make something for someone else or doing more selfish knitting.)

Here's a sneak peak of my latest crochet creation.  Can I just say how much I love this pattern?  It's from Glow Creek Patterns on Etsy and it is fantastic!  I've made a couple of bracelets and will be sharing them with you very soon!

How about you?  What have you been creating lately?  Have you used any of the above patterns?  What is your favorite shawl pattern?  Or kid's cardi pattern?  Or jewelry pattern?

By the way, I apologize for the slightly blurry photos today.  My sweet helper was quite insistent on pulling either me, the yarn, or both.  But, isn't he cute?

Linking up at the usual places!

I'd love to have you link up at my weekly

Yarn Fanatic Party!

WIPS: String Theory Hand Dyed Yarn Inc.

I am so excited to be reviewing these yarns from String Theory Hand Dyed Yarn.  In fact, I was downright giddy when I got the mail and saw all these goodies.  Yes, giddy.

I have some projects in mind (see below), and will get started as soon as life allows, but what would you make with these beautiful skeins of yarn?  (Links to patterns are always appreciated!)

Be sure to connect with String Theory Hand Dyed Yarn, Inc.!

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{Ravelry Group}

{Facebook}

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Don't miss the $60 String Theory Hand Dyed Yarn Giveaway!
(Ends May 31, 2015. US Only.)

For the Bluestocking yarn in Sterling I am going to make a shawl.  It will be my first knitted shawl.  I'm pretty excited about this project!  After much debate I've settled on this pattern.  What is your favorite shawl pattern?

So far I've been extremely happy with how this yarn works up.  The color is such a beautiful soft grey.  It will go so nicely with bright sundresses this summer!  I've talked about how I am a bit nervous tackling the lace part, but I'm up for the challenge!

This stunning yarn, it's Tinker Island Fingering, is going to be a "In Threes Cardigan" for my daughter.  I think this will be a beautiful summer sweater for her.  This color is so incredibly rich.  I love it.

This post is also a "Work In Progress".  

It will be updated as I knit and crochet with these yarns.

WIPS: A Little Crochet, a Little Knitting, and Lots of Last Minute Sewing

I have a few projects on my hooks and needles right now.  I am still working on my Mont Royal Hat.  I also started a little chevron afghan with the yarn I picked up on my Wild Night Out.

I am busy sewing Easter dresses this week.  Catherine's is finished, but mine is barely started.  I had a bit of a panic moment yesterday when I opened the pattern envelope, read the directions, and realized it will be one of the most complicated sewing projects that I've attempted.  Hopefully I will get it finished in time!  Is anyone else still working on Easter projects?

I'd love to have you link up all of your yarn-y projects at my Yarn Fanatic Party!  And check out the awesome crochet pattern giveaway while you're there!  There will be three winners! The giveaway ends Easter night -- 4/5/15.

Linking up at: 

Yarn Along and Frontier Dreams