WIPS: Beanie using Red Heart's Medley Yarn

This yarn was provided by Red Heart. 

I'm knitting a Beanie using Red Heart's Medley yarn.  The yarn is super soft and squishy, I think it should make a very comfortable hat.  My biggest complaint with the yarn and pattern so far is that the cable doesn't really pop. I'm hoping that the completed project won't be underwhelming.

Just in case you are wondering, yes, this picture is from today.  Yes, we still have our Christmas tree up.  And yes, it is intentional.  

If you crochet, knit, or have blogged about any projects that use yarn, please come link up at this week's Yarn Fanatic Party!  I'd love to see your projects!  (While you're there, be sure to enter the pattern giveaway!)

Frontier Dreams with Nicole

Yarn Along with Ginny

WIPS: The Snowman Scarf, Matching Hats, Etc.

My Quaere Fibre yarn infinity scarf is just about finished!  Catherine has taken to calling this the "Snowman Scarf".  I have no idea why.

Don't forget to enter the giveaway for a skein of yarn like the one I'm using above!   

I've started Catherine and Porcupine's matching Minion hats.

Also, I have a Craftsy Crochet or Knitting Class Giveaway happening right now!  

I will be sharing this post at the following:

Frontier Dreams with Nicole

Work In Progress with Tami

Yarn Along with Ginny

WIPS: I Started a Sweater & Poncho/Cape Update

I've taken the plunge!  I have started knitting my first sweater.  It is a baby sweater -- hopefully Porcupine will be able to wear it.  The pattern is called "Baby Boy Five Hour Sweater", which is a pattern that Nancy from Of Wool and Loveliness recommended.  It's going to take me a lot longer than five hours, but that's alright.  Despite the fact that I am on gauge, I am dubious that it will actually end up newborn sized, although only time will tell.  Obviously, it's still pretty early in the knit, but it appears rather large to me.  (There were others who had the same problem when I looked through the various Ravelry notes, but I didn't want to change anything on the first sweater I made.)  How did your first sweater turn out?  Was it wearable? 

I am still knitting away on Catherine's poncho/cape.  I am trying to decide if I want the bottom edge to be a seed stitch, to match the top, or if a rib would be better.  I think I'd prefer the look of the rib, but does it really make sense to have two different types of edging on a small garment?  Probably not.  What do you think?  Seed stitch or ribbing?

I finished The Yellow Hat that I had started crocheting last week.  My favorite part is the pink rose. (Here's the pattern!)  It makes the hat seem equally appropriate for cool spring days as frigid winter days.

I will be sharing this post at the following:

Frontier Dreams with Nicole

Work In Progress with Tami

Yarn Along with Ginny

WIPS

Works In Progress

I am still working on all of the same projects as before--the silver capelet and the purple and grey afghan chevron afghan being the two most notable.

My favorite place to find new crochet patterns is Ravelry!  (That's where I found the capelet pattern!)  They have a huge database of projects that are fairly searchable.  I exclusively look for free patterns and have been amazed at how many there are available!  I also love that I have a "Favorites" page--I find it much easier (and more organized) that having a ton of bookmarks.  You do have to sign up to use it, but it's free so no biggie.  I'm not a very active member of Ravelry, but feel free to look me up if you're also a member!

I've looked on Pinterest a couple of times for patterns, but I just didn't like it very much.  It was too disorganized and haphazard.  Not that one couldn't use it as a great way to find patterns, it just didn't work for me.

Of course, I've also looked at pattern books at the library.  (I wouldn't be much of an English major if I didn't turn to the library, would I be?)  With the exception of Super Stitches Crochet, which focuses on stitch patterns rather than project patterns, the library books are a little outdated. (Super Stitches is an awesome book and I totally recommend it!)

I am curious, dear reader, where do you find patterns for your projects?  Online?  Books?  Michael's?  Blogs?  I'd love if you'd share!

I will be linking up at the following:

Yarn Along by Ginny

Frontier Dreams by Nicole

Work In Progress with Tami

WIPS

Work In Progress

Since last week I pretty much have only worked on the capelet.  While I still have quite a bit to go, I can't wait to see what it looks like after blocking!

I will be linking up at the following:

Yarn Along by Ginny

Frontier Dreams by Nicole
Work In Progress with Tami
WIP Monday

If you have time you should check out the Elephant I crocheted as well as my current giveaways!

Thank you for visiting!  

WIPS

Works In Progress

I am still working on my chevron afghan--although I didn't really add anything to it this past week.   I did finish my lacy red scarf!  I am waiting to get some nice pictures of it before putting together a post to show it off.  

I started two projects this week.  The first being fingerless gloves and the other being a capelet.  

The gloves started using a pattern from Raverly, but I kept getting frustrated
with it, so now it is entirely "freestlyed".  I think that the pattern designer either has
extremely tiny hands and wrists or I just didn't understand something.
I am not sure how this project is going to turn out.
If I don't like it I can always unravel!  

I am using this pattern as my "starting point".  I am using a much lighter yarn
than the patter calls for, which means I have to make some adjustments.
Plus, I like to put my own spin on things! 

I will be linking up at the following:

Yarn Along by Ginny

Frontier Dreams by Nicole
Work In Progress with Tami

WIP Monday

WIP Wednesday

Work In Progress

A couple of weeks ago I showed you my purple and grey chevron afghan.  Due to general business, a week at the beach, lazing around the pool, etc, I haven't actually accomplished very much on it.  

Since I can't seem to focus on just one project, after my great mail day on Monday, I decided to start another project!  This one uses a super soft bamboo and cotton yarn, which is so nice to work with!  I am using the same pattern as my lacy scarf and I think that this gorgeous red will look look fantastic.  It has a great sheen and drape.

I will be linking up at the following:

Yarn Along by Ginny

WIP Wednesday with Lee
Frontier Dreams by Nicole
Work In Progress with Tami
WIP Monday

W.I.P. Chevron Afghan

Work In Progress

I will be linking up at the following:

Yarn Along by Ginny

WIP Wednesday with Lee
Frontier Dreams by Nicole
Work In Progress with Tami
WIP Monday