Exciting News and a Sneak Preview!!

I am just beside myself with excitement. I've been sitting on pins and needles for several months now wanting desperately to spill the beans. It was very hard, but I was a good girl and kept quiet. And now the time is here, I can finally say it out loud...

I'm going to be Published!!

Yes, published! My first professional pattern in a real honest to goodness, buy it at your local news-stand, popular crochet magazine. The October 2011 issue of Crochet World magazine to be exact.

Here's the sneak preview on Ravelry of what you will see in the magazine:
http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/sources/crochet-world-magazine-october-2011/patterns

I can't believe my afghan was chosen for the front cover! It truly is an honor!

Orange Blossom

Finished Size: 6 or 12 inches

Materials: Worsted Weight Yarn: approximately 2 ounces in each color A, and color B; US size "H" hook; tapestry needle for weaving in ends.

12 inch example (shown above): Pattern was worked using Red Heart Super Saver in Aruba Sea for color A, and Red Heart Super Saver in Real Teal for color B.

6 inch example (shown below): Pattern was worked using Red Heart Super Saver in Real Teal for color A, and Red Heart Super Saver in White for color B. (*See note below for instructions for 6 inch square.)


With color A ch 4, sl st in 4th ch from hook to form loop

Round 1: ch 3, 15 dc in loop, join with sl st in top of beg ch 3. (16 dc)

Round 2: Working in BLO: ch 3, dc in same st, 2 dc in each st around, join with sl st in top of beg ch 3. (32 dc)

Round 3: Working in BLO: ch 3, dc in same st, dc in next st, (2 dc in next st, dc in next st) around, sl st in top of next beg ch 3 to join, fasten off. (48 dc,)

Round 4: Working in unworked FLO from Rounds 2 and 3: join color A with sc in first st of rnd 2, ch 2, sc in 3rd st of rnd 3, ch 2, (skip next st on rnd 2, sc in next st, ch 2, skip next 3 sts of rnd 3, sc in next st, ch 2) around, join with sl st in beg sc. (8 "petals")

Round 5: Join color B with sl st in top of beg ch on round 3, ch 3, [(2 dc, ch 2, 2 dc) in next st, dc in each of next 3 sts, hdc in next st, sc in each of next 3 sts, hdc in next st, dc in each of next 3 sts] 3 times, (2 dc, ch 2, 2 dc) in next st, dc in each of next 3 sts, hdc in next st, sc in each of next 3 sts, hdc in next st, dc in each of next 2 sts, join with sl st in top of beg ch 3, fasten off. (40 dc, 12 sc)

Round 6: ch 3, dc in each of next 2 sts, [(2 dc, ch 2, 2 dc) in next ch sp, dc in each st across to next ch sp] 3 times, (2 dc, ch 2, 2 dc) in next ch sp, dc in each rem st across, join with sl st in top of beg ch 3, fasten off. (76 dc)

Round 7: Join color A with sl st in any ch 2 sp, ch 1, 3 sc in same ch sp, sc in each st across to next ch 2 sp, (3 sc in next ch sp, sc in each st across to next ch 2 sp) 3 times, join with sl st in top of beg sc, fasten off.

Round 8: Join color B with sl st in center st of any corner, ch 3, (dc, ch 2, 2 dc) in same sp, dc in each st across to center st of next corner, [(2 dc, ch 2, 2 dc) in next st, dc in each st across to center st of next corner] 3 times, join with sl st in top of beg ch 3, fasten off.

Rounds 9 - 12: Repeat rounds 7 and 8 twice more. Weave in all ends.

*NOTE: For 6 inch square work as follows:

Rounds 1 - 5: Work same as rounds 1-5 of 12 inch square, fasten off at end of round 5.

Round 6: Work same as round 7 of 12 inch square. Weave in all ends.

Pattern designed and written by April Moreland
© 2011 All rights reserved

Back to main Charity 'Ghan CAL page

Sailing Along

Finished Size: 6 or 12 inches

Materials: Worsted Weight Yarn: approximately 2 ounces in each color A, and color B; US size "H" hook; tapestry needle for weaving in ends.

12 inch example (shown above): Pattern was worked using Red Heart Super Saver in Aruba Sea for color A, and Red Heart Super Saver in Real Teal for color B.

6 inch example (shown below): Pattern was worked using Red Heart Super Saver in Real Teal for color A, and Red Heart Super Saver in White for color B. (*See note below for instructions for 6 inch square.)


With color A ch 4, sl st in 4th ch from hook to form loop

Round 1: ch 3, 15 dc in loop, join with sl st in top of beg ch 3. (16 dc)

Round 2: ch 3, dc in same st, 2 dc in each st around, join with sl st in top of beg ch 3. (32 dc)

Round 3: Working in BLO: ch 3, dc in same st, dc in next st, (2 dc in next st, dc in next st) around, sl st in top of next beg ch 3 to join, fasten off. (48 dc,)

Round 4: Working in unworked FLO from Round 3 join color A with sl st in first st, (ch 3, sl st in 2nd ch from hook, hdc in next ch, skip next st on rnd 3, sl st in next st) around, join with sl st in beg sl st. (16 "waves")

Round 5: Join color B with sl st in top of beg ch on round 3, ch 3, [(2 dc, ch 2, 2 dc) in next st, dc in each of next 3 sts, hdc in next st, sc in each of next 3 sts, hdc in next st, dc in each of next 3 sts] 3 times, (2 dc, ch 2, 2 dc) in next st, dc in each of next 3 sts, hdc in next st, sc in each of next 3 sts, hdc in next st, dc in each of next 2 sts, join with sl st in top of beg ch 3, fasten off. (40 dc, 12 sc)

Round 6: ch 3, dc in each of next 2 sts, [(2 dc, ch 2, 2 dc) in next ch sp, dc in each st across to next ch sp] 3 times, (2 dc, ch 2, 2 dc) in next ch sp, dc in each rem st across, join with sl st in top of beg ch 3, fasten off. (76 dc)

Round 7: Join color A with sl st in any ch 2 sp, ch 1, 3 sc in same ch sp, sc in each st across to next ch 2 sp, (3 sc in next ch sp, sc in each st across to next ch 2 sp) 3 times, join with sl st in top of beg sc, fasten off.

Round 8: Join color B with sl st in center st of any corner, ch 3, (dc, ch 2, 2 dc) in same sp, dc in each st across to center st of next corner, [(2 dc, ch 2, 2 dc) in next st, dc in each st across to center st of next corner] 3 times, join with sl st in top of beg ch 3, fasten off.

Rounds 9 - 12: Repeat rounds 7 and 8 twice more. Weave in all ends.

*NOTE: For 6 inch square work as follows:

Rounds 1 - 5: Work same as rounds 1-5 of 12 inch square, fasten off at end of round 5.

Round 6: Work same as round 7 of 12 inch square. Weave in all ends.


Pattern designed and written by April Moreland
© 2011 All rights reserved

Back to main Charity 'Ghan CAL page

S P R I N G

Our first real sign of Spring showed up in the front yard several days ago. In amongst the rose bushes and uncollected leaves from last fall is one single lonely, but gorgeous, tulip. This is our first spring here so we are left wondering why only one. Did the previous owner see fit to plant just one bulb, or is this the lone survivor of all those harsh winters? Either way it is good to have concrete proof that spring is finally here!

Below is a flowering tree from the back yard. I'm not sure what kind it is. Cherry maybe? Another pretty surprise for spring.

And this one, a bush that accents the corner of the front porch, I have not a clue what it might be. I don't think I've ever seen one like it before. Very unique indeed.

And now for some crochet:
I can't show you anything I'm working on at the moment. It's all very Top Secret and Hush Hush, so I thought I'd show you the Flower Fairy and Mushroom that Cyndi surprised me with before Easter. I just love them. :)

Corn Flower

Finished Size: 6 or 12 inches

Materials: Worsted Weight Yarn: approximately 2 ounces in each color A, and color B; US size "H" hook; tapestry needle for weaving in ends.

12 inch example (shown above): Pattern was worked using Red Heart Super Saver in Cornmeal for color A, and Red Heart Super Saver in Gold for color B.

6 inch example (shown below): Pattern was worked using Red Heart Super Saver in Gold for color A, and Red Heart Super Saver in White for color B. (*See note below for instructions for 6 inch square.)


With color A ch 4, sl st in 4th ch from hook to form loop

Round 1: ch 3, 15 dc in loop, join with sl st in top of beg ch 3. (16 dc)

Round 2: Working in BLO: ch 3, dc in same st, 2 dc in each st around, join with sl st in top of beg ch 3. (32 dc)

Round 3: Working in BLO: ch 3, dc in same st, dc in next st, (2 dc in next st, dc in next st) around, sl st in top of next beg ch 3 to join, fasten off. (48 dc)

Round 4: Working in unworked FLO on Round 1 join color B with sl st in first st, (ch 2, sl st in next st) around, join with sl st in beg sl st. (16 ch-2 sps)

Round 5: Working in unworked FLO on Round 2 join color B with sl st in first st, (ch 2, sl st in next st) around, join with sl st in beg sl st. (32 ch-2 sps)

Round 6: Join color B with sl st in top of beg ch on round 3, ch 3, [(2 dc, ch 2, 2 dc) in next st, dc in each of next 3 sts, hdc in next st, sc in each of next 3 sts, hdc in next st, dc in each of next 3 sts] 3 times, (2 dc, ch 2, 2 dc) in next st, dc in each of next 3 sts, hdc in next st, sc in each of next 3 sts, hdc in next st, dc in each of next 2 sts, join with sl st in top of beg ch 3, fasten off. (40 dc, 12 sc)

Round 7: ch 3, dc in each of next 2 sts, [(2 dc, ch 2, 2 dc) in next ch sp, dc in each st across to next ch sp] 3 times, (2 dc, ch 2, 2 dc) in next ch sp, dc in each rem st across, join with sl st in top of beg ch 3, fasten off. (76 dc)

Round 8: Join color A with sl st in any ch 2 sp, ch 1, 3 sc in same ch sp, sc in each st across to next ch 2 sp, (3 sc in next ch sp, sc in each st across to next ch 2 sp) 3 times, join with sl st in top of beg sc, fasten off.

Round 9: Join color B with sl st in center st of any corner, ch 3, (dc, ch 2, 2 dc) in same sp, dc in each st across to center st of next corner, [(2 dc, ch 2, 2 dc) in next st, dc in each st across to center st of next corner] 3 times, join with sl st in top of beg ch 3, fasten off.

Rounds 10 - 13: Repeat rounds 8 and 9 twice more. Weave in all ends.

*NOTE: For 6 inch square work as follows:

Rounds 1 - 6: Work same as rounds 1-6 of 12 inch square, fasten off at end of round 6.

Round 7: Work same as round 8 of 12 inch square. Weave in all ends.

Pattern designed and written by April Moreland
© 2011 All rights reserved

Back to main Charity 'Ghan CAL page

Update

Just a few things I want to catch up on...

The next square in our current CAL is due to be posted tomorrow but I will be a little late getting it posted. I have the design worked out in my head but I don't have it worked up or the pattern written just yet. The main thing holding me back is a MAJOR deadline on Monday that will take me the entire weekend to finish up, so I will be able to post the pattern early next week... until then I'll give you a hint: "Gold"

I've gotten a few emails recently asking for permission to use my butterfly patterns (here and here) for church fundraisers. I just wanted to let you all know that I absolutely LOVE when my patterns are used for charity. It is fine if you are donating the finished item (NOT the pattern) to be sold at a local sale or auction that benefits a worthy charity. You may leave me a comment to let me know how your charity drive went, but it is not necessary.

I've also gotten a couple of comments asking about the status of the Mum's The Word square from the Calendar 'Ghan 2009 CAL. I was thinking about doing something else with it, but didn't realize the pattern's popularity. I still may do a variation on the pattern sometime in the future, but I will leave the square pattern up when/if I do. So I will be putting the pattern back up shortly for your crocheting enjoyment.

That's it for now... thank you for hanging in there with me! I have some exciting new things happening behind the scenes. More will be revealed later in the year... I've said too much already! ;)

Death and Taxes

Ask anyone in the US what April 15th means and they will tell you without hesitation, that's "Tax Day". Doesn't matter if they owe money or are due a refund, it's ingrained in them to know what that little square on the calendar means. Even when the "big day" is moved forward due to a holiday or weekend, it is still the date that even those who can't keep track of birthdays and anniversaries will remember with certainty.

The only other sure thing in life, according to Benjamin Franklin, is death. This is why I thought it kind of funny, in an odd sort of way, several years ago when my mother passed away on April 15th. She and I weren't really close so the date usually goes by without thought of anything other than the anticipation of how I will spend my refund check. This year however, proved to be different.

Phil and I married young at ages 17 and 18. Much too young to be married really, but we thought we were beyond our years with wisdom. The marriage only lasted 5 years; 3 1/2 of which were spent separated. During the 18 miserable months that we were together, the only thing good to happen were our 2 daughters.

I haven't given him more than a passing thought over the last 25 years, so why is it now I feel such a sense of mourning for him?



April and Phil Moreland ~ March 6, 1983


Philip Henry Moreland
January 24, 1964 - April 15, 2011

A New CAL!

Melissa over at Hooked on Handmade will be hosting a month long Crochet Along during the month of May. She will be featuring a different square pattern for each day of the month and invites everyone to join her. Unfortunately I will not be able to join in due to time constraints and current deadlines, but I will be peeking in from time to time to see everyone's awesome work!

P.S. Check out the pattern for the 7th. :)

Knitting & Crochet Blog Week: Day Seven

Day seven: 3rd April. Your knitting and crochet time.
Write about your typical crafting time. When it is that you are likely to craft – alone or in more social environments, when watching TV or whilst taking bus journeys. What items do you like to surround yourself with whilst you twirl your hook like a majorette’s baton or work those needles like a skilled set of samurai swords. Do you always have snacks to hand, or are you a strictly ‘no crumbs near my yarn!’ kind of knitter.

My crochet/crafting time really has no rhyme or reason. With a 3 year old in the house, it's nearly impossible to find a decent block of uninterrupted crochet time. I do try to sneak in a little here and there during the day, but between Ben, cooking, housework (which I can never seem to keep up with!), and other miscellaneous distractions, my daytime schedule is pretty much spoken for.

I am a tad more successful finding some quiet time in the evenings after Cyndi gets home. When I can finally settle in for some quality hookin' time my list of requirements is short. First and foremost, I must have a cold drink nearby. Sometimes it's water or Coke, but usually it's iced green tea with lemon. The only other thing I need is something to listen to.

In an ideal world it would be my favorite radio station, DC101. (I have yet to find a decent radio station anywhere other than the Delmarva area.) I prefer radio because, for me, the television is visually distracting. I've never been able to "get" people that can just "listen" to the TV. I guess I'm a visual person through and through.

Instead of radio, it's usually the TV until everyone else goes to bed for the night. This is when I can finally get some "me time" to use how I please. Sometimes I watch a movie, but usually I crochet. Below are a couple of pictures from my favorite hooking spot, the couch.

My Cup O' Hooks

And the bookcase where I keep my WIPs

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Knitting & Crochet Blog Week: Day Six

Day six: 2nd April. Something to aspire to.
Is there a pattern or skill that you don’t yet feel ready to tackle but which you hope to (or think you can only dream of) tackling in the future, near or distant? Is there a skill or project that makes your mind boggle at the sheer time, dedication and mastery of the craft? Maybe the skill or pattern is one that you don’t even personally want to make but can stand back and admire those that do. Maybe it is something you think you will never be bothered to actually make but can admire the result of those that have.

For decades my dream has been to be an accomplished crochet/knit/craft designer. With over 70 free patterns on my blog so far, and just as many waiting in the wings to be published here and in various other venues, I suppose I could say I've made that dream come true. And in a sense I suppose I have with the free patterns alone.

On Day Four I talked about the negative side of gift giving. I wanted to take the time here to say that not all of my gifts have been thusly abandoned. I enjoy crocheting and crafting very much and want the recipients of my efforts to love my work just as much as I enjoyed creating them. So I was pleased to discover that my (ex) sister-in-law still loves and uses the afghan I made for her almost 20 years ago.

And an old friend of mine still has the baby blanket I made her son as well as the ceramic planter, including the ORIGINAL plant, that I gave her when her daughter was born. (How she kept that plant alive after all this time just amazes me!) It's good to know that not all of my gifts have fallen by the wayside. I hope my crochet designs can stand the test of time as well as these few gifts.


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Knitting & Crochet Blog Week: Day Five

Day Five: 1st April. And now for something completely different

After my last post (sorry, I didn't mean for the anger to come through so harshly) I thought I'd try to lighten the mood a little.

I'm not really a fan of British humor, but still, I can't help but hear John Cleese's voice in my mind when I read today's prompt. And I can't help but think of one of my favorite movies (The Wedding Singer) when I see this video. Hope you enjoy!


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Knitting & Crochet Blog Week: Day Four

Day Four: 31st March. Where are they now?
Whatever happened to your __________? Write about the fate of a past knitting craft project. Whether it be something that you crocheted or knitted for yourself or to give to another person. An item that lives with you or something which you sent off to charity.

I've crafted many, MANY gifts over the years. This includes knitting, crochet, cross stitch, quilting, beading... you name it. For whatever reason most of them have never been seen again. I admit some of those gifts may have missed their mark due to poor planning or mis-interpreted enthusiasm on my part, but I always try to put a lot of thought and effort behind my crafted gifts. I truly enjoy sharing my love of crafting with those around me.

Sadly, several years ago I decided that I would no longer be giving hand crafted gifts to friends and family members. That is with the exception of my children who, (I think... I hope... at least this is what they tell me,) appreciate my thought, time, and effort. They make specific requests and are honest with me about what they like and don't like. I don't gift anything that hasn't been discussed and planned with them ahead of time, whether they know it or not. I can be sneaky that way. hehe

Others are not as enthused as my children though, even when they specifically ask for something. Several years ago my grandmother asked for an afghan I had made. It was already finished. She knew exactly what it looked like. I felt pretty darn confident (and rightfully so, in my opinion) in knowing that she would like it. She displayed it on the back of her couch for all of about 3 months, then it disappeared. When I asked her what happened to it, she said, "Oh, that old thing? I gave it to Goodwill."

OLD??? I was furious! But I got over it. A few years later she saw a pillow I was working on. She raved about it. It was so pretty. She wanted one. I gave it to her. It sat in the gift bag in the corner of her bedroom behind the door for well over a year, then one day it was gone. I never got the nerve to ask, but I knew...

When I started thinking of all the gifts I had ever given, and never saw again, I can't help but wonder if they met the same fate. I love Goodwill. I shop there often and have picked up some awesome deals. I donate to them quite regularly old clothes; household items and the like. But it was never my intention to craft for them.

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Knitting & Crochet Blog Week: Day Three

Day Three: 30th March. Tidy mind, tidy stitches.
How do you keep your yarn wrangling organised?

I only pretend to be an organized person. I mentioned my proposed attempt at organization in this post. I did manage to get a few things moved around and even put some yarn away. And I moved some boxes that contained non-crafty items to the basement for storage. But it's still a mess in that room. It's not completely disorganized. There are small bits of order to be found.

My RHSS is organized by color with a separate cubby for variegateds. I've also got 2 cubbies each for ILTY, Simply Soft, and Vanna's Choice.


And I've got my fabric neatly folded and put away on a small bookshelf. I don't do much with fabric these days so it's easy to keep this area in order.


But pull away from that bookshelf and the chaos reveals itself! Boxes, tubs, and baskets of yarn and other craft supplies waiting for a home to call their own.


What it comes down to is do I take the time to organize? Or do I crochet? Duh, we know what that answer is! I do spend small bits of time in my "Yarn Room" in the name of organization but, for the most part, I just go in there to gather supplies and take them elsewhere to work.

The truth is I desperately want a perfectly arranged space to work in. Who doesn't? But my current situation doesn't afford me that luxury. I can see it in my future. It's on the horizon. Eventually I will have that ideal workspace, but for now I'll have to settle for almost.

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Knitting & Crochet Blog Week: Day Two

Day Two: 29th March. Skill + 1UP
Look back over your last year of projects and compare where you are in terms of skill and knowledge of your craft to this time last year. Have you learned any new skills or forms of knitting/crochet (can you crochet cable stitches now where you didn’t even know such things existed last year? Have you recently put a foot in the tiled world of entrelac? Had you even picked up a pair of needles or crochet hook this time last year?

Today's post was a hard one to write. I've been crocheting for 35 years, and while I believe there's always something new to learn, there's just not anything in the past year that I see I'm doing any differently. I haven't learned any new techniques or skills. No new stitches or unusually complicated patterns. I've done both tunisian and single crochet entrelac. I know how to crochet cables (and knit them too.) I've even made a sock! I've never met a pattern I couldn't conquer. From the very beginning I took to knitting and crochet like a duck to water. It all seemed to come naturally to me.

I think the hardest thing I've ever done was teach my daughter how to crochet. As you probably already know I am left-handed. As a lefty I'm used to looking at the world backward. I can look at what a right handed person is doing and reverse it in my mind and know what to do. Imagine learning to crochet with nothing but mirror images where left is right and front is back. I learned at an early age to make this compensation and it has been an invaluable tool to me ever since.

My daughter on the other hand (pun intended) is right handed. For her the world is just as it should be. So looking at me and trying to reverse the images wasn't working. Even when I guided her hand... So what was a mother to do? I sat down, crochet hook in right hand, and started awkwardly crocheting right along with her. We both struggled at first and created some wonky looking stitches. But we made it through and she is now a fabulous crocheter and designer!

As for myself, well I never could get past those beginner wonky stitches and was quite happy that she was able to catch on quickly. I am a proven lefty and always will be.

Knitting on the other hand is a different story...

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Knitting & Crochet Blog Week: Day One

Day One: 28th March. A Tale of Two Yarns. Part of any fibre enthusiast’s hobby is an appreciation of yarn. Choose two yarns that you have either used, are in your stash or which you yearn after and capture what it is you love or loathe about them.

I just learned about Knitting & Crochet Blog Week a couple of weeks ago so this will be my first year participating. I hope you enjoy my commentary.

I am far from an expert on fibers. My yarn experience has been mostly limited to budget yarns. Worsted weight acrylics bought at the local discount store. I have had occasion to sample some of the "luxury" yarns picked up at my old LYS, but my experience with those are quite limited.

Because of this lack of hands on experience I had a difficult time choosing the 2 yarns to discuss. Should I go with one of the Noro? (Which I absolutely LOVE by the way.) Or maybe the much dreaded (too hard to crochet with and better suited to knitting projects) boucle? Or better yet, assess my stash and choose the two yarns I have the most of and use most often? BINGO!

The two yarns that are predominate in my stash are Red Heart Super Saver, RHSS for short, and I Love This Yarn, also known as ILTY. Both are worsted weight acrylic "budget" yarns. The RHSS is best known for its durability and value, while ILTY can attribute its popularity to its softness.

First up is the well known RHSS. I love it for its durability and affordability. I know a lot of people don't like it, but for me it's the obvious choice since my budget is often limited. I do love that it's available nationwide from Walmart and most other major chain craft stores so availability is rarely a problem. I've heard many people complain about its scratchiness but a quick trip through the washer and dryer will take care of that nicely. But most importantly is its durability.

Below is the throw I made for Cyndi about 7 years ago. It has suffered the usual abuse but is still hanging in there. It's just a regular 5 row granny made with RHSS in black, Plum Pudding, and Banana Berry.


And this is a throw I made for myself around the same time as the above. It's the Traditional Classic Afghan. The pattern originally called for TLC Essentials, but I used RHSS in its place. The afghan has held up exceptionally well through nightly use and multiple washings. It's one of my favorites.


ILTY is the Hobby Lobby store brand of yarn. It costs a little more than Red Heart, and has a tad less yardage, but what it lacks in frugality, it totally makes up for it with softness. Hobby Lobby is not yet a national chain, but they are ever expanding and they do sell from their website http://www.shophobbylobby.com. I wish I could attest to its durability, but the fact is that I've only been working with it for a few years and so far haven't held onto anything that I've made with it long enough to see how it wears. I love to use it for charity items, especially scarves as shown below.


I did recently complete the Regency Square afghan for myself with ILTY in Light Sage. We'll see how it holds up over time, but for now it is very soft and snuggly to cover up with.



Just as a bonus, and for contrast, I thought I'd throw in a commentary about another yarn that is (unfortunately) abundant in my stash. It's is at the opposite end of my "rate-o-meter"... It's Boucle. Doesn't matter which brand it is, it's all hard to work with in my book. I went crazy buying a bunch of it several years ago when I was still building my stash, and those same skeins are still sitting here taunting me. I do like the colors, and I've used a few to make shawls, but for the most part it's a yarn I avoid. It's hard to work with, the little nubs make it hard to form the stitches and nearly impossible to frog. I've had minor success with using a larger hook with it, but it's still not a yarn I look forward to using.

Shawl made with Rainbow Boucle by Sensations from Joann's. Pattern is Silver Shawl from Lion Brand.


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Green Thumb

Finished Size: 6 or 12 inches

Materials: Worsted Weight Yarn: approximately 2 ounces in each color A, and color B; US size "H" hook; tapestry needle for weaving in ends.

12 inch example (shown above): Pattern was worked using Red Heart Super Saver in Spring Green for color A, and Red Heart Super Saver in Paddy Green for color B.

6 inch example (shown below): Pattern was worked using Red Heart Super Saver in Paddy Green for color A, and Red Heart Super Saver in White for color B. (*See note below for instructions for 6 inch square.)


With color A ch 4, sl st in 4th ch from hook to form loop

Round 1: ch 3, 15 dc in loop, join with sl st in top of beg ch 3. (16 dc)

Round 2: ch 3, dc in same st, 2 dc in each st around, join with sl st in top of beg ch 3. (32 dc)

Round 3: Working in BLO: ch 3, dc in same st, dc in next st, (2 dc in next st, dc in next st) around, sl st in top of next beg ch 3 to join, fasten off. (48 dc,)

Round 4: Working in unworked FLO from Round 3 join color A with sl st in first st, (skip next st, 5 dc in next st, skip next st, sl st in next st) around, join with sl st in beg sl st. (40 dc)

Round 5: Join color B with sl st in top of beg ch on round 3, ch 3, [(2 dc, ch 2, 2 dc) in next st, dc in each of next 3 sts, hdc in next st, sc in each of next 3 sts, hdc in next st, dc in each of next 3 sts] 3 times, (2 dc, ch 2, 2 dc) in next st, dc in each of next 3 sts, hdc in next st, sc in each of next 3 sts, hdc in next st, dc in each of next 2 sts, join with sl st in top of beg ch 3, fasten off. (40 dc, 12 sc)

Round 6: ch 3, dc in each of next 2 sts, [(2 dc, ch 2, 2 dc) in next ch sp, dc in each st across to next ch sp] 3 times, (2 dc, ch 2, 2 dc) in next ch sp, dc in each rem st across, join with sl st in top of beg ch 3, fasten off. (76 dc)

Round 7: Join color A with sl st in any ch 2 sp, ch 1, 3 sc in same ch sp, sc in each st across to next ch 2 sp, (3 sc in next ch sp, sc in each st across to next ch 2 sp) 3 times, join with sl st in top of beg sc, fasten off.

Round 8: Join color B with sl st in center st of any corner, ch 3, (dc, ch 2, 2 dc) in same sp, dc in each st across to center st of next corner, [(2 dc, ch 2, 2 dc) in next st, dc in each st across to center st of next corner] 3 times, join with sl st in top of beg ch 3, fasten off.

Rounds 9 - 12: Repeat rounds 7 and 8 twice more. Weave in all ends.


*NOTE: For 6 inch square work as follows:

Rounds 1 - 5: Work same as rounds 1-5 of 12 inch square, fasten off at end of round 5.

Round 6: Work same as round 7 of 12 inch square. Weave in all ends.

Pattern designed and written by April Moreland
© 2011 All rights reserved

Back to main Charity 'Ghan CAL page

Early Taste of Spring

For the past few months this has been the normal scenery around here. Snow, snow, and more SNOW! The day I took that picture it was still early in the season and not nearly as cold as the temps later dipped. It just kept getting colder and dropping more snow on us. I didn't think we'd ever dig out!

But thanks to my son, and the snow blower, we were able to (barely) keep our heads above the snow. And now, finally, Mother Nature is giving us a hand with the snow & ice removal.


In case you can't see what the thermometer says... it's 50 (FIFTY!) degrees! Sweltering I tell ya! It makes me want to put on my shorts and run outside barefoot. Okay, I know that's a bit extreme, especially with all the ice, snow, and slush that is still out there, but this weather is giving me spring fever.

Sadly, the high temps are not here to stay. It will be below freezing again before the weekend is over. *sigh*

This nice weather, temporary as it may be, makes me hopeful that Spring is just around the corner. So much so that I couldn't resist a quart of strawberries from the grocery store. Being a bit before their season they were a little tart, but some sugar took care of that nicely.

Add some bananas...

and some whipped cream...

and Ben and I had a yummy breakfast!

I will be enjoying the last of our unseasonably warm weather tomorrow by organizing my craft room. It's actually a closed-in porch that acts as a 3 season room. I never really had a chance to get it set up the way I wanted it when we first moved in. I got about halfway finished when it became too cold to work back there.


As you can see I still have my work cut out for me. Lots of boxes and totes full of crafting goodies to find a home for...

I have lots of plans for the space. I will keep you all posted on my progress. Until then, thanks for reading :)

Seeing Spots

Finished Size: 6 or 12 inches

Materials: Worsted Weight Yarn: approximately 2 ounces in each color A, and color B; US size "H" hook; tapestry needle for weaving in ends.

12 inch example (shown above): Pattern was worked using Red Heart Super Saver in Pretty 'n Pink for color A, and Red Heart Super Saver in Cherry Red for color B.

6 inch example (shown below): Pattern was worked using Red Heart Super Saver in Cherry Red for color A, and Red Heart Super Saver in White for color B. (*See note below for instructions for 6 inch square.)

NOTE: On round 2 you will be working a dc in the next st and then you will work a FPDC (front post double crochet)around that same st.


With color A ch 4, sl st in 4th ch from hook to form loop

Round 1: ch 3, 15 dc in loop, join with sl st in top of beg ch 3. (16 dc)

Round 2: ch 3, FPDC around beg ch of previous round, (dc, FPDC) in each st around, join with sl st in top of beg ch 3, change to color B. (16 dc, 16 FPDC)

Round 3: ch 4 (counts as beg ch 3 + ch 1), skip next FPDC, (dc in next st, ch 1, skip next FPDC) around, sl st in top of next beg ch 3 to join, fasten off. (16 dc, 16 ch 1 sp)

Round 4: Working around ch spaces of previous row join color A with sl st in any skipped FPDC, ch 2, 2 hdc in same st, skip next st, (3 hdc in next skipped FPDC, skip next st) around, join with sl st in top of beg ch 2, change to color B. (48 hdc)

Round 5: ch 3, [(2 dc, ch 2, 2 dc) in next st, dc in each of next 3 sts, hdc in next st, sc in each of next 3 sts, hdc in next st, dc in each of next 3 sts] 3 times, (2 dc, ch 2, 2 dc) in next st, dc in each of next 3 sts, hdc in next st, sc in each of next 3 sts, hdc in next st, dc in each of next 2 sts, join with sl st in top of beg ch 3, fasten off. (40 dc, 12 sc)

Round 6: ch 3, dc in each of next 2 sts, [(2 dc, ch 2, 2 dc) in next ch sp, dc in each st across to next ch sp] 3 times, (2 dc, ch 2, 2 dc) in next ch sp, dc in each rem st across, join with sl st in top of beg ch 3, fasten off. (76 dc)

Round 7: Join color A with sl st in any ch 2 sp, ch 1, 3 sc in same ch sp, sc in each st across to next ch 2 sp, (3 sc in next ch sp, sc in each st across to next ch 2 sp) 3 times, join with sl st in top of beg sc, fasten off.

Round 8: Join color B with sl st in center st of any corner, ch 3, (dc, ch 2, 2 dc) in same sp, dc in each st across to center st of next corner, [(2 dc, ch 2, 2 dc) in next st, dc in each st across to center st of next corner] 3 times, join with sl st in top of beg ch 3, fasten off.

Rounds 9 - 12: Repeat rounds 7 and 8 twice more. Weave in all ends.


*NOTE: For 6 inch square work as follows:

Rounds 1 - 5: Work same as rounds 1-5 of 12 inch square, fasten off at end of round 5.

Round 6: Work same as round 7 of 12 inch square. Weave in all ends.

Pattern designed and written by April Moreland
© 2011 All rights reserved

Back to main Charity 'Ghan CAL page

Pink Crush

Finished Size: 12 inches

Materials: approximately 3 ounces worsted weight yarn (example was made using Red Heart Super Saver in Shocking Pink); US size "H" hook; tapestry needle for weaving in ends.

ch 5, join with sl st to form loop.

Round 1: ch 3, 15 dc in in loop, join with sl st in top of beg ch 3. (16 dc)

Round 2: ch 3, 4 dc in same st, dc in next st, ch 1, skip next st, dc in next st, *5 dc in next st, dc in next st, ch 1, skip next st, dc in next st, rep from * twice more, join with sl st in top of beg ch 3. (28 dc)

Round 3: sl st in next st, ch 3, 5 dc in next st, dc in next st, ch 1, skip next st, dc in next st, dc in next ch 1 sp, dc in next st, ch 1, skip next st, *dc in next st, 5 dc in next st, dc in next st, ch 1, skip next st, dc in next st, dc in next ch 1 sp, dc in next st, ch 1, skip next st, rep from * twice more, join with sl st in top of beg ch 3. (40 dc)

Round 4: sl st in each of next 2 sts, ch 3, 5 dc in next st, dc in next st, ch 1, skip next st, dc in next st, dc in next ch 1 sp, dc in each of next 3 sts, dc in next ch 1 sp, dc in next st, ch 1, skip next st, *dc in next st, 5 dc in next st, dc in next st, ch 1, skip next st, dc in next st, dc in next ch 1 sp, dc in each of next 3 sts, dc in next ch 1 sp, dc in next st, ch 1, skip next st, rep from * twice more, join with sl st in top of beg ch 3. (56 dc)

Round 5: sl st in each of next 2 sts, ch 3, 5 dc in next st, dc in next st, ch 1, skip next st, dc in next st, dc in next ch 1 sp, dc in each of next 7 sts, dc in next ch 1 sp, dc in next st, ch 1, skip next st, *dc in next st, 5 dc in next st, dc in next st, ch 1, skip next st, dc in next st, dc in next ch 1 sp, dc in each of next 7 sts, dc in next ch 1 sp, dc in next st, ch 1, skip next st, rep from * twice more, join with sl st in top of beg ch 3. (72 dc)

Round 6: sl st in each of next 2 sts, ch 3, 5 dc in next st, dc in next st, ch 1, skip next st, dc in next st, dc in next ch 1 sp, dc in each of next 11 sts, dc in next ch 1 sp, dc in next st, ch 1, skip next st, *dc in next st, 5 dc in next st, dc in next st, ch 1, skip next st, dc in next st, dc in next ch 1 sp, dc in each of next 11 sts, dc in next ch 1 sp, dc in next st, ch 1, skip next st, rep from * twice more, join with sl st in top of beg ch 3. (88 dc)

Round 7: ch 3, dc in each of next 2 sts, 5 dc in next st, dc in each of next 3 sts, ch 1, skip next ch 1 sp, dc in each of next 15 sts, ch 1, skip next st, *dc in each of next 3 sts, 5 dc in next st, dc in each of next 3 sts, ch 1, skip next st, dc in each of next 15 sts, ch 1, skip next st, rep from * twice more, join with sl st in top of beg ch 3. (104 dc)

Round 8: ch 3, dc in each of next 4 sts, 5 dc in next st, dc in each of next 5 sts, ch 1, skip next ch 1 sp, dc in each of next 7 sts, ch 1, skip next st, dc in each of next 7 sts, ch 1, skip next ch 1 sp, *dc in each of next 5 sts, 5 dc in next st, dc in each of next 5 sts, ch 1, skip next st, dc in each of next 7 sts, ch 1, skip next st, dc in each of next 7 sts, ch 1, skip next ch 1 sp, rep from * twice more, join with sl st in top of beg ch 3. (120 dc)

Round 9: ch 3, dc in each of next 6 sts, 5 dc in next st, *dc in each of next 7 sts, dc in next ch 1 sp, dc in next st, (ch 1, skip next st, dc in next st) three times, dc in next ch 1 sp, dc in next st, (ch 1, skip next st, dc in next st) three times, dc in next ch 1 sp**, dc in each of next 7 sts, 5 dc in next st, rep from * three times more ending last repeat at **, join with sl st in top of beg ch 3. (120 dc)

Round 10: ch 1, sc in same st, sc in each of next 8 sts, *(sc, ch 2, sc) in next st,
sc in each of next 11 sts, (sc in next ch 1 sp, sc in next st) three times, sc in next st, (sc in next st, sc in next ch 1 sp) three times**, sc in each of next 11 sts, rep from * three times more ending last repeat at **, sc in each of next 2 sts, join with sl st in beg sc. (148 sc)

Pattern designed and written by April Moreland
© 2011 All rights reserved

Striped Rectangle Granny

Finished size: approximately 40 inches x 52 inches

Materials: Caron One Pound worsted weight yarn (one skein each of White (CA), Orange (CB, and Deep Violet (CC); US size "I" hook; Tapestry needle for weaving in ends.

Gauge: Rounds 1 - 5 = 5 inches x 17 inches

NOTE: Starting chain is a multiple of 4 + 6.

ch 46

Row 1: With CA and working in back ridge of chain (see Fig. 1) dc in 6th ch from hook, dc in each of next 2 ch, ch 1, skip next ch, (dc in each of next 3 ch, ch 1, skip next ch) 9 times, dc in last ch. Fasten off. (32 dc)

Note: From this point you will be working in the round starting in the last ch 1 sp made on Row 1, continuing along the beginning ch, working into the space created by the beg ch 5, and finally working across the top of Row 1.

Round 2: Join CB with sl st in last ch 1 sp of Row 1, [ch 3, 2 dc, (ch 2, 3 dc) 3 times] in same sp, ch 1, [(3 dc, ch 1) in next ch 1 sp] 9 times, [3 dc, (ch 2, 3 dc) 3 times) in next ch 5 sp, ch 1, [(3 dc, ch 1) in next ch 1 sp] 9 times, join with sl st in top of beg ch 3. Fasten off.

Round 3: Join CA with sl st in first corner of previous round, (ch 3, 2 dc, ch 2, 3 dc, ch 1) in same sp, (3 dc, ch 1) in next ch 1 sp, (3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc, ch 1) in next ch 2 sp, [(3 dc, ch 1) in next ch 1 sp] across to next ch 2 sp, (3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc, ch 1) in next ch 2 sp, (3 dc, ch 1) in next ch 1 sp, (3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc, ch 1) in next ch 2 sp, [(3 dc, ch 1) in next ch 1 sp] across to end of round, sl st in top of beg ch 3. Fasten off.

Round 4: Join CC with sl st in first corner of previous round, (ch 3, 2 dc, ch 2, 3 dc, ch 1) in same sp, [(3 dc, ch 1) in next ch 1 sp] across to next ch 2 sp, (3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc, ch 1) in next ch 2 sp, [(3 dc, ch 1) in next ch 1 sp] across to next ch 2 sp, (3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc, ch 1) in next ch 2 sp, [(3 dc, ch 1) in next ch 1 sp] across to next ch 2 sp, (3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc, ch 1) in next ch 2 sp, [(3 dc, ch 1) in next ch 1 sp] across to end of round, sl st in top of beg ch 3. Fasten off.

Rounds 5-41: Repeat Round 4 changing colors as desired or following the color chart below for 37 rounds or until desired size.

COLOR PATTERN
CA for Row 1
CB for Round
Repeat the following sequence for remaining rounds:
CC, CA, CC, CB, CA, CB...



Pattern written by April Moreland
© 2011 All rights reserved

Rectangle Granny (No Color Changes)

Finished Size: 39 x 51 inches

Materials: Caron Simply Soft Paints* worsted weight yarn (eight 4 ounce balls); US size "H" hook; Tapestry needle for weaving in ends.

*The "Tapestry" colorway was used in the example

Gauge: Row 1 and round 2 = 3 x 15 inches

NOTES:

1. Starting chain is a multiple of 4 + 6.
2. Following Row 1 you will be working in the round starting in the last ch 1 sp made on Row 1, continuing along the beginning ch, working into the space created by the beg ch 5, and finally working across the top of Row 1.
   
3. Also starting with round 2 you will be joining rounds with a dc in top of the beg ch 3 rather than the traditional sl st join. Using this method eliminates the need to sl st across to next ch sp. This dc should be treated as the normal ch 2 corner sp.
   

ch 46

Row 1: Working in back ridge of chain dc in 6th ch from hook, dc in each of next 2 ch, ch 1, skip next ch, (dc in each of next 3 ch, ch 1, skip next ch) 9 times, dc in last ch. (32 dc)

Round 2: ch 3, working around last dc on round 1 [2 dc, (ch 2, 3 dc) twice] in same sp, ch 1, [(3 dc, ch 1) in next ch 1 sp] 9 times, [3 dc, (ch 2, 3 dc) 3 times) in next ch 5 sp, ch 1, [(3 dc, ch 1) in next ch 1 sp] 9 times, 3 dc in next ch 1 sp, join with dc in top of beg ch 3.

Round 3: (ch 3, 2 dc, ch 2, 3 dc, ch 1) in same sp, (3 dc, ch 1) in next ch 1 sp, (3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc, ch 1) in next ch 2 sp, [(3 dc, ch 1) in next ch 1 sp] across to next ch 2 sp, (3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc, ch 1) in next ch 2 sp, (3 dc, ch 1) in next ch 1 sp, (3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc, ch 1) in next ch 2 sp, [(3 dc, ch 1) in next ch 1 sp] across to end of round, join with dc in top of beg ch 3.

Round 4: (ch 3, 2 dc, ch 2, 3 dc, ch 1) in same sp, [(3 dc, ch 1) in next ch 1 sp] across to next ch 2 sp, (3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc, ch 1) in next ch 2 sp, [(3 dc, ch 1) in next ch 1 sp] across to next ch 2 sp, (3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc, ch 1) in next ch 2 sp, [(3 dc, ch 1) in next ch 1 sp] across to next ch 2 sp, (3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc, ch 1) in next ch 2 sp, [(3 dc, ch 1) in next ch 1 sp] across to end of round, join with dc in top of beg ch 3.

Rounds 5-30: Repeat round four 21 times or until desired size. Do not fasten off.

Round 31 (border): ch 3, 7 dc in same sp, skip next st, sc in next st, skip next st, [*4 dc in next ch 1 sp, skip next st, sc in next st, skip next st, rep from * to next corner ch 2 sp**, 8 dc in ch-2 sp, skip next st, sc in next st, skip next st] four times ending last repeat at **, join with sl st in top of beg dc, fasten off, weave in ends.



Pattern written by April Moreland
© 2011 All rights reserved

A Meaty Proposition

A couple of weeks ago my son asked me to make him a "plushie" of a game character called Super Meat Boy. After I picked myself up off the floor (he's NEVER shown an interest in the things I crochet before) I happily agreed to make his plushie. And just because I was so excited about crocheting something for him, I also made Bandage Girl, SMB's favorite gal.

I finished them up just in time for his 20th birthday. Here they are, ready to be packaged up:



I wrote the patterns for them. You can find Super Meat Boy here, and Bandage Girl here.

Super Meat Boy

Finished Size: 4 1/2 inches tall

Materials: Worsted Weight Yarn: approximately 1 ounce burgundy; US size "F" hook; 1 pair 12 mm black safety eyes; Fiberfil stuffing; 2.5 inch square black felt; Black sewing thread; Sharp sewing needle; Tapestry needle for weaving in ends.

Head and Body

with burgundy ch 13

Round 1: 2 sc in 2nd ch from hook, sc in each of next 10 ch, 4 sc in next ch, working along opposite side of starting ch sc in each of next 10 ch, 2 sc in last ch. (28

sc)

Round 2: sc in next st, 2 sc in next st, sc in each of next 10 sts, 2 sc in next st, sc in each of next 2 sts, 2 sc in next st, sc in each of next 10 sts, 2 sc in next st, sc in

next st. (32 sc)

Rounds 3 - 17: sc in each st around.

*Attach eyes between rounds 6 and 7 making sure they are evenly spaced . (See photo for example)

Stuff body with fiberfil.

DIVIDE FOR LEGS

Step 1 (first leg)

Round 18: sc in each of next 13 sts, skip next 16 sts (these unworked sts will become the second leg in the next step), sc in each of next 3 sts. (16 sc)

Rounds 19 - 22: sc in each st around.

Stuff leg with fiberfil.

Round 23: sc2tog around. (8 sc)

Round 24: sc2tog around, fasten off leaving tail for sewing. (4 sc)

Using yarn tail, sew opening closed at bottom of leg.

Step 2 (second leg)

Round 18: attach yarn with sl st in first unworked st on round 17, sc in same st and in each st around. (16 sc)

Rounds 19 - 24: rep rounds 19 - 24 of first leg.

*There will be a small gap between the legs, you can sew it together if this bothers you.

Arms (make 2)

Round 1: 6 sc into adjustable loop. (6 sc)

Round 2: 2 sc in each st around. (12 sc)

Rounds 3 - 8: sc in each st around, fasten off at end of round 8 leaving long tail for sewing.

Stuff arms with fiberfil. Using photo as guide, sew one arm to each side of body across rows 8 - 10.

Weave in all ends.

Mouth (use photo as guide)

Cut semi-circle shape from black felt. With black thread and sewing needle, sew mouth to front of ami centered just below the eyes.


Pattern designed and written by April Moreland
© 2011 All rights reserved