Weather Reprieve

Well Mr. Sun was still playing shy today but the clouds lightened up a bit to show me a few minutes of picture taking mercy. So I swept up the leaves, laid down my fleece blankie, and had some fun with the camera.

And here are the results:
Who knew grannies could look so young & hip? :)
There are 90 grannies in 30 different color combinations. I still haven't made a layout schematic. I think a random layout will probably end up being the best way to go, but the thought of that word (random) makes me cringe. I'm a very orderly and symetrical person. I like to have a plan for everything and nothing is considered finished until it's perfect, at least when it comes to crochet. House cleaning is a different story entirely. LOL

So I think I'm going to use black for the joining row. It will contain the colors nicely... tone them down, but make them pop at the same time. My only concern is the purple. I probably should have used a lighter shade... but at this point I'll have to stick with it. If anything I'll have to switch from black to a lighter shade to join...

As it turned out the weather reprieve was only a temporary one. Shortly after everything was picked up and inside it started raining again. But that's okay, I am happy with the little bit of brightness I was given today. :)

Basic Infant Hat (4 sizes)

Finished size: Small Preemie - Newborn

Materials: 1 ounce sport weight yarn (Bernat's Baby Coordinates White used for example), US size G hook, Tapestry needle for weaving in ends.

Gauge: Rounds 1-3 = 2 1/2 inches, 9 sts = 2 inches

*NOTE: The final "scallop" round may be substituted with a round of half double crochets for a boy's hat.

Small Preemie Size (2 lbs):

ch 4

Round 1: 11 dc in 4th ch from hook, join with sl st in top of beg ch 3. (12 dc)

Round 2: ch 3, dc in same st, 2 dc in each rem st around, join with sl st in top of beg ch 3. (24 dc)

Round 3: ch 3, dc in same st, dc in next st, (2 dc in next st, dc in next st) 11 times, join with sl st in top of beg ch 3. (36 dc)

Round 4: ch 3, dc in next st, dc in each remaining st around, join with sl st in top of beg ch 3.

Rounds 5 - 10: Rep round 4.

*Round 11: ch 1, (sc, ch 1, 2 dc) in same st, skip next 2 sts, [(sc, ch 1, 2 dc) in next st, skip next 2 sts] 11 times, join with sl st in beg sc, fasten off, weave in ends. (12 scallops)

Preemie Size (3-4 lbs):

ch 4

Round 1: 11 dc in 4th ch from hook, join with sl st in top of beg ch 3. (12 dc)

Round 2: ch 3, dc in same st, 2 dc in each rem st around, join with sl st in top of beg ch 3. (24 dc)

Round 3: ch 3, dc in same st, dc in next st, (2 dc in next st, dc in next st) 11 times, join with sl st in top of beg ch 3. (36 dc)

Round 4: ch 3, dc in same st, dc in each of next 5 sts, (2 dc in next st, dc in each of next 5 sts) 5 times, join with sl st in top of beg ch 3. (42 dc)

Round 5: ch 3, dc in next st, dc in each remaining st around, join with sl st in top of beg ch 3.

Rounds 6 - 11: Rep round 5.

*Round 12: ch 1, (sc, ch 1, 2 dc) in same st, skip next 2 sts, [(sc, ch 1, 2 dc) in next st, skip next 2 sts] 13 times, join with sl st in beg sc, fasten off, weave in ends. (14 scallops)

Large Preemie/Small Newborn Size (5-6 lbs):

ch 4

Round 1: 11 dc in 4th ch from hook, join with sl st in top of beg ch 3. (12 dc)

Round 2: ch 3, dc in same st, 2 dc in each rem st around, join with sl st in top of beg ch 3. (24 dc)

Round 3: ch 3, dc in same st, dc in next st, (2 dc in next st, dc in next st) 11 times, join with sl st in top of beg ch 3. (36 dc)

Round 4: ch 3, dc in same st, dc in each of next 2 sts, (2 dc in next st, dc in each of next 2 sts) 11 times, join with sl st in top of beg ch 3. (48 dc)

Round 5: ch 3, dc in next st, dc in each remaining st around, sl st in top of beg ch 3.

Rounds 6 - 12: Rep round 5.

*Round 13: ch 1, (sc, ch 1, 2 dc) in same st, skip next 2 sts, [(sc, ch 1, 2 dc) in next st, skip next 2 sts] 15 times, join with sl st in beg sc, fasten off, weave in ends. (16 scallops)

Newborn Size (7+ lbs):

ch 4

Round 1: 11 dc in 4th ch from hook, join with sl st in top of beg ch 3. (12 dc)

Round 2: ch 3, dc in same st, 2 dc in each rem st around, join with sl st in top of beg ch 3. (24 dc)

Round 3: ch 3, dc in same st, dc in next st, (2 dc in next st, dc in next st) 11 times, join with sl st in top of beg ch 3. (36 dc)

Round 4: ch 3, dc in same st, dc in each of next 2 sts, (2 dc in next st, dc in each of next 2 sts) 11 times, join with sl st in top of beg ch 3. (48 dc)

Round 5: ch 3, dc in same st, dc in each of next 7 sts, (2 dc in next st, dc in each of next 7 sts) 5 times, join with sl st in top of beg ch 3. (54 dc)

Round 6: ch 3, dc in next st, dc in each remaining st around, join with sl st in top of beg ch 3.

Rounds 7 - 15: Rep round 6.

*Round 16: ch 1, (sc, ch 1, 2 dc) in same st, skip next 2 sts, [(sc, ch 1, 2 dc) in next st, skip next 2 sts] 17 times, join with sl st in beg sc, fasten off, weave in ends. (18 scallops)

Happy Fall Y'all!

It's another dark damp dreary cold rainy day here in Missouri. The weather has not been cooperating at all for more than a week. Even on the days that it doesn't rain, it's still overcast and cold & damp. Weather.com tells me we are supposed to have a couple of warm sunny days early next week, but then it'll be back to the wet raining nastiness. *sigh*

As if the dreary weather wasn't proof enough that Fall is definately here, there are plenty of leaves to prove the fact as well. They're covering the deck. I'd sweep them up but they are too wet. I've been wanting to take pictures of some of my WIPs but the deck is so wet it's in no state to act as a canvas and inside it is so dark I can't get a good shot; the colors are just too off.


Here's a picture of Ben taken a little over a week ago just before it turned chilly. I had just taken the air conditioner out of the window and he saw it as the perfect place to sit and "watch" the outside. He LOVES to be outside. Even as an infant, the only way to settle him sometimes was to take him outside on the porch and just sit in a chair with him to let him be in the fresh air and watch the trees. He just loves it.

I did manage to get a picture a few weeks ago of some hats I sent to Jessica for her charity God's Tiny Angels. The design is mine. It's just a very simple pattern. I wrote it up in 4 different sizes and really need to get them posted to the blog for everyone to try. :)

I also made some scratch mitts and am working out a bootie pattern, but don't have pics or the pattern for them written up yet. Hopefully soon! :)

Pretty In Pink

This month's CAL is created in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month
Pretty In Pink

Finished size: 12 inches square

MATERIALS: Approx. 4 ounces worsted weight yarn (Baby Pink used for example), US size "I" hook, Tapestry needle for weaving in ends.

NOTE: v-st = (dc, ch 1, dc) in designated st.

Gauge: Rnds 1-2 = 3 inches

Ch 4

Round 1: [2 dc, ch 2, (3 dc, ch 2) 3 times] in 4th ch from hook, join with sl st it top of beg ch 3. (12 dc)

Round 2: ch 3, dc in same st, dc in next st, 2 dc in next st, ch 2, skip next ch 2 sp, * 2 dc in next st, dc in next st, 2 dc in next st, ch 2, skip next ch 2 sp, rep from * twice more, join with sl st in top of beg ch 3. (20 dc)

Round 3: ch 1, sc in same st, (5 dc in next st, sc in next st) twice, sc in next ch 2 sp, * sc in next st, (5 dc in next st, sc in next st) twice, sc in next ch 2 sp, rep from * twice more, join with sl st in beg sc. (40 dc)

Round 4: sl st in each of next 3 sts, ch 1, sc in same st, ch 2, skip next 2 sts, dc in next st, ch 2, skip next 2 sts, sc in next st, ch 2, skip next 3 sts, v-st in next st, ch 2, skip next 3 sts, * sc in next st, ch 2, skip next 2 sts, dc in next st, ch 2, skip next 2 sts, sc in next st, ch 2, skip next 3 sts, v-st in next st, ch 2, skip next 3 sts, rep from * twice more, join with sl st in beg sc. (16 ch 2 sp)

Round 5: ch 3, 2 dc in next ch 2 sp, (tr, ch 3, tr) in next st, 2 dc in next ch 2 sp, dc in next st, 2 dc in next ch 2 sp, v-st in next v-st, 2 dc in next ch 2 sp, * dc in next st, 2 dc in next ch 2 sp, (tr, ch 3, tr) in next st, 2 dc in next ch 2 sp, dc in next st, 2 dc in next ch 2 sp, v-st in next v-st, 2 dc in next ch 2 sp, rep from * twice more, join with sl st in top of beg ch 3. (40 dc, 4 v-st)

Round 6: ch 3, dc in each of next 3 sts, ch 2, (sc, ch 3, sc) in next ch 3 sp, ch 2, dc in each of next 6 sts, v-st in next v-st, * dc in each of next 6 sts, ch 2, (sc, ch 3, sc) in next ch 3 sp, ch 2, dc in each of next 6 sts, v-st in next v-st, rep from * twice more, dc in each of next 2 sts, join with sl st in top of beg ch 3. (48 dc, 4 v-st)

Round 7: ch 3, dc in each of next 3 sts, skip next ch 2 sp, (tr, ch 1, dc, ch 2, dc, ch 1, tr) in next ch 3 sp, skip next ch 2 sp, dc in each of next 6 sts, v-st in next v-st, * dc in each of next 6 sts, skip next ch 2 sp, (tr, ch 1, dc, ch 2, dc, ch 1, tr) in next ch 3 sp, skip next ch 2 sp, dc in each of next 6 sts, v-st in next v-st, rep from * twice more, dc in each of next 2 sts, join with sl st in top of beg ch 3. (56 dc, 8 tr, 4 v-st)

Round 8: ch 3, dc in each of next 4 sts, dc in next ch 1 sp, dc in next st, (3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) in next ch 2 sp, dc in next st, dc in next ch 1 sp, dc in each of next 6 sts, skip next st, (tr, ch 1, v-st, ch 1, tr) in next v-st, skip next st, * dc in each of next 6 sts, dc in next ch 1 sp, dc in next st, (3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) in next ch 2 sp, dc in next st, dc in next ch 1 sp, dc in each of next 6 sts, skip next st, (tr, ch 1, v-st, ch 1, tr) in next v-st, skip next st, rep from * twice more, dc in next st, join with sl st in top of beg ch 3. (88 dc, 8 tr, 4 v-st)

Round 9: ch 3, dc in each of next 9 sts, (2 dc, ch 2, 2 dc) in next ch 2 sp, dc in each of next 10 sts, ch 2, skip next 2 sts, sc in next ch 1 sp, ch 3, skip next v-st, sc in next ch 1 sp, ch 2, skip next 2 sts, * dc in each of next 10 sts, (2 dc, ch 2, 2 dc) in next ch 2 sp, dc in each of next 10 sts, ch 2, skip next 2 sts, sc in next ch 1 sp, ch 3, skip next v-st, sc in next ch 1 sp, ch 2, skip next 2 sts, rep from * twice more, join with sl st in top of beg ch 3. (96 dc)

Round 10: ch 3, dc in each of next 11 sts, (2 dc, ch 2, 2 dc) in next ch 2 sp, dc in each of next 12 sts, 2 dc in next ch 2 sp, dc in next st, 3 dc in next ch 3 sp, dc in next st, 2 dc in next ch 2 sp, * dc in each of next 12 sts, (2 dc, ch 2, 2 dc) in next ch 2 sp, dc in each of next 12 sts, 2 dc in next ch 2 sp, dc in next st, 3 dc in next ch 3 sp, dc in next st, 2 dc in next ch 2 sp, rep from * twice more, join with sl st in top of beg ch 3. (148 dc)

Back to CAL Main Page

Designed and written by April Moreland
Copyright 2009

Rainy Day Blahs

What is it about the rain that makes me not feel like doing a darn thing. Not even crocheting! [insert Home Alone face here] It has been raining all day and all evening, and is supposed to continue into tomorrow. I've been watching TV all day, something I rarely do. But it put me in the mood to organize and clean. Also something I rarely do. :)

I love designing and decorating shows. I find them very inspiring and watching a marathon like I did today is usually followed by some sort of project. But not today. I went into the "craft room" (a.k.a. my bedroom) stood there, looked around at the stacks and stacks of plastic totes, bags, and boxes full of yarn and other crafting goodies, quickly became uninspired, and returned to the living room to lounge and continue watching How Not to Decorate, and Clean House. (I just love Niecy Nash!)

I did manage to get the 3rd row on 15 more of my grannies. A slow day considering I did 45 yesterday. So that leaves me just 30 for tomorrow then I'll start on the next row which will bring the colors together, help tone them down, and make them pop all at the same time. I'll be doing a join-as-you-go technique. I despise sewing squares together, especially small 5.5 inch squares so j-a-y-g is for me!

No pictures yet on my progress... too dark & dreary today to bring out the camera... maybe tomorrow.

Grannies on Parade

I didn't mean to do it. I didn't set out to start a new project, it just sort of happened. My WIPs pile is already taking over the craft room, but these colors were just begging to be turned into a Grannyghan. I was forced into it, they were threatening bodily harm I tell you. ;)

So what do 90 Granny's Daughters look like? Surprisingly the pile was actually quite small so they worked up amazingly fast.

Even adding the second row seemed to go at warp speed. There are still 90 squares. (3 of each color combo.) For the record, they are called "saltines" at this stage, I'm told, because they are about the size of a saltine cracker.

Each square will get one more blast of color, then they will all get a final round of an anchor color to bring it all together. I haven't decided yet who will get this little lovely. I love the colors together and it would certainly go perfect in my living room, but I think my conscience might get the better of me and it will be on its way to charity. After all, keeping someone warm is much more important than decorating a room!

Cool angle :)

Granny's Daughter

Granny's Daughter

Materials: Approx. 2 1/2 yarns worsted weight yarn, US size "I" hook

Finished size: 1.75 inches

ch 5, sl st in 5th ch from hook to form loop

Round 1: ch 3, [2 dc, ch 2, (3 dc, ch 2) 3 times] in loop, join with sl st in top of beg ch 3, fasten off, weave in ends.*

*You may wish to leave a long tail for sewing if you plan to sew your granny's daughters together rather than crocheting them together.